@nashlawfirm
November 16th, 2010
Medical Malpractice and Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Head of Nash & Associates, LLC
Contributing author to the Eye Opener legal blog
–
Today we’re tweeting with DC medical malpractice / personal injury lawyer and legal blogger @Nashlawfirm
- @Nashlawfirm, thank you for joining us on Twitter. Tell us, who is @Nashlawfirm?
Lawyers & staff who luv their job of helping others, care about people are smart as hell & bring passion 2 the job every day…
Peeps who inspire ea other 2 luv what we do & be the best we can be, 2 use the skills we have to assure victim’s rights
- - Please tell us about your law practice.
Boutique law firm in MD & DC w many yrs of successful exper. in civil litigation (med mal, catastrophic injury)…
…former defense lawyers, who now represent people who are severely injured by bad healthcare and conduct of others.
- - Tell us a little more about the clients you represent? Who are they?
Mainly we represent victims & families of victims – real people, whose lives have been devastated by medical malpractice.
- - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
So many cynics think it’s all about money. It simply isn’t! Clients just want 2 know-what happened? Why? Can they have their…
…voices heard and their cases judged by fair minded people. Are you surprised to learn – that’s what it IS about?
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
We make our philosophy clear: bad outcomes do NOT equal malpractice. However, when people are injured by care that is simply bad…
…we will bring our skill and experiences 2 make sure their voice is heard. We’re very clear – it is not just about monetary…
…compensation. It’s about having people who cause injury be held accountable & then change their ways so others don’t suffer
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Too many to count, frankly. It’s been a great career. I’ve represented so many wonderful people. In some small way…
…I hope I’ve touched their lives 4 the better. People w injured kids or who lost children or a spouse, great folks with…
… serious injuries & needs that we’ve been able to help in some small way. How do you pick one or two out? You can’t
- - Understood. Why do your clients hire you?
For our experience, trial skills, knowledge of law, medicine, the courts and not least – the passion we being to their case
- - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Representing people when they or family member has been severely injured by medical malpractice. Yes, that’s our specialty-
- - Makes sense…. We hear a lot of talk about a “patients’ bill of rights.” What exactly does that mean?
4 brevity, here’s a link: “what” – http://bit.ly/cTmH9Q. What started as a broader bill covering not only accessibility…
..but rights and FREEDOMS- http://bit.ly/aGE3Af -became a law stopping insurance company abuses in terms of coverage
- - Doesn’t health care reform address many of those same issues? Is that enough?
It addressed coverage issues mostly. It never really addressed core issues such as “refusal of care” “informed consent”…
…meaningful protection of privacy rights – basically some of the key elements of the contract b/w a doctor & patient…
…which is the type of interchange, responsibilities & partnered care-giving that is missing many times and leads to lawsuits
- - How do you see your practice evolving over the next few years? Will you still be fighting the same battles?
One would hope that bad care will end and people won’t be devastated..then I could be a full-time blogger (smile)…
…but why do I suspect that won’t happen soon? So yes, I’ll still be here fighting 4 patient & victim rights. God willing!
- - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
Much the same thing I’m telling your audience: I represent people who are the victims of real medical malpractice and real…
…wrongdoing. We don’t sue people because of bad outcomes; we represent people who are victims of bad, negligent care
- - Your firm has a blog, Eye Opener (http://bit.ly/bqnokj). Who is it for? Why should they read it?
Our mission is to be an aggregator 4 all – medicine & law, issues affecting your daily life. Trends, news, warnings to make people …
…more knowledgeable about their healthcare rights so they can be smarter advocates for their own well-being and safety.
- - In addition to the blog, you’re active on Twitter and have a Facebook page. What’s your social media strategy?
multifactorial: getting the “word” out is our mission, networking w some incredible people (and we’ve met so many)…
…sharing knowledge, thoughts, opinions. Getting known? Perhaps, but I’ve learned – that’s not the real value of social media.
- - Have your Web 2.0 activities led to any additional referrals or client engagements?
Yes, but again, that’s really not our goal. We do very well with our rankings thru blogs, SM – but not our SM objective…
…when I started 1 yr ago, it was all about US. My eyes are now opened – it’s about connections…sharing, networking. Luv it!
- - Sounds like a perfect strategy. Let’s switch gears: what’s the most sig issue currently facing the legal profession?
