@caririncker

July 20th, 2010

Cari Rincker

Principal Attorney at Rincker Law, PLLC

Illinois Farmgirl living in NYC

SimAngus Cattle Owner

Livestock Judge

Today we’re tweeting with Illinois farmgirl turned New York-based agriculture and environmental lawyer @CariRincker

  1. @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.
  2. Tell us about your law practice.
    @RinckerLaw serves clients involved in every segment of the #agriculture industry including #food, #fiber, and #biofuels.
  3. What type of clients do you represent?
    @RinckerLaw has a wide variety of clients including #ag producers, multi-national #food companies, & #fashion designers
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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).
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.

@rossamcmahon

May 25th, 2010

Rossa McMahon

Solicitor, Patrick G. McMahon Solicitors

Author of “A Clatter of the Law

Registered Trade Mark Agent (Ireland) and European Trade Mark and Design Attorney

Today we’re tweeting with @rossamcmahon, a general practice solicitor from West Limerick (and the first Irish lawyer on 22 Tweets)

  1. @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!
  2. Tell us about your law practice.
    It’s general & covers everything: personal, family, property & business issues. I tend to focus on court & business work.
  3. What type of clients do you represent?
    Local residents, businesses & farmers. Also anyone unlucky enough to be in court for an unpaid parking fine.
  4. 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”.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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).
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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!
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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!
  19. How do you want to be remembered?
    As a decent individual. Decency is undervalued; I think it’s important.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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!

@douglasreiser

May 14th, 2010

Douglas Reiser

Founder, Reiser Legal LLC

Author, The Builders Counsel Blog

LEED Accredited Professional

Today we’re tweeting with LEED AP @douglasreiser, a Washington state construction lawyer and blogger

  1. @douglasreiser thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @douglasreiser?
    So glad to be here today, thank you for having me on…..
    1st a husband, then a worker, idea monger, brewer, sportsman & worst of all – a Cleveland sports fan. these define me from 12 to 12
  2. Well this just might be your year…. Tell us about your law practice.
    a 24 hour shop in my head. i built a remote practice that follows wherever i go. goals = access, comm., efficiency & understanding
    ……and i hope you are right about the Cavs (presumably you didnt mean the Browns or Indians!)
  3. Very interesting. What type of clients do you represent?
    those inundated w. construction concerns. the focus is on the business, their risks & protection. I also rep breweries, my hobby
  4. Nice hobby…. What is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
    Risk. businesses dont understand its extent; it comes at all angles, in all they do. I locate those risks and eliminate/reduce them
  5. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
    That im here when you need me. you can find me 24hrs/7 days a week. i’ll clear my table to help you, because i love the challenge.
  6. Am sure they appreciate. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
    significance is in the eye of the beholder. i think its green builders that i help wade through liability. new challenge for all.
  7. Why do your clients hire you?
    im a person, like everyone. im tangible; im understood. i lived/breathed construction on & off the job. people feel comfort in that
  8. What’s the busiest area of your practice right now? Is that typical?
    public contracting. today’s only fish in the pond 4 builders. i help obtain jobs & preserve rights. its atypical; recent explosion
  9. Tell us about your LEED AP certification. What does it mean? Why is it important to your clients?
    LEED AP isnt a gold key 2 green building; attys should never hide behind it. A step to learning what should be uniform in building
  10. What’s the next big legal battleground in green construction law? How is it expected to play out?
    field is set to determine performance liability + GBCI LEED challenges & the Int. Green Const. Code could spawn work for attorneys
  11. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
    im myself. lawyers drink wine – i drink beer (Stout/IPA). Im approachable in that image. sports are the best icebreaker in building
  12. You blog at The Builders Counsel blog (http://bit.ly/aWm9R8). What’s your strategy? How do you decide what to write?
    i heard @kevinokeefe say “listen” is key word in social media. 100% agree. I found the best group of talkers; i listen + add my bit
  13. Indeed. Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use to market your practice?
    I have two blogs + @Avvo, @LinkedIn, @legalriver, Plaxo, Justia, @consupo, LawyerLink, Legal Guru, etc. – i try & be everywhere.
  14. What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
    People want an answer. Any atty can say you should consult an attorney/I need to see more. we’re transparent online; people like it
  15. How much time do you spend each day developing and enhancing your brand / marketing your practice?
    way too hard to quantify; its all the time. i try to listen to the online community all day & respond when i have a worthy thought.
  16. Understood. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    progression v. ethical restraint. A lot of attys are afraid to go Web 2.0. They are missing out and i feel its not fair to them.
  17. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    trans. tasks by legal biz’s w/o malpractice, billable hr., the office & a suit. Court battles: less formal, less paper & less fight
  18. Interesting perspective. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    your easiest question. own a brewery, create a web of distribution 4 craft brewers around US & fight the 3 tier system. retirement.
  19. What do you do when you’re not working?
    go outdoors w/ my beer writer wife (@beerblotter). travel around the world. check out new buildings in SEA. agonize over CLE sports
  20. How do you want to be remembered?
    As a worker. someone who worked hard to find answers & innovate. dont need my name in gold; dont need a plaque. just happy clients
  21. What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
    reinvent what you know about law. be innovative. find something you know and advocate for it loudly. people will find your voice.
  22. Our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    dont look back at law, look ahead. At school, find a job/opp that gives you a 1st hand look at practice. go Web 2.0 now! dont wait

