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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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Elizabeth Bowden is a barrister at College Chambers, Southampton and practises in family finances and civil litigation. Elizabeth is never too far from a spreadsheet and is evangelical about tech.
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...
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