Real access 2 justice 4 ALL! Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, litigation costs – they’re the insidious forms of tort reform.
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Hopefully caregivers stepping up and admitting fault when they should, early case resolution, creative fees – put the patient FIRST
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Teach, build my networking skills, be creative in this expanding world of sharing knowledge via SM and the web
- - How do you want to be remembered?
Someone who truly cared about the law and people’s rights. Someone who made a difference in others’ lives
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
Not sure when that is (smile) Traveling, catching-up w family & friends, learning new things, photography – quiet relaxation
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Don’t give up your pursuit of what you worked so hard 2 obtain. There’s always work for GOOD lwyrs who care. Find it.
- - And our final question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Understand that what you are studying is a living, breathing instrument to do so much good for so many people…
…it’s not just a job; never take the responsibility of representing people for granted. Follow your dream!
That’s very good advice. Thank you so much for tweeting with us today; enjoyed learning about you and your practice
Thanks to you, Lance. It was fun. I appreciate the opportunity very much. Be well…Brian
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@priyalawyer
November 4th, 2010
Founder and Member at PMD Legal, PLLC
Virtual General Counsel for Entrepreneurs
In-House Contract Attorney
Adjunct Media Law Professor at Lawrence Technological University
–
Today we’re tweeting with @Priyalawyer, Virtual GC for entrepreneurs, In-House Contract Attorney and adjunct media law professor
- @Priyalawyer, thank you for joining us on Twitter. Tell us, who is @Priyalawyer?
I am a Business Attorney, Adjunct Professor of Media Law, Wife and Mother. I enjoy music, dance, politics and travelling.
- - Tell us about your law practice.
I help entrepreneurs start businesses. I draft, review and negotiate business contracts . . . .
. . . and I advise on legal issues using social media.
- - What type of clients do you represent?
I represent mostly solo-preneurs and entrepreneurs, but also small businesses with less than 10 employees.
- - And what’s the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
An important legal issue for entrepreneurs would be protecting their assets and limiting their liability.
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I offer a free half-hour consultation with new clients to assess their legal needs and outline a legal plan and strategy.
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Helping a startup client oppose a confusingly similar trademark and then get their trademark registered.
- - That must have been very satisfying. Why do your clients hire you?
It was. Clients hire me because of my large law firm experience but with affordable rates, and my ability to work virtually.
- - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts because those are the daily needs of a business.
- - Tell us a little bit more about a Virtual General Counsel. How involved do you get in your clients’ businesses?
I get very involved. Just as lawyers in law firms serve their clients from their office, so do I. Skype helps too.
- - You teach Media Law at Lawrence Technological University. How does teaching make you a better lawyer?
teaching makes me learn, improves my legal research skills and my client communication skills.
- - You’ve practiced at some pretty big firms. What led you to strike out on your own?
Started out of necessity after losing the big firm job in the economic downturn, but it was a blessing in disguise.
- - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I help businesses stay out of trouble.
- - Nice…. How do you generally market your practice? Does social media play a big part in your marketing efforts?
I market through traditional forms of networking as well as online. Social media has expanded my network.
- - And how long have you been active on Twitter? Has your Twitter strategy changed over that time?
I’ve been tweeting since March 2009. It has changed over time as the number of people I follow grows.
- - Have your Web 2.0 activities led to any additional referrals or client engagements?
Twitter led me to the Adjunct Professor job. Facebook and Twitter has also led to referrals, but no new engagements yet.
- - What would you say is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
In this economy, billable hours is hurting law firms. Alternative fee arrangements like mine are more attractive to clients.
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
I see a consolidation of big firms, more small and solo firms, but more work kept in-house at large companies.
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I always said that if I was not practicing law I would want to work at Nordstrom’s . . .
. . . But I would like to run for political office one day
- - We’ll watch for that! How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered for being a loving wife and mother first and foremost, but also as someone who has helped friends succeed.
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
I spend most of that time with my family, as well as spending time with friends. I also like to workout and watch TV.
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Advice to under or unemployed lawyers: Know that everything happens for a reason and that everything will eventually work out . . .
. . . but there are many other things you could do with your law degree other than practicing law.
- - And finally, our last question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
read @kevinhouchin’s book Fuel The Spark …
I suggest finding an attorney mentor to explain what practicing law is really like.
Useful advice. Thanks so much for tweeting with us today; enjoyed learning more about you and your practice
Thank you!
