Retaliation for representation
Plus: Does your legal headshot need an update?
Building a successful practice involves taking a leap of faith. Or, if you are anything like most lawyers, a bunch of leaps, a dive and a hop. This edition of Raise the Bar is chock full of advice from those who have been there, done that and are ready to show you the way.
Plus, can the clients you represent put you at risk? Are AI headshots the shortcut to a polished professional image, or just another gimmick? We’re also breaking down what it really takes to become a rainmaker and sitting down with a lawyer who made the leap from a small firm to an Am Law 200 powerhouse.
Straight out of Scranton. Over on Instagram, @the.office.alliance knows exactly how your email finds me.
Batter Up! MLB is testing out robot umpires this season. Is this a preview of how AI judges will operate?
The rise of non-equity partners. Bloomberg Law has a video on the pros and cons of this growing trend.
Not that anybody was asking for her advice. Casey Anthony, the Florida mother acquitted of murdering her two year old, claims she’s now a legal advocate.
That’s rich. Jewelry thief accused of swallowing $770K in stolen diamonds after Tiffany heist.
The benefits of being a problem solver
Whether we like it or not, attorneys are trained to be the crisis managers, the clean-up crew and the problem solvers. Learning to embrace this reality has taken attorney James A. Lewis, V from a small practice to the executive management team for an Am Law 200 firm. Lewis has provided counsel to Fortune 500 companies, national non-profits and government entities. At Cole Schotz, Lewis is a sought-after advisor on a wide range of employment law issues. Raise the Bar grabbed a few minutes with him to talk about forging a career path that makes sense to you—even when doing so is a little bit uncomfortable. - Emily Kelchen
You have made several big career moves to get where you are now. How do you know when the time is right to make a change?
Figuring out whether it is time to make a change comes down to quantifying how much you enjoy what you are doing, how well the things you are doing align with your own aptitudes and whether you have space to grow—personally and professionally. Every time I’ve made a career move it’s because I was conscious of these factors.
Does that mean you are constantly seeking something bigger and better?
In every role I've held professionally, the greatest opportunities came to me either through a mutual connection or someone mentioning what I do well in rooms where I was not present. I've found that the more that I focus on what I enjoy and what I know I’m good at, the more likely it is that opportunities to do the things I love will present themselves.
You seem to have a knack for setting yourself up to be someone people think of when an opportunity opens up. What’s the secret to becoming “that person?”
I'm not sure if there's a secret—but problem-solving goes a long way. In law school, everyone learns how to "issue spot." As I've matured in the practice, I've learned that finding the problem is relatively easy. It’s solving the problem that adds value. If you get in the habit of regularly solving problems—for your clients and for your colleagues—people will naturally seek you out.
Problem solvers will generally be gifted with bigger and more consequential problems to solve—sometimes that takes the form of high-value cases, other times it leads to promotions or leadership opportunities. For me, it’s an ability to work on projects that align with my professional goals and further my desired impact and legacy. A large part of what keeps me motivated is opening doors or holding space for others to achieve even if (or especially when) it feels like everything is working against them.
That’s a heavy lift.
My wife always tells me that we all have the same 24 hours as Beyoncé. So, I am very intentional about the value of time and how I spend it. The more I invest in learning and honing my skill set, the more my "stock" increases and the more I’m able to give back.
Are you representing the “wrong” clients?
Georgetown Law Professor Stephen Vladeck says, "There has long been a rich and robust debate about whether/when lawyers should be criticized or even vilified for representing unpopular clients." But he suggests there is now an intensified effort to intimidate lawyers and law firms who might otherwise agree to represent clients adverse to the government. He pulled that edition of his Substack, One First, out from behind its paywall and packed it with examples of the behavior that concerns him
Why it matters: If lawyers fear retaliation for taking certain cases, there will be fewer checks on executive and legislative power. Over time, this could erode legal representation for politically unpopular clients, weakening the broader principle of equal access to justice. (One First)
Just smile and say cheese
Your professional headshot is often the first impression you make on potential clients, colleagues and even opposing counsel. We all know an outdated or unprofessional photo can send the wrong message, but it is hard to find time to book a photo session. That’s where AI may be able to help. While nothing and nobody can make you look as good as a great photographer, AI is willing to give it a shot. This round-up of AI headshot generators includes plenty of examples of what different models can produce, and some tips for how to get the best results on each platform.
Why it matters: If it has been a few years since you updated your headshot, this is your sign to get that done ASAP. (Rolling Stone)
Getting from point A to point B
Give The Lawyers Edge podcast a listen if you are struggling to embrace your inner rainmaker or develop your leadership skills. Host Elise Holtzman is a lawyer turned coach who does a great job breaking down the steps different attorneys can take to build their practice. Start with her recent episode with Katie Schwarting, a real estate lawyer and partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, who talks about the tactics she uses to maximize networking opportunities—among many other topics.
Why this matters: Holtzman interviews people from a wide variety of practice areas, geographic areas and types of firms, to highlight just how many different paths to success are out there. (The Lawyer’s Edge)
White House claims 'snooty' lawyers are only ones upset at admin’s critique of judges
Everyone’s watching this Wisconsin supreme court race
Utah lawmakers consider changes to judicial retention process
KPMG becomes first of the “big four” to launch a law firm
Unsubscribes are good for your email list (yes, really!)
Launching a newsletter is a tried and true way to build your book of business. They are a great way to keep in touch with your target clients and referral sources, and if you are doing it right, the content you produce provides real value to your readers. So, as John Hinson of Spotlight Branding notes, it can be really disappointing when you receive notice that someone has decided to unsubscribe. He suggests treating each unsubscribe as an opportunity to figure out how to improve.
Why it matters: Marketing your practice takes practice, and there is always room for improvement. Each unsubscribe is a chance to refine your messaging, better target your audience and make sure you're attracting the right clients who genuinely engage with your content. (Legal Marketing Blog)
Thank you for reading Raise The Bar.
Every Thursday, you'll hear from our team about the most pressing issues facing legal practices today. We'll also try to include some quick-hit reads that touch on interesting cases and precedents being set worldwide.
Have anything you'd like us to cover? Send an email raisethebar@mynewsletter.co
Raise the Bar is curated and written by Emily Kelchen and edited by Bianca Prieto.