@richardjaffe
January 14th, 2010
Partner, Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
Volunteer Paramedic
Firefighter
Author of Medic Interrupted blog
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Today we’re tweeting with @richardjaffe, who is “living life as a paramedic beneath the epidermis of an attorney”
- @richardjaffe thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @richardjaffe?
Tx for having me Lance. A father, son, medic, firefighter, attorney, and soulful insomniac.
- - Tell us about your law practice.
I rep injured accident victims, and doctors against ins carriers who try to deceive them.
- - What type of clients do you represent?
healthcare providers- doctors, chiros, dentists, etc. and accident victims- anyone cheated by insurance industry.
- - What’s the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
the insurance industry threat of bending the law to kill healthcare
- - That’s an issue of importance to all of us…. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I make sure they know I will tell them what they need to know, which is not necessarily what they want to hear.
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Pro-bono millions 4 extended family whose sole income was the salary of a young woman who died in 9/11. we cried alot.
- - Wow. That must have been a great moment. Why do your clients hire you?
my grasp of medical nuances as both art and business , my notions of sympathy, corporate accountability n responsibility
- - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
insurance companies, especially no fault carriers, R refusing 2 pay doctors more aggressively lately.
- - It must be extremely challenging to balance an active legal career and work as a volunteer paramedic How do you do it?
lots of coffee, no sleep, heartfelt ‘thank yous’ from clients, and the adrenaline from my medic calls
- - How does your work as a paramedic help you be a better lawyer? Are you a better paramedic because you’re a lawyer too?
i revive my adversaries after I anhiliate them in court. Lol
- - Job security…. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I tell them I speak softly and carry a big stick in one hand, and trauma shears in the other.
- - You blog at Medic Interrupted (http://bit.ly/514b9r). Who is the blog for? Why should they read it?
theres some atty, medic and dad in each post, blend of which I hope helps readers contrast life’s ironies with its realities
- - Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
avvo, list serves, and linkedin. I also like skype and email w/old hi school classmates. we are a small closely knit bunch
- - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
after seeing me on the web, clients seem much more decisive in retaining me. they feel good talking about EMS w/me too
- - Others have said the same (not the EMS part…) How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
I get brand epiphanies randomly. Im always looking and listening for new ideas to incorporate into my practice
- - Let’s switch gears a bit: what do you think is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
State Court system inefficiency and court administration red tape, and the govt’s apathy towards both.
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
mostly product of the age of internet- less handshake deals, faster transactions, more international jurisdictional issues
- - Maybe we already know the answer to this one? What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Medic or kids summer camp director by day, inventor of Ralph’s Ices flavors by nite. Luv Ralphs! http://bit.ly/51XPA8
- - Now I’m hungry for a snack…. How do you want to be remembered?
An inspirator of connection, compassion and humanity who gave my kids more life opportunities than I ever had
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
family time, EMS, and occasionally I smoke a nice cigar with close friends in a clandestine location
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Learn to speak at least one new language- clients and opportunities will increase exponentially
- - What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
to quote my talented, esteemed attorney colleague Anthony Collelouori (….)
“Go ‘cuz U R called 2 the law. Don’t go 2 get rich, or 2 help others, Go ‘cuz it’s vital 2 U! If U do, the rest will come”
That’s valuable advice. Thanks so much for answering our questions today; was great to learn about you & your practice
thanks for the privilege of being your guest. Loved it.
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@thetrialwarrior
November 19th, 2009
Canadian and International commercial litigation and arbitration lawyer at Steinberg Morton Hope & Israel
Professor, University of Toronto at Mississauga–Rotman School of Management
Author of The Trial Warrior Blog
Today we’re tweeting with Toronto-based lawyer @thetrialwarrior, who specializes in commercial litigation and arbitration
- @thetrialwarrior thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @thetrialwarrior?
Thanks for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to pontificate, er, I mean, speak with you today.
The Trial Warrior is my alter-ego: he’s an Archetype; Cautious Optimist; Taoist Alchemist and Finder of Delusion.
- - Tell us about your law practice.
I practice domestic & Int’l commercial litig’n and arbitr’n, civil litig’n, class actions, admin law and reputation mgmt law
- - What type of clients do you represent?
I act for both plaintiffs and defendants. My clients range from multi-national corporations to individuals.
- - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Damages, Damages, Damages: Getting or avoiding judgment. Few cases are taken on or won on principle.
