@michaelscutt
November 5th, 2009
Employment law solicitor in the City of London
Partner, Dale Langley & Co
Author of Jobsworth, the employment law blog
Today we’re tweeting with solicitor and blawger @michaelscutt, who has a niche employment law practice in the City of London
- @michaelscutt thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @michaelscutt?
I am Father, husband, cat-owner, blogger, solicitor, writer, Arsenal fan, gadget fan, cyclist, cook – in that order
– - Tell us about your law practice.
We are a 2 ptnr niche full-service employment law practice. We give practical, cost-effective, jargon-free legal advice
– - What type of clients do you represent?
employees of all levels of seniority mainly in banking, finance, legal and IT sectors but also SMEs and owner managed bizs
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Employees: 2 equal: redundancy and will I get a bonus? Employers: how to reduce costs without making redundancies
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
How much I charge, what my time estimate is, ask what THEIR ideal solution to their problem is and what I can do to help
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
An equal pay and bullying/harassment case involving senior female banker. We got a good settlement before trial
– - Congrats to you and your client. Why do your clients hire you?
Thx. Virtually all work gets referred to us by recommendation from previous clients, other lawyers, HR, contacts etc
– - Nice recognition of your work! What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Thx. Advising on severance agreements, grievance /disciplinary procedures, employment contracts, restrictive covenants. Yes
– - How has the economic crisis “changed the game” with respect to employment law? Has it changed for good?
Clients are much more cost conscious and put fee estimates before any other qualities of their lawyer. Yes, it’s the future
– - Interesting. How do you market your practice?
word of mouth referrals (see above) networking in “real” world, journal articles, website, my blog, Linked In, Facebook
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
I say I’m an employment lawyer who can solve all their problems! Re: employment law of course! mainly I just try to listen
– - You blog at Jobsworth (http://bit.ly/3mBjXo). What are your goals for the blog? Are you meeting them?
Yes: it raises my profile and I’ve made some good contacts through it. No: conversion rate of enquiries 2 clients needs 2 improve
– - Besides Twitter and your blog, what Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
I use our recently redesigned website http://bit.ly/u3R3w also Linked In and, sometimes, Facebook. Wikipedia is next.
– - Intrigued re Wiki… What specific impact on referrals / client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
direct client engagement hard to say. Other contacts: great. I now lecture on Tesco law because of a referral via my blog
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Probably 1 – 2 hours per day average, mostly in the evenings and on train. Addict! My wife says she is an internet widow
– - And now you’re online at 9pm for this…. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
No worries. Kids have finally gone to bed! Undoubtedly the introduction of full legal deregulation …
via external ownership of law firms in 2011 – so called Tesco Law. Many lawyers here only just waking up to it
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
V few generalist and fewer mid-size law firms, more small specialised law firms, few high st giants, more IT / virtual lwyrs
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
My wife says I’d be happy! Probably be in IT – as a social media consultant. At school I wanted to be a forester
– - How do you want to be remembered?
I think I’d just like to be remembered
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Look after and play with my 2 small kids, cook, write, go cycling/running, occasionally go out with my wife – in that order
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Don’t despair, be flexible, be imaginative, use social media to make contacts. Network!
– - And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
2 things; (1) good luck and (2) Be humble; lawyers don’t have a god-given right to a living
Valuable advice. Thank you very much for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed learning about you and your practice.
I’ve really enjoyed it. Thank you very much for having me on your Twitterview.
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Employment | Comments Off on @michaelscutt@leannahamill
October 29th, 2009
Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorney
Co-founder of Women Attorneys Network of the South Shore
Today we’re tweeting with Massachusetts Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney and aspiring yogi @Leannahamill
- @Leannahamill thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @Leannahamill?
She is the woman you are interviewing – Auntie, yogi, dog owner, attorney, business dev. manager, among other things.
– - Tell us about your law practice.
I have a 4 yo estate & elder law firm in a small town south of Boston. A solo practice, but I share space w/ another attorney.
