22 Tweets from 22 Blawgs: Blawg Review #257
April 4th, 2010
22 Tweets hosted Blawg Review #257 last week, and put together a special version of Blawg Review: each blawger whose post was listed was interviewed. A one-question interview. In a tweet.
The responses received have been compiled below to create 22 Tweets’ first 22-lawyer twitterview:
- @charonqc What would you say is the most significant issue facing the legal profession today? Can it be resolved? How?
@22twts Survival in a rapidly changing legal services market is major issue and pricing – as crime barristers are finding. Adapt or die?
– - @chinahearsay What’s the legal story behind the Google pullout of China? Will there be a public dispute? Who has the upper hand?
[response not yet received]
– - @danharris Can foreign companies doing business in China expect short-term repercussions from Google and Rio Tinto?
No repurcussions for biz FROM Google & Rio Tinto, but should put them on their guard.
– - @smbayard How important are safe harbors for ISPs to the development of emerging economies in general and the BRIC economies in particular?
[response not yet received]
– - @jayshep Do you ever turn down work because a potential client just doesn’t get value billing? How do you convince the ones on the edge?
In 3+ yrs, only 2% of prospects expressly chose hourly billing vs going with our fixed fees. Clients get it, want it.
Convincing clients about fixed fees = educating them about value to them of solving problem, not amount of hours or work
– - @cruiselaw You represent a diverse group of people in your practice. What is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
Blawg Review #257 http://bit.ly/cJn6lU Most important legal issues for cruise law clients?
most important issue for crew members is liability for ship injuries and bad medical care . . .
. . . . otherwise cruise lines abandon sick and injured crew in Jamaica, Trinidad, Honduras, India.
Most important issue for cruise passengers is liability for sexual assaults, overboards, and other crimes . . .
. . . justice is fleeting for victims on foreign flagged cruise ships in international waters after cruise line cover up.
– - @PaulBKennedy You blog about a diverse range subjects. What are your objectives for your blog? Are you meeting them? How have they evolved?
My blog is a creative outlet for me. If a prospective client wants to know what I’m about — they can read my blog and find out.
When I first started the blog there were some marketing goals — but as the blog evolved, so did my idea of what I wanted out it.
As long as I enjoy putting material out there, the blog is serving its purpose.
– - @jonathanturley How do you decide which client representations to take on? Are you attracted to them by the legal issues or the people?
[response not yet received]
– - @lawandbaseball Why did you become a lawyer? Have your views changed since you’ve been practicing?
I became a lawyer because I thought I could help the many people I saw getting screwed by the judicial system. That hasn’t changed.
– - @RonColeman What’s the next big battlefield of intellectual property law? How will it help define the next decade?
Big issues in each of TM, (c) and patent. “IP” is an artificial category.
– - @loweringthebar Was it hard to convince your firm’s leadership to let you blog? Are there ever editorial conflicts? How are they resolved?
I would probably not have been able to convince them had I actually asked for permission first. Strongly recommend not doing so.
Once established, reveal blog existence, point out world has not ended. Success of strategy depends on not doing anything stupid.
In the case of a humor blog, being relatively funny helps a lot. Editorial conflicts mostly avoided by common sense/self-censorship.
Have usually been successful at this. (Tourette’s a real problem though.) Also, law firm not mentioned much at first. Build slowly.
– - @bmarler Will the Health Care reform legislation have any impact on victims of food-borne illnesses? On the regulation of food producers?
Good Questions – Answer – http://bit.ly/azL93X
– - @btannebaum What will the legal ethics landscape look like in 10 years? Will the profession be struggling with the same issues it is today?
in 10 yrs state Bars will have realized overregulation of social media failed & we’ll have one rule for all lawyer communication.
– - @turkewitz You’re an active Web 2.0 participant. What specific impact on business, if any, have you see from your online activities?
Does Blogging Bring Clients?http://bit.ly/9QJ74V @lancegodard#sm
– - @lawbaron You review law schools on your site. What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
At times you may feel you are the dumbest in class. You are not. Well, technically someone has to be the dumbest. Maybe it is you.
I encourage law students to enroll in your school’s clinic programs. It will give you a wonderful advantage.
– - @popehat You’ve been blogging for a long time, on a very wide range of topics. What drives your blogging? Does it make you a better lawyer?
I blog because I enjoy the community, particularly with my co-bloggers and regular commenters.
Also, because it’s an opportunity to be creative, be more genuinely expressive, and be satisfyingly blunt. Can’t do that in a brief
I suppose I do it because I don’t have the time or the guts to write a book. Plus, I just want attention.
Does it make me a better lawyer? Well, I think it sharpens my writing and analytical skills, when done with care. Also…
… it exposes me to issues that I might not otherwise read about. Sometimes those are useful in making creative arguments.
Finally, it helps me meet very smart lawyers I can learn from. But no clients. I blog semi-anonymously, very much on purpose.
– - @RickHorowitz What can society do to help kids like your client whose mental health issues land them in jail? More funding? Better training?
I’ll drop everything to get to your unsolicited request for pro bono consultation as soon as I handle the stuff I wanted to do.
– - @gideonstrumpet What would you say is the most difficult aspect of being a public defender?