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@hampshirelawyer
October 19th, 2010
UK Litigation / Disputes Lawyer
Author of Hampshire Lawyer: Seeing the Wood for the Trees
Today we’re tweeting with Hampshire, UK-based litigation / disputes lawyer, blogger, photographer, and podcaster @HampshireLawyer
- @HampshireLawyer, thank you for joining us on Twitter. Tell us, who is @HampshireLawyer?
a 51 year old husband and father who happens to earn his living as a lawyer
- - Tell us about your law practice.
now in a small country town, mainly representing private clients, soon to move to a small commercial firm in a larger town
- - What type of clients do you represent?
private individuals and owner-managed businesses
- - And what is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Private clients – the value of their property, protecting that value, leaving something for their kids …
… Biz clients – it all boils down to keeping head above water
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
litigation is expensive; consider alternatives; don’t go to Court unless committed to the time hassle expense
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
11 years ago instructed by 3 guys with small co. Engineers with no business sense. Small case but to lose would kill co…
…8 years later they sold for £m+. I still represent one of them (others retired)
- - Wow, that’s great. Why do your clients hire you?
reputation of firm, recommendation to me. I try to cut to the core issues to achieve cost effective outcomes
- - I’m sure they appreciate that. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
no 1 thing, but sadly a lot of neighbour disputes, boundaries; often caused by car parking space needs. All take, no give
- - You recently announced a move from a private client practice to a commercial practice. Why the change?
litigation for private clients is dying on its feet. Process too expensive and risky. Best advice not to go there…
… So with diminishing workload/fee income I had to look for the work where it is. That means focussing on business clients
- - Do you think you’re alone in changing your approach? Will access to lawyers eventually be limited to wealthy elite?
I doubt I’m alone. If I am, there will be some extinct dinosaurs out there. Access to justice is a real issue …
… I think there needs to be a “simple cases” track with a slimmed down procedure for disclosure etc, 1/2 day trial …
… Fixed costs awarded to winner. Possibly rough justice, but a product I could sell
- - Interesting. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I used to say I play sax at Ronnie Scotts (jazz club in London). Until I met someone who did! …
… Often still flippant, something like fat cat lawyer manqué.
- - How do you market your law practice? How has it changed over the past five years?
stop waiting for work to come through door. Work the contacts. Visit clients (esp biz) at their place. I don’t believe …
… in offering freebies or loss leaders to new clients. Prefer to say meter not running till we agree I can achieve something
- - You’re very active on Twitter (as @hampshirelawyer and @gaborelectric). What’s your Twitter strategy?
strategy, moi? If anything, it’s about engaging, being known, profile raising. If a strategy, it’s still being worked out
- - :-) You’ve got 3 blogs, including one on law (http://bit.ly/9iRKu9). Why do you blog? Why should others visit them?
Legal blog started as part self-promotion, part to sell blog idea to firm. Rely on others/twitter to spread word…
… I guess others visit following links with reference to subject matter of post as of interest …
… music podcast a hobby so visitors have common interest. Ditto photo-blog. 2 other blogs r for me don’t care if no visitors
- - I’d say they’re worth visiting. Have your Web 2.0 activities led to any additional referrals or client engagements?
surprised but yes. Instructions both via twitter (lawyer referral) and anonymous participation in online legal advice forum
- - Very interesting. Let’s change gears now: What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
finding and maintaining the quality work justifying realistic fees; pressures impacting ability to deliver quality service
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
at my level, more smaller niche specialist expert firms. Fewer high street generalists. Black hole areas of no legal service
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
No idea! Law was the one idea for Uni course my parents never talked me out of! Possibly teacher, probably languages?
- - How do you want to be remembered?
other than for my striking resemblance to Bryan Ferry? As someone who made a difference, someone who cared
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
indie music; photography; garden & enjoy home grown fruit & veg; support parents (dad had bad stroke April); family stuff
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Stay active; keep brain engaged; consider pro-bono type work; blog and tweet; network network network
- - Last question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
not enough just to be a good lawyer (although a given). Understand the business of law. Make, nurture, keep contacts …
… especially your non lawyer contemporaries: when you are senior they will be too. Do favours; pay it forward
That’s very good advice. Thanks so much for tweeting with us today; enjoyed learning more about you & your practice
You’re welcome, I enjoyed it. It’s a challenge to fit something worth saying into 140 characters! Good evening.
