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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FindLaw.com Launches New "FindLaw for Small Business"

Number-one legal Web site unveils resources to help small businesses succeed


EAGAN, Minn., March 9, 2005 -- FindLaw.com has launched a new version of its "FindLaw for Small Business" Web site (http://smallbusiness.findlaw.com) with dozens of new features, including expanded legal content and tools, and a redesigned look and feel. The new features provide FindLaw.com's small business users with the most comprehensive and intuitive Web site experience, making it easier to navigate legal issues involved in starting, managing and growing their businesses. 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.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 95 percent of new businesses fail within the first five years. The challenges small businesses face include dealing with myriad legal issues, including employment law, intellectual property and incorporation. FindLaw for Small Business helps small businesses achieve success by providing a one-stop shop for authoritative articles, how-to guides and links to additional resources.

New features in FindLaw for Small Business include:

  • New Look and Feel
    Based on the popular FindLaw for the Public Web site, FindLaw for Small Business features a new visual design and tab-based navigation, creating an easy and intuitive Web experience for users.  FindLaw's unique LawCrawler enables users to quickly search for the exact content that meets their needs.
  • Expanded Content for Starting a Business
    The new FindLaw for Small Business helps entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality.  Topics include business plans, business names, financing, home-based businesses, and licenses and permits.  In-depth information also is available on the different types of business legal structures: sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and limited liability corporations. In addition, a new Startup Toolkit contains access to local resources, such as state chambers of commerce and local offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as specialized resources for minority and women entrepreneurs.
  • Expanded Content for Running a Business
    FindLaw for Small Business provides easy-to-understand content on everyday issues that America's small business owners face, including collections, insurance and liability, and real estate leases.  The new "Employment Law & Human Resources" section covers topics such as the hiring process, wages and benefits, independent contractors, discrimination and harassment, and workplace privacy.
  • State-Specific Resources
    Throughout the new FindLaw for Small Business site, users will find practical tools and resources.  These include access to state-specific materials such as sample articles of incorporation and by-laws, and one-stop license and permit information. In addition, a new "Forms & Contracts" section offers templates and real-life samples of common business forms and agreements in a variety of topical areas and industries.
  • Improved Access to Lawyers
    It's now easier for small businesses to access West Legal Directory, the largest online legal directory, to find and research lawyers in their area. West Legal Directory contains more than 1 million lawyers and legal professionals, searchable by lawyer name, firm name, practice area and location. The directory features profiles of lawyers and law firms that contain details of their legal experience and expertise.

"Now, more than ever, FindLaw for Small Business is the premier Web destination for helping small businesses find legal information and connect with legal counsel," said Debbie Monroe, president and CEO of Thomson FindLaw. "By expanding our content and adding a more user-friendly look and feel, we have made it easier for small businesses to find the information and resources they need, and connect with legal counsel."

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About Thomson FindLaw
Thomson FindLaw (www.findlaw.com) is the leading provider of online legal information and solutions for the legal community, businesses and individuals. According to comScore Media Metrix, a leading independent Web usage reporting service, the FindLaw.com Internet portal is the highest-trafficked legal Web site with 3.7 million unique monthly users - three times more than its closest competitor. The site provides comprehensive, plain-English legal information to businesses and individuals. These resources include West Legal Directory©, the Internet's largest directory of lawyers and legal professionals. FindLaw.com also offers comprehensive information, resources and services for law practice and legal career development, including free case law, an online career center, breaking legal news, newsletters, message boards, service directories, continuing legal education and legal search tools. In addition, Thomson FindLaw provides access to tools and services that help connect legal professionals with potential clients. Thomson FindLaw is a business within The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC)

About The Thomson Corporation
The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2003 revenues from continuing operations of $7.44 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. Thomson provides value-added information, software tools and applications to more than 20 million users in the fields of law, tax, accounting, financial services, higher education, reference information, corporate training and assessment, scientific research and healthcare. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson has approximately 38,000 employees and provides services in approximately 130 countries. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC).