@douglassorocco

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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”.
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13. Makes sense. You blog at Phosita (http://bit.ly/f6Oe (expand)). 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. =)
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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)
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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.
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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”
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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!
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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. =)
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.

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@ksuzan

Kenneth D. Suzan

Partner, Hodgson Russ LLP

Trademark, Copyright and Internet Attorney

Social Media Blogger

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Today we’re tweeting with trademark, copyright and internet, social media and new media law attorney @ksuzan

1. @ksuzan thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @ksuzan?
   I am an explorer and an intellectual property attorney and help companies and brands protect their names worldwide.
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2. Tell us about your law practice.
   I protect brands from all angles. Trademarks, copyrights, domain names, social media and all IP matters non-patent.
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3. What type of clients do you represent?
   Large companies, start-ups, individuals – all seeking to protect, defend, license, and develop their IP portfolios.
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4. and what would you say is the single most important legal issue facing those clients?
   Acquiring and maintaining their exclusive rights in brand names, logos, slogans, and other brand indicia in the USA and worldwide.
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5. What do you say to every new client before you start working for them?
   I advise them of the process of obtaining IP protection including the estimated fees and costs for obtaining the protection.
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6. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
   I’ve protected a famous children’s dinosaur and his friends from infringement and dilution. The exhibits were memorable.
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7. Hmmm. I wonder which dinosaur that could have been…. Why do your clients hire you?
   Primarily to protect their IP; whether it be a new brand name, social media campaign or artistic work needing copyright protection.
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8. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
   We have been filing many new marks; there are new products in the pipeline and it is important to file ITU trademark applications
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9. You’ve written on legal strategies in the age of social media. What do IP rights holders need to worry about most?
   Social media has the potential to make or break a brand; brand owners need to be proactive by using and monitoring these new tools
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10. How then can companies find the right balance between the risks of active social media engagement and the rewards it brings?
    Experiment wisely with multiple tools; Check your ROI on a monthly basis and view it in chart form; it is an evolving landscape
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11. What are your own social media strategy and objectives? How well are you meeting your goals?
    To tweet and post useful content on a regular basis. I also enjoy expanding my network of professionals throughout the world…
    I am meeting my goals. I have established connections with people and have developed valuable writing and speaking opportunities.
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12. How are your Web 2.0 activities perceived by your firm’s leadership? Are there others in your firm as active as you?
    That remains under review for the time being. However, I continue to tweet and have integrated Web 2.0 tools into my practice…
    Others in my Firm are embracing LinkedIn and Facebook, but I am probably the most active with Web 2.0 tools.
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13. If your clients are active in that space…. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
    Think about the aisles in stores. There’s a trademark lawyer behind every brand on the shelf. Trademarks are part of life.
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14. A lotta lawyers…. What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
    Many lawyers indeed!… Web 2.0 has yielded numerous requests and potential engagements from artists and brand holders
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15. That’s great to hear. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
    My fiancee would say too much! — About 1 hour a day; from posting new content to reading and listening to the content of others.
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16. Sounds like it is time well spent…. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    Proper mentoring of the next generation of lawyers. Law school can only do so much for the newly minted lawyers.
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17. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    Lawyers will meet clients in virtual spaces and we will have lots of case law where Web 2.0 evidence is deemed the “smoking gun”.
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18. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    A few things come to mind – TV newscaster, journalist or a teacher.
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19. How do you want to be remembered?
    A great leader, a trusted advisor and a loyal friend to many.
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20. What do you do when you’re not working?
    I enjoy travel, music, the arts, and reading. My next big trip is to Athens and the Greek Islands. I’m a photographer too.
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21. What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
    Use Web 2.0 tools to make critical connections and use the time to coordinate personal goals and aspirations with reality.
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22. And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    Think about ways to help others by serving your community. Our institutions need great thinkers!

That’s good advice. Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts and perspective with me today.

Lance, it has been a pleasure. Many thanks for this opportunity.

