@anthonybushnell
Criminal defense and civil litigation solo attorney
Managing attorney, The Bushnell Law Firm, LLC
Today we’re tweeting w/ crim def & civil lit lawyer @anthonybushnell, who provides smart legal representation – for real people
- @anthonybushnell thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @anthonybushnell?
Thanks Lance! Attorney, dad, believer in a good and merciful God, thus trying to treat others & clients the way I want to be treated
– - Tell us about your law practice.
I do criminal defense and litigation, which varies from helping homeowners with contractors to dealing with unpaid wages.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
A lot of individuals and small to mid-size businesses. Most people are ordinary folks who get stuck with legal problems.
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Cost of legal services and access to legal help. Most people are slow to seek #legal help; they think they can’t afford it.
– - Indeed. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I can’t guarantee the results in litigation or a criminal matter, but I will work my hardest and get the best I can for you.
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Represented a guy pro bono who had a court order put on him with no notice or process. Had to go to appeals court to fix it.
– - Why do your clients hire you?
I provide high-quality legal work and personal attention, but keep my rates very reasonable so real people can afford it.
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Litigation right now. It varies, but seems to average 60% litigation / 40% criminal. I also do some prosecution on contract.
– - You tweet a lot re work/life balance. How do you maintain the right mix in the face of time-sensitive client needs?
I remind myself that clients get better service when I’m balanced and healthy. Taking my family time is serving them too.
– - That does make a lot of sense. How do you market your practice?
Thanks. Relationships with other attorneys – trying to help each other and genuinely invest in each other. Websites and SM.
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
I provide legal services regular people need and make a priority to keep it affordable. I can help people who some can’t.
– - What were your goals in becoming active on Twitter? Have they changed?
I started tweeting to connect with clients. I’ve found best & fav use is keeping up on legal news & building relationships.
– - Besides Twitter, what other Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
LinkedIn. I also post about my practice on Facebook, but use it primarily for friendships. Just remind people what I do…
…Minnesota Bar also has a website called www.mypracticelaw.org – like LinkedIn/Facebook for lawyers.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Honestly, I haven’t identified any. But it’s made me better at connecting and improved staying on top of law developments.
– - There’s a lot of value in that, of course. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
1-2 hours on weekdays. I also think a lot and try to keep track of good ideas. Building something worthwhile takes time.
– - Absolutely. Let’s switch gears: What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
We have way too many lawyers (many out of work) but not enough people get legal help. That’s broken. 1+1 should = needs met.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
I expect we’ll have a lot of part-time and contract lawyers/solos. Hopefully apprenticeships for grads & practical training.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would pastor or teach. Often feel the law doesn’t let me help people with their whole need. So I tweet @be_fullyalive too.
– - How do you want to be remembered?
As sincere and genuine and as having helped people. People said Winston Churchill was same man in public and private. …
…Reason I sometimes mention my faith even in professional area is I believe being healthy means being integrated. No masks.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Spend time with my kids and give them as much of me as I can. Try to remember they’ll learn most on life from my wife & me.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Don’t need a job to be an #attorney. You ARE one. Go find clients and offer yourself for contract work. That advice made me.
– - What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Meet all the real lawyers you can. Make sure it’s for you. Do the math and live on a budget. Get practical experience. …
… Don’t be shy about calling lawyers to meet. They’re glad to. Work to develop yourself as a lawyer and get things done.
All very valuable advice. Thanks for your thoughtful responses today; I enjoyed tweeting with you very much.
Me too. Thanks, Lance! This was a great experience. Thank you for creating this idea for lawyers to get to know each other.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Criminal Defense, ivil Litigation, Minneapolis - St Paul | Comments Off on @anthonybushnell@tessashepperson
Residential Landlord and Tenant Law Solicitor
Owner of Landlord Law, an online legal information service
Today we’re tweeting w/ UK solicitor @tessashepperson, who specializes in residential landlord and tenant law
- @tessashepperson thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @tessashepperson?
Thank you for twitterviewing me! Who am I? Solicitor, wife, mother, blogger, author, Dr Who fan, the list is endless
– - Tell us about your law practice.
I am a sole practitioner, and work through my website service www.landlordlaw.co.uk – a 1:many service
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Mostly private residential landlords, some tenants and letting agents, occasionally other solicitors too
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Hard to single out one issue. The credit crunch has affected us here, as it has everywhere, & caused problems eg with rent
– - That’s understandable. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
As I practice via the internet I rarely meet clients face to face. I send them my standard ‘client care’ email
– - Interesting; I hadn’t thought about that. Tell us about one of more significant client representations you’ve had.
Alas I have had no big cases. However I am a trail blazer in the delivery of legal services via the internet
– - Why do your clients hire you?
Because I really understand my niche. Although I do less casework now, the subscription service is more important
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Just now I’m doing a lot of writing, blogging, talks at landlord events & wkg towards a web-site upgrade. Fairly typical
– - You offer legal info via subscription for landlords & tenants. What are benefits of this model for clients?
a 1:many service is more efficient than 1:1, so it is less expensive. I help people do to things for themselves
– - How do you market that practice?
A few ads, writing articles for relevant journals, my blog , twitter, but most people seem to find me through Google
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
I run an online legal information service for residential landlords and tenants
– - You blog at Landlord Law Blog (http://bit.ly/qLRGh). Who is it written for? Why should they read it?
I started it 3-4 years ago as somewhere I could comment on issues + I thought it wd be fun. Readers can learn a bit & ask Qs
– - Interactive approach (like service). What’s the general sentiment in the UK regarding lawyers using social media?
I recently mentioned Linkedin at a lawyers mtg & got asked if it was an online dating site! A few eg @BrianInkster get it
– - Wow. What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Blog: My stats show that many visitors come to my website from my blog & it has helped raise my profile. Twitter: its early days
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
My husband tells me, too much! But it is always in my mind, say 25/7?
