@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!
@richardjaffe
January 14th, 2010
Today we’re tweeting with @richardjaffe, who is “living life as a paramedic beneath the epidermis of an attorney”
- @richardjaffe thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @richardjaffe?
Tx for having me Lance. A father, son, medic, firefighter, attorney, and soulful insomniac.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
I rep injured accident victims, and doctors against ins carriers who try to deceive them.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
healthcare providers- doctors, chiros, dentists, etc. and accident victims- anyone cheated by insurance industry.
– - What’s the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
the insurance industry threat of bending the law to kill healthcare
– - That’s an issue of importance to all of us…. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I make sure they know I will tell them what they need to know, which is not necessarily what they want to hear.
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Pro-bono millions 4 extended family whose sole income was the salary of a young woman who died in 9/11. we cried alot.
– - Wow. That must have been a great moment. Why do your clients hire you?
my grasp of medical nuances as both art and business , my notions of sympathy, corporate accountability n responsibility
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
insurance companies, especially no fault carriers, R refusing 2 pay doctors more aggressively lately.
– - It must be extremely challenging to balance an active legal career and work as a volunteer paramedic How do you do it?
lots of coffee, no sleep, heartfelt ‘thank yous’ from clients, and the adrenaline from my medic calls
– - How does your work as a paramedic help you be a better lawyer? Are you a better paramedic because you’re a lawyer too?
i revive my adversaries after I anhiliate them in court. Lol
– - Job security…. How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I tell them I speak softly and carry a big stick in one hand, and trauma shears in the other.
– - You blog at Medic Interrupted (http://bit.ly/514b9r). Who is the blog for? Why should they read it?
theres some atty, medic and dad in each post, blend of which I hope helps readers contrast life’s ironies with its realities
– - Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
avvo, list serves, and linkedin. I also like skype and email w/old hi school classmates. we are a small closely knit bunch
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
after seeing me on the web, clients seem much more decisive in retaining me. they feel good talking about EMS w/me too
– - Others have said the same (not the EMS part…) How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
I get brand epiphanies randomly. Im always looking and listening for new ideas to incorporate into my practice
– - Let’s switch gears a bit: what do you think is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
State Court system inefficiency and court administration red tape, and the govt’s apathy towards both.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
mostly product of the age of internet- less handshake deals, faster transactions, more international jurisdictional issues
– - Maybe we already know the answer to this one? What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Medic or kids summer camp director by day, inventor of Ralph’s Ices flavors by nite. Luv Ralphs! http://bit.ly/51XPA8
– - Now I’m hungry for a snack…. How do you want to be remembered?
An inspirator of connection, compassion and humanity who gave my kids more life opportunities than I ever had
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
family time, EMS, and occasionally I smoke a nice cigar with close friends in a clandestine location
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Learn to speak at least one new language- clients and opportunities will increase exponentially
– - What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
to quote my talented, esteemed attorney colleague Anthony Collelouori (….)
“Go ‘cuz U R called 2 the law. Don’t go 2 get rich, or 2 help others, Go ‘cuz it’s vital 2 U! If U do, the rest will come”
That’s valuable advice. Thanks so much for answering our questions today; was great to learn about you & your practice
thanks for the privilege of being your guest. Loved it.
@dancanon
December 19th, 2009
Today we’re tweeting with @Dancanon: employment and civil rights lawyer, musician, yogi, cancer hater and more
Hi tweverybody.
- @Dancanon thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @Dancanon?
One of the guys I practice with is always calling me an evil genius. The “evil” part is a fair cop, so I’ll go w/ it.
– - Could be worse, I suppose…. Tell us about your law practice.
Mostly civil rights litigation, mostly plaintiff-oriented. Lots of race & sex discrimination, lots of 1983 cases.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
We try to stick with the little guy: individuals, some small businesses, the underdog. Good for the conscience.
– - Good for those individuals, too, I’d wager. What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Generally – abuse of authority and/or the sheer ignorance of people often in charge of your job, housing, freedom, etc.
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I’ll do my best, but no guarantees. (And if you hear guarantees from a lawyer, run.)