Lucky enough not to have the more popular PD problems: funding, excessive caseload, etc.
Most difficult aspect, then, is fighting the presumption of guilt that most criminal defendants “enjoy”.
Not content with answering that in 140 chars, I wrote a bit more: http://bit.ly/bi133Y
– - @ScottGreenfield What’s the most significant challenge facing lawyers today? How is it changing the profession? Is there a fix?
Deal: Most significant problem is downward ethical spiral of marketing, putting lawyers in hotpants.
Fix is backlash against scorched earth marketing, resurgence of dignity, integrity, excellence and honor.
If enough lawyers stand up for professionalism, we can stop the race to the bottom and earn back the public’s respect.
Lest we forget this vision of the future. http://bit.ly/1hcZKr
– - @prutschi Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had. What was it about? Why was it important?
I recently acted for a former NFL player (now runs a children’s charity) wrongly accused in a gun case. Reputation meant everything.
– - @MarkWBennett The SCOTUS stay is clearly a win for Skinner, but what does mean for the rest of us? Why is it a “triumph of civil litigation”
It’s a triumph of civil litigation because civil litigation achieved something in a criminal case that criminal litigation couldn’t.
For the rest of us, Skinner’s stay is a reminder of the role of the Law of Requisite Variety in the practice of law.
– - @stephkimbro You must meet many potential clients who worry about VLO security. What’s the one thing that convinces them to hire you?
I let clients to my VLO know that their homepage uses same tech banks & govt. agencies use to encrypt & secure data.
@clarinette02
March 30th, 2010
Bio IP and IT Lawyer
Privacy and Information Online safety/net neutrality and true Internet Advocate
Today we’re tweeting with IP and IT attorney, blawger & internet advocate @clarinette02, a French lawyer who just completed a UK LLM
Those of you who regularly follow our twitterviews will notice a 22 Tweets first in this twitterview…. Hope you enjoy it!
- @clarinette02 thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @clarinette02?
Tk You:) clarinette02 is my online representative, mon compagnon de route since the early age of my digital life.
– - You practiced in France, then did an LLM in the UK. What type of practice do you want to build now?
I’d like to practice on the area of internet related issues, legal challenges from e-commerce to e-reputation, privacy, piracy…
– - Who will be your typical client?
I guess, corporations, companies or individuals facing issues and needing advice in this fast-moving, increasingly important area.
– - Et quel sera le principal problème juridique de ce client typique? [And what will be the principal legal problem of this typical client?]
En principe, nul n’est cense ignorer la loi, pourtant sur le net, quelle loi doit-on appliquer? Pas facile pour les non-praticiens. [Ignorance of the law is no excuse however you need to find out which law you should apply online.]
– - Why should those clients hire you? What specifically will you bring to the table to help them with their legal issues?
My hands on experience of the net, my international profile+ perspicacity & tenacity, innovative ideas, enthusiasm, focus & drive
– - You have law degrees from 2 countries. Is this bi-cultural approach common in Europe? Will it ever become necessary?
Not enough, it should become compulsory for higher level of practice, Internet has no frontier as many other areas of todays life.
– - Et quelles sont les différences principales entre le système juridique en France et celui de l’Angleterre? [What are the main differences between the legal system in France and in England?]
hmmm…one is pragmatic and business oriented the other philosophical. Guess who’s who.
– - Too easy…. Your interests span copyright, privacy & child safety. What’s the common link? Aren’t they in conflict?
Yes, there is a tension. A need for a balance of rights to reach within the hierarchy of norms in a democratic society: Justice.
– - How will our concept of “online privacy” be different at the end of the current decade?
I guess it will evolute from privacy stricto-sensus towards a right of control over personal data and more consent, opt-in > opt-out
– - Tell us about your work on online child safety projects. What do you do? How is it making the internet a safer place?
C’est quelque chose qui me tient beaucoup a coeur. [It’s something that is very important to me.] I’m hoping 2educate parents 2understand the online world, 2accompany their kids
– - Comment decririez-vous votre travail lors d’un premier contact? [How do you describe your work when you meet someone for the first time?]
Diagnosis of issues, proposer of a framework 2better understand Dlegal implications of what they R doing and which options to go for
– - You blog at Clarinette’s Blog (http://bit.ly/pCpJ7). What are your blogging objectives? Are you meeting them?
I started the blog to escape the dictatorship of 140 characters to be able to exchange ideas, it has become a new portal 4me.
– - Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use to market your practice?
My linkedin profile is there to connect wit PPL IRL – my gateway en sorte – I also participate to many online discussions
– - What specific benefits, if any, have you realized from your Web 2.0 activities?
Oh, a gr8 source of info. helping to highlight issues, especially technical, many great contacts, getting 2know who’s doing what…
– - Combien de temps passez-vous par jour à créer et à renforcer votre “marque”? [How much time do you spend every day creating and enhancing your brand?]
C’est tres variable, difficile a dire. Je suis une ‘quick’ Twitter et j’aime faire plusieurs choses a la fois! [It varies, it’s hard to say. I’m a quick Twitterer and I like to do many things simultaneously!]
