Brendan Bald

Tag: The Lawyers Post

  • Brett Kavanaugh: Our Newest Supreme Court Justice | Legal Buzz

    Brett Kavanaugh: Our Newest Supreme Court Justice | Legal Buzz

    LEGAL BUZZ IS YOUR GO-TO SOURCE FOR THE LATEST AND GREATEST LEGAL NEWS.

    Brett Kavanaugh: Our Newest Supreme Court Justice

    The Senate confirmed Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S Supreme Court with a 50-48 vote. Kavanaugh was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts and retired Justice Anthony Kennedy on Saturday in a private ceremony.

    Last week’s confirmation hearings centered around the sexual assault allegations made against Kavanaugh. The process was emotional, highly partisan, and borderline embarrassing.

    Kavanaugh’s confirmation cements a conservative majority on the Supreme Court. Many fear that Kavanaugh’s presence threatens Roe v. Wade, affirmative action, and healthcare.

    Instead of adding useless commentary to an arena already jam-packed with partisan opinions, I want to highlight a few of Kavanaugh’s often overlooked qualifications…

    • Graduated Yale College and Yale Law School, where he was an editor on Law Review.
    • Clerked for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy.
    • Served 5+ years in the White House as Staff Secretary and Associate White House Counsel.
    • Became partner at a respected law firm, where he wrote several Supreme Court briefs and argued before the Supreme Court.
    • Co-authored a leading book on judicial precedent and has published nine articles in respected academic law journals.
    • Served on the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit for 12 years, writing more that 300 opinions – 13 of which have been vindicated by the Supreme Court.
    • Spent 25 of his 28 years of his career in public service.

    Kavanaugh’s legal qualifications are difficult to dispute regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum.

    However, it’s Kavanaugh’s character, not his legal mind, that has the country divided.

    Given the nature of sexual assault allegations, we will likely never know the full truth regarding Kavanaugh’s past. Despite this uncertainty, we must carry on and accept Kavanaugh as our newest Supreme Court Justice.

    We should end the hateful dialogue that is widening the partisan divide and instead use our voices where they count – in the polls.

    I choose to remain cautiously optimistic about Kavanaugh. I implore you to do the same. As the Dalai Lama once said, “Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.”

    Read more at Whitehouse.gov and Bloomberg

    Family of NFL Hall of Famer Reaches Settlement with the NFL:

    The family of Junior Seau, an NFL Hall of Famer who killed himself in 2012, reached an undisclosed settlement with the NFL in their wrongful death suit.

    Seau suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that can only be definitively diagnosed through an autopsy. The lawsuit alleged that Seau’s brain damage led to his suicide.

    Hopefully this settlement closes the litigious chapter in the lives of Seau’s family and brings them peace.

    Read more at Reuters

    Digital LSAT on the Horizon for Law School Hopefuls:

    Having to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is one of the more unpleasant experiences lawyers have to go through – right behind taking a state bar exam. So forgive me for bringing up bad memories.

    The LSAT will transition into a digital format beginning in 2019. The digital test will mimic the paper test in substance but includes additional capabilities. Test takers will be able to highlight portions of the questions, rule out answers, and see how much time they have remaining.

    Sounds promising – except I can’t imagine working through a logic game digitally. I sure hope they provide test takers with a ton of scratch paper.

    Read more at ABA Journal

    via The Lawyers Post

  • PropTech: What the Fuss Is All About

    PropTech: What the Fuss Is All About

    Ever heard of PropTech? Me either. That is until Brad returned from the Forbes 30 under 30 Summit and wouldn’t shut up about it. Brad said it was a game changer. Brad said it was the next big thing. Brad said that once it takes hold, nothing would ever be the same. Cue eye roll.

    Brad seemed a little dramatic to me. Who is Brad? My big brother. But that’s beside the point.

    Anyways, I had to see what all the fuss was about. Could PropTech really be the next big thing? I opened up my browser and scoured the web for answers.

    I finally figured it out, four hours and three cups of coffee later. Brad was right. He was so right. PropTech is gearing up to take over the real estate industry and there’s nothing you can do about it.

