I am not a runner.

I have an intermittent affair with running, but I am not a runner.

When I think about what it means to be a "runner" it conjures up an image of a skinny, gatorade drinking, powerbar eating athlete that I think some of my mother's homemade chocolate chip cookies might be able to benefit. No, I am more of a "big-boned," beer-drinking, lover of chocolate brownies and milk that suffers the periodic "condition" of wanting to run on a regular basis. I call it a "condition" because for me it is not a lot of fun, especially when I first get into one of these moods. In fact, the first week back in the mix I often think serious runners must have some undiagnosed psychosis. There's not only the struggle of getting out of bed early in the morning (which is my best opportunity), there are the physical aches of pains that come along with undertaking actual physical activity. These seem to be a little more prevalent with each year that passes. Notwithstanding all of this, I have recently gotten into the mood to do a little running.

I cannot claim an independent motivation this time around. Instead, a cousin said at Thanksgiving that we ought to train for a 5K when we see each each other again in February and maybe even try and do a sprint triathlon next summer. She is ambitious. It got me thinking, however, about how good I have felt in the past when training for certain events. It's hard for me to believe that I have actually managed to drag my body through two half-marathons. I even did a sprint-triathlon a few years back. Now some of you might be saying that I am a runner but you are wrong. I have not done anything in over a year, put on 15 lbs and just haven't felt quite like myself at least for a few months.

I have been guilty of using the excuse that I am too busy. In fact, I have used it many times over the years to justify "taking a little break" from exercise. What is originally intended to be a few days off turns into a few weeks, and then before you know it, a few months of inactivity has gone by. With obligations to building a law practice, spending time with family, church & community involvement, etc., time is by far my most precious commodity. I daresay the same goes for most people. For attorneys, time is our stock in trade. Although the tide seems to be changing to alternative billing structures, most attorneys still bill their clients based on the time spent on a matter so there is a direct correlation on time spent and money made. There always seems to be too much to do and not enough time and everything should have been done yesterday. With so much going on, it is easy to justify cutting a weekly exercise routine.  The interesting thing I have found which is contrary to common logic is that I gain back all the time I actually spent on the exercise (about 30 minutes) and then some in efficiency throughout any given day.

In addition to the net gain in time, there are of course the many well-known health benefits associated with exercise. For me, that is not the primary reason to run.  Instead, every time I start working out again I am quickly reminded that breaking a sweat makes me feel better. I am less stressed, more alert, and more focused. I eat better, my heartburn goes away, and I don't feel as chubby. My confidence increases, I am happier, and, as I mentioned before, I have an overall increase in that most precious asset, time. So, even if it hurts to get back into a groove, I know that when I make working out a priority I feel better, think more clearly, and am actually going to get more done than if I had hit the snooze button a few more times.


If I haven't sold you on running, well, I am not surprised. Remember, I am not a runner. Do me a favor though and figure out how you can incorporate some movement into your busy life, even a couple days a week. Then do it for 2-3 weeks. I guarantee you will feel better, and the people around you will notice.

Expanding into NY?

As I think my few readers know, I was fortunate enough to pass the New York bar exam which I took last July. I still need to submit some paperwork for the state to check-up on me but if all goes well (which I don't foresee any problems), I should be licensed in NY by early spring in 2012. Of course, I cannot give any legal advice in NY until then but it has got me thinking more about how I can expand my business once my license goes through.

Part of my reasoning for going through the entire process again in New York, including the exam, was so I could feel free to discuss simple matters with family. Both my wife and I grew up outside of Albany, NY and many of our contacts, lifelong friends, and extended families still live there. The more I think about it, the more I believe I might be able to accept clients at the very least in Columbia, Greene, & Albany Counties where we visit somewhat regularly anyway. Technology has made this much more more feasible. There are ways to set up a "virtual office" or other alternatives like renting space on an hourly basis from another firm. I heard about a couple that runs an office in Washington D.C. while living out of the country. That is crazy. If this is possible, I don't see why I couldn't figure out something for expanding my market into New York, once I am licensed to practice there.

