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@matthewdevries
March 18th, 2010
Construction Attorney
LEED Accredited Professional
Partner, Smith Cashion & Orr, PLC
Author of Best Practices Construction Law
Today we’re tweeting with LEED AP @matthewdevries, a Nashville-based construction lawyer and blogger
- @matthewdevries thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @matthewdevries?
Thx. Best description: Christ follower. Husband. Dad to 5 (soon 6) kids. Construction Atty. Speaker. Author wannabe.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
My practice: 75% Construction; 25% Commercial Litigation; 10% blogging,marketing,speaking. That’s 110% practice!!!
– - You’ve probably underestimated it at that…. What type of clients do you represent?
My clients: Owners, A/E, contractors, subk, suppliers. This yr also included many pro-bono clients, nonprofits
– - And what is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Issue affecting clients: hard economic times affect everything, from contract drafting to claims to liens to collection
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I tell every new client that I will pour my heart into their case, give them my all, but I will always play by the rules
– - Am sure they appreciate that. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Major representation included huge win for road builder following wk long trial. On appeal now …
Other major representation involved guiding a local homeless non-profit and helping w/construction of new facility
– - Why do your clients hire you?
I hope clients hire me for my work ethic, experience, litigation track record. But it may just be my good looks (NOT)
– - What type of billing arrangements are your clients requesting? Is that typical?
Primary billing arrangement remains hourly. Had a number of blended terms lately: reduced fee + contingency (mostly liens)
– - Tell us about your LEED AP certification. What does it mean? Why is it important to your clients?
LEED AP = certification involving @usgbc; means you have understanding of green bldg practices & LEED Rating System …
LEED AP is imp to clients b/c they need advice on new risks and how to allocate that risk on green projects
– - More and more builders are adapting green building techniques. What are some of the legal dangers of “going green”?
Dangers of going green: new risks & failed expectations. Contracts are mechanism to address both of these.
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
Anyone who meets me knows I love my wife/kids. As father and atty, I prepare for unknown. I am a chaos manager! …
If they ask “what is construction law” I say contract disputes, arguments over concrete, payment disputes, falling buildings
– - You blog about a wide variety of topics. What’s your overall blogging strategy? How do you decide what to write on?
I blog about the things that interest my clients, whether strictly construction, leadership, technology, family …
…my friend @cordellparvin had a good post yesterday: http://bit.ly/dBb0di It’s easy to find topics. Hard to find the time
– - Indeed. Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use to market your practice?
Other Web 2.0 tools: LinkedIn somewhat; Facebook for friends and family, although I see others using FB for business.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Impact of Web2.0: Gets my name out. New speaking opportunities. Few new clients from cold calls. Mostly name recog, though.
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Don’t tell my partners but I spend about 1hr per day (+/-) developing my brand. I am getting more efficient though b
BTW, none of them Tweet, so I think I’m safe…
– - Mum’s the word…. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Ouch. Tough one … ETHICS! “First thing we do is kill all the lawyers” Was a compliment long ago. Now, butt end of a joke …
Was heckled by participant in presentation last week for being “Atty”. That mentality is what we have to change.BTW, none of them Tweet, so I think I’m safe…
– - Yikes. That doesn’t sound like fun. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Legal landscape in 10yrs: Hopefully we are more efficient in our work by relying on technology. More virtual work.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
If not a lawyer, I would love to be motivational-family-leadership speaker guy and author! I still may be day … Watch out!
– - How do you want to be remembered?
What’s up with the tough questions? Save the zingers for the end? …
I would want to be remembered by legacy of raising good kids who love God, work hard, serve others, enjoy life to fullest.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Not working. What’s that? When not “at” work, I manage chaos at home, make gourmet meals, enjoy kids. Golf sometimes.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Unemployed attys, find your passion! Here are a few posts I did on this issue: http://bit.ly/5hvpnV and http://bit.ly/cTAUIG
– - And our last question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Hate to do this, but see prior answer. Can’t stress enough how imp it is to love what ur doing. Find that out b4 law sch.
No apologies needed; it’s good advice. Thanks for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed it very much.
Thanks for the interview. I enjoyed it! Gotta run. New chaos: family member w/kidney stones! Thanks again.
Good luck!