good advice, Doug. Thanks very much for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed learning more about you / your practice.

Thanks so much for having me on today. Your questions were great!

@Sobk13

May 5th, 2010

Natasha Phillips

Founder of Divorce ManualResearching Reform, and Pod It Forward

Ichthyomaniac and crocodile lover

Renegade Lawyer

Today we’re tweeting with renegade lawyer @Sobk13, who mediates between order and chaos.

  1. @Sobk13 thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @Sobk13?
    A mythical gatekeeper to Divorce Manual.In his spare time he terrorises tweeters & takes his pet Goblin Shark for twitstream swims..
  2. Tell us about your law practice.
    It’s legal research & journalism based, working with families, pressure groups & politicians to help create dialog & offer solutions
  3. What type of clients do you represent?
    Mothers and fathers with contact or financial disagreements but ultimately I represent the best interests of the children involved.
  4. And what is the single most important legal issue affecting all of those clients?
    The issues seem interlinked but usually start with a breach of one of the Human Rights Conventions & involve prohibitive legal costs
  5. What do you tell your new clients before you start working for them?
    Well, there are no explicit by-lines; I just ask what it is I can do to assist and then I try to listen, as carefully as I can.
  6. Makes a lot of sense…. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
    They’re all significant in their own way; briefs can seem identical at first but all are multi-layered so no 2 cases are the same.
  7. Why do your clients hire you?
    Usually because they’ve lost faith in the legal system and can’t afford to pay more fees; I work pro bono as a McKenzie Friend.
  8. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
    Ongoing dialog with pressure groups & families in the system; it’s not typical but really ought to be standard government practice.
  9. What’s the hardest part about working with parents and children going through divorces?
    Staying focused on the various forms of suffering each party’s experiencing. They’re all relevant & need to be treated with respect.
  10. You work with groups seeking reform in the English Family Justice System. What is that system? Why is reform needed?
    A legal forum 4 family matters like divorce & adoption; it needs reform because our understanding of the human condition has evolved
  11. Interesting notion. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
    I tend 2 reserve those occasions for a little mischief; one evening I might be a Spanish biologist & another, a secret agent for MI5
  12. So perhaps we’ve met and I didn’t know it… When did you join Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
    Quite possibly 🙂 & 2009, I think. I’m a Techno Bimbo trying 2 rise to the challenge & learn 2 engage with families on social media.
  13. 🙂 You blog at Divorce Manual (http://bit.ly/btNeW7) & 2 other sites. What are your blog objectives? Are you meeting them?
    To expose the real problems in the system & to involve lay people & professionals. I really hope the blogs meet these objectives.
  14. What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
    I’m grateful to the net for providing me with a platform, it’s very good for referrals but word of mouth still pips it to the post.
  15. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
    I don’t believe in brands; they make me think of sheep & wool..! I prefer to be open about my views & be myself, for better or worse
  16. It seems to be working fine… Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    In Family Law, I think it’s about the working legal culture in place and its need to evolve so that it can offer a relevant service.
  17. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    To my mind for UK Family Law, a more humane place, with families beginning to trust the system a little more.
  18. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    Become a mermaid and play in the sea, eating pralines passing sailors threw me or work for UNESCO on matters relating to children.
  19. What do you do when you’re not working?
    I have a lovely son; he is currently learning to Death Roll. When I’m not parenting, I love to swim in pools or ponds.
  20. Congrats. How do you want to be remembered?
    As a scaly little crocodile with mischievous nostrils.
  21. What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
    For UK Family lawyers, it’s a great time to re-invent their practice. There’s a huge demand for ethical, family-friendly services.
  22. And our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    Hold on to your ideals, let go of fear, practice with compassion. And never underestimate the power of the whoopy cushion.

