The notion of a standard, generic extranet platform as a secure and reliable means of communication between law firms and their clients is nothing new. And it has many apologists because, in theory at least, it just makes sense. No client wants to deal with a large number of different extranets, each with its own log-on, any more than a lawyer in private practice would tolerate having to communicate through a similar number of systems, each specific to a single client.
Ever since the first proprietary dealroom systems were launched by Allen & Overy (A&O) and Clifford Chance at the height of the Nasdaq-led bull market, people have been championing the causes of standardisation on a common platform.
