@TradeSecretLaw

May 21st, 2009

Trade Secrets, Employment Law, Biotechnology, Commercial Litigation Lawyer

Author of the BiziBoom blog

Today, we’re tweeting with @TradeSecretLaw: business lawyer, counselor, adviser, adjunct professor of law and wannabe chef and baker

@TradeSecretLaw, thank you for joining us today on Twitter. Tell us: who is @TradeSecretLaw?
Husband (22 years on 5/22), father to four great young people, son, brother, uncle, friend. Oh, and I practice law for a living.
22 yrs on May 22? Revealed in a 22 Tweets interview? Wow! OK, tell us about your law practice.
Intangible assets are 75% + of the value of a business. I protect those assets from employee disloyalty, theft, unfair competition.
What type of clients do you represent?
My Firm represents growing businesses & their owners. We help them preserve, protect, & promote their business and personal needs.
What would you say is the single most important legal issue affecting your clients?
Failure to plan. Many problems we see could have been avoided by implementing prudent legal and business practices.
What do you tell every new client before you start working for them?
I will always shoot straight with you, even when you would rather hear something else. We want to be your attorneys for life.
What was the most significant client representation you’ve had?
In my first solo trial, I defended the Arizona Supreme Court on a claim of wrongful termination. Defense verdict.
No pressure there…. Why do your clients hire you?
We focus on building our credibility and perceived expertise. Clients feel comfortable that we know how to fix their problems.
How are you and your firm responding to financial difficulties your clients may be experiencing?
We teach correct principles, help clients learn new skills, and make introductions. We help clients implement needed changes.
What led you to return to school for an LL.M. in Biotechnology and Genomics?
When I read about the program, I had a strong impression, “You need to do this.” My wife, partners, & friends supported my decision.
Go with your gut, I always say… How do you help your clients meet their business and strategic objectives?
We take a long-term view: understand the business, learn their personal objectives, & plan for the future.Then implement the plan.
I’m sure they find that very valuable. How do you market your practice?
Primarily referrals. We are moving into Web 2.0 marketing — press releases, blogs, websites, e-books, newsletters, e-mail, etc.
You’ve begun to blog at BiziBoom (http://bit.ly/WEgBZ). Who is it written for? Why should they read it?
BiziBoom is for people who want to build their business, but are caught up in the everyday routine. It helps them focus.
What was your objective when you started blogging? Has it changed?
Three-fold objective is unchanged: (1) provide useful info, (2) differentiate from competitors, and (3) satisfy my urge to write.
Has blogging made you a better lawyer? How?
Blogging helps crystallize my thinking, so yes it makes me a better lawyer. It also helps clients perceive me as a better lawyer.
That makes sense. How much time do you spend each day developing / enhancing your brand?
Difficult to say. Usually about two hours per day, sometimes more
Have your Web 2.0 activities had an impact on referrals or client engagements?
Web 2.0 has helped us think differently about how we represent clients. It helps us focus on client needs and on cross-marketing.
Interesting observation. Let’s switch gears: what’s the most significant issue facing the legal profession today?
Lawyers need to think differently about how we serve clients. Focus on client needs, solve their problems, and provide value.
What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Those who differentiate will prosper. Services are intangible and difficult to value. Give clients a reason to value your services.
That’s great advice. We may already know the answer to this, but what would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Business fascinates me. I love learning, writing, and teaching.
How do you want to be remembered?
A man who lived his religion, loved his wife and children, and treated everyone honorably and with kindness.
What do you do when you’re not working?
Time with family (especially my wife) is the best. I enjoy reading, writing, sci-fi, sports, cooking, baking, and traveling.
The baking intrigues me… Last question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Focus on a practice area and become a recognized expert. Differentiate yourself to clients, referral sources. Learn how to market.