Legal OnRamp

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Legal OnRamp is a social networking websites targeted at lawyers that was launched in the first quarter of 2007.^[1] Like Facebook, Legal OnRamp functions as a networking site with the function of keeping both in-house counsel users and private practice attorneys connected. Legal OnRamp shares many features that have turned other social networking websites into a global phenomenon, such as ‘walls’ where users can post messages to each other, group functions closed to non-group members, open forums for discussion and document sharing.^[2] Unlike Facebook membership is by invitation and is is limited to lawyers.^[3]

The site was created in part by Mark Chandler, General Counsel of Cisco Systems,^[4] the law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and attorney Paul Lippe.^[5]^[6] Allen & Overy has been one of the biggest contributors of information to the site.^[7]

Individual lawyers join the community (firm and in-house). Common interest in networking and hopes of exchanging best practices, meet individuals with similar challenges in their roles in-house and access resources. They will meet others of a like mind who believe that law should be more transparent and that most information can be shared with others doing similar work. The goal is to create a Web 2.0 community that links clients and law firms.^[8]

Legal OnRamp got a strong endorsement from the March 2008 Legal Transformation Study, probably the most significant attempt to predict the future of the legal industry. Richard Sussikind, considered the leading visionary of the legal field, has also written favorably about the trends driving Legal OnRamp, as addressed in his upcoming book, "The End of Lawyers?"^[9]

The most rapid adoption has been from common law countries -- the US, UK and Canada,^[10] but roughly 10% of members are from Continental Europe and Asia.

Legal OnRamp is considered an example of an Enterprise 2.0 system.