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
1.“How much justice can you afford?” 2.“Don’t lie to me” 3.“Only one thing guarantees our failure, and that’s if we quit”
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Significance is subjective: $4 M judgment obtained for a US client or landlord/tenant appeal prompting legislative amendment
- - I’d say both of those qualify…. Why do your clients hire you?
I wish I could say it was my charm, but they usually hire me knowing that they will get what they pay for and nothing less.
- - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Jurisdictional challenges/foreign judgment enforcement and reputation management law (mostly internet defamation)
It’s atypical, but most commercial litigation for the most part varies in form and content
- - You’ve adopted Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” as your professional and personal guide. Should others do the same? Why?
Master Sun said:“He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious.” We each must choose our own path.
- - In addition to practicing, you teach at the U of Toronto. Does teaching make you a better lawyer? How?
What paint is to an artist; teaching is to a lawyer. Knowledge shared without, leads to wisdom within.
- - Indeed. How do you market your practice?
Mostly print/online media. I’m active in a few prof. assoc’s (ABA, OBA, ILA, IBA) and rely on client/lawyer recommendations
- - You blog at The Trial Warrior Blog (http://bit.ly/5a23d). Who do you write for? Why should they read it?
I write the blog for anyone interested in trial advocacy & international law who’s also committed to the pursuit of justice.
- - Besides Twitter and your blog, what Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
Blawging and Tweeting is personal; I use online pub’s (SSRN/BePress) 2 promote my legal writing > client/lawyer referrals.
- - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Combo of my firm’s website, online directories, & Google SEO all have increased referrals/client engagements significantly.
- - Sounds like real ROI. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
I spend about 2 hrs/day. TTW spends more, although most of it is taken up philosophizing, strategizing and plotting ;-\
- - A man and his alter ego at work…. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Maintaining one’s personal and professional ethics in the face of client demands and info/tech overload is the exigent issue
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
The lamentable trend of the “vanishing trial” means trial lawyers are a “dying breed” turning us into knowledge technocrats.
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I’d be a guitarist in a heavy metal band, or a philosopher, or a ghost writer, writing about ghosts, or, all of the above.
- - How do you want to be remembered?
Niiezsche said: “Some are made modest by great praise, others insolent.” Neither famous, nor infamous, a fighter for justice
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
I read/write poetry, I play guitar, I procrastinate, I vent at injustices in the world, I watch Toronto teams get pummelled
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Master Sun said:“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”Stay sharp, have a strategy: listen, learn, read, write, speak.
…and remember that Nietzsche said: “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”
- - Thoughtful guidance. And finally, what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Never lose your sense of wonder or thirst for knowledge after you finish law school and always be an advocate for justice.
Great advice. Thank you [both] for tweeting w/me today; I really enjoyed learning more about you & your practice.
Thanks again for the opportunity. I/we enjoyed talking with you today.
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@AndrewMcRoberts
October 22nd, 2009
Local Government Lawyer / Litigator
Counsel, Sands Anderson Marks & Miller, PC
Today we’re tweeting with Richmond, VA, local government lawyer / litigator and former county attorney @AndrewMcRoberts
- @AndrewMcRoberts thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @AndrewMcRoberts?
Local govt lawyer/litigator w/ Sands Anderson, blogger at VaLocalityLaw.com, W&M football fan, theater-goer, lover of life!
- - Tell us about your law practice.
Sands Anderson is large firm for Va, financially sound, with excellent lawyers that actually have a life. … …
… I joined its local government team after 15 years as County Atty in various Va localities.
- - Congrats on the move. What type of clients do you represent?
Represent Va local govts, officials and their interests.Occasionally businesses needing govt solution. Do not sue localities.
- - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Community change: growth/development/redevelopment. Non-legal issue? Lack of money: flat assessments/state budget cuts.
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I am the local govt-friendly choice. Here’s my approach: I seek either a win for govt client or win-win for business client.
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I will share two in my next two tweets! …
As County Atty: West Creek Assoc v. Goochland, 8yr tax litigation w/ 259 sits, 144 parcels, 2 trials, 2 Va Sct appeals. …
I serve as counsel to the Board of Zoning Appeals in Stafford County, Va, bsy and fast-growing suburb of DC in Northern Va.
- - Wow. And congrats, the second must keep you on your toes…. Why do your clients hire you?
My experience in serving local govt legal needs for over 15 years, record of success in court, reputation as local govt atty.
- - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Zoning area, BZA work, vested rights issues, land use. It is typical. This area of practice will get even more active.
- - How are your local government clients responding the economic crisis?
Many not hiring outside counsel as much. Budget cuts. Some seeing tax assessment lawsuits; surprised I have not seen more.
- - May still happen before things get better…. How do you market your practice?
I personally speak to local govt groups, meet one-on-one, blog, tweet and help local govt attys informally in many ways.
Law firm marketing team also supports me in various media.
- - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
I am a Va local government atty; represent Va local govts, officials and their interests. Do not sue local governments.
- - You blog at Virginia Local Government Law (http://bit.ly/3rB0EZ). Who is it written for? Why should they read it?
I blog for Va local govt lawyers, chief admin officers, local officials, staff and citizens interested in Va local govt law.
- - Besides Twitter and your blog, what Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
Linked in, firm website. Don’t use Facebook because it is more social and not as focused (for me) as Linked in and Twitter.
- - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
None yet; just started. Local govts slow in adopting. Gained visibility among non-local govt folks including media outlets.
- - There’s certainly value in that. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Just starting my private-local government practice; spend at least an hour or two each day on various marketing activities.
- - Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Negative impression of Lawyers. I support the Va State Bar President’s “Va is for Good Lawyer’s” project. http://ow.ly/vO5O
VSB president Jon Huddleston is responsible for this brainstorm. http://twitter.com/VA4GoodLawyers
- - Looks like a very interesting project. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
More lawyers needed to assist govts and people, as govt is asked to do more & more, and regs get more and more complicated.
- - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Maybe a writer, or a history professor. Always wanted to be a lawyer, though; I emulate my Texas grandfather.
- - How do you want to be remembered?
Big thinker, good lawyer, good man, who helped government do great things that benefited their citizens.
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
Hiking/camping; Pres of non-profit related to College of William & Mary; W&M Tribe football fan; Lover of wine and theater.
- - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Find a practice area related to your skills that’s not suffering. For ex, my firm has RE attys who double as top bankr attys.
- - And finally, what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
The economy will turn and more lawyers will again be needed. I’ll share a story about my Dad … …
In economic downturn yrs ago, he advised me not to go to law school. I told him, “There is always a need for a good lawyer.”
That’s thoughtful advice. Thanks for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed it very much.
Enjoyed the Twitterview! Thanks for asking me. Here’s more info and how to reach me: http://ow.ly/w1sw
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@AndreaGoldman
July 14th, 2009
Construction, business and real estate disputes attorney
Author of Home Contractor v. Homeowner Blog and the Massachussets Builders Blog
Today we’re tweeting with construction, business and real estate disputes lawyer, arbitrator and mediator @AndreaGoldman
- @AndreaGoldman, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @AndreaGoldman?
I am an advocate and neutral who uses all of my tools to resolve disputes, adviser to construction companies, exercise fanatic, mom.
- - Tell us about your law practice.
I spend about 80% of my time litigating and negotiating settlements, 15% on arbitration and mediation and 5% on writing contracts.
- - What type of clients do you represent?
I represent builders, contractors, construction companies, homeowners and businesses resolving disputes and writing contracts
- - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
For residential contractors: staying in compliance with the law. All of construction-having good contracts that protect them.
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
My job is to take a disaster in your life and turn it into something you can move on from. A lawsuit is not a good way to make $$.
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Represented Perini v. Missouri with my partner. Suit about construction of a bridge that was delayed due to concealed conditions…
Represented four homeowners whose property was damaged by a mudslide caused by faulty excavation and grading by developer.
- - Why do your clients hire you?
I am known in my community as a business, construction lawyer and neutral. I am responsive to clients and mindful of their budgets.
- - All very good reasons! What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Both homeowners and contractors/construction companies call about disputes that are too small to handle. It’s the bad economy
- - How do you help your clients to decide the best way to resolve a construction dispute?
It’s simple: likelihood of success on the merits combined with ability to collect on a judgment and the amount of potential damages
- - You weren’t always a solo practitioner. Why did you make the leap? How long did it take to feel established?
I had the opportunity to form a partnership. It dissolved and I had already established a practice. It took 18 months from scratch.
- - That’s quite impressive. How do you market your practice?
I run lawyer dinners, network, write two blogs, write articles, give presentations, belong to a builders’ association and web 2.0.
- - Busy. You blog on contractor disputes (http://bit.ly/wIPUD) & MA builders (http://bit.ly/16pcIX) Who reads them? Why?
