Geeklawyer thought it would be interesting to see what guidance the Bar Council is currently offering on blogging. He wondered this because he emailed the IT people there and invited them to attend the LawBlog 2007. The response was a deep echoing silence interrupted only by tumbleweed flitting across Chancery Lane.
Yes, when it comes to IT, the Bar Council is at the cutting edge of golfball typewriters. While many US and international legal bodies have detailed rules in place, our refined old gents are, it seems, largely unaware if this ‘Interweb’ thingy. It’s a shame since Geeklawyer was hoping to blag some free CPD points for attendees, though he has not lost all hope.
The Law Society by contrast are well aware of not only the Internet but blogs: but they want to screw Geeklawyer for £350 for CPD conference certification. Damn.
Even Ruthie, who thinks that computers are run by magic pixies, has latterly been somewhat shocked by the cavalier way that confidential documents get emailed around. Lawyers who would normally padlock their briefcases to their wrists rather than risk prying eyes scanning the contents will quite happily mail unencrypted sensitive documents over a wireless network.
And contrary to what a lot of lawyers in their arrogance seem to think, clients are not stupid.
Ruthie can only assume its because lawyers they dont understand IT. But given that the world now fuctions electronically we cannot afford not to understand. IT is no longer simply magic preformed by a beardy bloke with sandals who turfs you off your PC once a month. But our entire means of operation.
Sadly the lack of response from the Bar Council would seem to be indicative to the general attitude. Its moderen and scary, and rather than try and understand the Bar persists in clinging to the old order.
Hats off to the law society though who like their members never miss a money making opportunity, but at least are forward thinking. Hmm blogging..its new, its trendy…lets license it and tax it.
I think, in defence of the law society, the £50 charge is geared towards commercial course vendors and so not really unfair. But I cannot be the only one offering non-commercial courses?
My contact at the law Society has, sort of, offered to make further enquiries about this for me and hopefully a dispensation may be granted.
Geeklawyer
I am more than prepared to certificate the Blogger Conference for CPD points…. if that would help. I can do it, no obligation, on my own legal Practitioner CPD by running it as a co-centure with you.
Would this help? Email / telephone - usual details
Charon, that is a very generous offer which I shall certainly take up if I cannot get certification myself. The latter is, however, preferable to me since it may help with other such conferences. I’ll email you as things become clearer.
I see lunch was suggested, how long do you intend the conference to be?
Corporate Blawg may need some help in putting together a business case to get out of work for an all-day blog-chat (without losing any precious holiday in the process). Maybe we can ask Justin at Human Law to help with putting together a business case for me and others in similar contorted positions?
In any event, Corporate Blawg will definitely be around for the post-6pm activities, but will try his damnedest to be there for the whole day.
Well done for keeping the conference alive, Corporate Blawg is convinced that it will be splendid.
love and cuddles
CBUK
I was intending to structure it so that bloggers would talk in the late afternoon2/3pm onward. I can shuffle you to later if you so wish - timings have not yet been clarified. The start of the day was more intended for me talking to newbies and firms.
The conference is very much alive: it has been jogging every day and not drinking or smoking. I have been in regular contact with the two main sponsors so far & the PR lady, Charlotte, at CPA has been mega helpful. We are currently organising press releases and potential
mugging victimssponsors.[…] you Charon for spotting it) that the Bar Council has been stunned into action by Geeklawyer’s shameful mockery (For which he is very very sorry indeed, please put down that dentist’s drill Mr […]