There is a book out called "Virtual Law Practice: How to Deliver Legal Services Online" (http://www.amazon.com/Virtual-Law-Practice-Deliver-Services/dp/1604428287/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323270003&sr=1-1)  recently published by the American Bar Association that I plan to read soon. I am hoping that it will give me some great ideas on how to set things up. If you have read the book or have any other good links to sites discussing this subject please leave a comment so that others can learn from you.

Until next time...

FirmFuture Conference

Today I drove out to Boston to attend the FirmFuture conference (http://www.firmfutureconference.com/). I attended seminars on using social media marketing, work-life balance, start-up considerations, technology, etc. It was good. I am re-tooling and am going to be doing some things I should have set up in the first place. I would definitely recommend the conference to other attorneys next year.

The various seminars were good reminders on a lot of things I need to do better. Much of what I need to work on is keeping up with the times - technology, marketing, etc. I can't say I have been great at that the last few years. I'd be lying if I didn't  admit being a little intimidated by smartphones, tablets, apps, app stores, accepting credit cards, etc. As I have been seeing on a daily basis, this is the stuff I need to know and understand. I guess if I'm really coming clean, I'm a little cheap too and hate to shell out for a  better phone and the added expense of adding data to my plan. There is also the fear that being able to connect all the time will make it more difficult to find that balance that I am striving for. But, the encouraging words I heard today that I think can be tough for attorneys is that it is okay to unplug...in fact, it is necessary to keep your sanity and maintain personal relationships.

As far as marketing, in addition to some traditional techniques, LinkedIn is apparently being utilized effectively along with blogs in conjunction with Twitter. I already have a LinkedIn account but joined the ranks of Twitter today. I'd be happy to hear your thoughts and comments on how you have used these tools to build your business (not just a law firm).

Then come follow me on Twitter so I have someone to Tweet to. https://twitter.com/#!/NathanielTripp

Creative Marketing

I've been thinking about marketing lately and figuring out how to draw people to my business. The realization that I need to put in some time to marketing was after a phone call to a title insurance company where the very nice lady said that she could probably get me on as an agent for her company but I needed to come at her with a specific and targeted plan for how to get real estate business. She said, be creative!

For those of you that don't know, title insurance protects against property claims that arise out of prior occurrences with someone's property. For example, seller S conveys the property to buyer B, but then S also conveys to purchaser C. C moves in and B says you don't own the property and sues C to get off the land. C's title insurance would help pay to defend the lawsuit. To make sure claims like this are rare, an agent for the title insurance company will look back at the records and make sure nothing is off, that recorded deeds line up, that there are no outstanding mortgages, tax liens, or other encumbrances, and then the policy will be issued. It is typically required by a lender and homeowners may purchase their own policy as well. The attorney that does the research is often the one working for the buyer and the bank, and is present and conducts the closing (at least in MA). To get into real estate and actually make money on a closing these days, the attorney really needs to be one of these agents and get a cut of the fee for the research, hence my phone call, and hence this sudden (but overdue) focus on getting business.

Consequently, I need to market my business generally, and specifically figure out how to build real estate into the mix. Of course the best way to "market" is to pound the pavement and simply build relationships with people. Not solicit business but let them know what it is that I am all about. That way, when they are talking to someone else and a legal problem comes up, they will remember me and say "I met a lawyer, I think Tripp was his name. He seemed like a good guy. Why don't you give him a call?" Then when I get the phone call, provide the best service possible and make people want to recommend me to their friends, family, co-workers, etc.

As suggested by the title insurance lady, I am thinking about some "creative marketing" that entails getting involved with some local, non-law related volunteer projects. One idea was coordinating a food drive to benefit the local food bank. Maybe I could get the local bar association to assist or maybe my wife's school. If I could get my name out there as the attorney organizing a project like this, and getting some good press, not only could this be good for business, it would help people in the community that we live in which is even more cool. I am working out logistics in my head but it could be a great thing all around. I think some projects like this are especially important for a guy like me who is trying to establish a practice in a place I moved to just a year ago and still don't know anyone, not because I am antisocial but because figuring out how to be a Pop takes some time. I would love to hear other people's ideas on some ways to get my name out there. What might cause you to think positively about an attorney that you have never met?