 Print This Post Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Add new tag, Blawger, Buffalo, IP | Comment (0)

@glennm

Glenn Manishin

Competition, intellectual property and policy advocacy lawyer

Partner, Duane Morris LLP

Author of Glenn’s Web and LexDigerati

Web pioneer and Web 2.0 legal guru

Today we’re tweeting with @glennm, biglaw antitrust / telecom / technology litigator turned Web 2.0 legal guru

1. @glennm thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @glennm?
   Good morning . Thanks for inviting me.
   A tech atty. focused on comp. policy, IP & complex litigation. I help to shape the rules for new technologies, like social media.
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2. Tell us about your law practice.
   My practice has broadened over the years as technology developed, from telecom to software and Internet to mobility and content….
   It all started at DOJ during the US v. AT&T divestiture case, where I 1st combined antitrust with telecom regulation.
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3. That’s quite a resume! What type of clients do you represent?
   Clients who can pay their bills. ;-) Seriously, my clients range from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. Hard 2 generalize.
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4. I can imagine…. What would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
   “What am I?” Meaning, how will legislators, courts and regulators classify and treat our products and services. That affects…
   …business Qs like CRM, IP protection/licensing and relations with both partners and competitors.
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5. Sounds like fascinating work. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
   “It’s better 2 be the windshield than the bug.” Be proactive in managing the development of law & policy affecting ur space.
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6. Am sure you’ve got some great success stories: tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
   My fave is representing Netscape in 1995-96, when the FCC faced the Q of what was this new animal of the Net…
   …Netscape WAS the Internet and we inaugurated a federal policy of minimal regulation that survives (in large part) today.
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7. Wow. And we all thank you for that…. Why do your clients hire you?
   I’m smart, fast and strategic. I would rather solve a problem with a conf. call than write a research memo. And I try to craft…
   …legal strategies for clients that further their long-term bus. plan rather than just dispose of “one off” disputes.
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8. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
   Over the past 2-3 years it’s been litigation. But the law moves in cycles, sometimes regulatory agencies r where the action is….
   …and at other times firms must act to resolve issues by taking them to the courts. We’re in the latter phase in tech now.
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9. What have been the biggest changes in your practice over the past few years? Clients? Technology? The Law?
   A move away from private antitrust litigation to intellectual property, as competition issues have become dominated by disputes…
   …over ownership of the underlying tech methods and assets. Take VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) for one example.
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10. What will be the next great legal battle of Web 2.0? Why should we pay attention to it?
    Who owns user-generated content is the big unsettled Q. It will impact users, social network providers and content creators…
    …If most or all digital content can b “shared,” how do older rules re proprietary rights apply in the new environment.
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11. You’re at an AmLaw 100 firm. How does your firm’s leadership view your active Web 2.0 presence?
    Mgmt. is supportive & has tasked me several times w/teaching our lawyers how to utilize and interact w/social media.
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12. That’s great. What do you say to lawyers who thumb their noses at social media and social networking?
    Hope they don’t thumb noses. But lawyers are conservative creatures and thus tend not to embrace change quickly…
    …I’d say that if attys. do not “get it,” they probably won’t get as many clients and work as new modes of communication develop.
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13. Your Web 2.0 presence is a mash-up of personal & professional. What are your SocMed objectives? Are you achieving them?
    I’m more concerned with satisfying a passion for early adoption than forming concrete objectives from social media. My philosophy…
    …has always been to find industries, partners and clients that excite me, so work is satisfying instead of a burden. The rest..
    …typically follows, namely success, profit and (we hope) happiness.
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14. Nice. What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
    I’ve been approached and retained by about 1/2 dozen clients in the past 12-18 months from social media contacts. The familiarity…
    …created by a user’s “social stream” tends 2 build closer relationships from the start than cold calls either way.
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15. Indeed. Can be a significant competitive advantage. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
    Discipline is key, else social media addiction can consume one’s life. I dedicate 30 mins, in the morning and then periodically…
    …review/post stories re current events (emphasizing law/policy, of course) of interest. Content is the best promotion.
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16. Seems to be working well…. Let’s switch gears. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    It’s clear that Big Law is facing its most challenging bus. environment in decades. Pressures to reduce and make fees predictable…
    …r sending shock waves of RIFs throughout the field. What will the bus. model be 4 legal servs. in the 21st century?
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17. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    Ah, if I could predict that, I’d be able to retire now. ;-) 20 yrs. ago I never imagined 3000+ lawyer firms, so I don’t…
    ..pretend to have a crystal ball on the legal landscape. Change can b both exhilarating and frightening, however.
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18. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    Photographer or ski bum. Maybe there’s still time left? I could take a bluetooth headset 2 the slopes & do bus. in powder. .
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19. How do you want to be remembered?
    Unless a person becomes historically famous, legacy is all about the memories one leaves with family, colleagues and friends….
    …So while I am not especially religious, I believe in “from dust to dust.”
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20. What do you do when you’re not working?
    Law is a jealous mistress as the old saying goes. Time is a precious commodity in short supply. So on off hours I recharge my…
    …batteries, enjoy time with wife/friends and try to beat my freshman-year son in fantasy football (he’s going down!).
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21. What advice can you pass along to the increasing # of lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
    Quoting Jim Carville, it’s the economy, stupid. Do not equate self-worth with job prospects. Keep faith in urself & ur innate value.
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22. And our final question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    Enjoy being an atty., but remember most of lawyering is in small details. Master craft first before trying 2b creative.

