@constructionlaw 2.0
August 19th, 2010
Attorney, The Law Office of Christopher G. Hill, PC
Author, Construction Law Musings
LEED AP
Instructor, Solo Practice University
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Today, we’re tweeting with @constructionlaw: VA construction attorney, LEED AP, construction law blogger and May 2009 interviewee
- @Constructionlaw, thank you for joining us today on Twitter, and welcome back to 22 Tweets. Tell us, who is @Constructionlaw?
thx 4 having me back ,a construction attorney that wants 2 help construction folks manage their risk & grow their business.
- - Tell us about your law practice.
I am a construction attorney and do my best to keep clients out of trouble, and get them out of trouble when necessary
- - Since our 1st interview, you’ve “gone solo” (congrats on that, by the way). How did that change your practice?
I still provide wht I hope is gr8 client service but now can be more flexible in meeting client’s needs more directly.
- - Any advice for other lawyers considering a solo practice?
have confidence in yourself & let personality & expertise shine though, in marketing & in practice. The rest will come.
- - I believe your LEED AP cert is also new since May 2009. What does that mean for your clients?
a level of familiarity w/ the LEED green building certification that will help w/ new construction contracting landscape
- - Let’s talk about your clients. What type of clients do you represent?
Any level of commercial construction professional for the most part, right now mostly subcontractors and suppliers
- - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
getting paid! Really, this is the biggest thing with this economy.
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
That i’m a part of their team, whether in litigation or hopefully in business growth & that I understand their issues.
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
They are all significant, but representing a national window manufacturer in some litigation was one of the biggest.
- - How has the construction landscape evolved since we last tweeted? Who are the new players? Who’s gone?
So much has changed I have several friends and/or clients that have gone through significant expansion or contraction.
- - What’s the next big frontier in construction law? What should your clients be doing to prepare for it?
Green building & it’s impact on how we build projects. They need 2 recognize the unique issues w/ green construction
- - How do you describe what you do to someone you meet at a cocktail reception?
A risk manager for construction professionals or outside, in house counsel for construction companies
- - Nice. What are some challenges of marketing a solo practice that you didn’t see when you were part of larger firm?
not much has changed, I was always marketing my own practice. This may be different had I been at a truly large firm
- - You blog at Construction Law Musings (http://bit.ly/17FHYY). How has your blog evolved over past year and a half?
its growth has been amazing! The Guest Post Fridays (in which you’ve participated) add depth that I could not have imagined
- - Have your Web 2.0 activities led to any additional referrals or client engagements?
yes. I get calls from out of state contractors or lawyers. I also just today got a client from my firm website.
- - Congrats for that! The economy & the need to retool: still the most significant issues facing the legal profession?
Yes, In short, the legal profession seems to be stuck in the past and it’s come home to roost in many ways
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Who knows? Things R changing so fast. I think thr will be more small specialized firms working in loose referral networks.
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Tough one. Something involving people that would let me also hang with my great family.
- - How do you want to be remembered?
As a lawyer who balanced family and clients in a way that let him represent his clients to the fullest and have fun doing it
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
When? Oh, mostly kid and family related activities or playing tennis or shooting (poorly) at sporting clays.
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Market, Also, don’t get too down, you have a skill set you can use and you’ll figure out how to use it.
- - And our final question for you, Chris: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
besides go back in time and make a new decision? Try to have fun in law school and explore what you’d be passionate about.
Valuable advice to close this great interview. Thank you very much for coming back to 22 Tweets!
Glad to do it, thanks!
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| Tags: Blawger, Construction, Richmond VA |
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@ellenvictor
July 29th, 2010
Long Island Business and Estate Planning Attorney
Owner, The Law Office of Ellen A. Victor
Author, Special Needs Law Blog and Small Business Law Blog
Today we’re tweeting with Long Island business, estate planning and special needs attorney @EllenVictor
- @Ellenvictor thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @Ellenvictor?