Contractors, builders, construction firms, lawyers and consumers. They are intended to be the “’go to” sites for construction in MA.
- - Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use?
Well, I have two websites, one of which is a consortium of construction lawyers that I am developing. LinkedIn, Facebook, etc
- - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you seen from your Web 2.0 activities?
I get about 40% of my clients from the Internet, so the impact is huge. More people are finding their service providers on the web.
- - Wow – that IS huge. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand then?
Too much time! I need to find more balance because I need to write more blogs posts, make a Facebook fan page and write articles.
- - Seems to be a widespread problem…. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Changing our billing practices. I believe that hourly billing is unproductive. Clients prefer value billing and knowing fees.
- - Indeed. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
People will continue to specialize. There will be fewer lawyers but they will be happier because they want to be in the profession.
- - Interesting perspective. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would open a dessert and dancing café and make all of the desserts. Would showcase local talent and offer games, puzzles for use.
- - That sounds like fun! How do you want to be remembered?
As a genuinely caring person who helped a lot of people, raised fabulous kids and was really fun to be around.
- - What do you do when you’re not working?
I exercise every day, which takes a lot of time. I hang out with my kids, read, love to cook and sew. I also love movies /theater.
- - What advice would you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Keep your hand in the profession by volunteering. Learn new skills. Stay up on new developments in your field. Network like crazy.
- - And our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
A law school education teaches you a new way to think. Make sure you love it. Law is a business, learn how to run a business .
This was a great twitterview; thank you very much for answering our questions!
Thank you Lance! This was really fun and forced me to think more about my practice.
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@barrettdavid
June 4th, 2009
Boston Business Litigation Attorney
Author of the law blog “The Linkedin Lawyer”
World’s Largest LinkedIn Lawyer Network
Our 22nd Twitterview is with a star of the legal SocMed universe: @barrettdavid, Boston biz lit lawyer, AKA The LinkedIn Lawyer
Thank you Lance, I’m flattered.
- @barrettdavid, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @barrettdavid?
Father of 2 beautiful children, Husband, social media evangelist, anti-poverty activist, litigation attorney
- Tell us about your law practice.
Primary law practice is now a legal referral and collaboration practice – all practice areas. New law mkting biz is pre-launch
- Look forward to learning more about that venture. What type of clients do you work with?
I help lawyers find other lawyers for referrals. For marketing I help lawyers leverage new media and traditional marketing.
- What is the single most important issue affecting the lawyers you work with?
Attorney fee sharing issues in compliance with the ethical rules of the particular jurisdiction – and effective use of social media
- What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I tell referral attorneys that I’m interested to remain involved in the matter as a practicing attorney ….
I show social media consulting clients my social media testimonials … as many have their own social media philosophies already
- Tell us about one of the more significant representations you’ve been involved with.
Deposed Bill Gates’ former money manager as a new solo for a former Mass. corp against 3 big law firms. I passed Bar in ‘06.
- Wow. Why do lawyers come to you for referrals?
lawyers are more interested in my lawyer network than they are interested in me really …
my network attracts referrals because finding the right lawyer nationwide is a pretty hard thing to do really
really really really … haha I guess I tweet like I talk …
- How do you market yourself?
Networking, networking, networking. I am a “networking giver” to build quality relationships and I share my expertise.
I use LinkedIn to initiate relationships and other soc media to enhance the relationship – better phone and in person mtgs.
- You’re clearly a strong supporter of lawyers using Twitter for biz dev. Is it right for every attorney? Why / Why not?
Yes but attorneys need to deeply understand Twitter. It isn’t right for many do-it-yourself-ers ….
Twitter is a great way for lawyers to get started with blogging (by microblogging) and to stay abreast of their field ….
Lawyers need a marketing plan and a social media marketing plan … just spending all day on TW isn’t a good use of time
Lawyers can build relationships with interactive media – the better others know you the more likely they are to do biz w/you
Lawyers are also a pretty closed group … Twitter is more effective than cold-calling for lawyer relationship initiation
- Agreed. How do YOU use Twitter for business development?
Microblogging and building relationships ….
I like to grow the relationships that start on LinkedIn on interactive media before phone and real meetings.
Twitter can maintain relationships – even during contract negotiations … hey I’m still interested – retweeted you today
- You claim to have the “largest Linkedin lawyer network.” How many connections do you have? What’s the value of that?
