Chard.Net has launched a new MiniSite for Robert K. Firsten, PLC. The site features an easy to use layout, with a description of Mr. Firsten’s practice, his background and how to contact and find his offices.

• View the website in a new window: www.firstenlaw.com
• View the site in our portfolio viewer

Robert K. Firsten used the following Chard.Net services:
Attorney Website Design :: MiniSite
Website Hosting

In the March 27th issue of Michigan Lawyer’s Weekly, a front page article entitled “How Important is a Website?” featured an interview with Chard.Net owner, Brendan Chard. The article highlighted the importance of law firm websites from not only a marketing standpoint, but as a business tool to create efficiencies in day to day tasks.

A full copy of the article will be available on the Chard.Net website soon.

Here are functions a website can perform to create efficiencies:

1. Clearly explain what the firm does and does not do.
2. Provide accurate directions, parking information, and accessibility information to the office.
3. Perform client intake using downloadable or electronic forms
4. Client preparation and education, such as explaining criminal or divorce procedures. Providing checklists of things to bring to an appointment.

The Michigan Chapter of the American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers has selected Chard.Net to redesign their existing website. Beyond developing a new look for the site, it will feature an easy to search member database and helpful resources for those seeking a divorce.

About AAML Michigan
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers was founded in 1962 “To encourage the study, improve the practice, elevate the standards and advance the cause of matrimonial law, to the end that the welfare of the family and society be protected.” There are currently more than 1500 members in 50 states. The Michigan Chapter has over 40 members consisting of the premier family law attorneys in the state.

Chard.Net Services
Non-Profit Website Design :: FullSite NP

The Pear Tree Pen Company, an online store that sells high end writing instruments and accessories has selected Chard.Net to design their new website and online store. We’re excited about building the new store for Pear Tree Pens as the site will fully utilize Chard.Net’s web design and coding capabilities. The site will include a fresh new design, integration of a new logo, shopping cart, and a payment gateway.

About The Pear Tree Pen Company
Pear Tree Pens sells luxury writing instruments and accessories. The business also has a social cause and donates a portion of its profits to supprot a professional athelete who has muscular dystrophy.

Chard.Net Services
Business Web Design :: FullSite
Payment Gateway Integration
Shopping Cart Integration

Personal Injury attorney Debra D. Freidell of Kansas City, MO has chosen Chard.Net for a new attorney FullSite. The goal of the website design will be to advertise Ms. Freidell’s services, establish a new online identity. Additionally, targeted search engine marketing will be used to draw traffic to the website.

About Debra D. Freidell
Debra is a solo practitioner in Kansas City, MO. Ms. Freidell represents those who have been injured or harmed by another’s negligence. Her practice represents all claim levels but primarily on small to medium claims that are often ignored by other firms.

Chard.Net Services
FullSite :: Lawyer Web Design
Search Engine Marketing

Six years ago when I unpacked my very first Blackberry wireless e-mail device I was elated. I could now receive e-mail anywhere, instantly. Better than that I could respond to messages and completely conceal the fact that I was not dutifully sitting in front of my computer just waiting for new messages. It was the realization of the “I’m my own boss I make my own schedule” declaration/feeling/complex/illusion. Over the years I upgraded from the black and white small screen model, to the black and white large screen and then to the color large screen with international capabilities (more on the international in a minute).

Between the blackberry, new remote access capabilities, an e-mail support ticket system, and an after hours telephone follow-me service I was getting more done. I could golf and e-mail, eat dinner and update websites, and watch TV while doing server updates.

Then it hit me… even after I left the office I was always working. It seemed perfectly normal to catch up on odds and ends after hours. But with the blackberry always beeping, always up to date with the latest e-mail even when I wasn’t
actively working my mind was always on work. The problem with the timing of this realization was that it occurred on my Honeymoon in Italy with the ever capable Blackberry (with international access) beeping away and taking me “away.”

This condition has been coined “Continuous Partial Attention” and it occurs when multi-tasking or in the presence of devices, such as a Blackberry or Cell Phone that interrupt and are always demanding attention.

I improved the situation by turning off all Blackberry notifications and noises but when the battery died a few months back I made the tough but un-regrettable decision to retire the device to the trashcan. I realized that I already had systems in place so that I could be reached in a true business emergency and that unless something came in over the emergency line it could wait until the next day.

Here are some related links on Blackberries and Continuous Partial Attention:

(Some) Attention Must Be Paid!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11899893/site/newsweek/

Blackberry users learning painful lesson
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-10-20-blackberry-thumb_x.htm

On June 9th and 10th, Brendan Chard will be presenting at the Upper Michigan Legal Institute and the Michigan Bar Leader’s Forum.

At the Institute he will be covering a collection of technology related money-saving tip for small law offices. The presentation will range from topics such as using a firm website, scanners, and mobile devices to consolidating and controlling phone and fax communication, creating a virtual office and more.

At the Bar Leaders Forum Brendan will be fielding questions on the topic of member communication using the mailing list system that Chard.Net provides to the State Bar of Michigan sections. Expect to hear about ways to boost member participation and improvements to technical support.

For more information on the events see the State Bar of Michigan website at this link (opens in new window).

Chard.Net is pleased to announce the development of our C-Editor website editing program. The C-Editor allows website owners to instantly update their website in an interface that is simple and easy to use. C-Editor works directly with our existing websites and seamlessly integrates. There is no need for database integration, structural changes, or design changes to the sites.

We will be rolling out the C-Editor install over the next few months and training clients on it’s functions.

If you’re interested in being the first to get C-Editor on your site, send an e-mail to: support@chard.net

Zepol Corporation, a Minnesota company that has developed an easy to search AMS database of all ocean-born shipments into the United States has chosen Chard.Net for it’s new web design.

About Zepol
Zepol provides an easy to search database and reporting tool of bills of lading for all ocean-born shipments to the United States. The database is updated frequently and is used by corporations seeking competitive knowledge, new business opportunities, and supplier information.

Chard.Net Services
FullSite :: Business Web Design