I’m a Long Island, NY business and estate planning attorney who has a special interest in #specialneeds.
- - Tell us about your law practice.
My practice ranges from small business formation to contract review to…
to Medicaid applications to wills and complex estate plans to non-profit applications.
- - What type of clients do you represent?
#smallbiz; elderly clients who need Medicaid planning; families with #specialneeds kids; average families who need estate planning
- - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Protecting their assets: from the taxman, from the nursing home, from immature children, from creditors and predators
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I tell them they are going to get a lawyer who will always be available to answer their questions; that they are not alone
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
My last fun case was representing an incorporated church in a dissolution proceeding, and selling the underlying property.
- - That must have been interesting…. Why do your clients hire you?
I believe they sense my compassion, caring, competence, and commitment.
- - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
my practice is evenly split between estate planning, not for profit 501(c)(3) status applications and Medicaid planning
- - How has special needs law changed since you started practicing it? Is it still evolving?
Unfortunately, government entitlements are under fire, special needs trusts must be carefully drafted to ensure compliance
- - How are your small business clients faring in the current economic climate? Are they beginning to see improvement?
Research shows that businesses started during a recession often flourish when the economy recovers.
- - Let’s hope that trend continues…. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I help families and businesses protect the people and things they care about, from taxes, nursing home costs, and even themselves.
- - You author two separate blogs (http://bit.ly/a84YK5 and http://bit.ly/9QDQZR). Are they effective marketing tools? Why?
Because of my writing, clients come to me already convinced of my knowledge, experience and compassion
- - sounds like a resounding “yes”…. When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives? Have they changed?
About a year ago @JeenaBelil, a LI colleague, convinced me Twitter would be fun, and it has been!
- - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
I’ve received requests to write articles, teach classes, and referrals from other lawyers thru my Web 2.0 activities
- - Wow, that’s great ROI. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
I’d estimate about an hour per day between my two blogs, various listservs and checking in to Twitter and Facebook
- - Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
The new economics of law: outsourcing, virtual paralegals, flextime, alternative billing and alternate dispute resolution
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
The law will become even more multi-jurisdictional and multi-national. Even small businesses must deal w/ internet issues.
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I believe I’d make a great psychologist. I pride myself on my insight and caring about people.
- - How do you want to be remembered?
As a parent of a special needs child, my greatest accomplishment has been her success
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
I like travel, watching reality TV and reading serial killer novels, but like most solo lawyers, I’m almost always working!
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Hang in there! Keep networking and studying your area of the law; branch out into related areas of law
- - And our last question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
oh, boy. I’d suggest law students should work hard to learn practical skills by taking clinics and interning for firms
Valuable advice! Thanks very much for the interview; I enjoyed learning more about you and your practice.
Thank you so much for inviting me to share some of my thoughts
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| Tags: Business Law, Estate Planning, Long Island, Special Needs Law |
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@caririncker
July 20th, 2010
Principal Attorney at Rincker Law, PLLC
Illinois Farmgirl living in NYC
SimAngus Cattle Owner
Livestock Judge
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Today we’re tweeting with Illinois farmgirl turned New York-based agriculture and environmental lawyer @CariRincker
- @CariRincker thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @CariRincker?
Thanks for inviting me today for the Twitterview.
I’m a midwestern #beef #cattle girl living in #NYC who is passionate about the #agriculture industry and #food security.
- - Tell us about your law practice.
@RinckerLaw serves clients involved in every segment of the #agriculture industry including #food, #fiber, and #biofuels.
- - What type of clients do you represent?
@RinckerLaw has a wide variety of clients including #ag producers, multi-national #food companies, & #fashion designers
- - A broad mix indeed. What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Complying with stringent #environmental regulations imposed on the federal, state and local level.
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I tell each new client of @RinckerLaw that I need open communication to ensure that I get an accurate picture of the facts.
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I have really enjoyed my work with international #food, #ag, and #biotech companies with various contract and #trade issues.