– - 25/8? A lot of time either way…. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
In England we have a new Legal Services Act. But above that I think the internet/web 2 will have a profound effect
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
People will expect to do business online as a matter of course. Most legal sources will be freely available online, but …
… people won’t understand it so will still need us. More work than lawyers now care to think about will be commoditised
– - Interesting. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I really enjoy writing so would probably have ended up as some kind of writer.
– - How do you want to be remembered?
An innovator who pioneered the online delivery of legal services for ordinary people
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
I enjoy reading detective novels, cooking, watching Doctor Who, and spending time with my lovely family
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Decide what you really want from life, then work out how to achieve it. There is usually a way, you just have to find it
– - And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Try to get some wk experience in a law office first, if you find you enjoy law, then go for it, otherwise do something else
That’s valuable advice to close this interesting twitterview. Thanks so much for staying up late to tweet with us!
It was a pleasure! Best wishes from across the pond!
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Real Estate, United Kingdom | Comments Off on @tessashepperson22 Tweets Roundtable: Work / Life Balance
Welcome to the first 22 Tweets Roundtable, where we tweet with 5 lawyers and legal professionals around a single theme
Today we ask our panelists 12 thought-provoking questions on work / life balance provided by the law students at WVU
We’re very pleased that @beckyandhollee –H @taxgirl @lisasolomon @jaynejuvan and @jayshep have joined us today
Welcome, all, and thank you very much for participating. I look forward to your perspective and insight. Let’s get started.
–
1. What sacrifices have you had to make in balancing work life and family life? Do you regret them?
@lisasolomon: None. I love my career as an independent contract atty & developed my practice w/my personal life goals in mind
@beckyandhollee: Sacrificed money and status to leave firm and join academia. Never missed the firm and love being there for my family.
@taxgirl: Sacrifice is a loaded word. But I’ve def made choices that slowed my career in favor of spending more time w family. No regrets.
@jaynejuvan: Thanks! We’ve faced perhaps the most severe economic downturn since Great Depression & are in the midst of a jobless recovery…
We have soldiers in harms way in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m the fortunate one. I haven’t truly made sacrifices yet.
@jayshep: My wife (a working-mom lawyer) and I hurry home most nights early enough to have dinner with kids. Then work late at home.
–
2. What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome in transitioning from law school to practicing law?
@beckyandhollee: Wish we’d learned more practical research and writing skills. That’s why I’m so tough on my students – they thank me later.
@taxgirl: You mean besides giving up my social life? Learning to be accountable to the client & firm for my time and choices.
In law school, you could work on a memo for weeks – that doesn’t happen in the real world.
@jaynejuvan: Not being able to jump directly from Law Review Editor-in-Chief to Managing Partner! …
Moving up through the ranks takes a certain amount of “grit” and hard work…
I try to pay my dues as others have, respect those more senior and persevere.
@jayshep: Trying to learn the business skills law school doesn’t teach: sales, marketing, management, organization. Law school prep? Fail
@lisasolomon: Gaining practical experience in nuts & bolts of practice
–
3. How do you see the practice of law evolving over the next decade to allow greater work / life balance?
@taxgirl: The recession has forced many to work more for less. But it’s also intro’ed many to alts to being a billable hr slave.
@jaynejuvan: New technologies may allow greater work/life balance, but the level of responsiveness can’t change …
Client issues often do not arise between 9 and 5, but when our clients need us, we have to be there for them …
Prove your mettle, then ask for an accommodation if needed & work w/ colleagues to ensure clients’ interests are well-served.
@jayshep: Firms are going to have to kill the billable hour. We have. It’s the biggest hurdle to work-life balance, esp. for women
@lisasolomon: Growing popularity of small/solo firm practice & move away from billable hr 2 alternative billing
@beckyandhollee: Technology means freedom to work from anywhere. The downside is you’re always on call.
–
4. What did you not learn in law school that you wish you would have? How can students get that knowledge?
@jaynejuvan: Market realities. School doesn’t teach agility. Anticipate change, reinvent yourself & act BEFORE a shift. http://tinyurl.com/5o4jva
@jayshep: Practical business skills. Law schools don’t understand that this is a business, not a priesthood. Students: work in biz.
@lisasolomon: Practice mgt skills. Press schools 2 offer those courses; in meantime, educate self by reading relevant bks/blogs
@beckyandhollee: The only test that matters is the bar!:)
@taxgirl: Being right doesn’t matter as much as doing the best job that you can for your clients. Those are often diff things.
–
5. Turning the last question around, what skill acquired in law school was most helpful when you began practicing? Why?
@jayshep: Refining argument and persuasion skills. Everything we do involves trying to convince someone of something. It’s sales
@lisasolomon: Getting quickly to the heart of the issue & anticipating opposing arguments.
@beckyandhollee: Absolutely 100% writing. I became known as a go-to writer in a big firm and got good assignments early becuz of that skill.
@taxgirl: Editing my thoughts and thinking on my feet. It’s a fast paced profession and brevity can count for a lot.
@jaynejuvan: The art of persuasion and clarity, diligence and work ethic. I loved the challenge & the intellectual stimulation of law school!
–
6. What was the most beneficial advice you received in law school? How did it help you?
@lisasolomon: I don’t remember any specific “advice” from law school re: succeeding in practice.
@beckyandhollee: If you’re nervous, don’t show it. Find a game day face and wear it. BigLaw can be macho, even though I’m not really tough.
@taxgirl: Tax prof said: do what you love. My lowest grade in law school was in a tax class. She convinced me not to give up. She was right.
@jaynejuvan: A friend reminded me as I was painstakingly cite-checking a Law Review article at 2:00 a.m. that…
“everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.” T. Edison I still fondly ponder the dialog and the quote.