– - Let’s switch gears. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Between others, I’d say, being able to adapt, regulation pacing the speed of our fast evolving environment.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
I presume we R going towards more globalization, privacy should become a crucial part of legal issues as data fuels the net.
– - Que fériez-vous si vous n’étiez pas avocate? |What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?]
le droit, rien que le droit, toujours le droit. Peut-etre Lobbyist, je trouve le debat copyright/individual right tres interessant. [The law, nothing but the law, always the law. Maybe Lobbyist, I find the copyright / individual right debate very interesting.]
– - How do you want to be remembered?
I’d say as someone with good ideas who was able to bring innovation and who eventually changed things to better
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Tweeting LOL I also like 2spend time with my family, I love music, practice sport, travel 2discover new cultures. I love learning
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Go and look at new areas of law, adapt yourself to the new world, network and widen your audience by using web tools
here is one example of opportunites: online RT @rcalo: LinkedIn London is hiring. http://bit.ly/d2GqbW #jobs
– - et notre dernière question pour vous: quels conseils auriez-vous pour ceux qui font l’école de droit actuellement? [and our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?]
Learn languages, master the new technologies, go abroad, if you can, specialize on privacy or find your own niche
Good advice. Thanks for tweeting with me today in 22 Tweets’ first bilingual Twitterview. I enjoyed it very much.
Thanks for inviting me. It was a gr8 experience. I always love mixing languages, congratulations for your good French.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger | Comments Off on @clarinette02@matthewdevries
March 18th, 2010
Construction Attorney
LEED Accredited Professional
Partner, Smith Cashion & Orr, PLC
Author of Best Practices Construction Law
Today we’re tweeting with LEED AP @matthewdevries, a Nashville-based construction lawyer and blogger
- @matthewdevries thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @matthewdevries?
Thx. Best description: Christ follower. Husband. Dad to 5 (soon 6) kids. Construction Atty. Speaker. Author wannabe.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
My practice: 75% Construction; 25% Commercial Litigation; 10% blogging,marketing,speaking. That’s 110% practice!!!
– - You’ve probably underestimated it at that…. What type of clients do you represent?
My clients: Owners, A/E, contractors, subk, suppliers. This yr also included many pro-bono clients, nonprofits
– - And what is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Issue affecting clients: hard economic times affect everything, from contract drafting to claims to liens to collection
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I tell every new client that I will pour my heart into their case, give them my all, but I will always play by the rules
– - Am sure they appreciate that. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Major representation included huge win for road builder following wk long trial. On appeal now …
Other major representation involved guiding a local homeless non-profit and helping w/construction of new facility
– - Why do your clients hire you?
I hope clients hire me for my work ethic, experience, litigation track record. But it may just be my good looks (NOT)
– - What type of billing arrangements are your clients requesting? Is that typical?
Primary billing arrangement remains hourly. Had a number of blended terms lately: reduced fee + contingency (mostly liens)
– - Tell us about your LEED AP certification. What does it mean? Why is it important to your clients?
LEED AP = certification involving @usgbc; means you have understanding of green bldg practices & LEED Rating System …
LEED AP is imp to clients b/c they need advice on new risks and how to allocate that risk on green projects
– - More and more builders are adapting green building techniques. What are some of the legal dangers of “going green”?
Dangers of going green: new risks & failed expectations. Contracts are mechanism to address both of these.
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
Anyone who meets me knows I love my wife/kids. As father and atty, I prepare for unknown. I am a chaos manager! …
If they ask “what is construction law” I say contract disputes, arguments over concrete, payment disputes, falling buildings
– - You blog about a wide variety of topics. What’s your overall blogging strategy? How do you decide what to write on?
I blog about the things that interest my clients, whether strictly construction, leadership, technology, family …
…my friend @cordellparvin had a good post yesterday: http://bit.ly/dBb0di It’s easy to find topics. Hard to find the time
– - Indeed. Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use to market your practice?
Other Web 2.0 tools: LinkedIn somewhat; Facebook for friends and family, although I see others using FB for business.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Impact of Web2.0: Gets my name out. New speaking opportunities. Few new clients from cold calls. Mostly name recog, though.
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Don’t tell my partners but I spend about 1hr per day (+/-) developing my brand. I am getting more efficient though b
BTW, none of them Tweet, so I think I’m safe…
– - Mum’s the word…. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Ouch. Tough one … ETHICS! “First thing we do is kill all the lawyers” Was a compliment long ago. Now, butt end of a joke …
Was heckled by participant in presentation last week for being “Atty”. That mentality is what we have to change.BTW, none of them Tweet, so I think I’m safe…
– - Yikes. That doesn’t sound like fun. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Legal landscape in 10yrs: Hopefully we are more efficient in our work by relying on technology. More virtual work.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
If not a lawyer, I would love to be motivational-family-leadership speaker guy and author! I still may be day … Watch out!
– - How do you want to be remembered?