My most promising and creative marketing strategy comes from a trip to the grocery store with my son yesterday. He is able to sit in the cart and happily looks around at all the lights and colors. I think he is a people watcher too, occasionally spotting someone and laughing. It really is pretty cute. People also love to talk to him, especially women that I would estimate to be in the age range of 45-65. He loves it and so do they. Now, what I am thinking is if I could make him a t-shirt that says "I'll smile at you if you take my Pop's card." Or, "Legal Problems? Talk to the bigger version of me." What about "My Pop's name is not Will but he can do yours." I'm sure I could come up with some more and would be open to other lighthearted suggestions from others. Not sure I would ever really make t-shirts but it is fun to think about.

I do have some of the more traditional marketing basics covered. I have a website which is still a work in progress (www.ntripplaw.com) and printed up some business cards that I pass out whenever I have a chance. Of course, there are all the different social media sites (facebook, linked in, twitter, avvo) that I have not actively engaged in. I am still trying to figure out how to approach connecting with some other real estate professionals. I'd like to get involved in the bar association a bit more and hopefully network with other attorneys that way. There is so much one can do and it can be a little overwhelming. I would gladly receive suggestions on how to improve my website or other traditional marketing techniques/ideas that I might be able to implement. I have never had to do this before. For now though, I think I just need to stick with what I know - getting involved, talking and listening to people, building relationships . . . and maybe making some sweet t-shirts too!



Update on Daycare: As you may have read from my previous post, we did put our son in daycare three days per week and he is still with me the other two. As we get to know and trust the woman we have him with, I like her more. She is down to earth and very willing to address any worries or concerns we may have. It doesn't hurt either that she is just starting her business as well and so our son is often the only child there, getting personal care at a normal daycare price. Whenever one of us shows up, he has big smiles, is happy, and seems well cared for - all a parent could ask for really. Once we have a little more time building our relationship, I told her I would be a reference for her so as to help her business grow but until we get to that point, I can't say that I am unhappy about my son getting more personal attention.

Daycare Blues

     Today was a big day for our family and kind of a tough one for Mom and Pop. This afternoon, I left our son at daycare for the first time. We thought about what would work best and decided to try 3 days/wk.  I don't care how well you know someone, to leave your kid with anyone is an exercise in trust, let alone someone you don't know besides an interview or two. Granted, both of us spoke with the daycare provider and felt okay about it but still, as I dropped him off today, I wondered if I was doing right by him? After all, my smiley son can't speak for himself yet. I am an advocate for him, before anyone else.

      I have found myself wondering if I am being selfish in wanting/needing/desiring the time to start my law practice? Do I really really need to send him to daycare? Honestly, the answer to both of those questions at least a little bit is "yes." After all, as my many blog readers/followers know, I came up with a great routine. The truth is that although I tried it out I was not disciplined enough to follow it. When I reexamine it, I realize that may be because the schedule was theoretically possible but not practical. It left no time for me to devote to my marriage, to goof around, be silly, etc., nor did it allow for me to spend any quality time with my family as a whole. Further, naptimes were crucial for the success of that plan but our little one "decided" very shortly after that post to sleep for a 2.5 hours during the day, total, instead of close to four.

       The bottom line was and is that if this law firm is going to work, I need time during the workday to actually build this business, to seek after new clientele, and figure out daily operations while also teaching myself the nuts and bolts of the day-to-day practice of law. Normal business hours are when you can go to court.  Normal business hours are when you can make phone calls and actually reach the insurance company, make it to the post office or library, attend networking lunches, take CLE (continuing legal education) courses, etc. etc. These are the things I need to do to be able to get to that point where we are comfortable financially and I can support my family. I guess I am just struggling today with what is the most "valuable" use of my time. I have been staying home for my family while at the same time, feel like it is my duty and obligation to benefit them financially too.
   

Sowing Seeds

     The other day I sat down and charted out my day to include almost every last detail  from dragging myself to the coffeemaker first thing in the morning, all the way to my bedtime.  The goal of making this schedule was to think through and jot down a routine that we can stick to day-in and day-out, that accounts for the entire day and allows me to really concentrate and practice law while enabling my wife to have the quality time with our son that she needs, loves, and deserves after she gets home from work.

