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LexisNexis see profits fall by 15%
July 29th, 2010 by The Orange Rag
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Reed Elsevier has reported underlying sales growth of 1% in its first half, calling it an "improved performance" after making "considerable progress". But it has warned that "recovery will be gradual as conditions remain constrained in many of our markets". The STM and law publisher recorded sales of £2.99bn for the 6 month period to 30th June, down 2% on the previous year. It made an adjusted operating profit of £758m, compared with £782m, made a year earlier. At Elsevier sales grew 1% to £955m, with adjusted operating profit up 5% at £319m. At Lexis Nexis sales fell 1% to £1.3bn, with adjusted operating profits down 15% to £280m. At Reed Exhibitions sales grew 8% to £383m, with adjusted operating profit of £123m, up 3%. At Reed Business Information sales fell 19% to £374m, with profits up 3% at £40
Reed Elsevier’s chief executive officer, Erik Engstrom, said: "We have made considerable progress in the first half against our business priorities. Subscription renewals in our science and medical business have been completed in line with our expectations in a difficult academic budget environment. Within LexisNexis, we have sharpened our focus on the legal and risk solutions businesses in their respective markets; good progress has been made in the development of the next generation of our legal products and supporting infrastructure; strong products are driving growth in risk solutions...While we have seen an improvement in the general economic environment and the actions we are taking are beginning to bear fruit, recovery will be gradual as conditions remain constrained in many of our markets."
Reed Elsevier’s chief executive officer, Erik Engstrom, said: "We have made considerable progress in the first half against our business priorities. Subscription renewals in our science and medical business have been completed in line with our expectations in a difficult academic budget environment. Within LexisNexis, we have sharpened our focus on the legal and risk solutions businesses in their respective markets; good progress has been made in the development of the next generation of our legal products and supporting infrastructure; strong products are driving growth in risk solutions...While we have seen an improvement in the general economic environment and the actions we are taking are beginning to bear fruit, recovery will be gradual as conditions remain constrained in many of our markets."
Skemp PI lawyers select Visualfiles
July 29th, 2010 by The Orange Rag
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LexisNexis UK today announced that personal injury practice The Skemp Partnership Solicitors has selected LexisNexis Visualfiles case & matter management system and LexisNexis PIP Broker, the latter is a cross platform application-to-application (A2A) interface module, to comply with the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) Road Traffic Accident (RTA) Personal Injury (PIP) claims portal. When fully implemented, these solutions together are expected to reduce The Skemp Partnership Solicitors’ claims processing time by a third and enable the firm to increase its claims handling volume by more than 65% a month, at existing staff levels. Prior to Visualfiles and PIP Broker, The Skemp Partnership Solicitors was using an inhouse system for case management and communication with the MoJ’s portal.
The Skemp Partnership say the chose PIP Broker and Visualfiles over competing products for the solutions’ flexibility and customisability. For instance Skemp is looking to utilise the ‘robot’ functionality within Visualfiles enabling the firm to configure a PC to automatically process and print documentation and letters 24/7, eliminating the need for staff members to execute these routine administrative activities.
LexisNexis PIP Broker is a system agnostic, cross-platform A2A interface that is designed to connect all LexisNexis software platforms including Visualfiles, Axxia dna and SolCase, as well as similar third party platforms, with raPId, the MoJ’s personal injury portal.
* LexisNexis is running a series of lunch time webinars to demonstrate the features and benefits of the latest release of Visualfiles case management software. There is one today (Thursday 29) at 12:30pm, followed by sessions on Tuesday 3rd August and Thursday 12th August. To register email josephine.jakub@lexisnexis.co.uk or visit www.lexisnexis.co.uk/enterprisesolutions
The Skemp Partnership say the chose PIP Broker and Visualfiles over competing products for the solutions’ flexibility and customisability. For instance Skemp is looking to utilise the ‘robot’ functionality within Visualfiles enabling the firm to configure a PC to automatically process and print documentation and letters 24/7, eliminating the need for staff members to execute these routine administrative activities.
LexisNexis PIP Broker is a system agnostic, cross-platform A2A interface that is designed to connect all LexisNexis software platforms including Visualfiles, Axxia dna and SolCase, as well as similar third party platforms, with raPId, the MoJ’s personal injury portal.