Thanks for that great advice! And for tweeting with me today–it was a real pleasure learning about you and your practice.

Thank you very much for having me on ; it was lots of fun being interviewed and I wish you all the best 🙂

@douglassorocco

April 27th, 2010

Douglas J. Sorocco

Director and Shareholder, Dunlap Codding

Author of Phosita intellectual property law blog

Former Chairman, Board of Directors of the Spina Bifida Association of America

Today we’re tweeting with @douglassorocco, Oklahoma City IP attorney by day, crusading do-gooder by night

  1. @douglassorocco thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @douglassorocco?
    I’m a mashup of tech geek, chemist, patent atty, photog, woodworker, husband and father. Also passionate about volunteerism.
  2. Don’t think any interviewees have described themselves as “mashups” before…. Tell us about your law practice.
    It’s always interesting – I work with the most creative, eccentric, innovative and passionate people. My day is rarely dull.
  3. What type of clients do you represent?
    My clients are concentrated at opposite ends of the spectrum – either very large legacy companies or start ups…
    All are typically looking to disrupt status quo – either with new technologies, fresh innovations or wicked cool ideas.
  4. Interesting. And what’s the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
    Predictability and no surprises – law is never predictable and that is true in IP and tech law more than anywhere. Constant change…
    My goal is to be as solid as possible – no surprise bills, no surprise deadlines, nothing silly that would make life harder.
  5. Am sure they appreciate that. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
    “It’s a partnership” and “How can I make you a hero?” – 2 things that convey my respect for what they do and my ultimate goal.
  6. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
    I represent @pictometryintl – the challenge of keeping up with fast paced technology and being a shepherd of their tech and brand.
  7. Sorry, distracted looking at @pictometryintl website…. Cool stuff. Why do your clients hire you?
    I give a damn and take respons. If I say it – I do it & keep my word. I am a real person with a life outside law. Approachable.
  8. What’s the next big frontier of IP law? Who will be most affected by it?
    Social media (what else?) – int’l enforcement. Virtual innovation. How does a constitutional principle evolve for Internet era?
  9. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
    Laying groundwork for end of recession – pinpoint focus on innovation and protecting it. Market differentiation…
    Not historically “typical” – but in this econ, a laser focus on deriving value from the innovation and & IP is big key component.
  10. Tell us about your work as Chair of the Spina Bifida Association of America. What was your greatest accomplishment?
    As an indiv born with spina bifida – truly rewarding to see young people growing up with hope for a better, more inclusive, life…
    From a policy perspective – increasing the knowledge of folic acid in decreasing incidence of spina bifida in U.S. & abroad…
    And making sure – every – woman of childbearing age knows to take that folic acid prior to conceiving.
  11. Kudos for your efforts. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
    I help protect reputations and creativity. I work with inventors to facilitate the transition from white board to marketplace.
  12. When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
    I believe it was in 2008 – although my tweets were sparse. Wanted to engage in the convo. Now – basically have same goal …
    …to engage and converse with people I would not otherwise come into contact with. My own global “brain trust”.
  13. Makes sense. You blog at Phosita (http://bit.ly/f6Oe). Who do you write it for? Why should they read it?
    Started 1/2004 – it is the “People” mag of IP info. Goal was to have fun – info, simple IP explanations, and snark. =)
  14. What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
    Significant – i.e., meeting people, developing long term mutual friendships, and a referral network of people I trust and trust me…
    Same as with a local “face 2 face” network – but everyone is spread around world. #ignitelaw talk about it http://bit.ly/aSdJvT (expand)
  15. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
    ~ 15% – a lot of support to our young professionals to do it – e.g., @emilyecampbell – supporting @igniteokc, @swokc etc.
  16. Time well spent…. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    Pressure on “big firms” from smaller, regional firms – e.g., we can compete with coastal firms even though we are in OKC …
    okc’s low cost of living equals lower costs and our “real people” culture makes us enjoyable to work with…
    We do things big firms can’t b/c of their rigid structure. Our clients feel like we live across street and have “skin in the game”
  17. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    Different! =) Boutique firms and solo attorneys will be the envy of the profession – efficient , decisive counseling – no memos!
  18. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    Something in the arts –an architect or photographer. Maybe a cabinet maker etc. Useful or practical wares. =)
  19. How do you want to be remembered?
    I cared and left world with more than I took. I loved and was loved. I had a lot of fun and I had the biggest mancave in world…
    Finally – that I wore out my body and was on the last bit of energy when I waved goodbye!
  20. What do you do when you’re not working?
    Sleep! I travel a lot (60%) – so, I enjoy my home time – reading, wrestling with toddler son, and a beer with my wife on our porch.
  21. What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
    Do the unthinkable – if “is is always done this way” do it differently and promote the hell out of it…
    Clients are looking for the “wow” – be your own boss. Read folks like @nipper, @jmattbuchanan, @matthoman, @ipstrategist…
    They have struck out on different paths and created a place for themselves in the world. They provide value by being different.
  22. And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    Read a business book! Nothing will be easy – and someone will do what you do or want to do for less and in a better way…
    If you treat law like any other business (innovate, client/customer service, good product, delight) you will succeed & be useful. =)