     My new schedule relies in part on my son maintaining the predictable naps he's been having and also on me being able to get most prep for our dinner ready to go midday so my wife can throw it together.  I will work as much as I can during naps and then a couple of hours after my wife gets home.  Then after having dinner, I clean up the kitchen while she takes care of the baby and then go back to work a couple more hours at night.  If we can make this work, I can put in just about an 8 hour workday, everyday.  It will also enable me to have at least a good portion of my weekend to devote to my marriage and family and is crucial, because these are the reasons for me working in the first place.  Hence, for me to have time to get a practice going while still being able to focus on the important things in life, we need to adhere pretty tightly to this routine during the week, Monday through Friday.

     The hardest part about this daily grind is going to be working while most others including my wife are not, in the late afternoons, evenings, nights, naptimes, and most likely some weekends.  We have some friends where one spouse has worked these non-traditional hours and they have found a way to make it work.  Perhaps we have been spoiled by not having dealt with this yet in our marriage (besides some late nights here and there at class and the library) but this kind of change will be a tough adjustment.  My wife and I are blessed in that we really do love spending time with each other.  In addition we really enjoy spending time getting to know others and so another difficult change that comes with setting hours will be to tell friends and family that "I have (Nate has) to work" when invited to go somewhere (not that my family couldn't go on their own) in those off hours or when we're invited to travel out of town, etc.  This will be difficult not only because of turning down social opportunities but also because it feels like we're saying "I am choosing to work instead of hanging out and having fun with you."  Who chooses to work instead of having a good time?  No one.

     One goal that goes hand-in-hand with this new routine will be shifting how my work is perceived by us, our friends and family, from being a choice to an obligation. If my practice during these varying times is seen as my employment, then missing events is unfortunate but understandable.  If, however, missing gatherings/events is viewed as our personal choice, we are antisocial and there goes any future invitations and our relationships will be damaged.  It will be so important for us to set a precedent for ourselves while also being clear with everyone else that we would love to, but maybe next time.  That is, helping our family and friends to understand that not doing things Friday night, denying a mid-week dinner invitation, or staying close to home instead of taking off for the weekend is not our choice, but a commitment to my employer.  People understand this mentality because no one has ever worked anywhere where it is cool to just not show up for work.

     Of course, it becomes more complicated when you are self-employed because it is easier for others to believe that I(we) do have the choice to duck out on work.  But do I?  By deciding to start a law practice I made a commitment to myself and to my family, and to any of my clients.  If I am able to lay a strong foundation for my business now, hopefully in time we will be able to get back to a more standard schedule while also being freed from having to check the bank account before we go grocery shopping or send in the rent check.

     Flexibility will definitely be a benefit of having my own law practice but that perk will come with time.  I need to sow some seeds before I can reap a harvest.

   



 

Become a follower

Become a follower of my blog! It's easy to subscribe with the RSS feed buttons just below the great people to the right of the panel who have already succumbed to the pressure. Also, you can follow me at Twitter at nathanieltripp or check out my practice website www.ntripplaw.com. I am always open to suggestions on how to improve these websites as well as my overall web presence so feel free to shoot me a message or leave a comment.

Also, be sure to check out the great blogs I linked to that discuss a wide range of subjects. If you direct me to your own blog(s), I'd be happy to put your link up too if it is of interest to me or the other people that follow this blog.

Hope to look over my shoulder and see you soon!

Being Trained

     If you have ever had or been around a baby or a young child you understand that there are some things you just don't mess with, especially the nap and sleep schedule. We have found that when we get off the schedule, none of us are happy. Of course, there are different theories on how to approach a baby’s routine including not really having one at all and going with the flow to get done whatever the parent needs to do. Let the baby sleep whenever parent gets home, or just in the car; feed them whenever they seem hungry, but not necessarily a set time; if groceries need to be gotten, or a trip to the post office is in order, the baby can and will adjust. That is, the child becomes "flexible" so that they are better suited for those days that throw a curveball and the normal nap in the normal place is not possible.  

    Early in my fatherhood experience, I too shared these same grand visions of freely moving about town, running errands, and doing what needed to get done without being a tied to the baby's schedule. I even brought my son to the small law office I was doing some projects for when he was about 3 months old. The 2 attorneys and secretary there loved to see him whenever we needed to drop by to exchange files. One time, I thought maybe, just maybe I could get more done whether it be making some phone calls or drafting some letters, and he would  sleep peacefully for a couple of hours in his carseat.

