addition to providing a comprehensive client portal, has also integrated a commercial solution for the secure exchange of documents (iManage Share 154 ), providing more flexible capabilities than those commonly provided by client portals only. All these firms clearly advertise the existence of a client portal on their website’s home page. (ii) Law firm apps Another area of innovation by law firms is the production of apps, which support the functionality of client portals, or provide stand-alone functionality, such as access to guidance and other materials, access to specific services, or communication services.
Eversheds Sutherland has produced a number of apps including Client Conversations, which was launched in 2018. This app was “[d]eveloped in- house… [and] is available to all 5,000 Eversheds Sutherland lawyers and business services teams in 66 locations in 32 countries.” 155 The app “brings together key information about Eversheds Sutherland, its worldwide locations, capabilities, products and technology solutions… and is designed support dialogue with clients and prospective clients by giving the user easy access to critical information about the business”. 156 Eversheds Sutherland has also produced a number of publicly available guides in the form of apps, covering topics related to sustainable finance, commercial contracting and more.
Eversheds Sutherland’s UK Sustainable Finance Guide
Hugh James released the “Hugh James” app in 2019. The app was developed by an external provider, and allowed clients to communicate with their lawyer, sending messages and photos, track their case, and view and sign documents. 157 Although the app was made available in 2019 158 , with a focus on personal injury, it appears to have been discontinued and is not currently available in the App Store or Google Play Store.
Hugh James' App
154 genesisOne, “iManage Share Cloud File Sharing for Law Firms Demo” (YouTube, 25 July 2016), available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIUdxLIr0vY. 155 Eversheds Sutherland, “Eversheds Sutherland launches Client Conversations App-based information tool rolled out across the business” (Eversheds Sutherland, 20 November 2018), available at https://www.eversheds- sutherland.com/lists/shownews.html?News=uk_Eversheds-Sutherland-launches-Client-Conversations-App. 156 Ibid. 157 Lavatech Limited, “Hugh James” (AppAdvice), available at https://appadvice.com/app/hugh-james/1474074828. 158 Ibid.
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