@anthonybushnell

October 15th, 2009

Criminal defense and civil litigation solo attorney

Managing attorney, The Bushnell Law Firm, LLC

Today we’re tweeting w/ crim def & civil lit lawyer @anthonybushnell, who provides smart legal representation – for real people

@anthonybushnell thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @anthonybushnell?
Thanks Lance! Attorney, dad, believer in a good and merciful God, thus trying to treat others & clients the way I want to be treated
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Tell us about your law practice.
I do criminal defense and litigation, which varies from helping homeowners with contractors to dealing with unpaid wages.
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What type of clients do you represent?
A lot of individuals and small to mid-size businesses. Most people are ordinary folks who get stuck with legal problems.
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What is the single most important legal issue affecting those clients?
Cost of legal services and access to legal help. Most people are slow to seek #legal help; they think they can’t afford it.
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Indeed. What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I can’t guarantee the results in litigation or a criminal matter, but I will work my hardest and get the best I can for you.
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Tell us about one of the more significant client representations you’ve had.
Represented a guy pro bono who had a court order put on him with no notice or process. Had to go to appeals court to fix it.
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Why do your clients hire you?
I provide high-quality legal work and personal attention, but keep my rates very reasonable so real people can afford it.
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What’s the most active area of your practice at the current time? Is that typical?
Litigation right now. It varies, but seems to average 60% litigation / 40% criminal. I also do some prosecution on contract.
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You tweet a lot re work/life balance. How do you maintain the right mix in the face of time-sensitive client needs?
I remind myself that clients get better service when I’m balanced and healthy. Taking my family time is serving them too.
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That does make a lot of sense. How do you market your practice?
Thanks. Relationships with other attorneys – trying to help each other and genuinely invest in each other. Websites and SM.
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How do you describe what you do to people you meet at networking events?
I provide legal services regular people need and make a priority to keep it affordable. I can help people who some can’t.
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What were your goals in becoming active on Twitter? Have they changed?
I started tweeting to connect with clients. I’ve found best & fav use is keeping up on legal news & building relationships.
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Besides Twitter, what other Web 2.0 tools do you regularly use to market your practice?
LinkedIn. I also post about my practice on Facebook, but use it primarily for friendships. Just remind people what I do…
…Minnesota Bar also has a website called www.mypracticelaw.org – like LinkedIn/Facebook for lawyers.
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What specific impact on referrals and/or client engagements have you realized from Web 2.0 activities?
Honestly, I haven’t identified any. But it’s made me better at connecting and improved staying on top of law developments.
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There’s a lot of value in that, of course. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
1-2 hours on weekdays. I also think a lot and try to keep track of good ideas. Building something worthwhile takes time.
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Absolutely. Let’s switch gears: What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
We have way too many lawyers (many out of work) but not enough people get legal help. That’s broken. 1+1 should = needs met.
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What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
I expect we’ll have a lot of part-time and contract lawyers/solos. Hopefully apprenticeships for grads & practical training.
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What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would pastor or teach. Often feel the law doesn’t let me help people with their whole need. So I tweet @be_fullyalive too.
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How do you want to be remembered?
As sincere and genuine and as having helped people. People said Winston Churchill was same man in public and private. …
…Reason I sometimes mention my faith even in professional area is I believe being healthy means being integrated. No masks.
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What do you do when you’re not working?
Spend time with my kids and give them as much of me as I can. Try to remember they’ll learn most on life from my wife & me.
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What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
Don’t need a job to be an #attorney. You ARE one. Go find clients and offer yourself for contract work. That advice made me.
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What advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Meet all the real lawyers you can. Make sure it’s for you. Do the math and live on a budget. Get practical experience. …
… Don’t be shy about calling lawyers to meet. They’re glad to. Work to develop yourself as a lawyer and get things done.