@constructionlaw

Christopher G. Hill

Principal, Durrette Bradshaw PLC

Virgina Business Magazine “Legal Elite” in Construction Law

Author of the Construction Law Musings blog

 

Today, we’re tweeting with @constructionlaw: construction lawyer, commercial litigator and one of VA Biz Mag’s “Legal Elite”

1. @Constructionlaw, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. In 140 characters, who is @Constructionlaw?
   A guy who enjoys representing construction folks, enjoys the interaction of law practice, and is out to help clients succeed
    
2. Tell us about your law practice.
   I work with all “levels” of construction pros in an attempt to keep them out of trouble and go to court if necessary
    
3. What are some specific types of clients you represent?
   Mostly subcontractors and suppliers, but some general contractors and engineers
    
4. And what would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
   Right now, getting paid. I see green construction being one on the horizon
    
5. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
   That depends. I always focus on their issues. The first question I ask is what their biggest issue is.
    
6. What’s the most significant client representation you’ve had?
   Recently I represented a pipeline company in a big suit in Federal Court. I think all of them are significant though
    
7. Good point…. Why do your clients hire you?
   I think because of my expertise and that they know I have their interest, even more than my financial stake, at heart.
    
8. How are you and your firm responding to financial difficulties your clients may be experiencing?
   I am telling them all to be proactive and think hard about their business practices . . ..
   If I can help them through their financial bumps, I feel good and they tend to come back
    
9. Makes perfect sense. Congrats on joining the faculty of Solo Practice University. What do you teach for them?
   Construction Practice 101 (or how to get, serve and keep a construction client) #SPU
    
10. How do you help your clients meet their business and strategic objectives?
    By reviewing their business practices and contracts from a risk management perspective . . .
    and working with another great lawyer at my firm on other issues
     
11. Hmmm – a future 22 Tweets twitterviewee, perhaps… How do you market your practice?
    presenting to the local AGC chapter and being active in the AGC. my blog #SPU, talking to people
     
12. Tell us about your blog, Construction Law Musings (http://bit.ly/17FHYY). Who is it written for?
    Anyone interested in the construction industry and its marketing and legal issues, from contractors to lawyers.
     
13. What was your objective when you started blogging? Has that changed?
    I need an objective? (grin) Actually, it was to get my thoughts out in a less formal and more immediate way…
    My objective now that I do that is to have Musings be a resource
    For more on this see @lawfirmblogger’s great interview at http://bit.ly/XCHzv    

14. It certainly would seem that your blog is a valuable industry resource. Has blogging made you a better lawyer? How?
    Yes. It keeps me up to date on issues and through my guest posts teaches me something on at least a weekly basis.�
     
15. Your use of guest posts is great. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
    Who knows, at least an hour, on days like today when I was part of a panel at the AGC, much more.�
     
16. All time well spent I’m sure. Have your Web 2.0 activities had an impact on referrals or client engagements?
    Yes, I have gotten more calls from web hits and have made numerous connections that I never would have had.�
     
17. Let’s switch gears a bit: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    Besides the economy and the need to retool our business model. Well, the economy and the need to retool our business model.�
     
18. Indeed. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    Who knows? My view is that there will be fewer mammoth firms and more solos and small firms due to client demand.
     
19. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    Wow, probably a nutty philosophy professor, that’s all that my degree qualified me to do besides law school :)
     
20. Now I *get* the #SPU gig…. How do you want to be remembered?
    (smile) As a guy who helped people and had fun doing it but mostly as a great dad and husband.
     
21. What do you do when you’re not working?
    Chase the kids, study for the LEED AP exam (until June 13) try to learn to shoot sporting clays & spend time with my family
     
22. Good luck w/LEED exam! Final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    Be ready to hit the ground running and if necessary start your own firm. . .
    Try to get as much practical experience as your school will let you and mostly have fun with it.

Great advice. Thank you very much for your time today; you gave us another great 22 Tweets twitterview!

you’re welcome. Thanks for the opportunity

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