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@in_house_lawyer
September 30th, 2010
Head of Legal at Latitude Digital Marketing Limited
Author of In-House Lawyer legal blog
Social Media Enthusiast
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Today we’re excited to be tweeting w/ @in_house_lawyer, Head of Legal at an online digital mktg co? Our 1st in-house interviewee!
- @in_house_lawyer thank you so much for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @in_house_lawyer?
Hello there Lance, thank you for the opportunity
I’m Melanie Hatton. In-house counsel for @Latitude_Group. I’m also a mum to a 5 year old son and a social media enthusiast
- - Tell us about @Latitude_Group. What does it do?
@Latitude_Group is leading the digital revolution! We provide PPC SEO display and other online marketing solutions. (1/2)
We make our clients visible on the web and target their online customer base effectively. Its an exciting industry
- - Sounds like interesting work. How do you describe your role at @Latitude_Group?
I wear many hats. I’m the lawyer, but I also manage the HR, training & development and office services for the company
- - What are your company’s typical legal needs?
I cover the co/co, employment, and litigation; and use externals for corp finance, property, an occasional second opinion
- - How many outside firms do you generally work with? Is that the right number?
Just 2 and I’d like to get that to 1! Its cost-efficient and makes for a better relationship with more value-add (1/2)
Some in-house teams operate a ‘horses for courses’ approach, but that doesn’t work for us
- - Let’s talk about your selection of lawyers. What type of sales / marketing pitch do you respond well to?
One which demonstrates a quality and dynamic service, with experts who are enthusiastic about our industry
- - And what type of sales talk is guaranteed to send you running? How often do you hear it?
Any pitch which doesn’t recognise need to work in a co-ordinated way with in-house team. Not seen too often , but happens
- - Does social media enter into the equation when you’re evaluating outside counsel? How?
I warm to any firm/lawyer using soc med; I’d worry if the firm I’d chosen for its position in a technology industry (1/2)
.. started to fall behind the field. Like I said before, I like lawyers who are enthusiastic about my industry
- - Makes perfect sense… What about fee arrangements? Hourly billing, alt fees, etc: what’s typical for your company?
Fees based on value of product/service delivered, and not the time it takes to deliver it is important. So fixed or capped
- - Finally, how important are personal relationships in the hiring process? Do you hire lawyers you’ve never met?
I’ve never hired a lawyer whom I’ve never met. Personality and cultural-fit are very important factors
- - What does the Legal Services Act mean for you as a client? Better service? Lower costs? Something else?
More competition in the legal market place I hope. Lawyers finding more creative ways to provide their services (1/2)
Not just creativity in terms of fee structures, but the services themselves and how they’re delivered
- - Let’s talk about you. When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
12 months ago. 1st obj was to obtain a daily legal know-how stream. Now, I share my own know-how, develop my niche & network
- - You blog (http://bit.ly/bdXlay), are active on Twitter, etc. Where do you draw the line between public and private?
I blog/tweet law, work & my perspective of both. I’ve a separate twitter acc for personal tweets & I never tweet about what I eat!
- - You were in private practice before you went in-house. What led you to make the switch?
I trained 50/50 in-house/pp. When I was in pp I was on secondment in-house most of the time. I’ve always thought it…(1/2)
…an honour for a company to put their faith in an employed team of lawyers to be their preferred legal resource.
- - What’s a typical day for the Head of Legal at an online digital marketing company? How much law does it involve?
Signing off client/supplier contracts, ensuring the company has a corporate “memory”, keeping up with industry developments. 1/2
I use my legal skills 100% of the time, but my legal knowledge 50%. The other 50% is running the business support team
- - What is the most significant issue currently facing lawyers in commerce and industry?
The ECJ Akzo case on #privilege is the biggie. We’re no longer afforded privilege in EU competition matters. (1/2)
The decision devalues inhouse lawyers and we work so hard to bring value to our companies. Disappointing
- - And what is the most significant legal issue currently facing the digital marketing industry?
Behavioural advertising is in the spotlight for its privacy implications in a huge way, legally & ethically… (1/2)
The exchange of personal data for online advertising and information is shaping the digital landscape we live in
- - Indeed. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
A journalist or magazine editor. And if I didn’t have to work at all, I’d put back into the local community/village/school
- - How do you want to be remembered?