Great advice. Thanks very much for tweeting with me; I enjoyed interviewing you very much.

@vbalasubramani 2.0

April 22nd, 2010

Today we’re tweeting with @vbalasubramani, Seattle-based internet-tech lawyer and author of the blog “Spam Notes”

One of our first twitterviewees one year ago, @vbalasubramani has returned to 22 Tweets to help us celebrate our first anniversary

  1. @vbalasubramani thank you for joining us again on Twitter. For those who weren’t here a year ago: who is @vbalasubramani?
    thanks Lance, and good to be back! I’m a Seattle-based lawyer, and blogger @ blog.ericgoldman.org & @ spamnotes.com
  2. What does your practice look like today? Is it different from last year? How?
    it’s similar – covers the range of online issues. I did start a firm (w/a partner)..this has been great
  3. Congrats! How have internet / spam laws changed over the past year? What does that mean for your clients?
    online rules are fluid .. privacy is a looming issue, as it was last year; platforms (FB) are becoming more relevant
  4. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that (the new) typical?
    online disputes have been particularly active, content scraping, cybersquatting/domain name issues, the usual
  5. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
    litigation is uncertain, time consuming, and often unfair – always explore a business solution
  6. That clearly hasn’t changed over the past year…. Why do your clients hire you?
    because I am a prolific twit? kidding .. quality work, efficient, responsive, creative & interested in the space?
  7. How do you describe your work to someone you meet at a cocktail party?
    tough ? (not many cocktail parties in Seattle that I go to) I represent internet/media companies in disputes & advise them on risk
  8. You need to get out more…. How has the economic crisis affected your clients?
    ha! most are doing ok .. everyone is trying to save $$, but this has resulted in more work coming my way
  9. How have your marketing objectives evolved over the past year? What’s driving that evolution?
    I enjoy blogging, but I’d like to create more client-friendly content..the social web has helped me see how this may be useful
  10. What do you consider to be the biggest change in the legal profession over the past 12 months?
    law firms finally realized they don’t hold all the cards vis a vis clients..also a basic change in the young lawyer’s place
  11. Indeed. If you had last year to do all over again, what would you do differently? Why?
    turn away more work and be much more selective – the intangible (non-monetary) effects of the work you do are significant!
  12. Interesting. You recently blogged about making a “clean break” from your blog to start a new 1. How did that end up?
    I’ve been blogging at Prof. Goldman’s blog, which rocks (hope to continue that) .. I may launch another blog as well
  13. You touched on this earlier: how has your social media and social networking activity evolved over the past year?
    lots more Twitter! I’m pretty unstructured about SM, I’ve tried to regulate it, but that’s not my personality
  14. Have you seen any impact on referrals and/or client engagements coming from your Web 2.0 activities?
    no direct retention or referrals, but that’s not my goal – I do it for fun, to stay informed, and chat with folks
  15. Last year “a loss of confidence in the system” = most sig issue facing legal profession. Still true? Why or why not?
    fair statement, the client/firm/associate/billable hour dynamic has (unresolved) issues..the basic structure needs tweaking
  16. What’s the next big frontier of technology for the legal profession?
    telepresence? – inexpensive technology that ‘simulates’ face-to-face?..minority report?..there’s always the iPad 🙂
  17. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    for starters I may be retired 😉 .. types of matters that typically go to a lawyer may narrow, lots of private resolution
  18. Retire? Sounds like a set-up for the next question…. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    own a restaurant, or a B&B, maybe have a cooking show or magazine (better yet a blog – I hear this pays!)?
  19. How do you want to be remembered?
    as a contributor and a positive force
  20. What do you do when you’re not working?
    Travel, yoga, enjoy family, food and cooking
  21. What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
    opportunities always exist in downturn..get experience..blogging is a great way to immerse yourself & demonstrate commitment
  22. And our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today
    be wary of echo chamber advice, focus on the fundamentals (esp. writing), enjoy life outside of the law – thanks Lance!