What’s up with the tough questions? Save the zingers for the end? …
I would want to be remembered by legacy of raising good kids who love God, work hard, serve others, enjoy life to fullest.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Not working. What’s that? When not “at” work, I manage chaos at home, make gourmet meals, enjoy kids. Golf sometimes.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Unemployed attys, find your passion! Here are a few posts I did on this issue: http://bit.ly/5hvpnV and http://bit.ly/cTAUIG
– - And our last question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Hate to do this, but see prior answer. Can’t stress enough how imp it is to love what ur doing. Find that out b4 law sch.
No apologies needed; it’s good advice. Thanks for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed it very much.
Thanks for the interview. I enjoyed it! Gotta run. New chaos: family member w/kidney stones! Thanks again.
Good luck!
@howardcollens
March 2nd, 2010
Probate and Estate Planning Lawyer
Member, Galloway and Collens
Today we’re tweeting with Michigan probate and estate planning lawyer and Detroit Tigers fan @howardcollens
- @howardcollens thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @howardcollens?
Thanks for having me. Attorney for 15 years. Husband, father of 3, lifelong Detroiter & Detroit Tigers fan.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
Galloway and Collens, PLLC has been a firm for 7 years. We started with 2 lawyers, no clients & have grown every year.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Mostly individuals. Our practice focuses on estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law, real estate issues
– - And what would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
The impact of the new Michigan Trust Code will be the most significant legal issue on planning and estate administration
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
Each client’s case is unique. It will unfold in its own individual way. I explore the client’s goals & hopes early on.
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
In a contested probate, I was able to leverage a will, handwritten into the decedent’s patient advocate designation form, …
to carry out the decedent’s intent to benefit my client, her neighbor.
– - A very satisfying result, I’m sure. Why do your clients hire you?
Whether the client is a young family planning for their children, an elder worried about the costs of long term care or …
a family who has just experienced a death, my clients look to exchange uncertainty for certainty, crisis for calm.
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Short sales & loan modifications. Representing investors purchasing property in Metro Detroit. See OutFromUnderMyHouse.com
– - Understandable developments…. How has the economic crisis affected your clients?
I see more economic exploitation of seniors. The probate practice has not been too impacted….
One does not get to wait until better financial times to contest an estate or deal with a guardianship of a loved one.
– - Indeed. What are some common mistakes people make when preparing estate plans?
The most complicated (and expensive) administrations result from the estate plans that people write themselves.
– - There’s a valuable lesson in that…. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
People have a personal connection to our practice. Everyone has a will or trust or is planning to put one in place.
– - When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
Nov 2008. At 1st, purely social. Now, social and biz. I like that through tweeting you get to tell & learn all at once.
– - Besides Twitter, what other Web 2.0 tools do you use to market your practice?
Facebook, LinkedIn. Looking to use Ustream. Clients from all over the country and the world find us through our websites.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Expansion of social networks and staying connected/reconnecting with friends has lead to real business.
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
It varies. I try to balance brand development w getting the work done. In a small firm setting, this is a delicate balance.
– - I’m sure it is. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
The larger impacts caused by economic uncertainty both on the clients and on lawyers and their firms.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
I hope our local probate courts will finally have electronic filing and better, more robust remote access to court files.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would love to be a baker. There is magic in making a loaf of bread from scratch.
– - Would you believe that you are the fourth twitterviewee to say “baker”? How do you want to be remembered?
Amazing on the baker answer. I idealize it as a let the stress out sort of job. I would hope I would be remembered . . .
As a caring husband, engaged father. As a person who believes in the power of community. As an advocate of planned giving.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
I coach my son’s soccer team. Enjoy watching a good baseball game. I keep a garden. Canned home-grown pickles last summer.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Don’t give up. Doing something you are passionate about in the law (or toward whatever you want to accomplish) will work out
– - And our final question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Strike a good balance between study and extracurriculars and/or clerking….
The day to day practical application of the law during law school should not be missed/overlooked.
Thanks; that’s useful advice. Enjoyed tweeting with you today, and learning about you and your practice.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to participate in this twitterview.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Detroit, Estate Planning, Probate | Comments Off on @howardcollens@humanracehorses
February 23rd, 2010
The Law Office of Harold M. Goldner
Author, HumanRaceHorses blog
Second Oboe in the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra
Today we’re tweeting with employment lawyer @humanracehorses, who may well be the first 22 Tweets interviewee to play the oboe
- @humanracehorses thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @humanracehorses?
I solve workplace issues for employees who have been treated unfairly & for employers looking to improve their workplace.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
Mix of employment discrimination claims & defense work; human resources; w/a smattering of PI and estate work here & there.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Big mix on employee side; on employer side, clients tend to be businesses where the bookkeeper is still the “HR director”
– - And what would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
People spend about half their waking hours at work; if there are going to be conflicts, they’re likely to be on the job.
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
If you hire me, you get me, not a lower level associate. I am much easier to reach by email (or Twitter!) than by phone.
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Settled 2 cases alleging race, gender and retaliation against an airline. Came very close trial on the 2nd case.
– - Why do your clients hire you?
I ask the “Harry Potter” question at the very first consultation. “If I were a wizard, what could I do for you” (cont’d.)
I make my focus getting what the client wants; not what I might want if I in their shoes. It’s all about the client.
– - Indeed. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Retaliation claims are big now. E/ees are aware of their rights & more likely to complain about discrimination. (cont’d.)