@jayshep: Best law school advice? “Say hi to Heidi. She’s in our section.” Been married to her 13 years with 2 beautiful daughters. FTW
–
7. How are your clients influencing the evolution of work / life balance in your firm? Should they play a greater role?
@beckyandhollee: Academia is inherently flexible — no emergencies. -H
@taxgirl: Clients are important: they pay the bills. But you have to manage expectations and work smart. Nobody wants a burned out lawyer.
@jaynejuvan: Clients recognize diverse teams challenge assumptions, tend to be more creative & aren’t as likely 2 fall victim 2 group think…
In my experience, this causes firms to be more open-minded when crafting policies or making case-by-case decisions.
@jayshep: They’re not. We set limits, manage expectations. Serving clients’ best interests ≠ dropping everything else at their whims.
@lisasolomon: Not at all. That’s an internal firm matter that firm controls by, e.g., setting reasonable client expectations
–
8. How many hours do you spend on work each week on average? Is that typical of your peers? Is stage of career a factor?
@taxgirl: I work very long hrs but I manage my time and I’ve learned to delegate. Legal work, I can pass on. Being a mom, not so much.
@jaynejuvan: Let’s just say that a friend asked for my bona fides when I said I was participating in a roundtable about work/life balance! …
I work long hours – it’s my choice (but many of my colleagues do as well) – and I hope that it won’t change anytime soon.
@jayshep: About 80 to 90 hrs/wk. For me, it’s more a function of running my own law firm than being a 16th-year lawyer
@lisasolomon: 60+. I have 2 businesses (law firm & coaching/consulting practice) & 1 w/my husb (gifts/cards for legal prof’ls)
@beckyandhollee: Probably 40-60, in chunks, if I count my blogging and writingLots of early mornings, late nights, and w/kids mid-day.
–
9. Several of you have already answered this in some form or another, but how much personal satisfaction do you get from your job?
@jaynejuvan: LOVE the intensity of a legal practice. Nothing beats heated negotiations & the minutes leading up 2 signing or closing a deal.
@jayshep: I love creating and growing a brand from scratch. I love helping companies run better. I hate worrying about $
@lisasolomon: Enormous. Work intellectually stimulating & my clients appreciate importance of my work 2 success of their cases
@beckyandhollee: I was born to be a legal writing professor. I have the best job — freedom to write, the fun of teaching, and time w/family.
@taxgirl: I love what I do. I don’t always love the profession – those are diff things. But my work is interesting, I work w great people.
I also love that my girls see that I’m valued and that I like my job. It’s imp to me that my girls know they can do anything.
–
10. Where do you draw the line between your personal and professional lives?
@jayshep: Our firm rule is “Family comes first.” Work is to support our families, not the other way around.
@lisasolomon: Practically, it changes daily; philosophically, I believe in work/life integration http://twurl.nl/hyqokt
@beckyandhollee: It’s hard bcuz I often want to tweet or network during family time. I try to “chunk’ my time and turn off the computer.-H
My kids are very proud to say that both mommy and daddy (@johntemplebooks) are profs who write books. That matters to me. -H
@taxgirl: Sometimes it’s blurry since I practice w my husband. But we make it work. My kids have their own space at my office. And…
I’ve been known to take calls on the school playground. But when it’s family time, that’s an absolute: no work.
@jaynejuvan: I don’t draw a firm line. I’m always a lawyer, even when I’m not in the office. If my work concludes, I’ll attend kickboxing…
If I’m busy, I don’t fret about missing my workout. If it’s 11:00 p.m. and a client or colleague calls, I answer.
–
11. What was the biggest challenge you faced when you graduated and started practicing?
@lisasolomon: I graduated in last legal recession (1993) & had no offer from my 2L summer. At NYU Law, that makes U untouchable
@beckyandhollee: I lacked confidence because I didn’t feel competent. Also worked in a cut-throat environment that was the wrong fit for me.
@taxgirl: That law wasn’t like it is on TV. I was neither as skinny or as well dressed as Ally McBeal.
Believe it or not, I had met only 1 lawyer in real life before going to law school…
@jaynejuvan: I learned victory would not come easy when a plaintiff’s lawyer refused to return repeated calls in a case we took pro bono…
We elevated the intensity ever so slightly by filing 14 counterclaims. She called us back – pronto! Empowering! MAGICAL, really!
@jayshep: Creating a successful career path from scratch that didn’t follow the conventional BigLaw model w/o someone to show me how
–
12. What honestly is the impact of having children on career progression? Are women the only ones to sacrifice? How can this change?
@beckyandhollee: Women make more sacrifices. We off-ramp and take detours. Re-entry plan is key. We talk re: this in our book & ABA J Column!
@taxgirl: Having kids def affects your career in the law. I was asked in my first 2 interviews if I was getting married and having kids.
Interestingly, though, folks tend to be more understanding of “mom time” than “dad time.” Just ask @jcerb
But I don’t think of it as a “sacrifice” – it’s not kids OR legal career. It’s about finding ways to make both work.
@jaynejuvan: Life events can impact career progression for all of us, but only if we let them. We can instead choose to stay on course…
Pursue your passion, stay focused on your path, and you’ll find you can excel even during the most difficult of circumstances.
@jayshep: Billable hours mean women must choose b/w kids & career. Working moms most effective at time mgmt. Why punish them?
@lisasolomon: Depends how it’s handled. I’ve seen some evid. of changes (e.g., more dads w/flex hrs or working from home)
–
Wow! Thank you so very much @beckyandhollee –H @taxgirl: @lisasolomon @jaynejuvan: and @jayshep: for your candor and insight today!