- - Why do your clients hire you?
My #farm roots helped mold me into a honest, hard-working attorney who truly understands & loves the #ag community. #agchat
- - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Contract drafting- No, that isn’t typical since #ag producers usually do business with a handshake. See http://tiny.cc/7n952
- - Tell us about your work as an advisor for the Permanent Mission of the Marshall Islands to the United Nations
– I love it! I sat on the floor of the #UN General Assembly and gave voting recommendations to Ambassador Alfred Capelle.
- - That’s cool! Ag law has no doubt changed significantly since you became a lawyer. What’s the next frontier of ag law?
I anticipate that more #ag producers will participate in the #renewable #energy movement (e.g., #wind and #solar #farms).
- - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
#Aglaw is an industry based practice area that touches upon nearly every kind of law. http://tiny.cc/d2jqg #agchat #foodchat
- - When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
I became active during a #WY blizzard a yr ago. I now realize that it is a completely different than #FB -news & networking.
- - Agreed. Congrats on your one-year blogging anniversary (http://bit.ly/4cP09A)! How has your blog changed in that time?
Thanks! I hope my #agblog is informative for #food & #ag folks. For my second year I hope to implement some video blogging.
- - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Twitter isn’t about “who you know”-it’s about “who you want to know.” I have met clients & lawyers who have sent me clients.
- - Well put. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
I represent my brand 24/7/365 whether I am tweeting from my #iphone4, in the courtroom, or having cocktails with friends.
- - a recipe for success…. Let’s switch gears: What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
– There are too many lawyers graduating with heavy student loan debt. There are not enough high salaried jobs at #BigLaw.
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Tough question. I think the legal industry will become more niche-based and client-focused over the next decade.
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I have an advanced degree in #beef #cattle nutrition so I would probably be teaching animal science or working in extension.
- - How do you want to be remembered?
Someone who spent her life trying to improve the #ag industry so the world could have safe, affordable, & abundant #food.
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
I enjoy judging #livestock shows, playing #volleyball, distance #running, and watching the #Yankees from the cheap seats.
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Roll up your sleeves and learn to hustle. Pursue your passions and don’t get discouraged because perseverance never fails.
- - And our last question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Give it everything you have for three years — it will be over before you know it. Get to know your classmates and profs.
Thanks for that great advice and for the interview. I enjoyed learning more about you and your practice.
I enjoyed the Twitterview! Thanks for the invitation.
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| Tags: Agriculture Law, Blawger, New York City |
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@profjonathan
June 8th, 2010
Director, Touro Law Center Institute for Business, Law and Technology and Assistant Professor of Law and Technology
Special Counsel, The Lustigman Firm
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Today we’re tweeting w/ @profjonathan: tech lawyer, law prof, author, & one of Long Island Business News’ “Top 40 under 40” in 2005
- @profjonathan thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @profjonathan?
@ProfJonathan is the law, technology and general Twitter ID for Jonathan Ezor of Long Island, NY
- - Tell us about your law practice.
1st a corp. atty in 92, Internet bus law since ’94, and am now counsel to The Lustigman Firm (www.lfirm.com) (@AdvLaw )
- - What type of clients do you represent?
Marketers, startups and other cos using the Internet in some way. I do contracts & advisory work, not litigation.
- - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Today, #privacy and user data laws and regs. Constantly shifting requirements and expectations throughout world.
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
That I know the job of a lawyer is to help find the “yes” if possible, not just say “no.” Then I listen and ask questions.
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I was an outside atty for Juno at & just after its launch as 1st ad-supported free e-mail svc. Cool co., smart people.
- - That does sound cool. Why do your clients hire you?
Because I and my colleagues already get what they do, so we can focus on helping them better manage risks….
I’ve always thought it unfair for clients to have to explain the Internet to their attys while paying for billable hours…
Also, how can an atty give good advice on risks if he/she doesn’t truly understand the environment in which client works?