Relevant advice Indeed. Thanks so much for tweeting with me today; I really enjoyed learning more about you & your practice.

And thanks much 4 the Twitterview, Lance. I’m honored to be your guest. Very early here (Calif.), so hope I was coherent.

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@London_Law_Firm

Christopher J Sherliker

Founding Partner of Silverman Sherliker LLP

Fly fisherman and one of the “coolest lawyers on Twitter”

Today we’re tweeting with @London_Law_Firm aka Chris Sherliker, fly fisherman and one of the “coolest lawyers in London”

1. @London_Law_Firm thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @London_Law_Firm?
   Hi, Lance! I am the ‘voice’ of our firm on T. Lawyer, Husband, Father, Web Marketer, Dog Owner, Fisherman, Artist. Renaissance Man!
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2. Tell us about your law practice.
   Silverman Sherliker is a full-service law firm in the City of London. Founded 1980.Now 30 lawyers strong and growing fast.
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3. Congrats on nearly 30 years of success. What type of clients do you represent?
   Our client base is very diverse.Many US and EU clients.A huge range of SME’s.We have all kinds of clients all over the globe
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4. What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
   Diverse issues!The world is changing fast affecting clients in different ways.The need for effective legal services endures
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5. Indeed. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
   “What are you trying to achieve?” – Until you know the answer to that one you cannot hope to give an effective service.
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6. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
   We broke the UK Opticians Cartel for US client, changing UK law on eye prescriptions opening up a new multi-million $ market.
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7. That *is* significant…. Why do your clients hire you?
   We are a down-to-earth, no-nonsense, entrepreneurial firm. WYSIWYG. No pomposity. No surprises.(Well…only good ones!)
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8. Good surprises = the best kind. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
   Very busy in IP-Just been accepted for Chambers Directory for IP work(hooray!) also litigation, labo(u)r ;-) and family law
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9. Your firm also provides services in Mallorca as Mallorca UK Legal. How does it differ from Silverman Sherliker?
   Mallorca UK is srvce fr expats who move to the Balearics but still have assets in the UK needing mngemt- its a service brand
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10. How will the reforms of the Legal Services Act affect your practice and firm?
    The LSA = deregulation and intense competition in the UK legal market.Big & ‘High St’ firms will suffer bt gd 4 niche firms
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11. From this side of the world the changes appear revolutionary. How do you market your practice?
    Politically motivated! Best ad is a happy client! Also client seminars, e-wire newsletters, speaking engagements, networking..prayer
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12. How does Twitter fit into the traditional BD / mktg you’ve done since you founded your firm nearly 30 years ago?
    ..(these lights are killing me…my face needs powder…also a drink would be nice..Oh! how kind :-)
    We were 1st UK law firm to do TV marketing (horror ;) We are No 1 London firm to TWEET. It pays to be first and its huge fun
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13. Perhaps we’ll see those TV adverts on YouTube one day…? Besides Twitter, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use?
    LOL Hope not! We hve a rolling website dev program. We hve about 12 micro-sites now ..3 more in development..also a new blog
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14. Interesting. What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
    Web is the single biggest source of new clients and new work. No question. The web referral model is also growing fast in UK
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15. Nice validation of your efforts. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
    I spend 110% (or more) of my time enhancing the business( hot under these lights, isn’t it? Hi Mom! … Hi Dad! :). )
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16. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    The Legal Services Act will kill off 50% of trad UK law firms. Significant enough? Many ‘000’s of new niche firms will arise instead
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17. So what will the legal landscape look like in 10 years, then?
    Total sea chng in the next 2 yrs.Institutions will tk much of market from trad law firms.Niche firms and brands will be born
    …any chance of a drink …its 9.25pm here..Mrs London_Law_Firm is on the prowl :-(
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    We’ll have you out of here and on your way soon….
    …no problem….I enjoy a good game of tennis! :-)
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18. Sounds like significant opportunities for many…. How do you want to be remembered?
    He was a brilliant lawyer and a good guy ..and he could mix a really mean Vesper Martini #twepitaphs (I invented this, BTW)
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19. More cutting-edge stuff on 22 Tweets…. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    I wld write, fish, TWEET, spend more time with Mrs London_Law_Firm. Maybe a real estate developer or travel writer or both.
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20. That reminds me – still waiting on that report from the Dordogne… What do you do when you’re not working?
    You will *not* believe that Report! I spend time with my wife, family and my dogs. I fish. I paint in oils and watercolors. I tweet.
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21. What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
    Recgnse the legal world has chngd forever. Its not you. Its progress.Find the need. Meet it. Become a referrer of legal work
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22. That’s a positive message. What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    Learn web marketing skills. Do your own thing. Do something different.Take joy in service. Love your clients, (even the mad ones!)