@lisasolomon: Many thx 2 @22twts, @lancegodard 4 asking me to participate, RTing my responses (Twitter search not indexing my tweets)
@beckyandhollee: My pleasure. My only regret is that the students did not save me any pizza.:) Seriously, it was great to be w/all of you.-H
@jayshep: Big thanks to WVU law students for their pizza-induced help. “Take me home, country roads …”
Special thanks to @lancegodard for being all about the 3 C’s of social media: connecting, contributing & community
@jaynejuvan: Thx 2 all RT @22twts: Wow! Thank you so much @beckyandhollee –H @taxgirl: @lisasolomon @jaynejuvan: and @jayshep: for candor & insight!
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Roundtable, Work / Life Balance | Comments Off on 22 Tweets Roundtable: Work / Life Balance@Hideo_Kato
Today we’re tweeting with Nagoya, Japan-based lawyer @hideo_kato who also tweets in Japanese as @BengoshiKH
- @hideo_kato thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @hideo_kato?
Apart from his job, 90% of his mind possessed by family and world peace☺, 5% by baseball, 5% by music.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
Bankruptcy of companies and persons, family law and speaking for clients companies in their troubles in general.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
From medium & small-sized companies to ordinary people, mostly around Nagoya.
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
I may say it is in a word, “Default”. Broken contracts or promises damage and annoys them financially and psychologically.
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
That is, “Tell me the whole story” ”Or I can’t give you a best practice.”
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
A man 1year older than I, he owns 5~6 companies & his business is expanding every year. He has been my client for ten yrs.
– - It’s very satisfying to help clients like that! Why do your clients hire you?
Yrs ago they hired me just because I was fast. Now some of them from web kindly say they like me and trust me. My pleasure.
– - “Trust” is key around the globe…. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Bankruptcy and divorce. They are typical. I wrote a paperback for each subjects (altogether 2 books) 5yrs ago.
– - What will be the impact of the new government on the legal and regulatory environment in Japan?
It’s said they might change their idea on producing 3000 successful examinees every year. But no big change, I suppose.
– - Change is hard, especially change like that. How do you market your law practice?
I have HP, blog and ..Twitter! And I will write some paper backs again. I love ordinary people and small company owners.
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
Learning from people I meet, giving what help I can. Great thing is we are living on the earth now at the same moment.
– - You blog at kato_hideo.com (http://bit.ly/105R0n). Who is your blog written for? Why should they read it?
For future clients to let them know abut me, and my clients to encourage them. I like writing about what I think & feel.
– - You have 2 Twitter profiles, 1 English & 1 Japanese. Do you post the same tweets or completely different messages? Why?
Japanese one has the same purpose as my blog. English one has more, I mean to learn about what is happening in overseas.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from your Web 2.0 activities?
Focusing on how many cases I get, I say the number of cases I handle from web goes higher than from other routes.
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Actually I only can have time before going to bed or at early in the morning. So a half ~1 hour may be.
– - Time well spent if building your practice…. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
We need to change, we serve clients first. Stop being a “Sensei”=arrogant teacher, and be a coach always with them.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
May be we are going to trace the history of US lawyers in the past. Specialization, consoliditation of law firm may go fast.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
If I can keep my experiences and knowledges, I would be a novel writer or statesman. If not, I ‘d be a cook of Japanese food.
– - How do you want to be remembered?
As a person who gives clients a small hint or chance to make the history of their companies or to re-build their lives.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
I play baseball game for amateur folks or play with 5yrs old daughter. And, Tweet.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
In an old American movie a guy said, ”Find your boss, or you be a boss yourself.” Believe in you, you can do it.
– - Wise words. What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Now 3 persons out of 10 pass in the bar exam but 3 times failures makes you expired. A narrow gate! Be strong and get it!
That’s great advice. Thank you so much for staying up late to answer our questions. This was a fabulous twitterview
Thank you so much for spending time for a local Japanese lawyer tweeting. I appreciate Mr. Lance Godard and kind staff.
Thank you all tweep again. Have a nice day. I will keep learning from you.
Thank YOU very much for your time and wise words. It’s exciting to learn about you and Japanese law practice via Twitter!
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Bankruptcy, Blawger, Family Law, Japan, Nagoya | Comments Off on @Hideo_Kato@steveimparl
Internet, e-commerce and small business lawyer
Owner, Law Office of Steven D. Imparl
Author of Lawyer-Boxer’s Blog
Today we’re tweeting w/ @steveimparl who provides mindfulness-based legal services for internet, e-commerce, and small business
- @steveimparl thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @steveimparl?
Thanks, Lance! I’m a son, brother, and friend—regular guy who’s a lawyer, writer, barbershop baritone, and amateur boxer.
– - Taking fighting for your client’s rights to a new level?… Tell us about your law practice.
Transactions & counseling for small businesses, mostly in Internet/e-commerce, trademark, & copyright, but no litigation.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Small companies operating online: retailers, IT integrators, Web hosts, consultants, content publishers, some individuals.
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
In general, avoiding potential disputes of any kind; with the recession, no one wants to spend money now to resolve them.
– - That makes sense. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
“I am here to help you succeed & avoid problems. Please remember that and help me to help you. Your success is my success.”
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Helping a Web hosting company acquire a smaller one. The sale was good for both parties and went very smoothly.
– - Why do your clients hire you?
My IT background & ability to understand technology, attention to detail, and willingness to go the “extra mile” for them.
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Business-to-business (B2B) agreements. It’s not quite typical; the recession is making everyone a bit more conservative.
– - You “wrote the book” on Internet Law (http://bit.ly/3rhKJ). Isn’t it evolving faster than you can publish updates?
Not quite, but staying current is a huge challenge! STP, my publisher is great. I get to do quarterly updates. That helps …
Also, my editor, Christine Merriman, is awesome. She’s very supportive and enthusiastic about the book, so it all works.