Great advice. Thanks again for coming back for a follow-up twitterview. It was a pleasure to tweet with you again.

@Prutschi

April 13th, 2010

Edward Prutschi

Toronto Criminal Lawyer

Partner, Adler Bytensky Prutschi

Author of “The Crime Traveller,” Precedent Magazine

Blawger on Slaw.ca

Today we’re tweeting w/ Toronto crim lawyer, occasional blawger at Slaw.ca & author of “The Crime Traveller” for Precedent @Prutschi

  1. @Prutschi thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @Prutschi?
    Criminal defence lawyer. Amateur travel writer (@CrimeTraveller). Tech geek. Father. The order depends on the day.
  2. Tell us about your law practice.
    We have 3 partners, 3 associates and a student. Together, we defend shoplifting to murder and everything in between.
  3. What type of clients do you represent?
    My “typical” client is hard-working, middle class, and has never been in trouble with police before.
  4. And what is the single most important legal issue affecting that “typical” client?
    Combination of access to justice (legal fees are expensive) and bail conditions (which are often worse than the potential sentence).
    That was cheating. I chose two. Sorry. 🙂
  5. Happy to let it slide… Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
    I acted for a mortgage broker in a multi-million $ mortgage fraud. His career was obviously on the line. Acquitted.
  6. Congrats to both of you. Why do your clients hire you?
    Clients take comfort from our combination of experience, professionalism, tenacity and compassion.
  7. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
    Clients must trust my professionalism while still being a partner in the litigation. I need honesty & realism in order to help them.
  8. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
    Domestic assaults and impaired driving (#DUI). These are common, vigorously prosecuted, and form a big chunk of our work.
  9. What led you to start your own firm with your current partners?
    We all hail from big commercial firms. We were looking to help clients when the stakes were highest – criminal law.
  10. Well it sounds like it was the right move. How do you market your practice?
    Mostly by referral from non-criminal lawyers. Word of mouth from satisfied clients. And our website – www.CrimLawCanada.com.
  11. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
    I keep the system honest so that if you’re ever caught up in it (& don’t assume you won’t be), u can count on a fair trial.
  12. You blog occasionally at Slaw.ca (http://bit.ly/d5IoHs). Who do you write for? Why should they read it?
    Slaw is mostly lawyers but I consider my audience anyone interested in mature discussions on difficult criminal law issues…
    …I challenge people to think critically about how our system works and what “fairness” means in the broadest sense.
  13. Are there others in your firm as plugged in to Web 2.0 as you are? Was that a conscious decision?
    As the youngest partner, I’m a natural fit for Web 2.0. The others ignore it but our incoming student (@JoelWelch) is on board.
  14. What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
    Impact has been indirect. Web 2.0 has helped garner media attention which in turn has led to name recognition and client calls.
  15. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
    I think about my brand constantly but it only takes 10min/day to tweet something meaningful or 2hrs/mth to develop a good blog post.
  16. Good points. Let’s switch gears: What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    In criminal law it’s the government’s misguided “get tough on crime” policies. They make great sound bites but terrible law.
  17. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    Lawyers will catch up to where the rest of the world is today technologically. Of course that will still leave us 10yrs behind. 😉
  18. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    Be a travel journalist/photographer and call myself The Crime Traveller. Oh wait. I already do that. @CrimeTraveller.
  19. I thought that sounded familiar…. How do you want to be remembered?
    As someone passionate about justice and committed to fairness who was respected equally by crown prosecutors, judges and clients.
  20. What do you do when you’re not working (or traveling or taking travel photos or writing about travel…)?
    Play with my daughters or blow off steam through my love of video games (my home office sports an #XBox, #PS3 and #Wii).
  21. Sounds like fun…. What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
    Network constantly. Understand your brand. Leverage new technology/media. Treat every person you meet as a future referral source.
  22. And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    Take every practicum/clinical opportunity you can. Seek out courses taught by practitioners. Volunteer in the field.