* LexisNexis is running a series of lunch time webinars to demonstrate the features and benefits of the latest release of Visualfiles case management software. There is one today (Thursday 29) at 12:30pm, followed by sessions on Tuesday 3rd August and Thursday 12th August. To register email josephine.jakub@lexisnexis.co.uk or visit www.lexisnexis.co.uk/enterprisesolutions
TikitTFB win AIM swapout
July 27th, 2010 by The Orange Rag
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North-West solicitors Barker Booth & Eastwood have chosen TikitTFB as their official solutions partner to replace their existing IRIS AIM Evolution accounts system and introduce a comprehensive case and document management system firmwide. The 50 user system will be deployed in phases with the accounts and desktop components scheduled to go-live during September. The second phase will concentrate on developing the case management system including the creation of caseflows for their Personal Injury and Conveyancing departments, and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
The firm had been using AIM for a number of years with many of the precedents and processes unchanged since they were first instated. Tracy Kirkland and Sue Pilkington, Practice and Accounts Manager respectively, felt there was a need to move the firm forward and provide an improved way of working. Following a visit to the 2010 Legal IT show, they reviewed the upgrade path being offered by IRIS as well as a number of other vendors including Eclipse and Linetime before selecting TikitTFB and Partner for Windows as their preferred choice.
Anne Morley, Matrimonial Partner at the firm said “This kind of investment requires a great deal of trust in your chosen supplier and confidence the system is going to deliver as promised. We see Partner for Windows and our relationship with TikitTFB as a long term commitment and we look forward to working with them to develop an advanced system that will allow us to improve the way in which we operate and manage processes on a day-to-day basis, compete more effectively in the market place, and most importantly provide a higher level of customer service to our clients.”
Partner for Windows will provide the firm with a fully-flexible and comprehensive solution that can be used across all their practice areas including Personal Injury, Conveyancing, Employment, Family Law, Commercial Property, Wills & Probate, and Civil Litigation. As Partner for Windows is compliant with LSC requirements, the firm will be able to manage their Civil LSC contracts using functionality such as SMP reconciliation and bulk export to the LSC website. The firm have also chosen to implement PartnerMail, an intelligent email management tool that helps to file emails to and from your inbox to the relevant case file in Partner for Windows, as well as the SMS module, which will allow them to communicate with clients and third parties via text message.
The firm had been using AIM for a number of years with many of the precedents and processes unchanged since they were first instated. Tracy Kirkland and Sue Pilkington, Practice and Accounts Manager respectively, felt there was a need to move the firm forward and provide an improved way of working. Following a visit to the 2010 Legal IT show, they reviewed the upgrade path being offered by IRIS as well as a number of other vendors including Eclipse and Linetime before selecting TikitTFB and Partner for Windows as their preferred choice.
Anne Morley, Matrimonial Partner at the firm said “This kind of investment requires a great deal of trust in your chosen supplier and confidence the system is going to deliver as promised. We see Partner for Windows and our relationship with TikitTFB as a long term commitment and we look forward to working with them to develop an advanced system that will allow us to improve the way in which we operate and manage processes on a day-to-day basis, compete more effectively in the market place, and most importantly provide a higher level of customer service to our clients.”
Partner for Windows will provide the firm with a fully-flexible and comprehensive solution that can be used across all their practice areas including Personal Injury, Conveyancing, Employment, Family Law, Commercial Property, Wills & Probate, and Civil Litigation. As Partner for Windows is compliant with LSC requirements, the firm will be able to manage their Civil LSC contracts using functionality such as SMP reconciliation and bulk export to the LSC website. The firm have also chosen to implement PartnerMail, an intelligent email management tool that helps to file emails to and from your inbox to the relevant case file in Partner for Windows, as well as the SMS module, which will allow them to communicate with clients and third parties via text message.
Informa sales down but profits up
July 27th, 2010 by The Orange Rag
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Informa, the group behind the Legal IT Show at the London Business Design Centre and the Legal IT Forum (now incorporating By Legal For Legal) conference has reported an increase in adjusted operating profits of 4.2% for the first half of 2010 to £152.7m, up from £146.6m for same period in 2009. This was despite a 2% drop in revenues from £636.3m to £624m for the same period.
Breaking rumour: Autonomy to buy Open Text ?
July 23rd, 2010 by The Orange Rag
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Hot off the rumour-mill: Autonomy may announce a large
acquisition very shortly. Open Text, the listed Canadian software
company, as a possible target.
www.glgroup.com/News/Autonomy-to-Announce-Large-Acquisition--Open-Text-Tipped-As-Possible-Target-49639.html
www.glgroup.com/News/Autonomy-to-Announce-Large-Acquisition--Open-Text-Tipped-As-Possible-Target-49639.html
FindLaw opens for business in the UK + Q&A
July 22nd, 2010 by The Orange Rag
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FindLaw, which is part of the Thomson Reuters organisation and describes itself as "the world's leading free legal website for consumers and businesses" this week announced the launch of FindLaw UK – a one-stop website for individuals and businesses in the UK seeking information on legal topics and solicitors. FindLaw UK also offers Contact Law, a free referral service that connects people with recommended solicitors who can provide legal advice. Contact Law already has a searchable database of 5000 pre-screened solicitors located throughout the UK.