– - I’d imagine that “huge challenge” is an understatement…. How do you market your practice?
Twitter, Facebook, blog, LinkedIn, and other social networks; staying in contact with clients & referral sources regularly.
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
Very briefly! Then I let the other person ask questions. They always do, and we have an enjoyable and productive chat.
– - You blog at Lawyer-Boxer’s Blog (http://bit.ly/89bFk). Who is it written for? Why should they read it?
Boxing is my main fitness activity. I’ve been boxing on and off since I was a boy. It has been a good networking sport …
so I am integrating these activities in a blog. Anyone can read it, but it’s oriented toward lawyers and boxing fans.
– - Interesting combo. You have at least 3 active Twitter profiles. Why separate the feeds? Doesn’t that dilute your brand?
You must mean @ilawguide and @cloudcomplaw. I separated them at the request of some of my followers. Far from diluting …
my brand, this approach lets me provide specific followers with information that interests them most. Also, many of my …
followers of @ilawguide and @cloudcomplaw look me up as @steveimparl, & follow me here, too, so it works fairly seamlessly.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
It’s awesome! I’ve picked up some great work from LinkedIn & now have several promising prospects on Facebook and Twitter.
– - That’s great! How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Lance, I spend at least 90 minutes a day on focused activities, like social networking, to keep my name visible out there.
– - Well it seems to be working. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
To me, it’s: “How do we provide first-rate, cost-effective services for our clients, while taking good care of ourselves?”
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
In 10 years, I foresee many more lawyers using technology to help them enjoy a much greater work-life balance.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Hmm…full-time writer, linguist, historian, paleontologist, musician, professor, motorcycle racer—I need several lifetimes!
– - Another motorcycle racer? Seems to be a trend on 22 Tweets… How do you want to be remembered?
As a good, honest, kind man who overcame huge adversity and used his abilities to the fullest, for his and others’ benefit.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Walking, meditating, bicycling, reading, hanging with family & friends, running www.maledepression.com, and boxing.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Hang in there! This is a temporary crisis, but we live in an abundant universe and we humans have boundless potential.
– - What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Reconsider, and if you still decide to attend, have a backup “plan B” for how you can use your J.D., if you decide …
traditional practice isn’t for you. Also, hold law school administrators accountable—they’re making a lot of $$$ off you.
That’s a useful perspective. Thank you so much for answering our questions today; this was a great twitterview
And thanks for talking with me, Lance! Your questions got me thinking about many important issues, and it’s a great format. Thanks!
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Chicago, e-commerce, Internet | Comments Off on @steveimparl@cynthiarrowland
Business and tax lawyer with focus on nonprofit and charity law
Partner, Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass LLP
Today we’re tweeting w/ tax & corp lawyer, Haiku poet & Director Emeritus of St Mary’s Med Center Foundation Board
- @cynthiarrowland thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @cynthiarrowland?
Hardworking & seasoned CA lawyer devoted to clients, family, friends & community w/passion for making world a better place
– - Tell us about your law practice.
General counsel for wide range of nonprofit legal, regulatory, tax, business & ethical challenges & complex corp structures
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Mainly charities, community & family fndns, museums, universities, schools, churches, & philanthropists that support them
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Effective nonprofit governance on a tight budget that’s also prudent, compliant, ethical & avoids conflicts of interest
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I’m committed to their success, responsive, know they’d rather not spend $ on legal & won’t surprise them w/bill > budget
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Working w/ founders to create OneCal Foundation as charity that’s a holding co for a community bank www.onecalfoundation.org
– - Why do your clients hire you?
They trust me to help them do things right, and to do the right things.
– - That’s a great endorsement. What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Tax & corp compliance; charities are highly regulated by fed & states & rules not intuitive-many traps for the unwary & yes
– - How is the economic crisis affecting your non-profit clients? What are they doing differently to survive?
Greater demands from grantees/clients means nonprofits need to be more effective & efficient; all are doing more w/less
– - I’d imagine ‘less’ for your clients means absolute bare minimums right now…. How do you market your practice?
Right. Seminars, articles, books, meals, ABA, NCCUSL + blog, twitter, LinkedIn, LegalOnRamp see http://tinyurl.com/kvdnhn
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
Expert @ helping entrepreneurial philanthropists & charities, partner in general biz law firm; can help w/most legal needs!
– - You blog @ Leadership, Women, Lawyers (http://bit.ly/k4LXE). Why did you start it? Are you meeting your objectives?
Was looking for new & interesting challenge; at 1 yr mark soon! It’s been fun, I’ve learned a lot & have growing readership
– - Congrats-Great blog! How are your Web 2.0 activities perceived by your firm’s leaders? Are others as active as you?
No one else in my firm seems publicly active in Web 2.0 nor using it for client development. Yet. Might change after today!
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Good Q–Many of my clients are active Twitterers so I follow them & RT; can’t say any particular new engagement yet but it’s early…
more imp: Twitter/Tweetdeck is info source for following chatter about issues & orgs I need to know about (eg, adv parties)
– - Very good point. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Feels like 24/7; probably avg 1 hr/day, both old school methods (seminars, publishing etc) and Web 2.0 (blog, twitter, etc)
– - Time well spent. Let’s switch gears now: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Cloud computing & Web 3.0 are transforming biz & legal profession See http://tinyurl.com/n4m7kj & http://tinyurl.com/nfcbts
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Info access & communication will be very different, changing clients & service delivery-but they’ll still need wise counsel
– - Absolutely! What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Probably go hungry; Maybe psychologist or novelist—I like figuring out why people do what they do & writing fiction & poetry
– - I very much doubt that! How do you want to be remembered?
