The Benefits of a Law Blog (or Blawg)
You're a lawyer, not a writer. You have billable hours, office management, and scotch to drink. Even if you could find the time to start a law blog, what would be the point?
Marketing
Look up DUI defense lawyers in your city on Google. Unless you live in Wasilla, Alaska, there are probably at least a few dozen lawyers, each with their own webpage. Each has experience, most appear mildly non-sleazy, and none really set themselves apart, at least with their online presence.
A great blog does exactly that. Clients can read your ramblings on Type I Diabetes as a defense to a failed Breathalyzer test. They can read about Supreme Court decisions on forced blood draws. Getting the picture yet? Even if they don't understand half of what you're writing, you at least give the impression of knowing what you're talking about.
Education
You won't get CLE credits for writing a blog. You will, however, learn more about your practice areas and stay up to date with relevant cases. Before that last paragraph, had you even heard of the Type II Diabetes defense? Thought so.
By setting aside even a single hour each week to prepare and author a post, you'll guarantee that you learn something new every week. Whether your blog posts are based on novel DUI defenses, noteworthy cases, or appellate opinions, you'll quickly become an expert in your field by keeping up with the latest legal developments.
Effect Change
So, you think that DUI checkpoints are unconstitutional and that the California Supreme Court in Ingersoll v. Palmer was wrong. Or perhaps you think that ignition interlock devices are an asinine approach to reducing recidivism rates. Though most bloggers are best compared to someone yelling in a forest, using your newly found expertise in your chosen practice area to argue for change can be therapeutic. And who knows? Maybe you'll change the mind of the person who will eventually make things right. If not, there's at least something to be said for catharsis.
Related Resources:
- Top 5 Tips from 'Facebook in 1 Hour for Lawyers' (FindLaw's Strategist)
- 5 Ways Solo Attorneys Can Stay Productive When Business Is Slow (FindLaw's Strategist)
- Get More Referrals With a Better Law Firm Blog (FindLaw's Strategist)