@JayneJuvan
August 27th, 2009
M&A and Private Equity Lawyer
Author of Juvan’s Health Law and Private Equity Report
Associate, Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff, LLP
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Today we’re tweeting with M&A and private equity lawyer @JayneJuvan, one of Cleveland’s “Top 25 under 35” movers and shakers
- @JayneJuvan, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @JayneJuvan?
Pleasure’s mine. I’m a tireless advocate, mentor, student of philosophy and economics and martial arts black belt
– - Tell us about your law practice.
Deals, deals, deals! A 24/7 corporate lawyer, focusing on M&A, corporate governance and regulatory compliance
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Market leaders changing the future of health care and other industries…
Public and private companies, many in health care, and health care focused private equity funds.
– - And what is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Reactionary reforms from the economic crisis and potential health care crisis, causing uncertainty and nervousness…
Challenging times we’re in, no doubt.
– - No doubt. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I shift the focus to my clients – it’s all about them, not me…
Which means I question & listen. Tell me about your products & service lines, your mission, & what keeps you up at night.
– - That’s a very sensible approach. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I’m proud to say I recently advised a client on a $300M tender offer. We worked day and night on that deal. 😉
– - Congratulations on that! Why do your clients hire you?
Thanks. If I had to say it in a single word, it comes down to “trust”…
Being a lawyer isn’t enough-I also seize upon the chance to help them grow their businesses and show them new opportunities.
– - Am sure that is extremely valuable to them. What’s the most active area of your practice right now? Is that typical?
Not typical, there’s been an uptick in gov’t enforcement actions and I’ve advised on corp compliance & reg investigations.
– - What do the proposed Health Care reforms mean to your health care clients?
Many PE funds have adopted a “wait and see” approach-they’ll delay acquisitions until there’s more certainty on HC reform.
– - Has the econ crisis affected your clients’ ability to do business? R they changing the way they structure transactions?
Impacts deal flow & timing. We’re spending significant time in due diligence & utilizing creative structuring techniques.
– - I imagine the impact is far greater than 140 characters could cover…. How do you market your practice?
You’re not kidding! Most referrals are performance based – ibanker is impressed w/our work & invites us to the next deal.
– - What are the strategic objectives driving your Web 2.0 activity? Are you meeting them?
Developing longlasting, authentic relatnshps. Results r better-than-expected – I’ve made many new personal & prof’l friends.
– - How is your active Web 2.0 profile perceived by your firm’s leadership? Is it difficult to convince them of its value?
I’d characterize our leadership as avant-garde and innovative, naturally. They’ve welcomed my efforts from the onset.
– - That’s great for everyone. Why did you decide to become active on Twitter? Are you achieving those objectives?
These new technologies can advance our practice’s growth. I embrace them & all they have to offer & am meeting my goals!
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
We must remember that our reputation as lawyers is built day by day, decision by decision, brick by brick…
Which means that all day, everyday is spent on brand development – every decision, every judgment call matters.
– - Absolutely. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
IMHO, this ? is at the core – how do we train & mentor the next generation of lawyers & at same time remain fee sensitive?
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
I’m hopeful that firms will recognize that our future is dependent upon training the next generation of lawyers…
I believe strongly this is our duty, ought to be one of our highest priorities, and ultimately will determine our legacy…
And I trust that the profession will be far better off tomorrow with the efforts of these rising stars
– - That sounds like a great future. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I’m passionate about practice of law, but an ibanker, trader on Wall Street or economist? Or, future politico? No comment!
– - I look forward to saying “I knew her when….” How do you want to be remembered?
LOL. In a few simple words, I hope I’m remembered as: Bold. Authentic. Smart. Tough. Purpose Driven. Principle Centered.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Always working, but on occasion move from negotiations to the sparring ring.TKD olympic style fghtng & medalist @ AAU nat’ls
– - Wow. We’ll cover that in the next iview! What advice do you have for lawyers under- / unemployed due to the econ crisis?
As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor (saved by Herceptin @genentech), I’ve had my share of challenges…
Our response to crises ultimately defines us and, if we choose, can stimulate us to take action to enhance lives of others…
Be resilient. Look closely for the opps that lie beneath the wreckage. Trust that they’re there. Find them, then give back
– - And our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Dare to dream. Always. “The world you desire can be won. It exists. It is real. It is possible. It is yours.” Ayn Rand
Thank you, Jayne for this great twitterview and especially for your beautiful and eloquent advice!