Also handling several non-competes where departing employees looking to be freed up to find better positions.
– - How has the economic crisis changed the relationship between employers and employees? Are the changes permanent?
For now employers have upper hand; employees are desperate to keep jobs even under bad conditions. Benefits more important. .
– - What’s the next big battleground of discrimination in the workplace? How will it be resolved?
1) Gender identify/affinity; acceptance of LGBT issues. 2) More anti-retaliation and whistleblowing laws. (cont’d.)
3) Genetic information. 4) Leave policies. As baby boomers age, more expansive family leave protection will be needed.
– - Looks like conflicts to continue a while… How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I solve employment & workplace problems, or as I like to say “We take the heartache out of HR”.
– - You blog at Human Racehorses (http://bit.ly/cYQlbm). What are your blogging objectives? Are you meeting them?
Much of my work comes from other lawyers; I think (at least I hope) the blog helps raise my “brand awareness.” (cont’d.)
I try to focus on the quality of my blog posts rather than the frequency. I hope that’s not a mistake. It shouldn’t be.
– - Agreed. Besides your blog and Twitter, do you use other Web 2.0 tools to market your practice? Which ones?
I answer lots of questions on Avvo (http://is.gd/90y5A) & “My Employment Lawyer” (http://is.gd/90ygi). I’m on LinkedIn too.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Neither LinkedIn nor Facebook generate any business (I don’t use FB that way); Avvo has generated several paying clients.
– - Congrats for that! How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Not enough. I try to blog more often. I’d like to do a podcast. But I try not to ‘waste’ my tweets.
– - What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
You can’t be a worker bee without clients any more. Without a clientele, you are soon to be or are already unemployed.
– - Interesting perspective. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
1) Expanded use of referral networks for solo/small firms; 2) Diminished use of billable hour (cont’d.)
3) More virtual versus in person clients. 4) More of a national or regional practice than archaic state-based model.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Playing in an orchestra or band (I play alto sax & piano, too). Writing; composing. Maybe studying/teaching Shakespeare.
– - How do you want to be remembered?
My role model is George Bailey of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I’d like to be remembered as somebody who helped others.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Listening or playing music; playing tennis; walking or hiking. Reading (at least when I’m on vacation). Watching soccer.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
a niche or expertise and be really good at it. Find clients you can help. Everything else will follow. Avoid mediocrity.
Last answer, I mean FIND a niche….. (thank Twhirl for the unwanted edit.)
– - And our last question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Be sure it’s what you *really* want to do. Expect to find fulfillment outside of law practice – it’s a jungle out there.
That’s good advice. Thank you for the twitterview: I enjoyed it very much.
Likewise; thanks for the opportunity to chat. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your future “Twitterview.”
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Employment, Philadelphia | Comments Off on @humanracehorses@beej777
February 11th, 2010
Today we’re tweeting with corporate solicitor, social media enthusiast & the 1st 22 Tweets interviewee from the Wirral, UK
- @beej777 thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @beej777?
My pleasure…Corporate lawyer, husband & father, Apple geek, real ale fan & outdoors enthusiast (not necc. in that order)
– - Tell us about your law practice.
I help my clients buy, sell and invest in businesses and companies and advise them on company law and commercial contracts.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
I act for a wide range of business clients from sole traders to listed companies, but mainly Wirral and Merseyside based
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Managing tension between a seller (who wants a clean break) and a buyer (who wants seller to underwrite their legal risk)
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
the exact scope of the work I will do and what it will cost them. Sounds obvious, but many solicitors don’t.
– - That certainly makes sense. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
To me they are all significant – for the clients I represent their deal is usually a huge (or once in a lifetime) event
– - Good point…. Why do your clients hire you?
According to their feedback because I am “personable, trustworthy and cost effective” & give “professional, creative” advice
– - You spent several years at a top global firm before joining a small regional firm. What led you to make that change?
At @LeesLLP we focus on <£5m transactions so my clients are owner managers, not acquisitions directors. It’s more rewarding…
… and it is easier as a smaller firm to embrace social media & web 2.0. The big firms over here frankly don’t understand it.
– - Interesting. How is the economy affecting your clients? Are you seeing any signs of recovery?
Instructions are up, but lack of credit from banks is stifling transaction volumes and forcing more creative deal structures
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Web 2.0 st/ups (Wirral = silicon peninsula?!) and businesses sold 2 management instd of trade buyer. V diff fr 24 months ago
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I usually say that I am a corporate solicitor. Most people don’t know what I mean and we move on to something more exciting!
– - Another good point…. You blog at Peninsulawyer (http://bit.ly/cbqPp). Who do you write it for? Why should they read it?
Hopefully not just lawyers! For inside view of how social media & tech are changing legal practice (& my sparkling prose!)
– - Besides Twitter and your blogs, what other Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use?
LinkedIn, Facebook, FourSquare, StumbleUpon and Delicious mainly. Can’t see Google Buzz making the list at the moment!
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
We have gained new clients from Twitter and LinkedIn, but the biggest benefit is in relationships, authority and reputation
– - Indeed. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
At least an hour, but much of it slots into spare moments throughout the day and evening. More than that today!
