ABA unveils web-based tool

The American Bar Association has announced plans to provide access to a suite of services specifically designed to help solo and small firm lawyers manage the complexities of their legal practices.

ABA President Linda A. Klein outlined the ABA Blueprint program to the ABA House of Delegates recently in San Francisco at its Annual Meeting, saying the new web application will provide lawyers with a “one-stop shop for members to get what they need while saving far more than they pay in dues.”

“The ABA will enhance our resources that help our members — especially solo practitioners and those in small firms — with marketing, managing their practices and getting out ahead of what’s new in technology,” Klein said.

ABA Blueprint is expected to launch this fall. Working with CuroLegal, a legal strategy and technology consulting services firm, ABA Blueprint will help lawyers locate the technology and services necessary to open and operate a practice. The application, which will be available for desktop and mobile devices, will also help lawyers locate marketing services, retirement services and life insurance, among other offerings.

Klein said ABA Blueprint was developed because many solo lawyers and attorneys in small firms reported being overwhelmed by the number of moving parts required in running a small law firm. About three out of four practicing lawyers nationally work in solo and small firms.

ABA Blueprint will offer lawyers — both ABA members and nonmembers – an array of services designed to address common practice needs. Additionally, ABA members will have access to valuable member-only features, including the Firm Builder chatbot that offers customized practice solutions based on members’ individual practice needs and free live consultations with practice management experts.