– - What type of clients do you represent?
People who want to plan for the future, or need help dealing with a crisis.
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
The ability to protect their choices about their health care, their family, their property, & end of life wishes.
– - Important issues indeed. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
That they need to pay me before I start working for them. And that they made the right decision deciding to put a plan in place.
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
One of my first clients – helped her write her estate plan, a few years later met her at the hospital when she fell…
…helped her friend serve as health care agent & power of attorney, helped her sell her condo to pay for assisted living…
…made sure her last wishes were honored & went to her funeral after she passed. She was an amazing woman & great client.
– - That’s a great story. Why do your clients hire you?
I think I make them feel comfortable, they feel confident that I know what I’m doing & usually someone suggested that they hire me.
– - That’s a good reputation to have… What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Right now lots of guardianship matters. Not typical, but not usually something that can be put off if it’s needed…
And lots of estate planning, which is more typical. Mostly folks nearing retirement age.
– - How are your clients managing the crisis? Is it a matter of meeting financial needs or are consequences much greater?
Some laid low, put off planning for a bit. Younger families held onto their money. Probate work & Medicaid planning continued….
Most clients came through ok, although those who were saving for retirement in stocks have less than they had planned on.
– - That’s good to hear. How do you market your practice?
Mostly through my blog, which brings about 50% of my business. Also thru seminars, quarterly newsletter & mentions in the media…
I also have clients who act as my own little marketing dept, telling their friends & family about me. That is my favorite way to mkt
– - Absolutely! How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
I don’t have an elevator pitch. I usually just say “I’m an estate planning & elder law attorney”…
Networking events are my least favorite & least productive way to get clients. But I go to the fun ones & where my friends are.
– - You blog at MA Estate Planning and Elder Law (http://bit.ly/nq4wv). Who do you write for? Why should they read it?
I write for potential clients, their children, other attorneys & professional. They should read for useful information.
– - Besides Twitter and your blog, what Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
I am on Avvo, JDSupra, Justia, Linked In. I have a Facebook Fan page: http://is.gd/4HtFg.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
I’ve gotten at least 1 client from each. Blog brings about 50% of my business & media inquiries. Twtr strengthens relationships.
– - How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Hopefully the whole time I’m at work I’m strengthening my brand…keeping my name out there & doing great work for clients.
– - Well it seems to be working! What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Having to adjust to clients wanting new types of billing & having to learn to market beyond yellow pages & newspaper ads…
I think we forget that many attorneys still rely on those old ways of marketing & don’t use blogs, and other online tools.
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
smaller firms, more “virtual” services, only those people who really want to be attorneys will go to law school….
It won’t be the “get rich quick” career it was.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Live in a cabin in the mountains, sew, cook, raise goats & have a couture clothing line for children.
– - How do you want to be remembered?
As a fabulous Auntie, wonderful sister, great friend & fantastic attorney. Hopefully I won’t need to be remembered for a long time.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Cook, knit, sew, hike, swim, read, yoga, & chant kirtan when I can find it around here. Hang out with my family.
– - Busy…. What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Don’t settle or wait for something to fall in your lap. Be proactive and market yourself, and ask for what you are worth.
– - And our last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Don’t worry about your friend’s study habits. Find what works for you & stick w/ it. Not everyone needs to be at the library @ 1am.
That’s very useful advice. Thank you very much for tweeting w/me today; I enjoyed learning about you and your practice
Thanks for having me!
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Boston, Elder Law | Comments Off on @leannahamill@AndrewMcRoberts
October 22nd, 2009
Today we’re tweeting with Richmond, VA, local government lawyer / litigator and former county attorney @AndrewMcRoberts
- @AndrewMcRoberts thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @AndrewMcRoberts?
Local govt lawyer/litigator w/ Sands Anderson, blogger at VaLocalityLaw.com, W&M football fan, theater-goer, lover of life!
– - Tell us about your law practice.
