What Weblogs Can Do For You

        By T. Evan Schaeffer

        For purposes of argument, let's say you're an ERISA lawyer who's a leader in your field. And you're pretty good with computers. If there's some specific bit of information out there somewhere, and you need it now, you can usually find it using Google.

        You think of these bits of information as tiny nuggets of unprocessed legal ore. To anyone else, they're just rocks. But as an experienced ERISA lawyer, you have the know-how to polish these nuggets into wonderful shiny gems, perhaps even displaying them in the newsletter you send each month to your clients.

        Sounds good, but that's the old model. Make way for a new one.

        Imagine a website focusing specifically on your narrow field of law. The website isn't updated once a year or even once a month, but once or twice a day. No longer are the nuggets of information pertinent to your practice scattered around and hidden everywhere. Instead, they're all stored under a single roof. The website's author acts as miner, polisher, and museum curator, all at once.

        Do such websites exist? No matter what your area of practice, the answer is probably so; and if it doesn't exist today, it may very well tomorrow.

        Web log=Weblog=blog

        The websites I'm describing are called blogs, which is short for "Weblog," the name given by early Internet users to Web sites that publish a daily collection of links from all over the Web.

        Now these Web sites are just called blogs. It's a clumsy and unfortunate word, but one that's entered the English language. It's best to just get used to it, as you did with floppy disk, hard drive, and mouse.

        What's the best way to introduce yourself to blogs? Start by reading a few. Navigating these sites is easy. The newest information, often in the form of short articles or "posts," appears at the top of the page. The older posts move down as new entries take their place.

        Once you read a few blogs for a week or two, you'll find out what many know already: blogs are useful, fun, and downright addictive.

        A list of useful blogs

        How Appealing Written by Philadelphia attorney Howard Bashman, How Appealing is billed as "the Web's first blog devoted to appellate litigation." Each day, Bashman collects legal news from around the country, providing his readers with links to the articles. There's so much new information posted each day I guarantee you'll have trouble keeping up.

        My Shingle  Carolyn Elefant's My Shingle is a blog "for and about solos and small law firms." Elefant's blog is unique because in addition to frequent posts, it also contains a permanent library of practical information for small firm lawyers. Elefant's "online guide to creating a law practice" is a must-read for anyone thinking of setting up a practice. And like every blog listed in this column, access is free.

        the [non]billable hour  Written by Illinois lawyer Matt Homann, the [non]billable hour is a good companion to Elefant's My Shingle. While Elefant focuses on down-to-earth, practical advice, Homann's strength is forward-thinking entrepreneurial business ideas. Each day, Homann scans the business world for new concepts that can be applied to law firm management.

        Corp Law Blog  Mike O'Sullivan's Corp Law Blog is as well written as any legal magazine. The blog's focus is suggested by its title; O'Sullivan covers "issues encountered by corporate lawyers." But he does it with style and verve, regularly making topics like Sarbanes-Oxley almost fun to read about.

        BenefitsBlog  The author of BenefitsBlog, B. Janell Grenier, describes her offering as "a tax, benefits and ERISA law commentary and news filter." Those who publish "news filters" scan the universe of available articles on a particular topic and act as editors, picking and choosing the most relevant links for their readers. In addition, Grenier provides original, timely commentary on tax and benefits-related issues.

        The Illinois Trial Practice Weblog  Written by yours truly (shameless self-promotion alert), The Illinois Trial Practice Weblog provides daily tips and techniques for Illinois trial lawyers, whether appearing for the plaintiff or defense. It's a place where young lawyers can go to learn some basics or older lawyers can go to learn what's new.

        The EthicalEsq  At The EthicalEsq, David Giacalone publishes daily posts focusing on clients' rights, ethical lawyering, and a host of other topics. His blog is frequently the site of spirited exchanges between lawyers about topics like contingency fees, legal self-help, and law firm marketing.

        Professor Bainbridge  A corporate law professor at UCLA, Stephen Bainbridge writes an always-entertaining blog that provides "an eclectic mix of law, business and economics, politics and current events, Catholicism and wine." Recently, Professor Bainbridge provided his readers with online commentary during the Martha Stewart trial.

        Stay of Execution  Written by Maine bankruptcy lawyer Scheherazade Fowler, Stay of Execution comes closest to being the daily, online journal that many think of when they hear the word "blog." One of Fowler's goals is to document her life as a young lawyer in hopes that others can learn from her experience. With a skilled writer's eye for detail, her blog is always witty and entertaining.

        A blog for you

        Don't see a Weblog here that focuses on your area of the law? Chances are there's probably one being published. To find out, do a search in Google, adding the word "blog" to your area of practice.

        If you become a regular reader of a particular blog and find you like it, be sure to let the author know. Blog authors generally welcome feedback and may even incorporate your ideas into their daily missives. Many blogs have "comment" features, allowing you to interact with the author and other readers on topics about which you possess unique knowledge.

        Publishing your own Weblog

        Being recognized does wonders for any lawyer's image. Once you've been reading blogs for a while, you may get the urge to start one yourself. All you need is an Internet hook-up and something to say. You can learn how it's done with an online visit to a Weblog hosting service like Typepad  or Blogger. The cost is minimal, and no technical experience is required.

        You can put as little or as much time into your blog as you want, but a short post every day is usually required to keep your readers interested. For budding Weblog authors, The Weblog Handbook by Rebecca Blood will also help you on your way.

        Happy blogging!

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