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Probably this one, which is still going: http://chronicle.com/article/Judge-Orders-U-of-Louisville/47925
– - Wow. That’s significant indeed. Congrats on the win. Why do your clients hire you?
You’d have to ask them. I think I’m pretty down-to-earth, reachable, & I try to explain risk/benefit every step of the way.
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Unemployment. Also some really bad race discrimination cases right now for some reason. Not typical. ADA & sex cases more common.
– - Is unemployment the biggest challenge your clients facing due to economic crisis? How are you helping them get through it?
Yes, I think so. I try to work on a contingency-fee basis as much as possible. Ppl w/o jobs simply cannot pay $xxx.xx/hr.
– - Indeed. How do you market your practice?
Not very well, I’m afraid. But hey, there’s this interview, so *someone’s* heard of me…
But seriously, I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in some kinda media-hyped stuff, so that helps.
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
Usually just say “I’m a civil rts lawyer.” Most ppl get that, and don’t immediately hate you like if you say “trial lawyer.”
– - Hadn’t thought of that. You blog at Conflicts Check (http://bit.ly/7VH8hH). Who do you write for? Why should they read it?
I dunno, still trying to find my legs w/ that thing. I just hope I’m writing stuff that is relevant to someone, somewhere.
– - Besides Twitter and your blog, what other Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
Just Facebook, I guess. I’ve been trying to get a @ProjectAiko as a receptionist, but I don’t know if that counts.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
I’ve had a lot more opportunity to let people know what I do. So, of course, you’re more likely to get the right clients …
I’ve tried to run a really transparent practice, letting tweeps know what kind of cases I’m working on, etc.
– - A sensible approach for sure. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
I know Twitter lawyers are all into that, but who has time? Practice cases right, let ppl know what you do, & they’ll come to you.
– - Let’s switch gears. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
No idea. It probably has something to do with the @btannebaum and @nikiblack feud.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Probably even more confusing, because there’s a big technology gap that is widening. …
Hopefully more state courts will do online filing, but that can be bad for luddite lawyers, and there are lots of them.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Worry less, but probably beat myself up about not doing something more meaningful.
– - How do you want to be remembered?
I’m not prepared to answer that, but I hope I’ve got a few decades to think it over.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Always have been a musician. Teach guitar. A little theatre. Drink lots of coffee. Beat myself up for not working enough.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Use free time to develop a niche, & tell ppl about it. But go after something interesting, not just lucrative. #clicheadvice
– - And finally, our last question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Don’t go unless you’re sure you want to practice. And try to be nicer than I was. I was grumpy the whole time.
Solid advice. Thanks for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed it.
Thanks for having me!
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Civil Rights, Employment, Louisville | Comments Off on @dancanon@thetrialwarrior
November 19th, 2009
Canadian and International commercial litigation and arbitration lawyer at Steinberg Morton Hope & Israel
Professor, University of Toronto at Mississauga–Rotman School of Management
Author of The Trial Warrior Blog
Today we’re tweeting with Toronto-based lawyer @thetrialwarrior, who specializes in commercial litigation and arbitration
- @thetrialwarrior thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @thetrialwarrior?
Thanks for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to pontificate, er, I mean, speak with you today.
The Trial Warrior is my alter-ego: he’s an Archetype; Cautious Optimist; Taoist Alchemist and Finder of Delusion.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
I practice domestic & Int’l commercial litig’n and arbitr’n, civil litig’n, class actions, admin law and reputation mgmt law
– - What type of clients do you represent?
I act for both plaintiffs and defendants. My clients range from multi-national corporations to individuals.
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Damages, Damages, Damages: Getting or avoiding judgment. Few cases are taken on or won on principle.
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
1.“How much justice can you afford?” 2.“Don’t lie to me” 3.“Only one thing guarantees our failure, and that’s if we quit”
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Significance is subjective: $4 M judgment obtained for a US client or landlord/tenant appeal prompting legislative amendment
– - I’d say both of those qualify…. Why do your clients hire you?
