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@douglasreiser
May 14th, 2010
Today we’re tweeting with LEED AP @douglasreiser, a Washington state construction lawyer and blogger
- @douglasreiser thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @douglasreiser?
So glad to be here today, thank you for having me on…..
1st a husband, then a worker, idea monger, brewer, sportsman & worst of all – a Cleveland sports fan. these define me from 12 to 12
– - Well this just might be your year…. Tell us about your law practice.
a 24 hour shop in my head. i built a remote practice that follows wherever i go. goals = access, comm., efficiency & understanding
……and i hope you are right about the Cavs (presumably you didnt mean the Browns or Indians!)
– - Very interesting. What type of clients do you represent?
those inundated w. construction concerns. the focus is on the business, their risks & protection. I also rep breweries, my hobby
– - Nice hobby…. What is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
Risk. businesses dont understand its extent; it comes at all angles, in all they do. I locate those risks and eliminate/reduce them
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
That im here when you need me. you can find me 24hrs/7 days a week. i’ll clear my table to help you, because i love the challenge.
– - Am sure they appreciate. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
significance is in the eye of the beholder. i think its green builders that i help wade through liability. new challenge for all.
– - Why do your clients hire you?
im a person, like everyone. im tangible; im understood. i lived/breathed construction on & off the job. people feel comfort in that
– - What’s the busiest area of your practice right now? Is that typical?
public contracting. today’s only fish in the pond 4 builders. i help obtain jobs & preserve rights. its atypical; recent explosion
– - Tell us about your LEED AP certification. What does it mean? Why is it important to your clients?
LEED AP isnt a gold key 2 green building; attys should never hide behind it. A step to learning what should be uniform in building
– - What’s the next big legal battleground in green construction law? How is it expected to play out?
field is set to determine performance liability + GBCI LEED challenges & the Int. Green Const. Code could spawn work for attorneys
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
im myself. lawyers drink wine – i drink beer (Stout/IPA). Im approachable in that image. sports are the best icebreaker in building
– - You blog at The Builders Counsel blog (http://bit.ly/aWm9R8). What’s your strategy? How do you decide what to write?
i heard @kevinokeefe say “listen” is key word in social media. 100% agree. I found the best group of talkers; i listen + add my bit
– - Indeed. Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use to market your practice?
I have two blogs + @Avvo, @LinkedIn, @legalriver, Plaxo, Justia, @consupo, LawyerLink, Legal Guru, etc. – i try & be everywhere.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
People want an answer. Any atty can say you should consult an attorney/I need to see more. we’re transparent online; people like it
– - How much time do you spend each day developing and enhancing your brand / marketing your practice?
way too hard to quantify; its all the time. i try to listen to the online community all day & respond when i have a worthy thought.
– - Understood. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
progression v. ethical restraint. A lot of attys are afraid to go Web 2.0. They are missing out and i feel its not fair to them.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
trans. tasks by legal biz’s w/o malpractice, billable hr., the office & a suit. Court battles: less formal, less paper & less fight
– - Interesting perspective. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
your easiest question. own a brewery, create a web of distribution 4 craft brewers around US & fight the 3 tier system. retirement.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
go outdoors w/ my beer writer wife (@beerblotter). travel around the world. check out new buildings in SEA. agonize over CLE sports
– - How do you want to be remembered?
As a worker. someone who worked hard to find answers & innovate. dont need my name in gold; dont need a plaque. just happy clients
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
reinvent what you know about law. be innovative. find something you know and advocate for it loudly. people will find your voice.
– - Our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
dont look back at law, look ahead. At school, find a job/opp that gives you a 1st hand look at practice. go Web 2.0 now! dont wait
good advice, Doug. Thanks very much for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed learning more about you / your practice.
Thanks so much for having me on today. Your questions were great!
