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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Lawyers
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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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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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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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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10 Mistakes Lawyers Make on Twitter
Twitter is a remarkably powerful resource for legal professionals. Specifically, in my experience, Twitter offers tremendous opportunities for lawyers who want to expand their professional network, spread their professional reputation, and connect with potential clients and colleagues who they may not otherwise have the opportunity to connect with. Nonetheless, it’s hardly an intuitive platform. This…
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Make Your Law Firm Stand Out With Good Branding
Law practices are business like any other. Your potential clients have choices for where they can go for their legal services. As a result, it’s important that you’re able to communicate how your firm is different from every other firm in your practice area. Branding is the quickest way to do it. Unlike other industries, the legal…
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Attorney on a Job Hunt? 3 Insights From a Music Blogger
As some of our readers know, I lead a double life. On the one hand, I’m a respectable solo practitioner. I spend a fair portion of my day drafting contracts, reviewing complaints, and negotiating settlements. On the other hand, I’m also a record label owner and music blogger with a penchant for listening to underground…
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