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@melissabrumback
September 14th, 2010
Construction and Business Dispute Attorney
Partner, Ragsdale Liggett PLLC
Author, Construction Law in North Carolina blog
Today we’re tweeting with @melissabrumback: NC construction and business dispute lawyer and blawger & “Triangle Impact Law Leader”
- @melissabrumback, thank you for joining us on Twitter. Tell us, who is @melissabrumback?
Hello& thxs. NC construction law attny/blogger. Avid reader, Daily Show addict, tar heeler. A “good person” as well lawyer.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
I rep companies in civil cases: construction (design defect, delay claims, liens); also some med mal, tort, & contract clms.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Mostly architects & engineers. Also contractors, subs, developers, and business owners, & the occasional wronged homeowner.
– - And what would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Standard of care. Owners & contractors do not understand the A/E does not guarantee perfect design. Managing expectations.
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
They must understand how aggressive to be is often a business decision. Lawsuits cost $ and take time from productive work.
– - Indeed. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Rep an A/E firm w design flaw in plans. We argued design flaw didnt cause damages, & won ($0 verdict) after 2wk jury trial.
– - Why do your clients hire you?
They know I know construction issues: change orders, RFIs, critical path, etc. I can minimize (or eliminate) their exposure.
– - Compelling arguments…. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Liens & collections are up. But so too are negligence clms. When economy is bad, people sue rather than move to next oppty.
– - What’s the next big frontier in construction law? What should your clients be doing to prepare for it?
Green design. Make sure your contract doesn’t overpromise. Have LEED project contracts reviewed for insur and risk issues.
– - You were GC for the NC Jaycees. Does your representing a non-profit help your corporate clients? How?
I learned to minimze risk *while* meeting biz goals. Not just say “no”. Helps me meet client goals vs just being roadblock.
– - Valuable skills to have…. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I defend companies (mostly construction co’s) from frivolous lawsuits. (Can you tell I usually work the defense side?)
– - When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
In May. I resisted but @kellyduffort sold me on it. Now see it can be very useful tool to meet thought leaders in my field.
– - Tell us about Construction Law in NC (http://bit.ly/bShILb). Who do you write for? Why should they read it?
I write for A/E/C biz folk, to give them tips to stay out of trouble. A few preventive measures = lots of ROI at end of day.
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Too much! I aim for 1hr/5 days, but sometimes much more. I schedule blog posts, then join twitter, linkedin as I can.
– - Too much time is easy to do…. Have your Web 2.0 activities led to any additional referrals or client engagements?
Just now getting momentum- 2 direct referrals in 2 wks! Also, getting to know other constr law professionals = invaluable.
– - Congrats for that! Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
People “doing law” via web on the cheap w/o lawyers. Hurts their biz & ours. Web should supplement, not replace ur lawyer.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
More online interact & cloud case docs, but will always need lawyer you can trust, and to actually go to court for you!
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I’d own a used bookstore/café, where I read the inventory while writing my great American Novel. (Also my retirement plan!)
– - How do you want to be remembered?
“She was a lawyer, but nice despite that fact.” No reason you can’t practice law with a heart.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Time w/ family is most important. Reading, traveling, marathon Law & Order sessions can also be fun!
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Show genuine interest in and be kind to everyone. You never know who knows who or who can help you. Hang in there!
– - And our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Classmates =future referrals-> stay in touch. Join bar committees; meet practicing lawyers. It’s never too early to network.
Valuable advice. And a great interview. Thank you very much for answering our questions today
Thanks so much for having me!