- - Indeed. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
First is #privacy. We have an efficient, flat-free process to build flexible and understandable policies….
Other main focus is social media in all forms. Twitter sweepstakes, endorsements, affiliate marketing, etc…
Because the Internet is constantly evolving, so does our work, which is what makes it fun.
- - You teach cyberlaw and biz law at Touro Law Center. Does teaching make you a better lawyer? How?
Touro (http://www.tourolaw.edu) is actually my full-time job; I direct our Institute for Business, Law and Technology…
Teaching definitely improves my lawyering, and vice versa. Teaching means I must be ready to answer all kinds of Qs…
…and through my practice, I come across new areas I can share (minus confidential info, of course!) with my students…
It’s really a great synergy. There’s a reason why lawyers who teach get extra CLE hours. It improves their own practice.
- - That certainly makes sense. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
“I run a program for Internet business law at Touro, and have been practicing it for more than 15 years.” Straightforward.
- - When then did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives when you started? Have they changed?
I joined Twitter in the fall of 2008, but really became active in the spring of 2009…
I credit my friends @dcpinkowitz and @jeffpulver (of #140conf fame) with jumpstarting my Twitter use…
My objectives were and are twofold: to make an impact by providing info & value, and to get info and value….
What I didn’t expect, though, is how Twitter can be something like an #IRC channel; an ongoing, interactive community…
Using tools like #Tweetdeck, and hashtag-driven columns, Twitter goes from a firehose to a managed discussion. Very useful.
- - You also tweet as @ PalmPreLawyer. Why do you use two accounts? Is there a difference in your content?
With social media, “who you are” is important. Not every one of my followers is interested in the #Palm #Pre and #webos…
Rather than making them sort through my tweets, I started a separate, non-secret Twitter account for those thoughts…
(I have a 3rd account that I just use to enter Twitter-based prize promos, so I don’t bug folks with RTs. Have won too!)
- - Besides Twitter, what other social media / networking tools do you regularly use?
I use LinkedIn, both to make connections and to build a network as a resource for my students…
I do use Facebook, but largely for personal stuff. It’s where people my age rediscover their high school/college friends.
- - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
No direct client gets (yet), but many new relationships, speaking engagements, writing gigs, etc….
I’ve also been able to point out resources and opportunities to clients and colleagues, through my own exploration.
- - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
By spending time on Twitter. There’s a direct correlation: the more I tweet (relevantly), the more followers I gain…
Have to balance, though. #Twitter can be a *huge* time sink. Way too interesting sometimes.
How much time depends on the day. “Too much” is probably the most accurate answer, though! :)
- - I hear ya…. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Demonstrating its value. Between online legal “services” and outsourcing, clients don’t get why they need lawyers…
Of course, inflexible hourly billing doesn’t help! But especially for transactional (non-litigator) attys, it’s difficult…
We need to show why our judgment, which can’t be automated or ‘Zoomed, is valuable….
We also need to constantly reevaluate whether and how we can add value to what our clients do, whatever that may be.
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
More automated but not automatic. Lawyers will find new ways to provide service, or leave the profession…
I suspect BigLaw salaries will come down, though law will still be potentially lucrative…Professionalism will be key.
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
What I’d *like* to be is a science fiction writer, but I don’t really have those stories to tell, unfortunately….
More likely, I would do the other things I do a little of now: write non-fiction (biz/tech & other subjects) and work in IT.
(Teaching at a law school, though, is one of the best jobs out there.)
- - How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who informed, positively.
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
I have 3 kids (ages 8 to 15), all bright, good kids with some special needs. That keeps me busy *grin*….
Like many other geeks (a title I wear proudly), I read SF and comics. But with technology, “not working” is misleading….
There’s a reason I have a t-shirt (courtesy of @140tees) that says, “At Work If Awake.” Laptops & smartphones do that.