Currently 9385 direct LinkedIn connections of which 4600 are attorneys. http://tinyurl.com/ot3umw …..
The network is valuable in all aspects of law practice … rainmaking … finding a colleague to share expertise …
The network is valuable in all aspects of law practice … learning about how other lawyers work and position selves …
The network has also allowed me to branch into practice areas I couldn’t have handled on my own
Non-lawyer clients also find me on LinkedIn – pretty frequently really
- Why did you decide to write a book about Web 2.0 for lawyers instead of using Web 2.0 to transmit the same knowledge?
Many asked for a book. I use my blog and Twitter and I have a new webinar series upcoming – http://tinyurl.com/obo377
Many lawyers use my social media activity as a model … which is flattering
- I’m sure it is. You blog at The Linkedin Lawyer (http://bit.ly/YTEf7). How do you decide what to write about?
I use social media to listen for hot topics, and I do a lot of speaking, webinars, interviews and media …
Many topics come to me … lawyers often ask how I have time to do this and practice … so I put together a webinar …
With the blog I try to stay focused on social media and the legal profession
- It’s full of useful advice. Other than Twitter and LinkedIn, what Web 2.0 tools add the most value to your practice?
The power of web 2.0 is viral marketing. My new biz with @StephenFairley will inspire …..
… inspire individuals to be marketers of our clients … if anyone has forwarded an email to their friends you know ….
if anyone has forwarded an email to their friends they know what viral marketing is about …
Facebook is also really underutilized … Facebook has great multi-media potential.
Web 2.0 tools for lawyers are powerful … but lawyers have to move past some of the tired imagery used for years
Web 2.0 has transformed me from a lawyer who just passed the Bar into a lawyer with a national reputation …
- You’ve answered this in part, but what’s the real impact on referrals/client engagements from your Web 2.0 activities?
The real impact in terms of referrals has been to move from getting referrals into becoming a nationwide referral ntwk …
Now clients want to engage a “lawyer of my stature” for matters that may be media-friendly or otherwise newsworthy …
Its pretty amazing, and I’m not sure this journey would even be possible without Web 2.0
- And you are transforming it as well. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Everything we do affects our brand. If I’m litigating, talking with clients …
… writing articles or building relationships it is all brand. So I guess all my waking hours … unless I’m fishing.
- Depends on who you’re fishing with…. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
I think the most significant issue facing the legal profession is transparency …
As consumers get more sophisticated, we need new ways across the understanding gap between lawyers and non-lawyers …
Of course there have been great lawyers forever … and we could videotape them all day and clients would get value ….
But now we are in a new era of transparency … and there are a lot of areas in the profession where light has yet to shine
- What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
In 10 years – much more transparent, much more specialized, more smaller firms and a harder look by clients at billing …
“Partnering with clients” and social media trends will change how firms interact with clients … at least I hope so
- You’re helping bring those changes about…. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would spend more time on anti-poverty and international development work, like http://greennamibia.blogspot.com/ …
I am honored to be a lawyer however … and working with the tools of law and policy is where I want to be
- How do you want to be remembered?
I’d like to be remembered as a kind teacher and a willing listener …. as someone who loved his kids passionately
- You mentioned fishing. What else do you do when you’re not working?
I played college baseball and I’m really into coaching my son (8) in Little League when I’m not working …
He has a Japanese windup and 4 pitches … I’m a recovered vegetarian and I just got 100% on my hunting license exam.
- We’ll look for him in a few years… Our last question: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
I’d tell law students to develop biz skills and legal skills. Learn how to make rain. …
Students should understand we are all entrepreneurs, even if we work at a firm …
Students looking for jobs are more likely to find “of counsel” relationships and will likely “eat what you kill” …
Rather than stepping off the graduation stage into a super salary – smaller firms are leery about spending time training …
and students will have a better time of it pulling their own weight. In their fist job and throughout their careers.
That’s great advice. Thank you very much for giving us a great 22nd 22 Tweets Twitterview!
It was my pleasure Lance. Thank you for the kind words, and I’m very flattered to be part of 22 Tweets.
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@cstegmaier
May 28th, 2009
Retail/Hospitality and Appellate Lawyer based in Columbia, South Carolina
Shareholder and Marketing Partner at Collins and Lacy
Today, we’re tweeting with @cstegmaier, a retail/hospitality and appellate lawyer who also tweets for his firm, @collinsandlacy
- @cstegmaier, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @cstegmaier?