And thank you so much for having me today, Lance! RT @22twts Thx Jayne for this twitterview & eloquent advice!
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Cleveland, Health Law, Private Equity | Comments Off on @JayneJuvan@jeantien
August 26th, 2009
Today we’re tweeting w/NYC immigration lawyer @JeanTien, who strives to develop lasting partnerships with her clients
- @JeanTien, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @JeanTien?
Thx 4 hvg me. I am a fun-loving Wife, Daughter, and idealistic Lawyer w/high hopes of making a difference in the world.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
I hv a NYC-based practice that focuses on immigration law. I also do real estate transaxns & help businesses w/their legal needs.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Both individuals & businesses. I have clients nationwide and outside of the US too. It’s great!
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Eligibility 2 become perm. res & US Citizens. W/o proper identification…
immigrants can’t get jobs, health care, or any other benefits that we enjoy…
and it’s impt that they hv access to the same benefits.
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
That I’m their biggest advocate & they can trust me with their case.
– - I’m sure they appreciate hearing that. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I worked on an asylum case, where I tried 2 protect the wife from being deported back 2 China where she wld be prosecuted…
4 violating the 1-Child policy & separated from her Husband & baby daughter here in the US. It’s significant bc families shld…
be allowed to stay together in an environment where they can live w/o fear.
– - Wow. That’s powerful stuff. Hope it turned out well. Why do your clients hire you?
They trust me & kno I am here 2 protect their best interest. I help them thru the immigration process …
which is a very personal experience & can take a major toll on their emotions/lives.
– - What’s the most active area of your immigration practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Currently, it’s family-based petitions, which I heart bc I’m helping families stay 2gether. Yes, it’s typical 4 my practice.
– - You started your career at Goldman Sachs. What led you to leave that culture and set up an immigration law firm?
I felt unfulfilled @ GS & wanted 2 do sthg more rewarding. Luckily, I was downsized & took the opp. 2 follow my dream…
of becoming an entrepreneur & helping others thru my immigration practice. See, I told u I was idealistic! LOL.
– - What’s the status of immigration law reform? Is it still perceived to be a priority for the President / American people?
Unfortunately, it’s currently on hold. Obama’s admin has communicated 2 the public that it’s a priority…
but so far, it feels like a big “tease”. More needs 2 be done, esp. w/current economics…
Some still think it’ll happen this yr but I doubt it.
– - How do you market your practice?
Networking & Web 2.0 activities. I’m also planning on hosting a seminar soon, so stay tuned for that!
– - You recently started a Facebook fan page for your firm (http://bit.ly/tj3GO). Would you recommend others do the same? Why?
Good ques. My fan pg is pretty new (about 2 wks) so it’s hard 2 say if I wld rec others 2 create 1…
So far, it has been helpful w/informing ppl I kno of my practice.
– - Sounds like recommendation to me… What are the strategic objectives driving your Web 2.0 activity? Are you meeting them?
My obj. this yr is 2 create permanent relationships & brand recognition. Oh & 2 generate revenue! LOL. So far, so good.
– - Luck w/both! What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities so far?
Thanks! So far, I’ve landed an engagement & a number of serious inquiries from these activities, esp. from Avvo.
– - Congrats – you’re moving in the right direction. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Omgosh. A significant pt of my day. I am my brand, so I am developing/enhancing it by meeting w/other attys…
attending CLEs, volunteering, & marketing. activities
– - Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Re: immigration, our policies need chg. Fear cannot dictate policies & excuse the mistreatment of illegal immigrants in this ctry.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
I think lawyers will catch up & adopt (maybe embrace?) technological advancements, resulting in a few less trips to court.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Hmm…philanthropist & bakery owner. I wld LOVE 2 open my own cupcake shop & animal rescue shelter. What a mix, right? 😀
– - That makes THREE 22 Tweets interviewees who’d like to be bakers… Hmmm. How do you want to be remembered?
LOL. I guess we all hv a creative side yearning to escape. 🙂 …
I’d like 2 B remembered for my sincerity and passion, especially to help those who can’t help themselves.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
I am currently immersed in house renovations. Other than that, I spend time w/family & friends & watch lots of reality tv!
O & go see @britneyspears in concert! 😀
– - There’s gotta be a story there! What advice can you give lawyers currently under- / unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Take this opportunity to explore other careers & interests. Don’t be afraid of change. Also, make sure to network!