I wish I could say it was my charm, but they usually hire me knowing that they will get what they pay for and nothing less.
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Jurisdictional challenges/foreign judgment enforcement and reputation management law (mostly internet defamation)
It’s atypical, but most commercial litigation for the most part varies in form and content
– - You’ve adopted Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” as your professional and personal guide. Should others do the same? Why?
Master Sun said:“He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious.” We each must choose our own path.
– - In addition to practicing, you teach at the U of Toronto. Does teaching make you a better lawyer? How?
What paint is to an artist; teaching is to a lawyer. Knowledge shared without, leads to wisdom within.
– - Indeed. How do you market your practice?
Mostly print/online media. I’m active in a few prof. assoc’s (ABA, OBA, ILA, IBA) and rely on client/lawyer recommendations
– - You blog at The Trial Warrior Blog (http://bit.ly/5a23d). Who do you write for? Why should they read it?
I write the blog for anyone interested in trial advocacy & international law who’s also committed to the pursuit of justice.
– - Besides Twitter and your blog, what Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
Blawging and Tweeting is personal; I use online pub’s (SSRN/BePress) 2 promote my legal writing > client/lawyer referrals.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Combo of my firm’s website, online directories, & Google SEO all have increased referrals/client engagements significantly.
– - Sounds like real ROI. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
I spend about 2 hrs/day. TTW spends more, although most of it is taken up philosophizing, strategizing and plotting ;-\
– - A man and his alter ego at work…. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Maintaining one’s personal and professional ethics in the face of client demands and info/tech overload is the exigent issue
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
The lamentable trend of the “vanishing trial” means trial lawyers are a “dying breed” turning us into knowledge technocrats.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I’d be a guitarist in a heavy metal band, or a philosopher, or a ghost writer, writing about ghosts, or, all of the above.
– - How do you want to be remembered?
Niiezsche said: “Some are made modest by great praise, others insolent.” Neither famous, nor infamous, a fighter for justice
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
I read/write poetry, I play guitar, I procrastinate, I vent at injustices in the world, I watch Toronto teams get pummelled
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Master Sun said:“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”Stay sharp, have a strategy: listen, learn, read, write, speak.
…and remember that Nietzsche said: “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”
– - Thoughtful guidance. And finally, what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Never lose your sense of wonder or thirst for knowledge after you finish law school and always be an advocate for justice.
Great advice. Thank you [both] for tweeting w/me today; I really enjoyed learning more about you & your practice.
Thanks again for the opportunity. I/we enjoyed talking with you today.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Arbitration, Blawger, Litigation, Toronto | Comments Off on @thetrialwarrior@glennm
November 11th, 2009
Competition, intellectual property and policy advocacy lawyer
Partner, Duane Morris LLP
Author of Glenn’s Web and LexDigerati
Web pioneer and Web 2.0 legal guru
Today we’re tweeting with @glennm, biglaw antitrust / telecom / technology litigator turned Web 2.0 legal guru
- @glennm thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @glennm?
Good morning . Thanks for inviting me.
A tech atty. focused on comp. policy, IP & complex litigation. I help to shape the rules for new technologies, like social media.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
My practice has broadened over the years as technology developed, from telecom to software and Internet to mobility and content….
It all started at DOJ during the US v. AT&T divestiture case, where I 1st combined antitrust with telecom regulation.
– - That’s quite a resume! What type of clients do you represent?
Clients who can pay their bills. 😉 Seriously, my clients range from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. Hard 2 generalize.
– - I can imagine…. What would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
“What am I?” Meaning, how will legislators, courts and regulators classify and treat our products and services. That affects…
…business Qs like CRM, IP protection/licensing and relations with both partners and competitors.
– - Sounds like fascinating work. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
“It’s better 2 be the windshield than the bug.” Be proactive in managing the development of law & policy affecting ur space.
– - Am sure you’ve got some great success stories: tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
My fave is representing Netscape in 1995-96, when the FCC faced the Q of what was this new animal of the Net…
…Netscape WAS the Internet and we inaugurated a federal policy of minimal regulation that survives (in large part) today.