Wise & thoughtful lawyer & team player & mom, devoted to increasing happiness quotient on the planet; a true & loyal friend
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Spend eves & wknds w/family (husband, 2 sons and dtr, 2 horses, dog, cats) home & garden design, church & good friends 🙂
– - I see why only 1 hr/day for SocMed.. What advice can you gvie lawyers under-/unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Get out there & network(info interviews, volunteer) do what you love w/people you like; build skills as best you can; stay +
– - And our last question: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Here’s what I told my son (1st yr @ U Chi) It’s a great education! Don’t waste it & gd luck! See http://tinyurl.com/lhshxc
Wise words (and nice post)! Thank you so much for answering our questions today; this was a great twitterview
Thanks, great fun! I am finding it hard now to say anything with more than 140 characters! Will resume legalspeak shortly.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Business Law, Charity Law, Nonprofit Law, San Francisco, Tax | Comments Off on @cynthiarrowland@russellbesq
Partner and Head of Trade Secret/Noncompete Task Force, Foley & Lardner LLP
Co-author of Trade Secret / Noncompete Blog
Today we’re tweeting with lawyer @russellbesq who heads up the Trade Secret / Noncompete practice of a global firm
- @russellbesq thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @russellbesq?
Thank you. Pleasure to be here. The answer is: Father, husband, lawyer, photographer, law school lecturer, author.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
20 years as commercial litigator, w/focus on soft IP (copyright, trademark, trade secret), especially, noncompete agreements
– - What type of clients do you represent?
I represent clients of all sizes in all industries. Mostly companies, but sometimes individuals, esp. in noncompete cases.
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Hard to say; law is developing in many areas, but…changes to Computer Fraud & Abuse Act and poss change in MA noncomp law
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
Despite being a litigator, I tell new clients that litig is last resort. It’s costly, stressful & long. R u sure u need it?
– - That’s a useful perspective. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Over 20 years, there have been lots; 4 me, signif derives frm meaningfulness 2 client. Eg, 2 clients accused of fraud. …
There had been a related case w/their company, represented by other lawyers and lost. Individuals came 2 me 4 their case. …
My clients hadn’t done wrong, but co. had lost & these cases r rarely won b/f trial. But, we won w/o trial. …
It was very emotional for them; I will never forget their joy and thankfulness.
– - That’s a great story! Why do your clients hire you?
I like 2 think that it’s b/c I work to understand the case from their perspective, take a practical approach & hate to lose!
– - All good qualities in a lawyer… What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Trade secret/noncomps (counseling and litigation). Yes typical, but times when more copyright, trademark & commercial lit.
– - You drafted the current bill pending before MA House to define & codify MA noncompetition law. How did that come about?
MA high ct issued decision, after which a state rep, Lori Ehrlich, asked me if I would help to advise on and revise the law
– - That’s a great recognition of your work and experience. How do you market your practice?
Traditional marketing (wrote the book on MA noncompetes, lecture, happy clients, etc) & new media: Twitter, LinkedIn, Blog.
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
I try to avoid pitch, instead have fun. If asked, I say that I am a litigator who fixes problems, but prefer to prevent them
– - What led a 20-year partner at a global law firm to embrace non-traditional marketing as aggressively as you have done?
I have a computer science background, and have always been very tech savvy. It’s purely b/c I enjoy it.
– - You write Trade Secret/Noncompete Blog jointly w/4 others (http://bit.ly/12VjKM). Do you recommend that approach? Why?
TSN Blog is new; I started it for F&L’s trade secret/noncomp group (which I run). There r 50+ lawyrs, so more will write. …
I recommend it – more/diverse content & I believe people shld do as much or as little as they wish. I enjoy it, so I do it.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
We r more visible. So, new clients r more likely 2 have heard of us when they r referred by other clients or lawyers. …
For example, just today, someone saw on Twitter that we were doing the web seminar and contacted us to attend.
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Not to be glib, but as much as I have! I do a lot of writing and speaking, and then use new media when I can slip it in.
– - Let’s switch gears a bit. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Cost. Legal services, esp litig, r costly. Lawyers, clients, law makers & courts must wk together 2 make it more practical.
– - That makes sense. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
If I only knew! 🙂 I suspect more small firms & fewer – but larger – big firms. Conflict of interest rules will b relaxed.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I do love what I do, but… (and don’t laugh!) race car driver (but my wife would kill me), so, photographer or astronomer.
– - One of the earlier twitterviewees said he’d race motorcycles…. How do you want to be remembered?
(Hmm… shld add motorcycles!) Loving father, husband, brother, and son. Good friend.
– - What have I started… What advice do you have for lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
(No worries, my wife wld kill me more for that!) Times r really tough. They must market. …
… Market, market, market. After that, market more. But, focus on types of mkting u enjoy. Ask 4 help & find mentors.
– - What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Focus on areas of interest and practical skills. You can learn the rest when needed – and you will for the bar.
– - That’s good advice. Our final question for your today: What do you do when you’re not working?
Is there a time I’m not working?! 🙂 #1 priority: time w/kids & wife (& dog). Then, photog, computer, garden, music, driving
Well, thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions today: this was a great twitterview!
It was my pleasure. Thank you for the thoughtful questions and taking the time to twitterview me!
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Noncompete, Philadelphia, Trade Secret | Comments Off on @russellbesq@charlesthomas
Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney
Founder, The Law Offices of Charles Thomas
Author of Persuasive Authority and Philly LGBT Lawyer
Today we’re tweeting with Philadelphia criminal defense attorney and (new) solo practice evangelist @CharlesThomas
- @CharlesThomas, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @CharlesThomas?
Thanks for having me! I’m a true solo doing MOSTLY crim def. I enjoy cooking and play some music too. http://is.gd/3jctX
– - Looks interesting; I’ll have to watch it later. Tell us about your law practice.