That’s good advice. Thank you very much for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed learning about you and your practice.

Thank you for the interview. It was great sharing the twitterverse with your followers today.

22 Tweets from 22 Blawgs: Blawg Review #257

April 4th, 2010

22 Tweets hosted Blawg Review #257 last week, and put together a special version of Blawg Review: each blawger whose post was listed was interviewed. A one-question interview. In a tweet.

The responses received have been compiled below to create 22 Tweets’ first 22-lawyer twitterview:

  1. @charonqc What would you say is the most significant issue facing the legal profession today? Can it be resolved? How?
    @22twts Survival in a rapidly changing legal services market is major issue and pricing – as crime barristers are finding. Adapt or die?
  2. @chinahearsay What’s the legal story behind the Google pullout of China? Will there be a public dispute? Who has the upper hand?
    [response not yet received]
  3. @danharris Can foreign companies doing business in China expect short-term repercussions from Google and Rio Tinto?
    No repurcussions for biz FROM Google & Rio Tinto, but should put them on their guard.
  4. @smbayard How important are safe harbors for ISPs to the development of emerging economies in general and the BRIC economies in particular?
    [response not yet received]
  5. @jayshep Do you ever turn down work because a potential client just doesn’t get value billing? How do you convince the ones on the edge?
    In 3+ yrs, only 2% of prospects expressly chose hourly billing vs going with our fixed fees. Clients get it, want it.
    Convincing clients about fixed fees = educating them about value to them of solving problem, not amount of hours or work
  6. @cruiselaw You represent a diverse group of people in your practice. What is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
    Blawg Review #257 http://bit.ly/cJn6lU Most important legal issues for cruise law clients?
    most important issue for crew members is liability for ship injuries and bad medical care . . .
    . . . . otherwise cruise lines abandon sick and injured crew in Jamaica, Trinidad, Honduras, India.
    Most important issue for cruise passengers is liability for sexual assaults, overboards, and other crimes . . .
    . . . justice is fleeting for victims on foreign flagged cruise ships in international waters after cruise line cover up.
  7. @PaulBKennedy You blog about a diverse range subjects. What are your objectives for your blog? Are you meeting them? How have they evolved?
    My blog is a creative outlet for me. If a prospective client wants to know what I’m about — they can read my blog and find out.
    When I first started the blog there were some marketing goals — but as the blog evolved, so did my idea of what I wanted out it.
    As long as I enjoy putting material out there, the blog is serving its purpose.
  8. @jonathanturley How do you decide which client representations to take on? Are you attracted to them by the legal issues or the people?
    [response not yet received]
  9. @lawandbaseball Why did you become a lawyer? Have your views changed since you’ve been practicing?
    I became a lawyer because I thought I could help the many people I saw getting screwed by the judicial system. That hasn’t changed.
  10. @RonColeman What’s the next big battlefield of intellectual property law? How will it help define the next decade?
    Big issues in each of TM, (c) and patent. “IP” is an artificial category.
  11. @loweringthebar Was it hard to convince your firm’s leadership to let you blog? Are there ever editorial conflicts? How are they resolved?
    I would probably not have been able to convince them had I actually asked for permission first. Strongly recommend not doing so.
    Once established, reveal blog existence, point out world has not ended. Success of strategy depends on not doing anything stupid.
    In the case of a humor blog, being relatively funny helps a lot. Editorial conflicts mostly avoided by common sense/self-censorship.
