Use technology to improve education, communication, member services,
cost-effective access to legal resources, and effective management
As members have different comfort levels with technology, the Bar is
responding with different levels of service - technology training for
those who need it and online CLE opportunities for those who want
it.
Increasing role of the Internet in delivering practice
information. The Internet offers great potential in assisting
Wisconsin lawyers with their practices by providing instant and
continuous access to legal resources. The State Bar is developing an
Online Practice Resource Library, a fully indexed and searchable
database of State Bar practice materials, including seminar and
convention written materials, book abstracts, and Wisconsin Lawyer
articles. Available through WisBar, the practice library is expected to
debut in 2001.
The State Bar continues to experiment with different forms of
Internet delivery for CLE seminars. For instance, the Bar will offer its
first Web-enhanced seminar using various technologies in fall 2000. The
seminar's audio portion will be delivered by phone, the visual
information by the Internet - allowing participants real-time, hands-on
training without requiring them to leave their offices. Archived
seminars, presentations, and accompanying materials on WisBar are
available 24 hours a day.
Using technology to improve communications. The Bar
uses its Internet site, WisBar, in a variety of ways to facilitate
communications between members and the Bar. Members may participate in
WisBar's discussion groups, subscribe to electronic mailing lists on
topics specific to their interests, and use "Lawyer Search" to locate
and contact colleagues.
In June, the State Bar conducted a focus group and usability study of
WisBar users to learn how WisBar can better assist lawyers in their
practices and to provide feedback for use in making it easier to
navigate and use. Participants said the Internet has become a daily
partner in their practices, and many said WisBar is a solid "starting
point" or portal to other sites if the information they need isn't
directly available on WisBar. They also praised Caselaw Express,
delivered via email, and free Wisconsin case law as being extremely
valuable practice tools. Others regularly register for CLE seminars or
purchase State Bar products via WisBar's secure online order system,
conduct research using the vast amount of legal research materials
available, and use the Bar Information areas to learn about member
benefits, Bar governance, and to contact staff.
WisBar is ever-evolving, and information provided by focus groups and
other users help the Bar evaluate and develop new content.
Wisconsin Lawyer
