Before starting my own practice and settling into entertainment law, I worked as a corporate defense litigator at an international law firm. As most litigators know, representing your client occasionally means arguing in favor of positions that you know aren’t “winners.” Or—even worse—arguing positions that you know will be met with outright hostility from the…
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About Matthew Hickey
Matthew is an entertainment attorney, blogger and music enthusiast. Having previously worked as an attorney in law firms both large and small, and now as a practicing solo attorney, Matthew believes that there has never been a better time to start a solo practice or small firm. By utilizing social media and new technology, small firms and solo attorneys can surpass their large firm counterparts in terms of marketing and providing clients with efficient, reliable legal services at affordable rates. When he isn’t wearing his “lawyer hat” he is humble-bragging about his extensive vinyl collection over at the food and music website Turntable Kitchen.9 Tips for Drafting a Clear-Cut Contract
Many lawyers define themselves as being involved in either litigation or transactional law. In fact, I do this myself. And for many, the distinction may be somewhat warranted. But if you’re a solo practitioner or small-firm attorney, there’s a good chance that your work involves at a little of both. Even if your practice focuses…
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How To Handle A Difficult Judge
The Baby and the Solo Practice
Juggling a newborn baby and a solo practice isn’t easy. I discovered this firsthand after welcoming my daughter into the world this past January. It was especially difficult for me because I work from home, and I’m what my wife refers to as a “hands on” type of father. In fact, from the first day…
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5 Simple Steps to Create Your Digital Estate Plan
Increasingly, many of our important personal and business assets are digital and stored online, including our music, photographs, email, and business identities. But what happens to your digital property when you die? For example, who owns your digital photos, your character in an online video game, or your MP3 collection? What happens to your Facebook…
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4 Ethical & Practical Mistakes Lawyers Make On Social Media
Attorneys are increasingly discovering the power of social media. It provides unparalleled opportunities for networking and reputation building. You can meet clients, network with colleagues, and obtain valuable information using tools like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Nonetheless, social media does present potential pitfalls for the unwary attorney. Attorneys can, and have, inadvertently run afoul of…
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5 Easy Ways to Support Your Support Staff
Next Wednesday, April 24, is Administrative Professionals Day—a chance to recognize the hard work and achievements of the support staff who are essential to any successful business. For small legal practices, your support staff is especially critical to your success. If you’re like most lawyers, you probably have no idea how to e-file your latest…
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Should I Tweet That?
Social media has changed the way we interact with our friends, families, colleagues, and clients. You can “like” your favorite musician on Facebook. You can follow your favorite celebrity or athlete on Twitter. You can share pictures simultaneously with all of your friends and family with Instagram. But social networks have also changed the way…
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3 Reasons No One Is Reading Your Blawg
A law blog (aka “blawg”) is a great way for an attorney to demonstrate their knowledge and professional competence; to market their legal services; and to network with other attorneys and law firms. It’s been my experience (and that of many other lawyers) that a thoughtful, well-written blawg can dramatically increase your business and enhance…
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6 Tips to Make Your Website Lawful and Look Good
Ninety-seven percent of consumers search for local businesses online, according to Google. That means if you don’t have a website, then you’re missing out on possible customers. You’re also missing out on the opportunity to build and protect your company’s reputation. However, there can be drawbacks if you don’t play by the rules–especially if you…
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5 Signs That You’re Ready to Go Solo
I tend to think of myself as an entrepreneur at heart. Even before I attended a single class in law school, my dream was always to start my own solo practice. I’ve never been interested in following the “partner track” at a big firm or moving in-house to work for a large corporation. And I…
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