In addition, FindLaw has also launched FirmSites UK, a service that builds custom-designed websites for smaller and mid-size law firms. The site offers a wide selection of tools, such as multimedia, social media and search engine optimization that can be used to meet a firm’s online marketing objectives.
http://findlaw.co.uk
www.contactlaw.co.uk
So far, so good so we then asked FindLaw some questions...
Rag: Isn't this story really just Findlaw boldly going where LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell has gone before – and in the UK that is pretty much nowhere?
FindLaw: FindLaw has a proven track record as the largest developer of custom websites for law firms in the world. Unlike other providers, we offer both custom-built sites that meet the specific needs of each customer, as well as templated website designs. Our aim is to provide solutions for varying needs and budgets. In addition, ContactLaw, which we acquired last year and is an integral part of the FindLaw UK website, has already proven successful, with more than 5000 solicitors participating across the UK.
Rag: These types of sites have been available (from the Law Society among others) for the best part of a decade, so I'd be interested in knowing why FindLaw has chosen to wait till now?
FindLaw: While we have built a very successful model for developing law firm websites in the US, we wanted to wait until we had the appropriate infrastructure and understanding of the unique needs of UK solicitors and their clients. We feel at this point of time we can offer the services that can help make solicitors more successful in their practice.
Rag: Also, how does FindSites fit in with Hubbard One – which is offering similar website development services?
FindLaw: Hubbard One and FindLaw complement each other within our (Thomson Reuters) Business of Law division. Hubbard One provides website development and other business development services, primarily for larger law firms, while FindLaw provides website abd client development services for firms of all sizes and budgets, including small and mid-sized firms.
Rag: And, will FindLaw.co.uk have a more rigorous editorial policy that the US service which hit a PR disaster earlier this year when it was accused of running spam blogs? For full background story follow these links www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/bad_blogs + http://kevin.lexblog.com/2010/01/articles/law-firm-marketing/findlaw-blogs-an-embarrassment-to-the-legal-profession/
FindLaw: FindLaw blogs provide helpful information and current legal news aimed at consumers and business, as well as solicitors. All FindLaw blogs contain unique content that is written and edited by experienced journalists and attorneys, and are in accordance with common industry standards.
In addition, FindLaw has also launched FirmSites UK, a service that builds custom-designed websites for smaller and mid-size law firms. The site offers a wide selection of tools, such as multimedia, social media and search engine optimization that can be used to meet a firm’s online marketing objectives.
http://findlaw.co.uk
www.contactlaw.co.uk
So far, so good so we then asked FindLaw some questions...
Rag: Isn't this story really just Findlaw boldly going where LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell has gone before – and in the UK that is pretty much nowhere?
FindLaw: FindLaw has a proven track record as the largest developer of custom websites for law firms in the world. Unlike other providers, we offer both custom-built sites that meet the specific needs of each customer, as well as templated website designs. Our aim is to provide solutions for varying needs and budgets. In addition, ContactLaw, which we acquired last year and is an integral part of the FindLaw UK website, has already proven successful, with more than 5000 solicitors participating across the UK.
Rag: These types of sites have been available (from the Law Society among others) for the best part of a decade, so I'd be interested in knowing why FindLaw has chosen to wait till now?
FindLaw: While we have built a very successful model for developing law firm websites in the US, we wanted to wait until we had the appropriate infrastructure and understanding of the unique needs of UK solicitors and their clients. We feel at this point of time we can offer the services that can help make solicitors more successful in their practice.
Rag: Also, how does FindSites fit in with Hubbard One – which is offering similar website development services?
FindLaw: Hubbard One and FindLaw complement each other within our (Thomson Reuters) Business of Law division. Hubbard One provides website development and other business development services, primarily for larger law firms, while FindLaw provides website abd client development services for firms of all sizes and budgets, including small and mid-sized firms.
Rag: And, will FindLaw.co.uk have a more rigorous editorial policy that the US service which hit a PR disaster earlier this year when it was accused of running spam blogs? For full background story follow these links www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/bad_blogs + http://kevin.lexblog.com/2010/01/articles/law-firm-marketing/findlaw-blogs-an-embarrassment-to-the-legal-profession/
FindLaw: FindLaw blogs provide helpful information and current legal news aimed at consumers and business, as well as solicitors. All FindLaw blogs contain unique content that is written and edited by experienced journalists and attorneys, and are in accordance with common industry standards.
