Another well-respected firm with a site that feels like something you had to do not wanted to do. Too much dense content popped onto single pages. The home page effectively tells me nothing. Another site that is handy if I already know I need to get Jane Doe’s direct dial. Otherwise, not many reasons to visit the site. There is so much more you could do here. Unlike many of the smallest of the “250”, I know who you are, so it is not as big a deal. It just seems like a cost-effective place to do a little more.
One of the last remaining dinosaurs of New York law firm web sites. I had to remember to “unblock” pop-ups for the site in order to view most of the information. It is better than it once was, but no better than it was the last time I looked. I can only imagine old man Cravath saying, “if they are coming to us via that new-fangled webbie thing, I don’t want them!” Still one of the world’s great firms, but come on already! One additional note…many who have seen the IMA lecture on web marketing know that I often cite Cravath as an example of “not all firms feel a need to use the web for business development purposes.” It is not always a high priority for everybody—which is not necessarily the wrong strategy—depending on who you are and what you do.
A few things really got this site review off on the wrong foot. One was the interminable wait for pages to load. It was consistently slow…and it was your server, not me. And I’m reviewing your site on a Saturday afternoon, no less. Another was clicking on the link promoting the entertainment law newsletter, which then told me to go to “resources” to find it. Ever hear of hyperlinks? The content has improved. And I like the “launch pad” to attorneys and practice areas on the left-side. But the site is still too thin in places and still not where it should be for a firm of your size. It would be pretty good for a 40-attorney firm. Except for the standard legal clip art—which is good for nobody.
There is understated and then there is wlrk.com. My feeling from the law school “drop down” box in the attorney directory is that dummies need not apply. And I also was amazed to see something rather unique here—the ability to search bios by law school graduation year. The bios speak for themselves—“we work here, what do you think we’re working on? I’ve got nothing more to say.” The lower-key recruiting section should just read, “don’t call us, we’ll call you.” Outside of that, they are still holding off on whether or not the Web is really here to stay. So, I repeat one of my favorite IMA lines from the last review: To quote Mr. Wachtell James Lipton himself (I’m making this up…), “Web. Schmeb.”
Once a review is written, it is done. I do not go back and later cross-compare. This process is time-consuming enough as it is. However, at this stage in the “250” reviews (I’d say NLJ 250, but ALM gets mad at me, so I just say 250 or Top 250), this site wins the award for most irrelevant home page. It is beyond poor. Somebody there needs an instructional on branding, design and use of the Internet. At one point in my surf through, the site froze…and when I tried to return, would not allow me. Leading me to think that they realized the IMA was on-site and now in a bad mood. I should not see “loading” flash my way in this day and age. This site was lame in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Come on, I know you guys are a better firm than you appear. See you next time.
One of the few remaining intro/splash pages. Lose it! The site reminds me of many NY white shoe firms before they saw the light and did the web right. The site screams “old school” if that is the message you want to scream. If not, look at some of your DC colleague’s sites. They have moved forward in the last few years. If you already are familiar with the firm, there is absolutely no reason to visit the site. Could negatively impact the firm’s image with summers and laterals, though.
The copyright 2001 symbol on the site should say it all. So, I just give you an edited cut and paste from the last review, and ask why? I walk by Cozen on Market Street every week, and ask, why?? My last review and score still stands. I can only assume (again) that redevelopment is in the works. TO REPEAT: I could not believe that dark, “say nothing” home page was still my introduction online to a firm that is known for doing so much pro-active marketing. On this day, the “upcoming seminars” shows nothing…And still with the lack of publications to read without signing up…Another firm that I know is better than the web site. I was sure that a new site would greet me when review time came along. I was wrong.
If not for Cahill, would there be any more large firm web sites still living in prehistoric times? Still just for recruiting. I’m not going to beat a dead horse. Not having to spend 20-30 minutes on the site just meant getting today’s reviews completed that much quicker.