Useful advice to close this great twitterview. Thank you very much for answering our questions today

C’etait un vrai plaisir!…Vive le .!.. goodbye Legal Tweeps….see you on the other side! Have a great evening, one and all!

 Print This Post Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Corporate Law, IP, London | Comment (0)

@tysonsnow

Tyson Snow

Employment and labor litigation lawyer

Associate, Manning Curtis Bradshaw & Bednar LLC

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Today we’re tweeting with Salt Lake City-based employment / IP litigator and self-described geek @TysonSnow

1. @TysonSnow, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @TysonSnow?
   Despite the jokes, lawyers (even @ firms) are people–like us! I’m a husband, friend, goofy, reader, hopefully always smiler
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2. Tell us about your law practice.
   Litigation. Management side employment law. Harassment. Discrimination. Etc. Mix in IP & commercial lit. And I’m at a firm
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3. What type of clients do you represent?
   Employers & business owners; whether big or small. I litigate and consult on employment and/or IP issues they may have.
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4. What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
   The economy (obviously). Advice on managing workforces, payrolls, benefits, IP, etc, w/in massive state and fed regulation.
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5. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
   I’m a litigator; I tell the truth: litigation is hard, real hard, but often necessary. We’ll get there but it will tough.
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6. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
   How about a few: national retailers (Wal-Mart / Sinclair / Smith’s / IHC) – crazy stories and crazy facts – fun cases.
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7. Hmm. Our collective curiosity is piqued…. Why do your clients hire you?
   We left a “big” firm 12 years ago. We do “big firm” work, but w/ better service, more interaction, & Utah billing rates.
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8. Makes sense. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
   Employment law, especially retainer clients; calls for advice & quick answers. More than usual. Also, more employees suing.
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9. You were News Director at BYU’s news outlet while in college. How does that experience make you a better lawyer today?
   Lots of ways: better at managing large volumes of info, delegating, working w/ people, & ensuring that the details get done.
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10. How do you market your practice?
    Sorry for delay — Partners… Sheesh… I do free employment & IP seminars , community involvement, networking, referrals.
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11. No worries. You blog at The Social Media Lawyer (http://bit.ly/RSvP4i). Why do blog about SocMed rather than labor law?-
    My background = computer science. I’m a tech geek. I’m tech support around the firm. Tech / Social Media serve me & clients
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12. Play to your strengths… Besides Twitter and your blogs, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use?
    LinkedIn, Facebook, boosting my MH ranking – http://tr.im/g1u5 – helping clients use online solutions to solve problems
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13. Was it hard to sell your active Web 2.0 profile to your firm’s leadership?
    Our new site just up! http://mc2b.com – featuring pics by our attorneys! Yes, it was/is hard. Legal world is tech challenged
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14. Congrats on that! What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you seen from your Web 2.0 activities?
    Perceived expertise: I refer out more work (employees calling me) = more work (IP, employment, etc.) referred back my way.
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15. Sounds like the effort is paying off. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
    I spend a couple of hours/day developing my “brand,” legal knowledge, or touching base w/ friends & colleagues – aka playing
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16. Let’s switch gears. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    Confluence & divergence. People now know more about law (need fewer lawyers) but law gets more complex (need more lawyers).
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17. Interesting perspective. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    Similar to today. Same landscape (w/ firms) but new methods: Alternative billing. Boutiques. In-house attnys handling more.
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18. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    180 days: tram at Snowbird; 180 days: pro BMX park rider (or race Le Tour) I love writing/reading. Journalism most likely.
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19. Sounds like a good life! How do you want to be remembered?
    Hard ?: Good husband, father (some day), friend, always smiling/joking, nice to all (even plaintiffs). As a lawyer? Maybe.
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20. You’ve given us some hints already, but what do you do when you’re not working?
    I read depos in bed & dictate in my sleep. Read, ride, bmx, longboard, ski, music, watch Jeopardy (I’m a dork), church, etc.
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21. Busy man…. What advice would you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
    Your JD very versatile. You have skills all employers need. Pretend your job hunt = getting onto Law Review. Same intensity
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22. That’s a helpful perspective. Our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    My advice: enjoy it. My current best friends are law school friends. I met my patent-attorney wife in law school! … (1/2)
    … For 3 years, life is about law school, but ultimately, but the rest of life is about life. Enjoy it! (2/2)

That’s great advice! Thank you very much for answering our questions today

Thanks! I really enjoyed it. Everyone feel free to DM or follow-up w/ me if you want. Always happy to chat!

