@AdLawGuy
June 18th, 2009
Advertising and Marketing Law Attorney
Shareholder, Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.
Former in-house counsel with a big city advertising agency, now happy back home
Today we’re tweeting with Advertising and Marketing Law Attorney from Chattanooga, Tennessee @AdLawGuy
- @AdLawGuy, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @AdLawGuy?
Michael McSunas, fun loving guy who also happens to be an attorney. Huge UCLA fan too :-)
- - Tell us about your law practice.
Marketing, advertising and promotional law. As technology evolves, so does my practice
- - What type of clients do you represent?
Both agencies and advertisers.I am fortunate that my client base is nationwide.Technology makes that so easy
- - What is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
Figuring out how “traditional” law affects new technology – will it be enforced in the same? Technology moves so much quicker
Plus Risk versus reward. Sometimes the risk is worth the reward!!
- - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
Look at me as someone who will help you lower your risks and costs,Always get things in writing too!
- - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I worked on set 4 an episode of the Apprentice for GM. It was a lot of fun. Also negotiated Tiger Woods contract for GM. Fun
- - Wow. Why do your clients hire you?
I ‘m practical-I’ve worked in ad agencies so “I get it”. I have all the experience of big city attys but charge a lot less!
- - Bet in-house exp a real competitive advantage. How are you responding to $ difficulties your clients may be experiencing?
We have actually seen a business uptick as some clients use us 2 save money versus big city firms that charge twice as much
- - That’s good to hear. You were an ad agency in-house lawyer before going into private practice–why the change?
Lucky enough to have the opportunity to move back home(be closer to family) & still practice the kind of law I love
- - We touched on it before, but how specifically does your in-house experience differentiate you from your competition?
I used to be one of them. I understand the reality of the pressure an agency is under from a client. Gives me credibility
- - You write a lot about businesses using Web 2.0 to connect with customers. What are the biggest dangers for your clients?
They need 2 understand that anything they put out there (web,mobile,OOH) is an advert & must comply w/all advertising laws
- - How do you market your practice?
Speaking engagements, word of mouth. Twitter has been great for marketing and getting clients!
- - Am sure many lawyers would love to know your secrets…. Why did you join Twitter? How valuable has it really been?
I joined b/c a client (@littledebbie) wanted 2 get on Twitter & needed legal advice about it. I have been amazed w/ Twitter
- - Besides Twitter, what other Web 2.0 do you use?
LinkedIn & Facebook. I don’t use Facebook for work or marketing, just to stay in touch with friends.
- - Can you talk about some specific referrals and/or client engagements that have your Web 2.0 activities have provided?
I met @redsquareagency (an amazing ad agency in Mobile, AL) on Twitter and now they are a great client.
- - That’s a great commercial for lawyers on Twitter… How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
I try to spend only an hour but it can be so much fun that often it is more than an hour!
- - Indeed. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
figuring out how we change to meet a changing global marketplace.How do we remain relevant?
- - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
wonder if there will be outsourcing(e.g., to India) or if clients start sharing info (think Wikipedia) 2 lessen the need 4 us
- - Interesting questions. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would love to be on the nonlegal side of advertising…or a Bollywod star!!
- - I’m sure there’s a fascinating story behind the Bollywood star dream…. How do you want to be remembered?
as Great father, loving husband, loyal friend, trusted adviser and a kick ass dancer
- - If I had more than 22, I’ve got material for a lot more questions here…. What do you do when you’re not working?
working out, running, spending time with the wife and kids, college football (Go UCLA! Go Vandy!), reading the Economist
- - And our final question: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Be flexible and practical. With the economy down, you may not get to practice what and where you want
That’s sound advice in any economy. This was a great twitterview; thank you very much for answering our questions
I enjoyed it! Thanks
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| Tags: Advertising Law, Chattanooga, Marketing Law |
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