    Have usually been successful at this. (Tourette’s a real problem though.) Also, law firm not mentioned much at first. Build slowly.
  12. @bmarler Will the Health Care reform legislation have any impact on victims of food-borne illnesses? On the regulation of food producers?
    Good Questions – Answer – http://bit.ly/azL93X
  13. @btannebaum What will the legal ethics landscape look like in 10 years? Will the profession be struggling with the same issues it is today?
    in 10 yrs state Bars will have realized overregulation of social media failed & we’ll have one rule for all lawyer communication.
  14. @turkewitz You’re an active Web 2.0 participant. What specific impact on business, if any, have you see from your online activities?
    Does Blogging Bring Clients?http://bit.ly/9QJ74V @lancegodard#sm
  15. @lawbaron You review law schools on your site. What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    At times you may feel you are the dumbest in class. You are not. Well, technically someone has to be the dumbest. Maybe it is you.
    I encourage law students to enroll in your school’s clinic programs. It will give you a wonderful advantage.
  16. @popehat You’ve been blogging for a long time, on a very wide range of topics. What drives your blogging? Does it make you a better lawyer?
    I blog because I enjoy the community, particularly with my co-bloggers and regular commenters.
    Also, because it’s an opportunity to be creative, be more genuinely expressive, and be satisfyingly blunt. Can’t do that in a brief
    I suppose I do it because I don’t have the time or the guts to write a book. Plus, I just want attention.
    Does it make me a better lawyer? Well, I think it sharpens my writing and analytical skills, when done with care. Also…
    … it exposes me to issues that I might not otherwise read about. Sometimes those are useful in making creative arguments.
    Finally, it helps me meet very smart lawyers I can learn from. But no clients. I blog semi-anonymously, very much on purpose.
  17. @RickHorowitz What can society do to help kids like your client whose mental health issues land them in jail? More funding? Better training?
    I’ll drop everything to get to your unsolicited request for pro bono consultation as soon as I handle the stuff I wanted to do.
  18. @gideonstrumpet What would you say is the most difficult aspect of being a public defender?
    Lucky enough not to have the more popular PD problems: funding, excessive caseload, etc.
    Most difficult aspect, then, is fighting the presumption of guilt that most criminal defendants “enjoy”.
    Not content with answering that in 140 chars, I wrote a bit more: http://bit.ly/bi133Y
  19. @ScottGreenfield What’s the most significant challenge facing lawyers today? How is it changing the profession? Is there a fix?
    Deal: Most significant problem is downward ethical spiral of marketing, putting lawyers in hotpants.
    Fix is backlash against scorched earth marketing, resurgence of dignity, integrity, excellence and honor.
    If enough lawyers stand up for professionalism, we can stop the race to the bottom and earn back the public’s respect.
    Lest we forget this vision of the future. http://bit.ly/1hcZKr
  20. @prutschi Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had. What was it about? Why was it important?
    I recently acted for a former NFL player (now runs a children’s charity) wrongly accused in a gun case. Reputation meant everything.
  21. @MarkWBennett The SCOTUS stay is clearly a win for Skinner, but what does mean for the rest of us? Why is it a “triumph of civil litigation”
    It’s a triumph of civil litigation because civil litigation achieved something in a criminal case that criminal litigation couldn’t.
    For the rest of us, Skinner’s stay is a reminder of the role of the Law of Requisite Variety in the practice of law.
  22. @stephkimbro You must meet many potential clients who worry about VLO security. What’s the one thing that convinces them to hire you?
    I let clients to my VLO know that their homepage uses same tech banks & govt. agencies use to encrypt & secure data.