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@erikjheels

Erik J. Heels

Trademark, domain name, patent lawyer and more

Founder, Clock Tower Law Group

Avid blogger

MIT Engineer

Today, we’re tweeting with @erikjheels: lawyer, electrical engineer, columnist, Red Sox fan, former Air Force Captain and more

1. @Erikjheels, thank you for joining us today on 22 Tweets. Tell us: who is @Erikjheels?
   Trademark, domain name, and patent lawyer; MIT ‘88. Red Sox fan, music lover, author. See http://ErikJHeels.com for details.
    
2. Tell us about your law practice.
   @ClockTowerLaw helps startups acquire and defend US and foreign trademarks, domain names, and patents. This is our 9th year.
    
3. What type of startups do you represent?
   @ClockTowerLaw’s clients are mostly high-tech startups, and 3 clients have been acquired by public companies, which is nice.
    
4. What is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
   #Twittersquatting, the equivalent of cybersquatting. Trademarks are being hijacked on Twitter and other social networks.
    
5. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
   There are good and bad lawyers at big and small law firms. We like to think we’re good lawyers at a small law firm.
    
6. Your track record supports that statement…. What was the most significant client representation you’ve had?
   All clients are significant. But http://RightMedia.com was acquired by @Yahoo, http://Inceptor.com by http://Verizon.com.
    
7. Agreed. Why do your clients hire you?
   Because we understand how IP works in the real world. We understand entrepreneurs because we’ve started our own companies.
    
8. Hard to argue w/that! How are you and your firm responding to financial difficulties your clients may be experiencing?
   Our established clients are doing fine in this recession. For new clients, we offer http://FreeTrademarksForStartups.com.
    
9. How did your life as an engineer prepare you to help clients as a patent / trademark attorney?
   Like other @MIT_alumni, I learned how to break complex problems into smaller solvable ones. IP law is a lot like engineering.
    
10. That’s an interesting perspective. What led you to found your own law firm, @ClockTowerLaw, in 2001?
    I was fortunate to be able to ride out Web 1.0. When that wave crashed (or bubble burst), I decided to be a full time lawyer.
     
11. Your resume reads like an adventure novel. What’s the next big adventure you’re planning?
    Most technology that is foisted on lawyers sucks. I’m going to spin out a software project or two to try to fix that.
     
12. Look forward to hearing more about that. How do you market your practice?
    I believe in a balanced marketing portfolio. A little bit of everything. Twitter is hot now, but it’s not the be-all end-all.
     
13. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
    I get up at 5:30am each day to do stuff like this Twitter interview. Probably an hour per day before I get to the office.
     
14. Time well spent…. You’ve been blogging since 1987 (not a typo) at http://bit.ly/oNAlP. What keeps you going?
    I do add legacy stuff to my blog, hence the 1966-present copyright notice. I enjoy writing, so blogging is a good fit for me.
     
15. You’re clearly actively engaged in social media. Who should read your blog / follow your tweets / subscribe to your feed?
    I don’t really care who reads my blog or tweets. I write for my own edification. If others benefit from it, that’s gravy.
     
16. Beyond general branding, what’s been the impact of your social media activities on your law practice?
    Since launching http://FreeTrademarksForStartups.com via Twitter in 11/2008, we’ve been adding one new client per week.
     
17. Wow. That is impressive. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
    Learning to speak Plain English. The @creativecommons copyright licenses are a good example of anti-legalese legal writing.
     
18. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
    Smaller firms in the AmLaw 100. More focus on international issues such as PCT for patents, Madrid Protocol for trademarks.
     
19. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
    I’d teach startups to grow by using balanced marketing portfolios. In my spare time, I’d be rocking with http://MCatsBand.org.
     
20. Looks like you’re doing some of that already! How do you want to be remembered?
    @ErikJHeels was a good friend.
     
21. Other than rockin’ with the MCats band, what do you do when you’re not working?
    Hacking with computers, writing, baseball, and seeking the perfect Hammond B-3 sound on my keyboard.
     
22. Last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
    Be yourself. That’s what my mentor (Tom Bohan of http://mtcforensics.com) told me. Be yourself, and you’ll be fine.

That’s great advice. Thank you very much for answering our questions today; this was a great twitterview

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