Sands Anderson is large firm for Va, financially sound, with excellent lawyers that actually have a life. … …
… I joined its local government team after 15 years as County Atty in various Va localities.
– - Congrats on the move. What type of clients do you represent?
Represent Va local govts, officials and their interests.Occasionally businesses needing govt solution. Do not sue localities.
– - What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Community change: growth/development/redevelopment. Non-legal issue? Lack of money: flat assessments/state budget cuts.
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I am the local govt-friendly choice. Here’s my approach: I seek either a win for govt client or win-win for business client.
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
I will share two in my next two tweets! …
As County Atty: West Creek Assoc v. Goochland, 8yr tax litigation w/ 259 sits, 144 parcels, 2 trials, 2 Va Sct appeals. …
I serve as counsel to the Board of Zoning Appeals in Stafford County, Va, bsy and fast-growing suburb of DC in Northern Va.
– - Wow. And congrats, the second must keep you on your toes…. Why do your clients hire you?
My experience in serving local govt legal needs for over 15 years, record of success in court, reputation as local govt atty.
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Zoning area, BZA work, vested rights issues, land use. It is typical. This area of practice will get even more active.
– - How are your local government clients responding the economic crisis?
Many not hiring outside counsel as much. Budget cuts. Some seeing tax assessment lawsuits; surprised I have not seen more.
– - May still happen before things get better…. How do you market your practice?
I personally speak to local govt groups, meet one-on-one, blog, tweet and help local govt attys informally in many ways.
Law firm marketing team also supports me in various media.
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
I am a Va local government atty; represent Va local govts, officials and their interests. Do not sue local governments.
– - You blog at Virginia Local Government Law (http://bit.ly/3rB0EZ). Who is it written for? Why should they read it?
I blog for Va local govt lawyers, chief admin officers, local officials, staff and citizens interested in Va local govt law.
– - Besides Twitter and your blog, what Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
Linked in, firm website. Don’t use Facebook because it is more social and not as focused (for me) as Linked in and Twitter.
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
None yet; just started. Local govts slow in adopting. Gained visibility among non-local govt folks including media outlets.
– - There’s certainly value in that. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Just starting my private-local government practice; spend at least an hour or two each day on various marketing activities.
– - Let’s switch gears: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Negative impression of Lawyers. I support the Va State Bar President’s “Va is for Good Lawyer’s” project. http://ow.ly/vO5O
VSB president Jon Huddleston is responsible for this brainstorm. http://twitter.com/VA4GoodLawyers
– - Looks like a very interesting project. What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
More lawyers needed to assist govts and people, as govt is asked to do more & more, and regs get more and more complicated.
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Maybe a writer, or a history professor. Always wanted to be a lawyer, though; I emulate my Texas grandfather.
– - How do you want to be remembered?
Big thinker, good lawyer, good man, who helped government do great things that benefited their citizens.
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Hiking/camping; Pres of non-profit related to College of William & Mary; W&M Tribe football fan; Lover of wine and theater.
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Find a practice area related to your skills that’s not suffering. For ex, my firm has RE attys who double as top bankr attys.
– - And finally, what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
The economy will turn and more lawyers will again be needed. I’ll share a story about my Dad … …
In economic downturn yrs ago, he advised me not to go to law school. I told him, “There is always a need for a good lawyer.”
That’s thoughtful advice. Thanks for tweeting with me today; I enjoyed it very much.
Enjoyed the Twitterview! Thanks for asking me. Here’s more info and how to reach me: http://ow.ly/w1sw
Filed under Twitterviews | Tags: Blawger, Litigation, Local Government, Richmond VA | Comments Off on @AndrewMcRoberts@tessashepperson
October 13th, 2009
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 @tessashepperson@Hideo_Kato
October 1st, 2009
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
September 29th, 2009
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
September 22nd, 2009
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
September 17th, 2009
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
September 15th, 2009
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
September 11th, 2009
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