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Just sending resumes is like buying a lottery ticket. Be creative, use social media to create and use connections….
Having spent some time unemployed myself, I know how scary it can be. I actually did a talk for students on this…
It’s probably relevant for any lawyer (or other person) looking for jobs. It’s a podcast available at http://j.mp/caTjgZ
- - And our last question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Law school is one of the best overall educations for Americans, but it’s darned expensive…
If you can afford to spend the money, go. If you’re borrowing (as I did), make sure you *really* want to be a lawyer…
If you’re just going to law school to make money, there are better, cheaper and more effective ways to do that….
If you do go, make sure you take advantage of every opportunity to make connections and distinguish yourself.
That’s great advice. Thanks very much for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed getting to know you.
Likewise. It was much fun, and I look forward to future interviews! Be well.
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| Tags: Academic, New York City, Technology |
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@rossamcmahon
May 25th, 2010
Solicitor, Patrick G. McMahon Solicitors
Author of “A Clatter of the Law”
Registered Trade Mark Agent (Ireland) and European Trade Mark and Design Attorney
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Today we’re tweeting with @rossamcmahon, a general practice solicitor from West Limerick (and the first Irish lawyer on 22 Tweets)
- @rossamcmahon Welcome to 22 Tweets and thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @rossamcmahon?
A young blogging lawyer who left Biglaw & the city (Dublin) almost one year ago. So far so good!
- - Tell us about your law practice.
It’s general & covers everything: personal, family, property & business issues. I tend to focus on court & business work.
- - What type of clients do you represent?
Local residents, businesses & farmers. Also anyone unlucky enough to be in court for an unpaid parking fine.
- - And what would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Without doubt, money. The economy has affected everything: whether to buy, to sue, to separate, whether to even “go to law”.
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
Every situation different but often I’ll say: “I don’t have a magic wand.” This is not a negative: it’s a call for realism.
- - Certainly makes sense…. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
A gargantuan copyright case; but lately: getting dom.violence order for parent against kid. Small job, v.important 2 client.
- - Important indeed. Why do your clients hire you?
I have broad experience of different types of law & different ways of doing a job. I listen & think through the practicals.
- - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Debt. Typical of where Ireland is at right now & a good example of law coming up against reality. http://is.gd/coFOL
- - You write regularly about privacy law. What are the biggest challenges to personal privacy in today’s wired world?
Volunteering info online, not thinking how it might be (ab)used in future or how net might change (eg. Facebook policies).
- - You practiced at a large corporate firm before moving to your current firm. What led to the change?
Life! I loved law at a big firm, but this practice was set up by my late father. It felt like the right time for a change.
- - Must have been a big change. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
Cliché, but: “I solve problems for people. Or, I try my best.” That’s general practice! It can be a long conversation.
- - You blog at A Clatter of the Law (http://bit.ly/93jwAw). Who do you write for? Why should they read it?
At first, I wrote for myself. I enjoy writing about the law, it affects us all. That’s why people should read my blog!
- - I enjoyed your Blawg Review. When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
Joined 2006, active 2009. No objective. It’s like a water cooler, can be just chat or can be great source of info/debate.
- - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Has produced some leads that just would not have arisen otherwise. Important in helping make a name for yourself these days.
- - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
All day! But probably average an hour/two every day on specifics (blog, presentations, etc.) Mostly outside office hours.
- - Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Reform. Long overdue & is sleeper issue that will eventually have to be faced up to. Might seem technical, but is important.
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
In Ireland: fewer, larger, firms & stronger competition. Huge amount of new law means very difficult to hang out a shingle.
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Architecture. Prospect of seeing ideas physically manifested is very attractive. Though could easily be unemployed now!
- - How do you want to be remembered?
As a decent individual. Decency is undervalued; I think it’s important.
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
I have a 12 week old daughter & new house mid-renovation, so it’s all about family when not at work. Busy all day & love it.