    If Tom Brady of the New England Patriots is the current real estate industry, then Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens is PropTech. It’s only a matter of time before Suggs breaks through the Patriots’ offensive line, sacks Brady, forces a fumble, and recovers it for a touchdown – total game changer.

    The Basics:

    PropTech is a collective term used to define startups offering technologically innovative products or new business models for the real estate markets.

    The real estate industry avoided integrating new technology for decades – running counter to almost every other industry in the world. Ever heard of Uber? Amazon? Netflix? Expedia? iTunes? SpotHero? Yeah, thought so.

    The real estate industry will without a doubt be the next sector to experience a tsunami sized technological overhaul. Hell, it’s already begun.

    Don’t believe me? Let’s follow the money.

    Investments in PropTech start-ups have gone through the roof in recent years. In 2017, $12.6 billion in funding went into PropTech start-ups, an increase from $4.2 billion the year before that, according to MetaProp. That ain’t pocket change…

    Smart Buildings are Leading the Change.

    Smart buildings are structures that use automated processes to control the buildings’ operations, track equipment performance, monitor indoor environments, monitor utility consumption, provide security without the use of keys, and much much more. The technology essentially gives buildings the equivalent of a central nervous system. PropTech companies such as Enertiv, Site 1001, Doorport, and Notion are leading the advance.

    Smart Transactions Aren’t Far Behind.

    When you think of blockchain technology, you likely automatically think of cryptocurrency. But blockchain technology is not limited to the crypto space. It has the potential to dramatically change the real estate industry – making it a star player on team PropTech.

    What is blockchain again?

    Blockchain is a series of computers that keep an encrypted record of an event or transaction in a ledger that is open to the public. The records are virtually unhackable and allow two or more parties to interact without a middleman.

    Blockchain and Real Estate:

    Blockchain technology has the potential to dramatically change real estate transactions. The emergence of “smart contracts” may enable real estate contracts, escrows, and property records to be completed without title companies or attorneys. The blockchain would ensure that the buyer gets the deed and the seller gets the cash (via a cryptocurrency).

    This isn’t all just theory either.

    In 2016, Cook County, Illinois partnered with real estate tech startup Velox.re and became the nations first to experiment with blockchain technology for transferring and tracking property titles.

    The experiment was a success. Velox.re designed blockchain real estate software and Cook County used it to secure government records and convey property. Read the full results here.

    If you’re a transactional attorney or title professional, try not to freak out. Given the current uncertainty surrounding blockchain technology, I doubt any mainstream changes happen any time soon.

    Some people believe the change is inevitable – so keep your ear to the ground.

    PropTech and Real Estate Sales:

    PropTech also has its eye on the real estate sales business. Realtors have long held the belief that advances in technology will never surpass the personal touch provided by realtors. This may be true. BUT that doesn’t stop PropTech companies from trying.

    Let’s first talk about Zillow. Merely uttering the name makes realtors tremble. Okay, maybe that’s a little much. But Zillow is the greatest technological threat realtors face.

    Zillow is the Google of the real estate listings industry. It has long kept its distance from real estate sales – providing job security for realtors. This “job security” disappeared earlier this year when Zillow announced plans to start buying and selling homes directly.

    Zillow isn’t the only threat to realtors. Opendoor, which was recently valued at $2 billion, offers buyers & sellers a simplified online sales experience.

    Despite the growth of PropTech sales start-ups, I doubt realtors will ever fully be replaced. The personal touch provided by realtors gives buyers and sellers a sense of trust that technology can’t replicate.

    Wrapping it up:

    Listen, if you work in real estate, I’m not saying to batten down the hatches and prepare for a massive overhaul rivaling Typhoon Tip (Google it). Actually, scratch that, I kind of am.

    Given the delay in technological advancement and the massive amounts of money invested in PropTech, it is only a matter of time before the real estate industry changes. And when it does, it’ll happen FAST. Like Usain Bolt fast – so buckle up.

    via The Lawyers Post

  • Epic Battle for $100,000 Engagement Ring | Legal Buzz

    Epic Battle for $100,000 Engagement Ring | Legal Buzz

    LEGAL BUZZ IS YOUR GO-TO SOURCE FOR THE LATEST AND GREATEST LEGAL NEWS.

