Press Releases

EAGAN, Minn., Mar. 29 -- FindLaw, a Thomson business (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC), and the leading provider of client development services for the legal profession, has launched a new version of its "FindLaw for the Public" Web site (http://public.findlaw.com) with dozens of new features, including a redesigned look-and-feel and state-specific legal content. The new features provide FindLaw users with the most comprehensive and intuitive Web site experience, making it easier for the millions of consumers who visit FindLaw each month to understand legal issues and connect with a qualified attorney. FindLaw.com and its directory of lawyers and law firms are the most sought after and referred to sources of legal information on the Web, according to leading independent Internet-traffic-monitoring services.

FindLaw for the Public is an integral part of FindLaw's industry-leading portfolio of products and services that enable law firms to create an effective online marketing strategy. FindLaw services include, directory listings, search engine optimization (SEO), targeted placements on the Internet's most popular information destinations, specialized marketing forum services that connect law firms with sophisticated corporate clients and FirmSite Web design and hosting services. FindLaw for the Public's new features enhance the company's ability to help law firms tap the vast online consumer market to generate highly qualified leads.

According to recent surveys by FindLaw, each year nearly one in five Americans faces a legal dilemma that could require the assistance of an attorney. Among the most common legal issues are real estate, family law, estate planning, criminal law, personal finance, bankruptcy and personal injury.

New features in FindLaw for the Public include:

• State-Specific Content: Expanded state content in popular legal consumer categories, including criminal law, DUI/DWI, divorce and family law. This new content includes features not available on other Web sites, such as "Crimes A to Z," which provides definitions for more than 40 crimes and displays the relevant state law for each crime based on a user's zip code or metropolitan area. FindLaw for the Public also includes other state-specific resources, including bail schedules and assistance for crime victims.
• New Look and Feel: The new user interface provides the easiest and most intuitive Web experience for legal consumers. It features a new visual design, tab-based site navigation and expanded topic-specific navigation for more than 40 legal topics.
• Improved Access to Lawyers: It's now easier for users to search West Legal Directory®, the largest online legal directory, to find and research lawyers in their area. West Legal Directory has more than 1 million lawyers and legal professionals, searchable by lawyer name, firm name, practice area and location.
• Other new features include expanded content on legal topics, including bankruptcy law and criminal law and procedure, and links to national and state crime-prevention resources.

"Now, more than ever, FindLaw for the Public is the premier Web destination for connecting people to legal information and lawyers," said Debbie Monroe, president and CEO of FindLaw. "By expanding our comprehensive, authoritative content and adding a more user-friendly look and feel, we have made it easier for FindLaw for the Public users to find the information and resources they need, and connect with legal counsel. This enhances the value of the FindLaw portal and its ability to deliver highly qualified prospects to law firms. "

Monroe noted that in recent research, FindLaw.com users indicated that the West Legal Directory is an important feature they depend on for research and for connecting with legal professionals. More than 50 percent of FindLaw.com users access West Legal Directory, processing more than 14.2 million searches for lawyers annually – surpassing recent reported search activity from FindLaw's nearest competitor by almost 40 percent. Additionally, more than 80 percent of users searching West Legal Directory said they will hire an attorney in the next 90 days.

FindLaw's Web site (www.findlaw.com) is by far the most popular legal information destination on the Web. The site's reputation is built on nearly 10 years of providing free access to hundreds of millions of pages of authoritative legal information, including analysis of legal issues by leading experts.