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Switching from a physical blue book to OneNote is simple, secure and game-changing, says Elizabeth Bowden – you’ll wonder how you managed without it...
If you’re still relying on a physical blue book for case prep, hearings, and notes, it’s time to upgrade. Microsoft OneNote is already included in your MS365 subscription, and GDPR-compliant when used within a compliant MS365 environment (always check). The benefits go far beyond saving paper and space – they’ll transform how you work every day.
OneNote is an electronic notebook that syncs across devices and integrates seamlessly with your Microsoft environment. If your laptop battery dies or your device gets damaged, you can log in from any computer and pick up where you left off. There’s even a web version, so you’re never stuck without your notes.
Within each section, add pages. For example: prep; questions for client; research; hearing; examination-in-chief; cross-examination; and submissions.
For cross-examination, you can replicate a blue book layout: a two-column table. Have topic rows (highlighted with colour fill for quick reference) and questions below.
Sharing a OneNote with a leader, junior, or solicitor boosts productivity. Updates sync almost instantly, even in court. Need to share a law report? Paste it into the shared notebook – done.
Create a template notebook for each pupil with sections for: handovers; work syllabus; monthly meetings; daily check-ins; and key compliance information (e.g., tax, GDPR, BMIF).
Sharing this notebook with your pupil ensures transparency and provides you both with a contemporaneous record you can review when assessing your pupil. Your pupil can see what you will be considering when you assess them.
OneNote isn’t just for hearings. Use it for internal projects or team collaboration. Everything stays in one place, accessible to busy colleagues wherever they are.
Check out Microsoft’s OneNote guide for more details, or search ‘OneNote for lawyers’ for short, practical videos. Many are on Instagram and TikTok – perfect for quick learning. Bonus: You can record this learning as CPD.
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If you’re still relying on a physical blue book for case prep, hearings, and notes, it’s time to upgrade. Microsoft OneNote is already included in your MS365 subscription, and GDPR-compliant when used within a compliant MS365 environment (always check). The benefits go far beyond saving paper and space – they’ll transform how you work every day.
OneNote is an electronic notebook that syncs across devices and integrates seamlessly with your Microsoft environment. If your laptop battery dies or your device gets damaged, you can log in from any computer and pick up where you left off. There’s even a web version, so you’re never stuck without your notes.
Within each section, add pages. For example: prep; questions for client; research; hearing; examination-in-chief; cross-examination; and submissions.
For cross-examination, you can replicate a blue book layout: a two-column table. Have topic rows (highlighted with colour fill for quick reference) and questions below.
Sharing a OneNote with a leader, junior, or solicitor boosts productivity. Updates sync almost instantly, even in court. Need to share a law report? Paste it into the shared notebook – done.
Create a template notebook for each pupil with sections for: handovers; work syllabus; monthly meetings; daily check-ins; and key compliance information (e.g., tax, GDPR, BMIF).
Sharing this notebook with your pupil ensures transparency and provides you both with a contemporaneous record you can review when assessing your pupil. Your pupil can see what you will be considering when you assess them.
OneNote isn’t just for hearings. Use it for internal projects or team collaboration. Everything stays in one place, accessible to busy colleagues wherever they are.
Check out Microsoft’s OneNote guide for more details, or search ‘OneNote for lawyers’ for short, practical videos. Many are on Instagram and TikTok – perfect for quick learning. Bonus: You can record this learning as CPD.
Switching from a physical blue book to OneNote is simple, secure and game-changing, says Elizabeth Bowden – you’ll wonder how you managed without it...
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
The client’s best interests could be well-served by sharing the advocacy with junior counsel more often than you might think – Naomi Cunningham and Charlotte Eves explore some less orthodox ways to divide the speaking role
