@jonathanlea
May 19th, 2010
Business lawyer, adventurer, communicator and relationship builder
Solicitor, Follett Stock Solicitors LLP
Today we’re tweeting with Cornish corporate and commercial lawyer, adventurer, communicator, and relationship-builder @jonathanlea
- @jonathanlea thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @jonathanlea?
An enterprising lawyer based in the UK south western extremity that is Cornwall. Used to work in big law firms in London and Dubai
– - Tell us about your law practice.
We are Cornwall’s leading law firm for businesses with a new second office in Exeter, Devon (county next door) – rapidly expanding!
– - Congratulations. What type of clients do you represent?
SMEs, IT entrepreneurs, family run businesses, start ups, subsids of foreign parents. Increasingly from ‘upcountry’ (non Cornish)
– - And what is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
With new govt there is lot of talk abt increasing capital gains tax which will start people thinking how to protect their interests
– - What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
To look at my web profile and testimonials + that won’t get billed anything unless they’ve agreed to the work in writing beforehand
– - Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
As a trainee in Dubai I found myself advising largest French oil exploration company on a JV with Saudi state oilfield services co
– - Now that’s trial by fire…. Why do your clients hire you?
Bright, take interest in client’s biz, advise not just on law, responsive, don’t over-complicate things, see humorous side of life
– - What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Asset and share sales and investments are still what I do most of, but seen rise in angel investors + also deferred consideration
– - What’s the mood in the UK? Is capital continuing to flow in spite of the European financial crisis?
No, clients are still scrapping around for capital, but hopefully with a new government their policies will bring confidence back
– - We touched on this but what does the recent change in government mean for your clients?
In the short term, more pain, with public sector cuts and tax rises, but over time consensus is they’ll rebuild UK economy again
– - How do you describe what you do to people you meet at a cocktail party?
I make people successful (grabs attention!), then say something along the lines that I structure, negotiate and document biz deals
– - When did you become active on Twitter? What were your objectives then? Have they changed?
I registered in Feb 2009, but only really started using it abt 6 months ago. Now use it to learn and network/socialize more widely
– - What does your firm’s leadership think of your Web 2.0 activity? Was it difficult to get their buy-in?
They are gaining an interest in the potential. As a small(ish) firm, its easier. We are now going to establish a facebook page!
– - What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements, if any, have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
I have received client instructions on facebook and have had a few interesting calls and emails that have led from twitter use
– - Interesting. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Probs average 1-2 hours, but this also inc. planning seminars and attending events etc. Twitter and FB fun for otherwise downtime
– - Time well spent… Let’s switch gears now: what is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
Globalisation – outsourcing legal work to cheaper labour markets (hopefully gd for Cornwall!) combined with IT use + fee certainty
– - What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Very different! More small firms, hybrid models, outsourcing, diff owners/investors, commoditization, social media, online delivery
– - What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Thought abt journalism, teaching, army and investment banking (in no order), although hope to develop non-law interests in future!
– - How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who was positive, embraced newness, helped a lot of people, achieved things, had fun and enjoyed an interesting life
– - What do you do when you’re not working?
Play tennis and soccer (correct word = football), surf, spend time with family and friends, read, travel off beaten track and tweet!
– - What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Keep busy + network, offer to work on freelance basis, do volunteer work. I don’t necessarily see value in further formal education
– - And our final question for you: What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Do your research and fully! Do lots of work experience and make sure you develop your interests and skills widely, not just in law
thanks very much! I enjoyed learning more about you and your practice. Good luck with that Facebook page.
Many thanks to @22twts and @lancegodard for interview – hope is of interest..