    Epic Battle for $100,000 Engagement Ring:

    A big shot attorney did exactly as Beyoncé instructed in her song “Single Ladies.” He liked his current girlfriend so he put a ring on it – a 4-carat $100,000 ring to be exact. Unfortunately, just like that lemon-pepper salmon I accidentally left out overnight, the relationship didn’t last. And now Mr. big shot’s ex-fiancé is refusing to return the $100,000 ring, adding insult to injury.

    Sounds like every guy’s worst nightmare. So what does any half decent lawyer do after they’ve been slighted? File a lawsuit of course! And that’s exactly what Mr. big shot did. The suit seeks return of the ring through replevin and alleges conversion “of the wrongfully possessed ring.” The ex-fiancé is adamant that the ring belongs to her, forever.

    Looks like we’re in for a fight rivaling Mayweather v. Pacquiao…

    Better getcha popcorn ready!

    Read more at ABA Journal

    FBI to Investigate Allegations Against Judge Kavanaugh:

    Hold the phone! Shortly following Thursday’s Hearing, President Trump ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh – delaying the confirmation vote until later this week. Cue applause from Democrats.

    Let’s Briefly Recap Thursday’s Testimony…

    Both Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh testified last Thursday about Ford’s sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh.

    The Hearing was a classic case of he said, she said – eight hours worth. Here’s the gist. Christine Blasey Ford calmly yet emotionally recounted her claim, with 100% certainty, that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a high school party in the 1980s. Kavanaugh passionately denied Ford’s allegations – also with 100% certainty.

    Now Let’s Talk Politics…

    Politics is synonymous with anger – at least it is nowadays. Democrats are angry about women’s voices being ignored when it comes to sexual assault. Republicans are angry about an alleged Democrat sponsored smear campaign against Kavanaugh. What do you get when you combine anger with more anger? A typical senate hearing, that’s what.

    Kavanaugh was visibly angry and distraught throughout his testimony. He expressed his frustration when he declared:

    This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election, fear that has been unfairly stocked about my judicial record, revenge on behalf of the Clintons, and millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups, this is a circus.

    Luckily for Kavanaugh, he was not without friends during the hearing…

    “You’ve got a Friend in Me”

    Said Senator Lindsay Graham. Well, not literally – but definitely figuratively. During Thursday’s Hearing, Senator Graham arose as Kavanaugh’s fiercest defender.

    “What you want to do is destroy this guy’s life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020,” Graham told the committee’s Democrats. “God, I hate to say it because these have been my friends, but let me tell you, when it comes to this, you’re looking for a fair process?” he added, turning to Kavanaugh. “You came to the wrong town at the wrong time, my friend.”

    Graham’s defense of Kavanaugh made immediate headlines – especially on Twitter where his name began trending almost immediately after his statement.

    White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted in support of Graham’s statements:

    The Supplemental Investigation:

    Given that Ford’s allegation is uncorroborated and occurred decades ago, game changing developments are doubtful. The investigation is likely to focus aroundMark Judge, Kavanaugh’s friend who Ford said witnessed the assault. Judge has previously told the committee in a written statement that he doesn’t recall any such incident. The FBI will probably press Judge for more specifics – I’d put my money on it.

    Stay tuned for next week’s Legal Buzz to see how the investigation plays out…

    Read more at The Wall Street Journal 

    Feel Good Story of the Day:

    Several lawyers are volunteering their time in order to help the victims of Hurricane Florence. The free legal services offered to victims include landlord-tenant and mortgage-foreclosure problems, insurance claims, FEMA claims and other benefits available to survivors, replacement of wills and other legal documents, and consumer issued such as contractor fraud. Kudos to the counselors involved!

    Read more at ABA Journal

    via The Lawyers Post

  • Content Marketing: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know

    Content Marketing: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know

    Admit it. You LOVE consuming content. You scroll your Facebook and Instagram feeds for hours on end. Hey, no judgment here – I do it too.

