When it comes to lawyering, those Brits do a lot of things right. The latest proof is news that a free database of legal precedent forms is being created in London by the Commerce and Industry Group of UK’s Law Society. According to an article in the Law Gazette (In-house lawyers ask firms to give out precedents,” 11-21-03):
“Branch chairman Anthony Armitage is currently negotiating with law firms to create a central database of precedents for banking, regulatory, property and other work, which will be made available free of charge to C&I members.”
“The scheme is currently in the initial stages of development, but should ultimately create a comprehensive database of loan documents, sale contracts, lease agreements, surrender documents and more.”
Somehow, the London firms are getting over the notion that they might lose some fees by sharing these documents. When asked why they might do it, Armitage replied:
“Law firms have traditionally been very protective of their precedents. But the value that a law firm adds is not really in the precedent, but in how it is used and the advice that goes around it. If a law firm is confident in its skills and specialism, it will still be able to add that value. The response from law firms so far has been positive.’
Could it happen here in the former Colony? I bet Scheherazade would contribute some great forms to such a database; and would take advantage of it, too.
Thanks to ExcitedUtterances for the great pointer.