– - And we greatly appreciate that! What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
in UK, a perfect storm:- recession, 2012 deregulation under LSA (http://bit.ly/bzHg2X) and enterprise 2.0 / legal tech
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
To answer that I will (loosely) paraphrase Bill Gates:- …
in 10 yrs the way solicitors work now will be obsolete. Only question is whether we make it obsolete or if someone else will
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I nearly became a soil scientist b4 I chose law, but if money was no object ski bum in winter, liveaboard sailor in summer!
– - How do you want to be remembered?
Not necessarily for my legal career or as first Wirral solicitor on Twitter! Hopefully as a good father
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Try and spend time with Leo (our little boy), run & sail when I can (but promised my wife no marathons this year!)
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Focus on relationships w/ clients and other lawyers – when the market improves those networks will be critical
– - And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
You have to call where the profession will be in 10 years and how you will fit. Focus on this as much as your law books.
Very valuable advice. Thanks very much for tweeting with me today.
thank you – it’s been great fun. First interview I have done with a beer in one hand!
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Corporate Law, Wirral UK | Comments Off on @beej777@paulhajek
February 9th, 2010
Solicitor of the Senior Court of England and Wales
Principal, Clutton Cox Solicitors
Blogger on Conveyancing and the Housing Market, Wills and Probate
Today we’re tweeting with @PaulHajek, Solicitor of the Senior Court of England and Wales and prolific legal blogger
- @paulhajek thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @paulhajek?
A Croatian father, a Belfast Catholic mother, and now a sole practitioner I have been an oppressed minority virtually all my life
– - Tell us about your law practice.
Clutton Cox is a traditional non contentious high street practice with 3 solicitors with emphasis on residential property.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Your average man and woman in the street, and a few company clients
– - And what would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
In Conveyancing, our legal system from time immorial(1189) is robust enough for clients not worry about too many legal issues
– - Yeah, guess 800+ years of precedent could do that… What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
Don’t worry about a thing. Some even take this advice
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
From my sporting background, some Olympic athletes and international rugby stars
– - Why do your clients hire you?
Reputation and repeat business and referral from realtors/estate agents. And increasingly from the internet
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Property or Conveyancing always has and always will be our main focus
– - How has the economic crisis affected your clients? Have you seen any signs of improvement in the UK?
Job loss and mortgage rationing are main culprits. Slight improvement but still uncertainty over strength of recovery
– - You bill all your work on a fixed-fee basis. Is that common in the UK? How do UK clients react to fixed fees?
In Conveyancing and Wills yes, rare in Probate work. My experience clients much prefer it. Total peace of mind and guaranteed
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
Property Lawyer, Home Information Pack Provider and Legal Services Marketer, Internet Marketing Evangelist. Nice Bloke
– - You host ten different legal blogs on your website (http://bit.ly/drlVFK). Why so many? Who are they written for?
Whatever takes my fancy. All are property based with Wills and Probate. Written to help and inform clients and potential new clients
– - Besides Twitter and your blogs, what other Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use?
I do not think my demographic is Facebook, but I remain open minded. Have dabbled in LinkedIn. Do a lot of article marketing
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
I am just beginning to get benefits of internet marketing. My client income from the web alone this year should be around $100,000
– - Wow, that’s fantastic! Congrats. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
70% development with 30% fee earning. I have 2 other solicitors in the practice. I research and prepare my blogs in the evenings
– - Sounds like the right mix. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Without doubt Deregulation in 2012, allowing non legal entrants into the legal services market so called “TescoLaw”
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
A few big national and regional brands, with many more sole practitioners than now,after the fallout in2012 and onwards
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I love legal marketing. My company ActionMove, + new company internet marketing for solicitors as a JV with marketer @boydbutler
– - How do you want to be remembered?
Cor Blimey , he was good lawyer. What was his name again?
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
With my wife,2 daughters, Sports,TV(Mad Men, 24) Music. My favs are Spurs, BathRugby ,Chicago Bears and The Who (pre Superbowl!)
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Blog and tweet, better than CV and you will get found. Very few solicitors with social media skills, create your niche.
– - And our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
If lucky enough to get training contract great, if not, use law degree to open other doors. There is so much more to choose from now
That’s great advice. Thanks very much for the interview today; I enjoyed learning more about you and your practice.
and thank you, as my Floridian cousin would say it’s been a blast!. Now who’s winning the football?
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Bristol UK, Real Estate | Comments Off on @paulhajek@rushnigut
February 5th, 2010
Today we’re tweeting with Iowa business, franchising and employment lawyer @rushnigut
- @rushnigut thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @rushnigut?
Thanks for the opportunity. My son says I am a “lovable, sporty guy, that can’t cook.” That’s a direct quote.
– - Hmmm. Tell us about your law practice.
I’m a shareholder with Brick Gentry, P.C., a 25 person law firm in West Des Moines Iowa. I’m primarily a business lawyer.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
I represent a wide range of business clients as outside general counsel and handle business litigation cases.
– - And what is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Employment claims and lawsuits are the number one issue faced by most of my business clients.
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I represent Lloyds London in defending a $100 million claim to pay for the clean up of old manufactured gas plants in Iowa.