- - Congrats for both! What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Get up to date & share views. There’s a lot of new law, not many legal bloggers. Use time to make a name for yourself.
- - And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Don’t be disheartened by all the bad news. Make sure law is for you, then go for it. With right attitude, you’ll get there.
Thanks for that great advice. I enjoyed tweeting with you today and learning about you and your practice.
Thanks for having me. Good questions & it’s a good exercise for a lawyer to practise giving concise answers!
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| Tags: Blawger, General Practice, Ireland |
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@jonathanlea
May 19th, 2010
Business lawyer, adventurer, communicator and relationship builder
Solicitor, Follett Stock Solicitors LLP
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Today we’re tweeting with Cornish corporate and commercial lawyer, adventurer, communicator, and relationship-builder @jonathanlea
- @jonathanlea thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @jonathanlea?
An enterprising lawyer based in the UK south western extremity that is Cornwall. Used to work in big law firms in London and Dubai
- - Tell us about your law practice.
We are Cornwall’s leading law firm for businesses with a new second office in Exeter, Devon (county next door) – rapidly expanding!
- - Congratulations. What type of clients do you represent?
SMEs, IT entrepreneurs, family run businesses, start ups, subsids of foreign parents. Increasingly from ‘upcountry’ (non Cornish)
- - And what is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
With new govt there is lot of talk abt increasing capital gains tax which will start people thinking how to protect their interests
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
To look at my web profile and testimonials + that won’t get billed anything unless they’ve agreed to the work in writing beforehand
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
As a trainee in Dubai I found myself advising largest French oil exploration company on a JV with Saudi state oilfield services co
- - Now that’s trial by fire…. Why do your clients hire you?
Bright, take interest in client’s biz, advise not just on law, responsive, don’t over-complicate things, see humorous side of life
- - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Asset and share sales and investments are still what I do most of, but seen rise in angel investors + also deferred consideration
- - What’s the mood in the UK? Is capital continuing to flow in spite of the European financial crisis?
No, clients are still scrapping around for capital, but hopefully with a new government their policies will bring confidence back
- - We touched on this but what does the recent change in government mean for your clients?
In the short term, more pain, with public sector cuts and tax rises, but over time consensus is they’ll rebuild UK economy again
- - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I make people successful (grabs attention!), then say something along the lines that I structure, negotiate and document biz deals
- - When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
I registered in Feb 2009, but only really started using it abt 6 months ago. Now use it to learn and network/socialize more widely
- - What does your firm’s leadership think of your Web 2.0 activity? Was it difficult to get their buy-in?
They are gaining an interest in the potential. As a small(ish) firm, its easier. We are now going to establish a facebook page!
- - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
I have received client instructions on facebook and have had a few interesting calls and emails that have led from twitter use
- - Interesting. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Probs average 1-2 hours, but this also inc. planning seminars and attending events etc. Twitter and FB fun for otherwise downtime
- - Time well spent… Let’s switch gears now: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Globalisation – outsourcing legal work to cheaper labour markets (hopefully gd for Cornwall!) combined with IT use + fee certainty
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Very different! More small firms, hybrid models, outsourcing, diff owners/investors, commoditization, social media, online delivery
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Thought abt journalism, teaching, army and investment banking (in no order), although hope to develop non-law interests in future!
- - How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who was positive, embraced newness, helped a lot of people, achieved things, had fun and enjoyed an interesting life
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
Play tennis and soccer (correct word = football), surf, spend time with family and friends, read, travel off beaten track and tweet!
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Keep busy + network, offer to work on freelance basis, do volunteer work. I don’t necessarily see value in further formal education
- - And our final question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Do your research and fully! Do lots of work experience and make sure you develop your interests and skills widely, not just in law
thanks very much! I enjoyed learning more about you and your practice. Good luck with that Facebook page.
Many thanks to @22twts and @lancegodard for interview – hope is of interest..
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| Tags: Business Law, Cornwall, Corporate Law |
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