July Insider out now
July 21st, 2010 by The Orange Rag
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The July issue of the Legal Technology Insider newsletter (UK & EMEA edition) is out now. The digital edition has already hit in-boxes and print edition in in the mail.
Top stories include: New MD at IRIS a 'listener' + iPads on the march + Aderant's plans coming together + Consultancy sector getting busier + Probate: there's money in them estates + Fresh on the radar: BSCM Riskenomics + New client advisor role at LexisNexis + all July's big wins and deals + Word users going native
Top stories include: New MD at IRIS a 'listener' + iPads on the march + Aderant's plans coming together + Consultancy sector getting busier + Probate: there's money in them estates + Fresh on the radar: BSCM Riskenomics + New client advisor role at LexisNexis + all July's big wins and deals + Word users going native
Neil Cameron now ruminating
July 21st, 2010 by The Orange Rag
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Well known legal IT consultant Neil Cameron is now running a regular thought leader piece on his website. It's called Neil's Ruminations and the latest episode looks at whether Microsoft Office 2010 have an impact on law firm productivity?
Follow the link to the latest episode
www.neilcameronconsulting.com/Default.aspx?sID=45&cID=113&ctID=11
Follow the link to the latest episode
www.neilcameronconsulting.com/Default.aspx?sID=45&cID=113&ctID=11
Another case management deal – another Eclipse Proclaim win
July 20th, 2010 by The Orange Rag
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GT Law, which specialises in injury claims of all kinds, including RTAs, accidents at work, occupational disease and criminal injuries, has selected Eclipse Proclaim as its new software platform. The software is being rolled out to 70 staff
at the firm's offices in Merseyside and Essex.The firm says rapid growth in the claims sector has led to the opening of a new office in Knowsley and necessitated an overhaul of the firm's IT systems.
Eclipse Proclaim case management is being rolled out to every member of GT Law. The firm is also implementing Proclaim accounts to provide an integrated PMS. Proclaim will provide a complete desktop tool with which to automate and manage case progression, and will also enable the practice to submit RTA claims via the MoJ's new Portal using A2A (Application-to-Application) technology. In addition, GT Law has selected Eclipse's FileView tool which will allow clients and referrers to securely view, online, real-time case data and progression milestones.
Comment: So has Eclipse Proclaim become the market's favourite case management product – this decade's answer to Visualfiles Solcase?
Eclipse Proclaim case management is being rolled out to every member of GT Law. The firm is also implementing Proclaim accounts to provide an integrated PMS. Proclaim will provide a complete desktop tool with which to automate and manage case progression, and will also enable the practice to submit RTA claims via the MoJ's new Portal using A2A (Application-to-Application) technology. In addition, GT Law has selected Eclipse's FileView tool which will allow clients and referrers to securely view, online, real-time case data and progression milestones.
Comment: So has Eclipse Proclaim become the market's favourite case management product – this decade's answer to Visualfiles Solcase?
MFG to swapout Osprey in favour of SOS
July 20th, 2010 by The Orange Rag
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MFG Solicitors LLP, which has offices in Worcester, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Halesowen and Telford, has placed an order with Solicitors Own Software for a 140 user SOS Connect case and practice management system. The plan is to implement SOS Connect in 2011, using the interim period
to clean up data from several databases and prepare for the deployment
across the five offices.
ICT partner Peter Simner, who headed up the IT systems evaluation said "A firm of our size, which is experiencing considerable growth, needs to ensure that IT keeps up with the competitive pressures in the market as well as the quantity of work which we now need to process. We pride ourselves on providing exemplary service to clients and believe that SOS Connect will help us to continue to improve the quality of service for which we are known."
MFG looked at several possible replacements for the incumbent Osprey system which could no longer meet the demands of the firm. SOS Connect was selected from a final shortlist of two. "We preferred SOS Connect because we could see how to standardise and centralise on a single system which would deliver efficiency benefits to all areas of the firm whether for conveyancing case management, probate work or financial accounting," said Simner.
ICT partner Peter Simner, who headed up the IT systems evaluation said "A firm of our size, which is experiencing considerable growth, needs to ensure that IT keeps up with the competitive pressures in the market as well as the quantity of work which we now need to process. We pride ourselves on providing exemplary service to clients and believe that SOS Connect will help us to continue to improve the quality of service for which we are known."
MFG looked at several possible replacements for the incumbent Osprey system which could no longer meet the demands of the firm. SOS Connect was selected from a final shortlist of two. "We preferred SOS Connect because we could see how to standardise and centralise on a single system which would deliver efficiency benefits to all areas of the firm whether for conveyancing case management, probate work or financial accounting," said Simner.
