The Virtual In-House Lawyer - A New Model For The Changing Economic Climate

Abstract

Over the last century, there have been radical changes in technology and the way businesses operate. However, provision of legal services has remained fundamentally unchanged. The article, therefore, explores traditional and long-established methods of how legal services are provided and the charging mechanisms which have been inherent in the industry for many years. In particular, emphasis is placed on the areas most clients find objectionable, focussing on time based charging and inclusion of hidden extras. The economic climate means that many companies are reducing expenditure on pure overheads, such as legal costs. However, disputes and litigation are more prevalent when the economic climate is challenging and increases the need for legal advice within most industry sectors.