– - Wow. And we all thank you for that…. Why do your clients hire you?
I’m smart, fast and strategic. I would rather solve a problem with a conf. call than write a research memo. And I try to craft…
…legal strategies for clients that further their long-term bus. plan rather than just dispose of “one off” disputes.
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Over the past 2-3 years it’s been litigation. But the law moves in cycles, sometimes regulatory agencies r where the action is….
…and at other times firms must act to resolve issues by taking them to the courts. We’re in the latter phase in tech now.
– - What have been the biggest changes in your practice over the past few years? Clients? Technology? The Law?
A move away from private antitrust litigation to intellectual property, as competition issues have become dominated by disputes…
…over ownership of the underlying tech methods and assets. Take VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) for one example.
– - What will be the next great legal battle of Web 2.0? Why should we pay attention to it?
Who owns user-generated content is the big unsettled Q. It will impact users, social network providers and content creators…
…If most or all digital content can b “shared,” how do older rules re proprietary rights apply in the new environment.
– - You’re at an AmLaw 100 firm. How does your firm’s leadership view your active Web 2.0 presence?
Mgmt. is supportive & has tasked me several times w/teaching our lawyers how to utilize and interact w/social media.
– - That’s great. What do you say to lawyers who thumb their noses at social media and social networking?
Hope they don’t thumb noses. But lawyers are conservative creatures and thus tend not to embrace change quickly…
…I’d say that if attys. do not “get it,” they probably won’t get as many clients and work as new modes of communication develop.
– - Your Web 2.0 presence is a mash-up of personal & professional. What are your SocMed objectives? Are you achieving them?
I’m more concerned with satisfying a passion for early adoption than forming concrete objectives from social media. My philosophy…
…has always been to find industries, partners and clients that excite me, so work is satisfying instead of a burden. The rest..
…typically follows, namely success, profit and (we hope) happiness.
– - Nice. What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
I’ve been approached and retained by about 1/2 dozen clients in the past 12-18 months from social media contacts. The familiarity…
…created by a user’s “social stream” tends 2 build closer relationships from the start than cold calls either way.
– - Indeed. Can be a significant competitive advantage. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Discipline is key, else social media addiction can consume one’s life. I dedicate 30 mins, in the morning and then periodically…
…review/post stories re current events (emphasizing law/policy, of course) of interest. Content is the best promotion.
– - Seems to be working well…. Let’s switch gears. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
It’s clear that Big Law is facing its most challenging bus. environment in decades. Pressures to reduce and make fees predictable…
…r sending shock waves of RIFs throughout the field. What will the bus. model be 4 legal servs. in the 21st century?
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Ah, if I could predict that, I’d be able to retire now. 😉 20 yrs. ago I never imagined 3000+ lawyer firms, so I don’t…
..pretend to have a crystal ball on the legal landscape. Change can b both exhilarating and frightening, however.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Photographer or ski bum. Maybe there’s still time left? I could take a bluetooth headset 2 the slopes & do bus. in powder. .
– - How do you want to be remembered?
Unless a person becomes historically famous, legacy is all about the memories one leaves with family, colleagues and friends….
…So while I am not especially religious, I believe in “from dust to dust.”
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Law is a jealous mistress as the old saying goes. Time is a precious commodity in short supply. So on off hours I recharge my…
…batteries, enjoy time with wife/friends and try to beat my freshman-year son in fantasy football (he’s going down!).
– - What advice can you pass along to the increasing # of lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Quoting Jim Carville, it’s the economy, stupid. Do not equate self-worth with job prospects. Keep faith in urself & ur innate value.
– - And our final question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Enjoy being an atty., but remember most of lawyering is in small details. Master craft first before trying 2b creative.
Relevant advice Indeed. Thanks so much for tweeting with me today; I really enjoyed learning more about you & your practice.
And thanks much 4 the Twitterview, Lance. I’m honored to be your guest. Very early here (Calif.), so hope I was coherent.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Competition, IP, Technology, Washington DC | Comments Off on @glennm
