A Responsive Website That Mutually Benefits Members And The Public

A PaperThin customer since 2011, The State Bar of Georgia exists to foster among the members of the Bar of this state the principles of duty and service to the public; to improve the administration of justice; and to advance the science of law. All persons authorized to practice law in this state are required to be members.

The State Bar of Georgia  hired Fig Leaf Software to redesign its public website and implement the CommonSpot web content management solution by PaperThin.  It's goal was to improve the user experience by reorganizing the information architecture, the navigation and the overall look and feel of the website.  The new site leverages engaging video content, highlights events, provides relevant search solutions and accommodates users on mobile devices. The main focus of the redesign was to enable members to access content, tools and information quickly and easily.   
 
To ensure the newly designed site can be easily managed and maintained by non-technical content owners Fig Leaf Software recommended and implemented CommonSpot. With CommonSpot, the Bar content owners can now easily manage site content to promote a relevant user experience for site visitors and members. Fig Leaf also integrated the GA Bar’s site with the organization’s iMIS association management solution.  This tight integration allows Bar members to login from the home page, manage their profile, sign up to attend events, access attorney resources, and access committee data, among other things. 

The Solution
Fig Leaf Software implemented the new design templates within CommonSpot and optimized the site by caching large amounts of content.  Fig Leaf Software created an architecture whereby some of the Web content would be maintained in external databases and some of the content elements would be maintained from within the CMS. The content caching strategy ensures pages with dynamic content will load as quickly as possible.  Additionally, PDF versions of the handbook pages are stored on the server for quick download.  These PDFs can be regenerated administrative user when updates are made.

 
GA Bar’s members now have access to membership information (from iMIS), Continuing Legal Education (CLE) information and other personal information from one cohesive set of screens. Functional features of the site include:

  • Integrated login to the iMIS membership management system
  • Consolidated event listings
  • Easy to navigate, search and print handbook interface
  • Member search
  • Integrated access to external systems including Fastcase, CLE, Speaker Management, Mock Trial and others
  • Implemented a Mobile Strategy to allow users to access site via mobile devices (iPhone, Android, Blackberry)

The Results
The new site is an extremely important tool for the GA Bar’s members.  The new site provides an engaging and relevant experience for site members and visitors.  Combined with a new design, GA Bar staff can manage content quickly and efficiently.


Customer Information

Site Type: Internet