@clarinette02

March 30th, 2010

Clarinette02

Bio IP and IT Lawyer

Privacy and Information Online safety/net neutrality and true Internet Advocate

Today we’re tweeting with IP and IT attorney, blawger & internet advocate @clarinette02, a French lawyer who just completed a UK LLM

Those of you who regularly follow our twitterviews will notice a 22 Tweets first in this twitterview…. Hope you enjoy it!

  1. @clarinette02 thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @clarinette02?
    Tk You:) clarinette02 is my online representative, mon compagnon de route since the early age of my digital life.
  2. You practiced in France, then did an LLM in the UK. What type of practice do you want to build now?
    I’d like to practice on the area of internet related issues, legal challenges from e-commerce to e-reputation, privacy, piracy…
  3. Who will be your typical client?
    I guess, corporations, companies or individuals facing issues and needing advice in this fast-moving, increasingly important area.
  4. Et quel sera le principal problème juridique de ce client typique? [And what will be the principal legal problem of this typical client?]
    En principe, nul n’est cense ignorer la loi, pourtant sur le net, quelle loi doit-on appliquer? Pas facile pour les non-praticiens. [Ignorance of the law is no excuse however you need to find out which law you should apply online.]
  5. Why should those clients hire you? What specifically will you bring to the table to help them with their legal issues?
    My hands on experience of the net, my international profile+ perspicacity & tenacity, innovative ideas, enthusiasm, focus & drive
  6. You have law degrees from 2 countries. Is this bi-cultural approach common in Europe? Will it ever become necessary?
    Not enough, it should become compulsory for higher level of practice, Internet has no frontier as many other areas of todays life.
  7. Et quelles sont les différences principales entre le système juridique en France et celui de l’Angleterre? [What are the main differences between the legal system in France and in England?]
    hmmm…one is pragmatic and business oriented the other philosophical. Guess who’s who.
  8. Too easy…. Your interests span copyright, privacy & child safety. What’s the common link? Aren’t they in conflict?
    Yes, there is a tension. A need for a balance of rights to reach within the hierarchy of norms in a democratic society: Justice.
  9. How will our concept of “online privacy” be different at the end of the current decade?
    I guess it will evolute from privacy stricto-sensus towards a right of control over personal data and more consent, opt-in > opt-out
  10. Tell us about your work on online child safety projects. What do you do? How is it making the internet a safer place?
    C’est quelque chose qui me tient beaucoup a coeur. [It’s something that is very important to me.] I’m hoping 2educate parents 2understand the online world, 2accompany their kids
  11. Comment decririez-vous votre travail lors d’un premier contact? [How do you describe your work when you meet someone for the first time?]
    Diagnosis of issues, proposer of a framework 2better understand Dlegal implications of what they R doing and which options to go for
  12. You blog at Clarinette’s Blog (http://bit.ly/pCpJ7). What are your blogging objectives? Are you meeting them?
    I started the blog to escape the dictatorship of 140 characters to be able to exchange ideas, it has become a new portal 4me.
  13. Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use to market your practice?
    My linkedin profile is there to connect wit PPL IRL – my gateway en sorte – I also participate to many online discussions
  14. What specific benefits, if any, have you realized from your Web 2.0 activities?
    Oh, a gr8 source of info. helping to highlight issues, especially technical, many great contacts, getting 2know who’s doing what…
  15. Combien de temps passez-vous par jour à créer et à renforcer votre “marque”? [How much time do you spend every day creating and enhancing your brand?]
    C’est tres variable, difficile a dire. Je suis une ‘quick’ Twitter et j’aime faire plusieurs choses a la fois! [It varies, it’s hard to say. I’m a quick Twitterer and I like to do many things simultaneously!]
  16. Let’s switch gears. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    Between others, I’d say, being able to adapt, regulation pacing the speed of our fast evolving environment.
  17. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    I presume we R going towards more globalization, privacy should become a crucial part of legal issues as data fuels the net.
  18. Que fériez-vous si vous n’étiez pas avocate? |What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?]
    le droit, rien que le droit, toujours le droit. Peut-etre Lobbyist, je trouve le debat copyright/individual right tres interessant. [The law, nothing but the law, always the law. Maybe Lobbyist, I find the copyright / individual right debate very interesting.]
  19. How do you want to be remembered?
    I’d say as someone with good ideas who was able to bring innovation and who eventually changed things to better
  20. What do you do when you’re not working?
    Tweeting LOL I also like 2spend time with my family, I love music, practice sport, travel 2discover new cultures. I love learning
  21. What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
    Go and look at new areas of law, adapt yourself to the new world, network and widen your audience by using web tools
    here is one example of opportunites: online RT @rcalo: LinkedIn London is hiring. http://bit.ly/d2GqbW #jobs
  22. et notre dernière question pour vous: quels conseils auriez-vous pour ceux qui font l’école de droit actuellement? [and our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?]
    Learn languages, master the new technologies, go abroad, if you can, specialize on privacy or find your own niche

Good advice. Thanks for tweeting with me today in 22 Tweets’ first bilingual Twitterview. I enjoyed it very much.

Thanks for inviting me. It was a gr8 experience. I always love mixing languages, congratulations for your good French.

@matthewdevries

March 18th, 2010

Matthew J. DeVries

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

  1. @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.
  2. Tell us about your law practice.
    My practice: 75% Construction; 25% Commercial Litigation; 10% blogging,marketing,speaking. That’s 110% practice!!!
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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)
  8. 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)
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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…
  16. 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…
  17. 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.
  18. 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!
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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!

    TWEN·TY-TWO TWEETS

    \twən-tē tü twētz\ (noun)

    1. live Twitter interviews with practicing lawyers who tweet
    2. a forum where lawyers tell their stories, one tweet at a time
    3. the hottest legal marketing mash-up on Twitter

     

    4th Annual ABA Journal Blawg 100