Developing online legal services during recovery
By Peter Tanswell | Cleverminds Legal Centre | 30 September 2026
Recovering from a recent foot operation has restricted my mobility and changed my daily routine. My commitment to providing professional legal services remains strong, and I have used this period to develop the Cleverminds Legal Centre and the Will Creator websites and the technology supporting it. Whilst working from home in my normal role, undertaking the development of the two websites has given me a practical way to keep contributing while allowing time for my recovery.
With a background in information technology and a passion for legal practice, I have been able to bring both interests together. Working from home, I have focused on building an online presence that explains our services clearly and supports a more convenient way for clients to access legal assistance.
Building the website and its supporting systems
Using web development tools (have mainly used Adobe ColdFusion) and a backend database (MySQL), I have developed the websites with effective and efficient service delivery in mind. The websites provide information for prospective clients, while the database supports the organisation and management of information behind the scenes. Together, they provide a foundation for further development of the practice’s online services.
During my recovery, I have also worked on the website’s structure, presentation and content. This has included refining the home page, preparing explanations of wills, estate planning and probate, and developing information about property and conveyancing and other legal services. I have created supporting images and reviewed how text appears on the page so that visitors can find and understand the information more easily.
A particular focus has been translating legal topics into clear, practical language. People often approach a solicitor at a stressful or unfamiliar time. Explaining what a service involves and the steps that may follow can help them feel better informed before making an enquiry.
Making legal services more accessible
My experience of temporarily reduced mobility has reinforced the value of being able to access professional services from home. Online communication can make a meaningful difference for people who have difficulty travelling, live further away or need to fit appointments around work and family responsibilities. My aim is to offer legal services that accommodate those circumstances while maintaining and providing a personal approach.
The work completed during recovery has advanced both the public websites and the systems intended to support the practice. It has also given me a constructive focus during a period when my physical activities have been limited. Development is continuing, with attention to clearer content, easier navigation and practical ways to improve service delivery.
As I recover, I remain motivated by the opportunity to help clients understand their options and deal with their legal matters. Building both the Cleverminds’ and the Will Creators’ online services has allowed me to turn that commitment into tangible progress, with the goal of providing professional advice that is easier to access and supported by thoughtfully developed technology.