– - And our last question of this twitterview: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
1. Ur GPA doesn’t define u; 2. BIGLAW is not 4 everyone & that’s ok; 3.trust ur instincts – don’t B afraid 2 set ur own path
That’s valuable advice. Thank you so much for answering our questions and making this a great twitterview!
This was fun! Thank u so much for the opportunity to share my story & thanks to everyone who listened! 😀
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Immigration, New York City, Real Estate | Comments Off on @jeantien@BrianInkster
August 11th, 2009
Solicitor of the Year: Law Awards of Scotland 2006
Founder of Inksters Solicitors, the first Scottish Law Firm to Twitter
Today we’re tweeting with @BrianInkster, the Law Awards of Scotland’s 2006 *Solicitor of the Year*
- rianInkster thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @BrianInkster?
Thanks for inviting me. The 7th child of a Shetland fisherman, a solicitor, businessman and husband to Nicola of @pagepark
– - Tell us about your law practice.
Inksters (@inksters): Based in Glasgow, 10 years old, doing: http://ow.ly/jJgA with a great team: http://ow.ly/jJhf
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Individuals, small businesses, builders, farmers, crofters, fishermen, salmon and mussel farmers, a local authority etc.
– - That’s a very diverse group. What would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
The legal processes involved. Much could be done by Govt. to streamline these: e.g. as done with ARTL: http://ow.ly/jJo7
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
What our terms of business and basis of charging is, as required to do at the outset by The Law Society of Scotland @lawscot
– - Can you tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had?
Moncrieff v Jamieson: The House of Lords recognised that there is a servitude of parking in Scotland: http://ow.ly/jJrY
– - Why do your clients hire you?
Because we mix “good old traditional values with an innovative approach to delivering legal services” (Donald Findlay QC)
– - Makes sense…. Will the reforms of the Legal Services Act affect your practice and firm? If so, how?
We are seeking to combat it by becoming the first Scottish member firm of QualitySolicitors.com: http://ow.ly/jJxO
– - That’s an interesting tactic. What are the advantages and disadvantages of practicing in a jurisdiction like Scotland?
A small country with laws distinct from England/Wales. That size/uniqueness provides advantages that can be disadvantages.
– - Your firm, Inksters Solicitors, is known for being “just that little bit different.” What exactly is that difference?
All will be clear from a short (6min) film I made earlier: http://ow.ly/jJFn – I will make a cup of tea while you watch it.
– - Nice story. Clearly that style and approach benefit the firm. How do they benefit your clients?
Clients get added value to the services we provide and nice little extras: like the ability to pay their accounts online 🙂
– - How do you market your practice?
Good service, the web (with SEO), 6 Twitter streams, direct mail, press releases, lectures, articles, events, sponsorship
– - Besides Twitter, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use?
LinkedIn, 3 websites: http://ow.ly/jJVm including TV & Radio: http://ow.ly/jJVn (YouTube next – you heard it here first!).
– - Can’t wait! What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
22% of new clients have emanated from www.inksters.com since November 2008. We did not get new clients from our old website.
– - That’s a great result! How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Almost every waking moment and perhaps some sleeping ones: if I manage to tune my subconscious mind in correctly 🙂
– - A true social networker.. Let’s switch gears: What’s the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
The recession. Law firms must accept that it is here and adapt to survive through it.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Maybe not quite “The End of Lawyers” (@RichardSusskind). But there will be less of us doing more (with technology).
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
A modern day Alan Whicker with a television series called, of course: “Inkster’s World”.
– - Perhaps we’ll see the beginnings of that on your YouTube channel…. How do you want to be remembered?
As a lawyer who made a difference to his clients, staff, law students, other lawyers and to the development of Scots Law.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
As revealed on podcast to @Charonqc I am taking Tango dancing classes with my wife. I like to travel: next stop Argentina.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Develop an expertise in the area of law you are interested in: write, blog, tweet and lecture. Embrace technology.
– - And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Be prepared for the potential of a career outside law. Study, if you can, at Strathclyde University, where I lecture 🙂
Two valuable pieces of advice to close this great twitterview. Thank you very much for answering our questions today
And thank you, Lance, for twitterviewing me. I enjoyed it.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Crofting Law, Glasgow, Property, Real Estate | Comments Off on @BrianInkster