This is the toughest question! I’d just like for the people who matter to me to remember me in a positive way
- - This one should be easier: what do you do when you’re not working?
I’ve recently taken up photography but mainly I keep my 5yo entertained: swimming, walks in forest, building lego star wars
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Be creative & adventurous about how you apply your knowledge & skills to keep a profile in the profession. Soc med helps
- - Finally, what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Find an entirely unrelated interest too. That & your legal wisdom will connect in future & make you stand out in the crowd
Thank you v much for this great interview. I truly enjoyed tweeting with you and getting your in-house perspective!
I’ve had a brilliant time this evening too, thankyou for having me on your twitterview, and thanks to everyone who followed
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@cyberlaw
September 23rd, 2010
International intellectual property attorney
Member, Davis McGrath LLC
Author of legal blog Cyberlaw Central
Five-time host of Blawg Review: #42, #93, #144, #213, #256
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Today we’re tweeting with Chicago IP attorney, blogger and passionate proponent of Towel Day @cyberlaw
Thanks for the opportunity, Lance. I do know where my towel is! :)
- @cyberlaw thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @cyberlaw?
I am Kevin Thompson, a member of the firm @davismcgrath in Chicago, IL. I am also a husband, father of 3 boys, and friend.
- - Tell us about your law practice.
I practice Internet, copyright, and trademark law. I help many individuals & businesses with international trademarks too.
- - What type of clients do you represent?
Our clients range from individuals to small & large businesses. We help them protect their most valuable assets online & off
- - What would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those individuals and businesses?
The hot topic is online defamation, with so many small businesses going online and getting unearned negative reviews.
- - Imagine that’s a very big problem…. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
After “Hello”, I tell them that we work with them to provide the best service in the most cost effective manner possible.
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
This year we helped a small local business protect its brand against a competitor, from C&D letter to lawsuit to settlement.
- - Congrats on a great result! Why do your clients hire you?
Clients hire me because they trust me, they know I can help them, and that I can do so without breaking the bank.
- - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Trademark applications and clearance of new marks keep me busy. That’s typical, as brands need protecting in any economy.
- - Indeed…. What’s the next big frontier of IP law? Who will be most affected by it?
As we expand into more global markets, clients will need protection in more foreign countries as well as the USA. (1/2)
Small and medium businesses will be most affected when their brands are already taken overseas and can’t be registered. (2/2)
- - How well do current laws (eg DMCA) protect IP rights? Are additional protections needed? How is the law evolving?
The DMCA works well for some copyright holders, but for others it is merely protection for an outdated business model. (1/2)
Better codification of fair use would be appreciated to eliminate some of the judicial gray area. Changes are slow. :) (2/2)
- - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I help individuals and businesses protect their most valuable assets, both online and off.
- - When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
I joined Twitter in May of 2008. It took me a while to figure out Twitter, but now I love it. Tweetdeck helps. :) (1/2)
My objectives are to build relationships and let people know of interesting articles in my field. Same obj. all through (2/2)
- - You blog at Cyberlaw Central (http://bit.ly/adZ51o). Who do you write it for? Why should they read it?
I write for those interested in the “big picture” issues of the Internet, how it affects us, and the law. It’s fun to write.
- - It shows…. You also have a Facebook page for your blog (http://bit.ly/drHasy). What’s your read on Facebook for lawyers?
Facebook has been an interesting experiment. I try to keep my personal profile separate from the blog’s page. (1/2)
I like the advice from John Jantsch (@ducttape) – Facebook is one more outpost leading people to the blog. And me. (2/2)
- - Makes sense…. What specific impact on referrals / client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
I’ve received some good referrals from lawyers who needed local counsel, knew me and knew we were cost effective. (1/2)
I’ve also had happier clients who knew their lawyer was a real person who could strike up a conversation about #DrWho. (2/2)
- - Again, makes perfect sense… Let’s switch gears: What’s the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
The death of old bus. models. Biglaw vs Solo/Small Firms with Alt fee arrangements & providing more cost effective services.
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Small firms/solos will dominate due to their ability to be cost effective in providing tremendous service to happier clients
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I’d be involved with computers in some fashion. Btwn undergrad & law school I worked in software sales for @UWDoit #badgers
- - How do you want to be remembered?
