@rossamcmahon
May 25th, 2010
Solicitor, Patrick G. McMahon Solicitors
Author of “A Clatter of the Law”
Registered Trade Mark Agent (Ireland) and European Trade Mark and Design Attorney
Today we’re tweeting with @rossamcmahon, a general practice solicitor from West Limerick (and the first Irish lawyer on 22 Tweets)
- @rossamcmahon Welcome to 22 Tweets and thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @rossamcmahon?
A young blogging lawyer who left Biglaw & the city (Dublin) almost one year ago. So far so good!
– - Tell us about your law practice.
It’s general & covers everything: personal, family, property & business issues. I tend to focus on court & business work.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Local residents, businesses & farmers. Also anyone unlucky enough to be in court for an unpaid parking fine.
– - And what would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Without doubt, money. The economy has affected everything: whether to buy, to sue, to separate, whether to even “go to law”.
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
Every situation different but often I’ll say: “I don’t have a magic wand.” This is not a negative: it’s a call for realism.
– - Certainly makes sense…. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
A gargantuan copyright case; but lately: getting dom.violence order for parent against kid. Small job, v.important 2 client.
– - Important indeed. Why do your clients hire you?
I have broad experience of different types of law & different ways of doing a job. I listen & think through the practicals.
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Debt. Typical of where Ireland is at right now & a good example of law coming up against reality. http://is.gd/coFOL
– - You write regularly about privacy law. What are the biggest challenges to personal privacy in today’s wired world?
Volunteering info online, not thinking how it might be (ab)used in future or how net might change (eg. Facebook policies).
– - You practiced at a large corporate firm before moving to your current firm. What led to the change?
Life! I loved law at a big firm, but this practice was set up by my late father. It felt like the right time for a change.
– - Must have been a big change. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
Cliché, but: “I solve problems for people. Or, I try my best.” That’s general practice! It can be a long conversation.
– - You blog at A Clatter of the Law (http://bit.ly/93jwAw). Who do you write for? Why should they read it?
At first, I wrote for myself. I enjoy writing about the law, it affects us all. That’s why people should read my blog!
– - I enjoyed your Blawg Review. When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
Joined 2006, active 2009. No objective. It’s like a water cooler, can be just chat or can be great source of info/debate.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Has produced some leads that just would not have arisen otherwise. Important in helping make a name for yourself these days.
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
All day! But probably average an hour/two every day on specifics (blog, presentations, etc.) Mostly outside office hours.
– - Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Reform. Long overdue & is sleeper issue that will eventually have to be faced up to. Might seem technical, but is important.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
In Ireland: fewer, larger, firms & stronger competition. Huge amount of new law means very difficult to hang out a shingle.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Architecture. Prospect of seeing ideas physically manifested is very attractive. Though could easily be unemployed now!
– - How do you want to be remembered?
As a decent individual. Decency is undervalued; I think it’s important.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
I have a 12 week old daughter & new house mid-renovation, so it’s all about family when not at work. Busy all day & love it.
– - Congrats for both! What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Get up to date & share views. There’s a lot of new law, not many legal bloggers. Use time to make a name for yourself.
– - And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Don’t be disheartened by all the bad news. Make sure law is for you, then go for it. With right attitude, you’ll get there.
Thanks for that great advice. I enjoyed tweeting with you today and learning about you and your practice.
Thanks for having me. Good questions & it’s a good exercise for a lawyer to practise giving concise answers!
