It is with the heaviest heart that I have to announce the passing of Charles Christian, the founder of the Orange Rag and legal tech visionary, who long before the world woke up to the importance of technology in delivering legal services, was writing about new innovations and keeping the industry on its toes with his acerbic wit.
Charles founded the Orange Rag in 1995, well before most lawyers had their own computer. One of the stories in the first-ever Orange Rag newsletters – then in print only – was about a new service aimed at law firms that wanted to establish a presence on the internet.
The Rag under Charles was described by The Times as “the definitive online resource for the latest news about legal technology” and Charles was known globally as the leading expert on the subject. In 2017, he was named by Sage UK as one of the UK’s Top 100 Business Influencers in his capacity as an individual “whose commentary and social influence help to drive ideas and change within the small business sector.” There will be many who can attest to his influence far beyond that.
Charles will be remembered for many things including creating a community around legal technology, long before that was cool. I spoke to someone at a conference a few years ago who used to wake up and look with glee at the comments on legaltechnology.com, which regularly used to turn into online slanging matches, with Charles delightedly chipping in and stirring things up.
But Charles was incredibly kind and supportive, and very giving of his time and advice. I have spoken to many people who feel that Charles was instrumental in helping them in their early careers.
For me personally, Charles was a mentor and a huge support. Quietly spoken, no-one messed with Charles, and I have loved having him as an ally and friend. Charles could also always find the humour in any situation, and since he retired from Legal IT, I have laughed many times at his stories about runaway trailers, getting his welly boots tied together and getting trampled by a horse, and other countryside disasters as he enjoyed a life away from his desk. He loved his outdoor life, keeping the property, the horses – all rescues – and fields under control with the same laid back but productive approach he had in his professional and creative life.
Despite retiring from Legal IT, Charles continued to write and create prolifically on his favourite subjects – weird tales, folklore and legends. He broadcast online via his Weird Tales Radio Show, which was and still is carried by hundreds of online networks around the world. He also published several books on English folklore and is about to have his latest book published in the US. His book on how to write – Creating Imaginary Worlds: The 12 Rules – spent over 200 weeks on Amazon.com’s writing reference books bestsellers Top 20 chart.
Charles leaves behind his wife Jane, who many of you will know. Jane asks that if you want to express your condolences, that you share your memories, photos and comments here, in this online book of condolences.
https://www.remembr.com/charles.christian
There will be a private family funeral but we will be hosting a memorial service for those wishing to say goodbye in person.
Rest in peace Charles, and thank you for your vision, wisdom, and kindness, and thank you for all the laughs over the years.