Thks 2 #7habits, I know I want to be remembered as a human being who did his best for his family, his clients and the world.
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
I enjoy Sci Fi TV (#Dr Who, #BSG, #Firefly), reading, and playing with my boys. These days, lots of soccer and scouts. :)
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Hang in there! Remember you’re in a service industry, so serve the clients you have well. It’ll get better. (1/2)
For those without clients, consider pro bono service to get experience. Try helping the #EFF, for example. (2/2)
- - Our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
I tell them to read Outliers by @Gladwell, put in 1000 hours and be prepared when opportunity comes. And to have a towel. :)
Yes, I’m convinced that a towel is good to have on hand. Thanks very much for a great interview; I enjoyed it very much!
Thanks, Lance. It was fun! So long, and thanks for all the fish!
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@melissabrumback
September 14th, 2010
Construction and Business Dispute Attorney
Partner, Ragsdale Liggett PLLC
Author, Construction Law in North Carolina blog
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Today we’re tweeting with @melissabrumback: NC construction and business dispute lawyer and blawger & “Triangle Impact Law Leader”
- @melissabrumback, thank you for joining us on Twitter. Tell us, who is @melissabrumback?
Hello& thxs. NC construction law attny/blogger. Avid reader, Daily Show addict, tar heeler. A “good person” as well lawyer.
- - Tell us about your law practice.
I rep companies in civil cases: construction (design defect, delay claims, liens); also some med mal, tort, & contract clms.
- - What type of clients do you represent?
Mostly architects & engineers. Also contractors, subs, developers, and business owners, & the occasional wronged homeowner.
- - And what would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Standard of care. Owners & contractors do not understand the A/E does not guarantee perfect design. Managing expectations.
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
They must understand how aggressive to be is often a business decision. Lawsuits cost $ and take time from productive work.
- - Indeed. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Rep an A/E firm w design flaw in plans. We argued design flaw didnt cause damages, & won ($0 verdict) after 2wk jury trial.
- - Why do your clients hire you?
They know I know construction issues: change orders, RFIs, critical path, etc. I can minimize (or eliminate) their exposure.
- - Compelling arguments…. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Liens & collections are up. But so too are negligence clms. When economy is bad, people sue rather than move to next oppty.
- - What’s the next big frontier in construction law? What should your clients be doing to prepare for it?
Green design. Make sure your contract doesn’t overpromise. Have LEED project contracts reviewed for insur and risk issues.
- - You were GC for the NC Jaycees. Does your representing a non-profit help your corporate clients? How?
I learned to minimze risk *while* meeting biz goals. Not just say “no”. Helps me meet client goals vs just being roadblock.
- - Valuable skills to have…. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I defend companies (mostly construction co’s) from frivolous lawsuits. (Can you tell I usually work the defense side?)
- - When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
In May. I resisted but @kellyduffort sold me on it. Now see it can be very useful tool to meet thought leaders in my field.
- - Tell us about Construction Law in NC (http://bit.ly/bShILb). Who do you write for? Why should they read it?
I write for A/E/C biz folk, to give them tips to stay out of trouble. A few preventive measures = lots of ROI at end of day.
- - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Too much! I aim for 1hr/5 days, but sometimes much more. I schedule blog posts, then join twitter, linkedin as I can.
- - Too much time is easy to do…. Have your Web 2.0 activities led to any additional referrals or client engagements?
Just now getting momentum- 2 direct referrals in 2 wks! Also, getting to know other constr law professionals = invaluable.
- - Congrats for that! Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
People “doing law” via web on the cheap w/o lawyers. Hurts their biz & ours. Web should supplement, not replace ur lawyer.
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
More online interact & cloud case docs, but will always need lawyer you can trust, and to actually go to court for you!
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I’d own a used bookstore/café, where I read the inventory while writing my great American Novel. (Also my retirement plan!)
- - How do you want to be remembered?
“She was a lawyer, but nice despite that fact.” No reason you can’t practice law with a heart.
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
Time w/ family is most important. Reading, traveling, marathon Law & Order sessions can also be fun!
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Show genuine interest in and be kind to everyone. You never know who knows who or who can help you. Hang in there!
- - And our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Classmates =future referrals-> stay in touch. Join bar committees; meet practicing lawyers. It’s never too early to network.
Valuable advice. And a great interview. Thank you very much for answering our questions today
Thanks so much for having me!
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