I was trained as a criminal def atty- that’s my bread & butter. I’m trying to add civil and LGBT rights to my practice.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
My crim clients come from all walks of life. LOTS of people get a DUI or a shoplifiting or into a fight. Rich & educated too
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
The inequality in the system- I have a 5 county practice. Bucks Co would jail someone where Philly would just give a fine.
– - Wow. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
That I have a firm no-BS rule. If I say “this is the best I can do for you” I mean it. Can’t always win on this side.
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
When I was a PD, I was set precedent about the the 1st Amend rights of parolees. http://is.gd/3jf3Q (PDF)
– - Significant representation indeed! Congrats on that. Why do your clients hire you?
Because I am not judgmental. Most of them are embarrassed & afraid- I get that, but I also let them know there are ways out.
– - I imagine that’s a huge comfort for them. What’s the most active area of your practice right now? Is that typical?
There’s no such thing. Each phone call is different. One guy gets busted with weed- someone else punched a guy.
– - You started your career as a public defender. What led you to strike out on your own?
I was there almost 5 years. That seems to be the point when people either a PD for life or break away. I wanted a change.
– - How is your practice different now that you’ve got your own practice? What does it mean to your clients?
For one thing, I have fewer felony cases. Ironically, I used to work harder on the CASES back then. Now I work on the biz.
– - That’s very interesting. How do you market your practice?
Entirely through social media. All my referrals come through twitter or facebook.
– - Why did you decide to become active on Twitter? Are you achieving those objectives?
I was an early adopter for personal purposes. I found more lawyers and made deeper connex, I saw the pro possibilities.
– - You blog at Persuasive Auth (http://bit.ly/lvVjK) & Philly LGBT Lawyer (http://bit.ly/14ETsk) Who do you write for?
Myself. As a Bi man I have a stake in LGBT rights. Pther blog is about legal writing, which is so awful. If clients result, bonus.
– - You said all your work comes from SocMed. How do you manage that? What do you do to keep up the flow?
I sub to @davidmatson ’s lead generation service where his 800 number fwds to my cell. Otherwise, it’s referrals from attys.
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Branding is a new thing to me. My website http://is.gd/3jkRb is a good start, emphasizing my caring and empathetic approach.
– - Yes, it is. Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
That clients have FINALLY figured out what a ripoff biglaw is. The billable hour rewards incompetence & needless research.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Biglaw will shrink. Boutiques will grow. And the prison pop will increase. In 1960 PA had 7800 inmates- it’s now 51K.
– - That’s a stunning statistic. What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I’d be a standup comedian or an actor. I’m always tempted to move to LA and start auditioning. In drag, like Swayze in To Wong Foo.
– - Maybe that can be your next YouTube video…. How do you want to be remembered?
A DA once called me the King of the BS Defense, meaning I would try anything to help the client. That’s how I want to be remembered.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
I play my guitar and write songs. I am also writing a comic book about an insurance adjuster who saves the world.
– - What advice would you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Now is the time. Find a niche, and seize on it. There is a guy in DC who ONLY does milk regs- THAT’S a niche.
– - Is he on Twitter? Our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
My advice: right now, don’t. New grads will be competing with laidoff assos. The readjusted salaries will not cover loans.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful responses today. This was a great twitterview.
Thank you for having me! I hope to have many conversations with people in the days to come.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Criminal Defense, Philadelphia | Comments Off on @charlesthomas@eric_b_meyer
Labor and Employment Attorney
Associate, Dilworth Paxson LLP
Regular contributor to The Legal Intelligencer Blog
Today we’re tweeting with @eric_b_meyer, labor & employment lawyer & winner of the 610 WIP SportsRadio Midday Show Suicide Pool
- @eric_b_meyer, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @eric_b_meyer?
Husband, recent father, L&E attorney, Philly-area native, sports nut (Eagles, Sixers, Bruins, BoSox – family is from Boston)
– - Congrats on fatherhood! Tell us about your law practice.
I’m an associate at Dilworth Paxson LLP in Philly where I counsel employers on labor and employment issues affecting the workplace
– - What type of clients do you represent?
Most of our clients are employers in the Mid-Atlantic (PA, NJ, DE) region that have 50+ employees
– - What are some of the key legal issues now affecting those clients?
Most common are issues involve sexual harassment, discrimination and FMLA. Employee use of social media is also hot now
– - SocMed issues probably going to grow…. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
Employment disputes have a tendency to get very personal. It’s ok to be passionate, but at the end of the day, it’s business
– - Wise words…. Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
1 of which I am most proud was a non-L&E pro bono case, helping a couple who bought a puppy mill dog take action against a kennel
– - I hope you and they were successful. Why do your clients hire you?
Chloroform & brainwashing ;). But seriously, I like to think I’m good at what I do, while providing great value for our clients
– - What’s the most active area of your practice right now? Is that typical?
Discrimination, sexual harassment & FMLA actions are generally plentiful. We are now seeing an increase in wage & hour disputes
– - You write a lot about the Employee Free Choice Act. What does it mean to your clients? Where does it stand?
#EFCA means a lot to our clients, especially those that are not presently unionized — it is an absolute game changer …
I do not see #EFCA passing this year — Congress will have its hands full with healthcare. Maybe a watered-down version in 2010
– - How has the economic crisis affected your clients’ ability to do business?
Some of our clients are hurting. We’ve seen layoffs. We’ve seen bankruptcies. 2009 has not been the best of times for them
– - I think everyone’s looking forward to the next economic phase…. How do you market your practice?
because its viral, social media is great! Although, nothing can replace some face to face time, a handshake & good conversation
– - You blog at The Legal Intelligencer Blog (http://bit.ly/p41HW). Why not start your own blog?