– - Significant indeed…. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I am not going to bill you for each and every phone call. If you have a problem, call me. Clients can’t be afraid to call.
– - Smart policy. Why do your clients hire you?
I hope they recognize I am passionate about going above and beyond to provide value and obtain excellent results.
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Currently business litigation is taking up most of my time. Not typical but may be this way for a while.
– - What major regulatory changes can your clients expect from the Obama administration over the next three years?
I am hopeful his recent $30 billion small business loan proposal spurs employment and growth with business clients.
– - How has the economic crisis affected your clients’ ability to do business? How are they adapting to survive?
Many business clients are really struggling to obtain credit and funding. They cut costs at every corner. It’s rough.
– - Let’s talk about your marketing efforts. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
It’s better to be interested than to be interesting. I try to focus the conversation on the person I am talking with.
– - You blog at Rush on Business (http://bit.ly/9U5YNy). What are your blogging objectives? Are you meeting them?
I provide info about business legal issues in an easy to understand format. I want to improve the image of lawyers. It’s working.
– - How are your Web 2.0 activities perceived by your firm’s leadership? Are there others in your firm as active as you?
My firm is incredibly supportive. My success has helped. Others aren’t as active as me but a couple are blogging routinely.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
It’s been amazing! Too many referrals to count over the past 3-4 years. The blog has helped to elevate my reputation.
– - Congrats for that. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Recently not as much due to the demands of certain cases. But I usually try to spend an hour or so each day.
– - Sounds like you’re getting real ROI for it. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Accounting firms beating law firms to the punch. Business lawyers need to develop methods to serve clients more effectively.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Lawyers from nimble boutique firms will have the most success. Intellectual property law will continue to explode.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I’m looking to take Tony LaRussa’s job if he doesn’t win the World Series so there’s still a chance I’ll be a MLB manager.
– - Good luck with that! How do you want to be remembered?
That I was a positive role model for my children, loved my wife and gave it my all in my endeavors.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
I spend time with my wife and kids. I coach baseball and football. We’re home bodies on the weekends with no games.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Think creatively. A law degree is useful in many ways besides practicing law. Explore options outside a law practice.
– - And our last question for you today — what advice do you have for people going to law school now?
Consider your reasons for going to law school. Is it to make lots of money? You might be sorely disappointed upon graduation.
Wise advice…. Thanks very much for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed learning more about you and your practice.
Thank you very much for the interview today. I enjoyed it! Keep up your great work.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Business Law, Des Moines, Employment | Comments Off on @rushnigut@ksuzan
February 2nd, 2010
Today we’re tweeting with trademark, copyright and internet, social media and new media law attorney @ksuzan
- @ksuzan thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @ksuzan?
I am an explorer and an intellectual property attorney and help companies and brands protect their names worldwide.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
I protect brands from all angles. Trademarks, copyrights, domain names, social media and all IP matters non-patent.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Large companies, start-ups, individuals – all seeking to protect, defend, license, and develop their IP portfolios.
– - and what would you say is the single most important legal issue facing those clients?
Acquiring and maintaining their exclusive rights in brand names, logos, slogans, and other brand indicia in the USA and worldwide.
– - What do you say to every new client before you start working for them?
I advise them of the process of obtaining IP protection including the estimated fees and costs for obtaining the protection.
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I’ve protected a famous children’s dinosaur and his friends from infringement and dilution. The exhibits were memorable.
– - Hmmm. I wonder which dinosaur that could have been…. Why do your clients hire you?
Primarily to protect their IP; whether it be a new brand name, social media campaign or artistic work needing copyright protection.
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
We have been filing many new marks; there are new products in the pipeline and it is important to file ITU trademark applications
– - You’ve written on legal strategies in the age of social media. What do IP rights holders need to worry about most?
Social media has the potential to make or break a brand; brand owners need to be proactive by using and monitoring these new tools
– - How then can companies find the right balance between the risks of active social media engagement and the rewards it brings?
Experiment wisely with multiple tools; Check your ROI on a monthly basis and view it in chart form; it is an evolving landscape
– - What are your own social media strategy and objectives? How well are you meeting your goals?
To tweet and post useful content on a regular basis. I also enjoy expanding my network of professionals throughout the world…
I am meeting my goals. I have established connections with people and have developed valuable writing and speaking opportunities.
– - How are your Web 2.0 activities perceived by your firm’s leadership? Are there others in your firm as active as you?
That remains under review for the time being. However, I continue to tweet and have integrated Web 2.0 tools into my practice…
Others in my Firm are embracing LinkedIn and Facebook, but I am probably the most active with Web 2.0 tools.
– - If your clients are active in that space…. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
Think about the aisles in stores. There’s a trademark lawyer behind every brand on the shelf. Trademarks are part of life.
– - A lotta lawyers…. What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Many lawyers indeed!… Web 2.0 has yielded numerous requests and potential engagements from artists and brand holders
– - That’s great to hear. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
My fiancee would say too much! — About 1 hour a day; from posting new content to reading and listening to the content of others.
