Frequently Asked Questions

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How long will DirectLaw take to set up for my firm?

Setting up DirectLaw for your firm is a smooth and efficient process. You will be assigned a project assistant who will help you through the setup, ensuring that you select the options that suit your firm best. Once we have all the information from you, your firm's site could be set up in less than 7 working days.

How much does DirectLaw cost?

DirectLaw charges a one-off set up fee, a monthly hosting charge and monthly subscription to requested content libraries based on the number of users. The monthly fee cover hosting, maintenance, continual improvements and extra features plus all legal content updating. Additionally, there is also a low fixed charge on all documents drafted by clients online.

At no additional cost, DirectLaw also includes access to Rapidocs LawDraft for law firms to use in-house; this gives unlimited use to quickly draft complex documents using Rapidocs technology and legal content.

To learn more about our fees click here

Is DirectLaw compliant?

We have been particularly careful to ensure that the DirectLaw service is fully compliant for use by solicitors. Click here to read our paper on regulation and compliance.

What do we need to get started?

All you’ll need is to provide a page on your website (a landing page) to host links to your DirectLaw site. We’ll provide simple links that you can then embed on your site. As long as your existing site has such a landing page, your DirectLaw site can be easily linked to from there, with clients feeling like they are still within your existing website. Don’t worry, we can advise on this if you are not sure how this works.

How customisable is DirectLaw?

Document services, pricing, and legal support are all customisable, meaning that you can provide the services how you want to. Customisation also allows for some basic branding and colour matching with your existing website.

Do we have to write the legal content?

No. The Rapidocs library is being constantly reviewed and updated by expert barristers and solicitors, with new additions and options being made on a regular basis.

What is contained within the content library?

The Rapidocs library contains a wide selection of sophisticated automated documents covering an extensive range of legal practice areas. Click here to see the detailed breakdown of the documentation available.

Can we change the legal content?

DirectLaw firms do not have the ability to publish their own content or change the Rapidocs document templates. If this is something you would like to do please contact us to discuss the options available.

Does my site have to take payments?

Your DirectLaw site is flexible and you can decide to use it as a ‘client extranet’, where no fees are shown and you direct clients to the site in order for the system to undertake the initial interview and prepare the first draft ready for you to review and take forward online or in-office. This approach allows you flexibility on pricing while maintaining or improving your margin – it also shows clients that your firm is up-to-date, flexible and accessible.

How is payment handled?

If you decide to offer fixed-fee services, all transaction and payment processing is handled securely by DirectLaw with revenue received (less transaction costs) being passed to your bank account.

What's best for my firm - fixed-fee services or an interview only 'client extranet'?

This depends on whether you wish to attract clients using search engine optimisation and advertising on search engines such as Google and Bing or if it is your intention to use the service to support existing business models but reducing the cost to serve. Our sales directors will discuss the options available and help you identify which is best for your firm.

What happens when a client doesn't purchase a document straight away?

Clients are able to save any answered document questionnaires and return to them at any time to edit and proceed. This gives them a chance to get together any missing information required or to consider their options, without losing the time investment they have already made.

What happens when a client purchases a document?

Naturally this only applies if you have selected to offer fixed-fee services, in which case all document services will have your firm's' chosen service levels included in the price you set. When ready the system securely makes the draft available to your firm for legal review to take place. Once any necessary changes have been made, it is returned to the client securely through the system, complete with signing instructions. Alternatively you can have the client back to the office to see you.

Can I edit the Website terms and conditions and Rule 2 letter?

DirectLaw includes standard terms and conditions and (if you are taking payment on your site) a Rule 2 letter on your website. These documents are drafted on a generic basis to cover a variety of issues and may not be amended or altered. If you wish to have a bespoke set of terms and conditions and a Rule 2 letter you will need to upgrade to our more sophisticated platform. We can discuss this with you on request.

Who is behind DirectLaw?

DirectLaw has been developed by Epoq Legal who have invested millions of pounds in developing the technology and legal content used.

Epoq are also behind the UK's largest 'virtual' law firm, MyLawyer.co.uk. Members of the MyLawyer network receive pre-drafted document referrals from MyLawyer.co.uk and have fully bespoke legal commerce websites of their own. Members include top law firms, Pannone, Hugh James and Nelsons. In addition, Epoq provide the technology underlying the legal offerings of many major institutions including MORE TH>N, NatWest, RSA, DAS, Halifax, RBS and others.

To find out more about us click here

DirectLaw, how to get started?

Please see the contact us page, to get in touch with our sales department and discuss your requirements.

Further questions?

If you can't find what you're looking for here, please contact us.