There are only 24 hours in a day ;). @TheLegalIntel is so well known; I can just focus on blogging (rather than marketing)
– - Makes a lot of sense. Why did you become active on Twitter? Are your goals still the same? Are you meeting them?
Getting my start on Twitter just kinda happened. And I aimed low — I started last November w/ zero goals … I met them.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from your Web 2.0 activities?
I’ve gotten many speaking engagements and have also become a recognized authority on #socialmedia issues affecting the workplace
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
I use Tweetdeck at work and at home, so it’s constantly on for me. Actively, I probably spend an hour or two a day on Twitter.
– - Let’s switch gears. What would you say are some of the most significant issues currently facing the legal profession?
Finding ways to distinguish yourself from the field. For me, that means staying on the cutting edge, e.g., #EFCA and #socialmedia
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
What will the stock market look like in 10 years? I have no idea. Guessing, I’d say more emphasis on tech, less on billable hour
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I always wanted to be a sports agent (still do). More than likely, I’d be in financial services (a stockbroker, maybe)
– - How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as a great lawyer and an even better person
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
My 12 week old son, Brooks, dominates my life away from work (although my wife would tell you its fantasy football/baseball)
– - What advice would you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Get out there and network like its your full-time job. Make contacts. Make contacts with your contacts. Be aggressive & persistent
– - Our last question of the day: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
As explained to me many years ago, in the whole scheme of things, law school doesn’t count for much …
Thanks for having me
Thank YOU for a great twitterview! I really appreciate your thoughtful responses
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Employment, Philadelphia | Comments Off on @eric_b_meyer@HealthBlawg
Author of HealthBlawg: David Harlow’s Health Care Law Blog
Cancer survivor and six-time rider of the Pan-Mass Challenge
Former Deputy General Counsel of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Today we’re tweeting with health care lawyer, consultant and cancer survivor @Healthblawg
- @Healthblawg, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @Healthblawg?
I’m David Harlow, Boston-based health care lawyer, consultant, blogger, tweep & escaped New Yorker
– - Tell us about your law practice.
As a lawyer, I help #healthcare clients navigate the maze of business & regulatory issues unique to the industry…
this includes structuring relationships and running interference w regulators …
as a #healthcare consultant, I help clients define goals and develop structures and systems to achieve them…
I also work with folks implementing #healthcare #socialmedia strategies See http://bit.ly/uxjg1 and http://bit.ly/4cLNub
– - Wow – sounds like you’re the guy to know! What type of clients do you represent?
#healthcare providers, vendors and payors – ranging from small MD practices to imaging centers to academic medical centers
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Reimbursement & regulation drive the business of healthcare; we tie ourselves in knots trying to maximize $ & compliance …
These days, everything is done with one eye on the (unknowable) future shape of federal #healthreform
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I put my publc & privt sector exper, & my virtual netwrk (vs my fmr downtwn firm) to work for you, effectively & efficiently
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Diag imaging and cancer trmt provider dealing w st CON laws and fed antikickback & self-referral laws thru many transactions
Had a healthy dose of business and regulatory issues in every bite
– - Sounds very complex; hope it turned out well. Why do your clients hire you?
Not my boyish good looks … Expertise, experience, efficiency, effectiveness
– - What’s the most active area of your practice right now? Is that typical?
Diagnostic imaging & anything touched by HIPAA and what I call Son of HIPAA (from ARRA) from perspec of providers & others
There’s always some new reg du jour that generates a lot of heat
– - Makes sense. You touched on this earlier, but what do the proposed Health Care reforms mean to your clients?
Saving $ for society means taking it away from healthcare providers They must learn to be more efficient and effective …
Innovations like patient-centered medical home http://bit.ly/HUHaj and value-based purchasing http://bit.ly/urdru are key
– - Clearly there are significant changes to come. Has the econ crisis affected your clients’ ability to do business today?
Sure: access to capital issues delay construction projects, uninsured folks defer elective care
– - How do you market your practice?
On line and in person: blog, tweets, LinkedIn, Fcbk (cf http://bit.ly/smlaw); also good old fashioned speaking, schmoozing
– - Tell us about your blog, Health Blawg (http://bit.ly/ixjIo). Who do you write it for? Why should they read it?
It’s for folks in the healthcare thick of things; I try not to repeat news but to analyze developments, put them in context
– - Why did you decide to become active on Twitter? Are you achieving those objectives?
1. Connect w folks w related professional interests & see what develops 2. Channel for blog – Seems to work for me
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from your Web 2.0 activities?
Broader reach locally and nationally; clients, referral sources & collaborators find me &/or validate their choice online…
for example, my 3 newest clients & my current biggest client all found me via web 2.0 activities
– - That’s great! How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Probably averages out to 1/2 to 1 hour a day or so, through blogging, tweeting, speaking, press interviews, etc.
– - Let’s switch gears. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Top issue for profession: Communicating value of services to clients; alt billing and implosion of BigLaw are symptoms
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
More fragmentd & more consoldated, w commodity work & bet-the-farm work split up even more than today; decline of BigLaw…
Big oppty for small firms to move in to the great middle
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Things I almost did: get a PhD in history & literature; become a professional photographer or photography curator
– - How do you want to be remembered?
Smart, funny guy w perfect work-life balance, & legal & healthcare chops
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Family: off-grid last wk camping. Biking, incl the PMC http://bit.ly/PMC2009. Photography http://bit.ly/12CmbJ Love jazz too
– - Congrats on raising $4667! What advice do you have for lawyers currently under-/ unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Thanks … Be flexible. Go out on a limb. Do something you love in your free time. Network, network, network.
– - And our last question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Your future clients are businesses & running a law practice is a business; you need to understand business, not just the law
That’s great advice. Thank you very much for answering our questions today
Thanks Lance – My pleasure
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Boston, Health Care Law | Comments Off on @HealthBlawg