– - Sounds like it is time well spent…. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Proper mentoring of the next generation of lawyers. Law school can only do so much for the newly minted lawyers.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Lawyers will meet clients in virtual spaces and we will have lots of case law where Web 2.0 evidence is deemed the “smoking gun”.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
A few things come to mind – TV newscaster, journalist or a teacher.
– - How do you want to be remembered?
A great leader, a trusted advisor and a loyal friend to many.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
I enjoy travel, music, the arts, and reading. My next big trip is to Athens and the Greek Islands. I’m a photographer too.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Use Web 2.0 tools to make critical connections and use the time to coordinate personal goals and aspirations with reality.
– - And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Think about ways to help others by serving your community. Our institutions need great thinkers!
That’s good advice. Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts and perspective with me today.
Lance, it has been a pleasure. Many thanks for this opportunity.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Buffalo, IP | Comments Off on @ksuzan@dgvelaw
January 26th, 2010
Adoption, Estate Planning, Residential Real Estate Attorney
Author of Massachusetts Wills, Trusts, and Estates
Today we’re tweeting with @dgvelaw, a Massachusetts lawyer who helps people add to, protect, and move their families
- @dgvelaw thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @dgvelaw?
Thanks for having me – very excited about this!
Deadhead feminist Atty-Mama (5, 3 & 5 mos), fun wife, big sister, DD, loyal friend, clients’ trusted family advisor for life
– - Tell us about your law practice.
DGVE law helps pp add to, protect, & move their families: adoption, estate planning, residential real estate
– - What type of clients do you represent?
most DGVE law clients are in their 30s-40s, own homes in the Greater Boston area & are parents of minor children
– - And what would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
legally protecting their kids- naming guardians & ensuring kids’ $ is protected until they’re mature enough to receive it
– - Important matters indeed. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
we date b/f we get engaged- I tell prospective clients a little about me, ask about them, then we can see if rel. would work
– - I like that analogy. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I’ve had the privilege of becoming the trusted family advisor to an extended family, helping each of them…
Also very excited about clients who started w/me for estate planning & are now in the process of adopting!
– - Why do your clients hire you?
I’m genuine, friendly, deeply empathize w/my clients & want to help them in as easy a way possible- they can sense that immediately
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, Guardians for Kids, Living Wills) though Real Estate & Adoption have been picking up lately
– - What’s the most common mistake people make with respect to estate planning. How can they fix it?
Avoid/delay. No certainty but death/taxes but never know when disability/death will come, what cost, or how old kids’ll be…
always better to plan calmly than react in crisis. DIY estate planning = close second- that’ll be big news going forward.
– - Heard it here first…. You charge flat fees for your work. How long have you done that? How has it changed your practice?
did some hrly billing as I was taught when I first went solo. It was awful for me & the clients. I decided never again &…
everyone’s happier this way. It fosters more & better communication & engenders more good will all around.
– - That makes sense. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I help pp add to (adopt), protect (plan for disability & death), & move (homes) their families in empowering, friendly way.
– - You blog at MA Wills, Trusts, and Estates (http://bit.ly/SXyj1) What objectives drive your blog? Are you meeting them?
I aim to educate & motivate in easy nonthreatening way to plan NOW/spare families later & believe I’m meeting those goals.
– - Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
FB Fan Page where I regularly interact w/others & also post items related to real estate & adoption. http://bit.ly/4ArcgA
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
I’ve had a # of clients via FB & met wonderful colleagues nationwide & found great referral partners locally via Twitter…
referred to me or Googling, Clients often say they checked out my website & blog & “liked my vibe”
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
I enjoy connecting w/pp on deeper level, find my friendships on & offline personal & professional in origin lead to the best…
word-of-mouth “brand enhancement.”Also 1 day/wk on my biz & mkting plans, learning what they didn’t teach in law school!
– - It seems to be working well. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Mistrust of lawyers nothing new, but fear of being “taken” financially exacerbated right now. Disconnect I’m seeing w/…
clients who feel can’t afford all legal services need, so gamble instead trying DIY approach or w/less comprehensive plan…
don’t like it but I get it. Something’s better than nothing, so I do what I can to make high quality affordable & accessible
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
not clairvoyant but I’d love to see more respect for less conventional e.g. dedicated home offices & flex hrs enabling more…
atty-parents to be happier being w/their kids & continuing to serve pp as we worked so hard for so long to learn to do.
& lots more DIY legal attempts – yikes!
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Spanish Literature Prof. at forward-thinking U. teaching a series of classes from El Quijote! Makes me happy just thinking about it!
– - How do you want to be remembered?
positive role model/loving, safe harbor for daughters; still-fun-to-hang-out-with wife & friend; clients’ trusted advisor for life
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
5yo 3yo 5mo 2 cats house & DH, but we make time for great TV (recorded to watch when we can), friends & family. I don’t sleep much.
– - I can imagine…. What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
As Mama Odie tells Princess Tiana u gotta dig down deep/figure out what u REALLY want, then work hard to make THAT happen.
– - Wise words. Our final question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Make sure heart’s really in it/know why or don’t go. Do what’s always worked for U. Avoid fearful dramatic competition like plague.
Thank you for a very interesting interview; I enjoyed learning about you and your practice very much.
It was my pleasure – thanks so much!