I am a partner @ Collins & Lacy, an SC business litigation firm. I am also the marketing partner. http://tinyurl.com/l3h9w2
- Tell us about your law practice.
I do 2 things: appellate & represent retailers and hospitality-related entities doing business in SC in lit matters.
- Tell us a little more about the clients you represent
On the lit side, I represent hotels, restaurants, live music venues/promoters, food service providers, & retailers.
- What is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
Getting a handle on the new electronic disco rules. SC is 2 steps from adopting the federal rules…
… Also, Medicare Set Asides. What a jungle that is going to be.
- What then would you say is the most important business issue facing your clients?
Retail & hospitality have taken tremendous hits in revenues this last year…
… A main job of ours is to work hard to reduce defense & indemnity costs b/c they affect the bottom line.
- What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
My mission/promise is this: I am going to be diligent, deliberate, decisive, responsive, & reliable.
- You said the economy is hitting your clients pretty hard. Just how bad is it for them right now?
Everybody is watching their pennies. I do the same. We spend our clients’ money like it’s ours.
- Am sure they appreciate it (I know I would). Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had
We rep the world’s largest music promoter, the nation’s largest private depart store retailer & the world’s leading hotel brand …
… Protecting these brands is an awesome responsibility (and a lot of fun).
- That’s a great client list! Why do your clients hire you?
We know our stuff. We are proactive. We are responsive. We are genuine. We tell the truth. Our bills are fair.
- How do you help your clients meet their business and strategic objectives?
We get immersed in our clients’ businesses. We spend a lot time w/ them. We read everything about them. We know them …
… Getting that kind of understanding of our clients’ businesses helps us help them.
- That must make a big difference in your ability to represent them…. How do you market your practice?
Delivering great outcomes. Exceeding expectations. As well, we blog & Twitter. We do a weekly email update to clients …
… We are more focused on satisfying existing clients that always being on the hunt for new ones. We’ve got a great book …
… Clients get tired of being repped by “the finders.” … Our current clients are our priorities.
… Our firm has also developed a Facebook page. It’s a nice compliment to our existing website. http://tinyurl.com/lktalf
- Impressive mktg program! You blog at South Carolina Retail & Hospitality Law (http://bit.ly/g8G4D). Who should read it?
Everybody! I love the traffic …
…Seriously, if you do business in SC as a retailer/hospitality co., we keep you apprised of legal issues that arise here.
- You also tweet as @collinsandlacy. What is the difference in the two feeds?
@cstegmaier relates to my personal brand/practice. @collinsandlacy is our firm wide message.
- Why did you opt for separate feed from your firm rather posting the same tweets under your own name?
We have 30 lawyers in 3 cities across the state. We use the @collinsandlacy platform to promote all of our practice areas.
- Have your Web 2.0 activities had an impact on referrals or client engagements?
We are primarily interested about getting the word out about our firm & its capabilities …
Our social media activities have noticeably increased our brand identity. A lot more folks know about us.
- With two Twitter feeds, the blog, etc., how much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Approx 1-2 hours re: direct activities. Of course, it can be said that everything you do relates to your brand identity.
- Agreed. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
For younger attys, managing their debt. I feel for those folks…
… For mid-levels and partners, maintaining the pace & staying fresh. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
- What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
For firms repping institutional clients, you better have substantive content available digitally for free…
Additionally, ADR (including appellate ADR) will become a larger presence …
Also, the full serv. firm will become a thing of the past. Sophisticated clients want specialists at the top of their game.
- Those are some significant changes for the profession…. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would trade places with a younger Greg Maddux in a second …
… In real life: a hotel gm, restaurant owner, or in-house firm marketing coordinator.
- How do you want to be remembered?
One of the best things that can be said about you is that you were good & reliable …
… I’d like to be remembered as being both.
- What do you do when you’re not working?
South Carolina is a wonderful state. Our family loves to hit the road and discover SC from the mountains to the sea …
I’ve also been teaching as an adjunct in hotel & restaurant law at the Univ. of S. C. That’s been a great experience.
- Our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Borrow the minimal amt you can get away with. Consider taking time off between undergrad & law sch. Get some $$$ together.
That’s useful advice. Thank you very much for answering our questions and giving us a great twitterview today
Thanks so much. It was a pleasure!
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| Tags: Appellate, Blawger, Columbia SC, Litigation, Retail and Hospitality |
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