LawOne is a network of law firms that market consumer-oriented legal services (such as personal injury, divorce and estates) under the LawOne brand. LawOne markets primarily on the internet using advanced SEO (search engine optimization) techniques implemented by a dedicated marketing team. LawOne typically appears on the first page of search engine results for most common lawyer searches. LawOne also does some complimentary conventional marketing. Network law firms typically also market their services independently of LawOne. In other words, LawOne is designed to complement and enhance existing marketing efforts. LawOne limits the number of firms in the network to ensure that the network provides a high level of service to clients and that the network provides impressive client traffic to the participating firms.

LawOne is a division of Access Legal Systems Inc., a company that was established by Doug Jasinski and Mark Hicken, solely for the purpose of developing the LawOne brand. Doug & Mark have a decade of experience in both marketing and technology ventures for the legal profession. They are former colleagues from Russell & DuMoulin (now Fasken Martineau). Doug now runs an ad agency in downtown Vancouver that specializes in law firm marketing and is currently on the board of the Legal Marketing Association Vancouver Chapter. Doug is the President of LawOne. Mark is currently Associate Counsel at Legacy Tax & Trust Lawyers in Vancouver. He was previously the CEO of ElectricLawyer Systems Inc. and is currently the Vice-President of Legal Services for LawOne.

The LawOne brand provides a fast and easy way for law firms to market consumer-oriented legal services at an extremely competitive price point. The LawOne system is designed as an intake mechanism for law firms targeting consumer-oriented practice areas including personal injury, family, criminal, wills & estates, real estate, immigration and simple business matters. LawOne is a free service that enables consumers to quickly and easily find an experienced lawyer in their local community who practices in the subject area that they are seeking assistance with. There are no discounted rates or free services required from the participating law firms - the clients will retain the firm directly according to the firm's usual practices. The LawOne brand simply makes it easier for consumers to find an appropriate lawyer and to have confidence in that selection.

LawOne will market itself both online through search engines and offline through print advertising, and subsequently other media formats such as outdoor, radio or TV. We will promote the LawOne brand, and then direct callers to our toll-free number (1-877-GO-LAW-ONE) or visitors to the website to the relevant firm(s) in their area. We intend to limit the participating firms in each geographic region to a small number (likely a maximum of 3) so that the service adds value beyond just being an online directory listing of dozens of law firms. The real strength of our business model lies in the creation of a quality network of recognized law firms and in the pooling of the marketing efforts of those firms in different communities, so that law firms in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Prince George, Kelowna and Victoria who are not in direct competition with each other can all benefit from a LawOne print ad in the Province newspaper for example.

LawOne is a premier marketing service which complies with all relevant law society marketing rules and obligations. To that end we have reviewed our plans with the law society's practice advisor as well as submitting our name for formal review by the Law Society's ethics committee, both of which have approved our business model. LawOne is run for lawyers by management who are either practising lawyers or who have practised law in the past.

In this regard, you should carefully review any other marketing systems, particularly internet web directories, that you are considering. Many of the other "marketing systems" that are out there are not in compliance with the relevant Law Society rules and regulations. It is not worth risking your professional reputation and practice with a company that is either unfamiliar with or which ignores the marketing rules. You should ask all such marketing companies to put in writing that they comply with all of the relevant Law Society rules.

In addition, LawOne is committed to accountability for our network. LawOne has an online reporting system which provides participating law firms with 24/7 access to marketing reports and performance statistics for the network. We are putting significant effort into our internet search engine ranking strategy and we are already highly visible on the web with excellent search engine rankings for both Google and MSN, the two leading search engines. Currently we are already at the top of the first page of Google results for many search terms such as "Vancouver Family Lawyers" and "Nanaimo Family Lawyers". In addition, you are in great company if you are part of the network. Some of the other law firms that are part of the network are Alexander Holburn, Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, Gibbons Fowler Nathanson (all Vancouver), Cook Roberts (Victoria), Pushor Mitchell (Kelowna) and Ramsay Lampman Rhodes (Nanaimo).

LawOne provides an economical alternative to search engine optimization (SEO) and internet marketing companies which can provide good visibility on major search engines but at a premium price. We have a committed search engine optimization and marketing team that constantly monitors and adjusts the performance of the network.

However, if you are interested in dedicated SEO services customized for your particular law firm, our affiliated company, Skunkworks Creative Group Inc., can provide professional search engine marketing and optimization services as well as a full range of legal marketing services.

See our VP's blog for more information on search engine optimization and internet marketing for lawyers, attorneys and law firms.

For more information on the LawOne Lawyers Network including questions relating to becoming a network law firm member, please contact either Doug Jasinski (djasinski@lawone.ca or 604 739 8976) or Mark Hicken (mhicken@lawone.ca or 604 868 1375).