Links

The book “What Would Google Do?” By Jeff Jarvis (check out his buzzmachine.com blog)

http://www.abovethelaw.com/

Article about the ABA advisory opinion.

Outline of the video blog

“The law and its execution are aided by its obfuscation.” Jarvis, What Would Google Do? So true! Since the law is so complex, lawyers are [somewhat] insulated from the crowdsourcing/community control phenomenon. However, there are fewer opportunities in the legal marketplace today than there was last year. Part of the contraction in the legal industry is due to the economic crisis. Since money is tight, the market rewards efficiency which places a lot of pressure on bloated law firms. Will they return to their stature of enormity and power? I don’t think so.

What is a Googley lawyer?

Spartan attitude towards overhead. Leverages every technological advantage to drive costs down and passes savings over to clients. Outsources all simple legal tasks.

Authentic and unique. In the Google age, the trick is being found. There are hundreds of thousands of lawyers, but there’s only one you. Instead of showing a facade of perfection, be human, be unique and people will be drawn to the authenticity (which is rare). Check out Gary Vaynerchuk and you’ll figure it out in a few minutes.

Vast network. The Googley lawyer doesn’t deal much in atoms. They stay remote and for connections with partners in a virtual environment and pass the savings to clients.

The masses benefit but they don’t take control

The ABA won’t allow it (yet). None of these suggestions involve turning the reins over to the masses….But these changes do represent a huge transition from how services used to be delivered (with the associated fat/costs). Access will be more feasible for the masses.

Author, Kevin Thompson, is a MLM attorney and specializes in providing legal services for startup network marketing companies. He helps companies launch their businesses on solid legal footing.

So let me begin by stating the end in mind: I want you to join the conversation and help foster a culture of trust. This blog won’t be for everyone, but if you’re into ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Stick around.