    In today’s digital world, content has never been more readily available.  Just get yourself a smart phone and WHAM – you’ve got content for days. This is music to the ears of marketers.

    Content Marketing is the easiest, most cost effective way to market your law practice. Let’s start with the basics…

    What is Content Marketing?

    Content Marketing can be defined as a marketing program that centers on creating, publishing, and distributing content for your target audience – usually online – the goal of which is to attract new clients.

    Your content can be in the form of blog posts, videos, podcasts, e-books, Facebook posts, Instagram stories, or even tweets! All of which should be utilized in your content marketing plan.

    Why Do It?

    Content Marketing can increase your website’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO), provide valuable information to your current and future clients, solidify yourself as an expert in your field, increase your leads, and skyrocket your billables. Cha-Ching!  Let’s unpack that.

    SEO is the practice of increasing the traffic to your website through organic search engine results. Google is smart – like really really smart. Google has advanced algorithms that allow them to accurately assess the quality of content posted on the web. AKA if you post quality content, you will rank high in Google search results. It’s as easy as that.

    People trust experts. If you consistently publish quality content, you will appear as an expert in your field. Play your cards right and you will become the go-to guy on the internet.

    Give without expectation. Answer all your client’s questions before they ask them. Walk your clients through an initial consult before they schedule one. Provide your prospects with content they crave.  This will pay you dividends down the road.

    Essential Platforms for Publishing and Promoting Content:

    Unlike Platform 9 ¾, social media platforms don’t require you to run through a magical brick wall. Most lawyers are familiar with the major social media players – Facebook, Linked, Instagram, and Twitter. These platforms are essential for lawyers and can be used to publish and promote content.

    Facebook is more of a pay to play platform.  It’s difficult to reach your audience organically. You can thank Facebook’s recent News Feed adjustment for that. Therefore, in order to ensure your content reaches its intended audience, you may need to pony up some dough. Luckily, Facebook Advertising is an easy-to-use tool that can define your audience and expand your content’s reach.

    LinkedIn is a phenomenal platform for publishing and promoting content. As of September 18, 2018, LinkedIn had 562 million users. Averaging an additional 2 members per second. And with Microsoft’s $26.2 billion stamp of approval, you can rest easy knowing this platform isn’t going away. Better get on board now or risk missing the boat.

    Instagram is the dark horse of the group. Many lawyers have taken a pass on this platform. This is a MISTAKE. Instagram’s new emphasis on video content makes it a prime marketing tool. Lawyers can host seminars on Instagram Live, post behind the scenes footage on Instagram stories, and even post longer webinars on Instagram TV. If your firm is in the video content game, which it should be, an Instagram account is a must-have.

    Twitter is also a heavy hitter in the world of social media marketing. Lawyers are limited to 280 characters per tweet, making it difficult to publish original content. However, the platform is perfect for promoting content from your website. Twitter is also great for engaging with your followers and posting updates about your business. Here’s a list of 10 Twitter tips for lawyers to grow their following.

    DIY v. Outsourcing:

    The beauty of content marketing is its ease of entry. You can start right away. Draft an article, post it on your website, and promote it on all your social media pages. Getting started is easy as that.

    Notice I said “getting started.” The above steps will get the ball rolling but they will not take you to the promised land. In order to achieve success, you need a long-term content strategy. You need to create and promote content consistently and with purpose. You need a call to action in every post. You need a publishing schedule. You need to track and measure your results. Exhausted yet?

    Many lawyers outsource their content marketing. Others keep things in-house. Both methods can bring success, if done correctly.

    Outsourcing places your content marketing in the hands of professionals, but it comes with a cost. If you go this route, ensure that you are working with a reputable company that is clear about your brand’s voice.

    In-house marketing will give you complete control over your content and your brand’s voice, but requires hard work and dedication. I highly recommend all lawyers take HubSpot’s Content Marketing Certification Course. This course will give you the tools necessary to take your content marketing to the next level!

    Bringing it Home:

    Content Marketing is the best way to organically market your law practice – hands down. If you can consistently create quality audio, video, and written content, the sky’s the limit for your business. Time to get to work…

    Content Marketing: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know

    via The Lawyers Post