     Yeah right...it's good to have dreams. 


     Our son had different plans and I was quickly whipped into shape.  It's as if babies exit the womb knowing how to run a schedule boot camp for their parents. From my own experience and also from speaking with others about this, every parent falls into line eventually. Further, it is funny the importance which the schedule takes on for most parents of young children.  For example, I have a nephew that is three months older than our baby. Almost every time I speak with my brother we spend 10 out of the 20 minutes during our conversation talking about how the boys are sleeping and the schedule they are currently on.

     What I have realized is the schedule really is not for the child, but for the parent. Well, maybe that is a little bit too exaggerated but I would say it is for both parent and child. Although the routine changes from time to time, I know with 75% certainty that right now my son will sleep for about 90 minutes in the morning and about 2 hrs + in the afternoon, SO LONG AS I put him in his crib at 9 am and 2 pm. It's not that he's not going to survive if he isn't down then but he's not going to sleep as long. So, if being a devoted schedule follower can mean a consistent 3 1/2 hrs (most days) of quiet time guess where my son is everyday at 9 am and 2 pm.  

     Now, if I could figure out my own schedule. Maybe I ought to take naps at 9:00 and 2:00 too?  Think I'll probably be doing other stuff then...but more on that in a bit. 

Networking at Mother Goose on the Loose?

     So I took my son to the public library this morning.  This was our first trip to this weekly, active storytime and sing-a-long for kids 3 and under where a woman from the library leads nursery rhymes, simple songs, and hand motions that go along with them.  Everybody sits on the floor in a circle, parents too, and has a grand ole time.  I think it will end up being a good trip out for us and the kiddo seemed to enjoy all the action as well as the puppets the woman busted out too.

     There were probably about 12 kids there with an accompanying parent.  I found myself thinking "I bet 11 out of 12 of these young families need a Will and I'm the man for the job!"  The trick is how do I let them know first, that I am an attorney, and second, give them my pitch?  My plan for next week is getting there early, sit right in the middle of where people seemed to concentrate and hopefully have some chit-chat with others.  My son seems to turn on the charm for strangers and I like meeting new people anyway so this will be no great hardship for either of us.  After talking about little Jimmy, Johnny, Jane, Alice, and of course my boy, lots of times the next part of a conversation continues to talking about professions and from my experience, proceeds as follows :

Parent: "Oh, you're an attorney?  What do you practice?"

Me:  "Well, I have a general practice law firm but am trying to focus more on estate planning, wills, etc."

Parent/Potential Client (notice the changed label):  "Oh, interesting.  My spouse and I have been meaning to get a will done but just haven't gotten around to it."

Me:  (As I easily pass a card from my shirt pocket) "Well, even some basic documents in place would be better than nothing at all. Feel free to call the office if you want to talk a little more about it.  Otherwise, maybe we will see you next week at Mother Goose."  

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     Now, I could potentially see people reading my exaggerated model dialogue above and thinking, really?  He's trying to get business at Mother Goose on the Loose?  My response is, why not?

     I know from my own personal experience how easy it is to delay making a Will, and I can do it myself.  Young parents are often the worst about planning their affairs but without a basic plan, especially with kids in the picture, if God forbid something happened to one or both parents, then MA law and the Courts will decide who gets your stuff and more importantly, what happens to your kids.  So, I won't forget my cards next week because I need these parents and they need me, even if they just don't realize it yet.  

Mother Goose on the Loose, here we come! 

Deciding to "Hang a shingle"

     Deciding to open a practice was not an easy decision.  I graduated with honors from law school in May 2010, had had numerous internships, and thought that I had taken all the right steps to find employment and be able to support our family, my pregnant wife and son on the way.  Now I just needed to pass the bar exam, which I ended up doing the first time, and was licensed in Dec. 2010.  Really, I had done the "right" things to get a job but with the economy, coupled with limiting ourselves geographically for family, friends, and my wife's steady employment (remember, baby on the way!) no job came.  I had been searching for full time jobs over a year, beginning in August of 2009, but besides some miscellaneous projects with various attorneys, I did not find anything steady.  Really, there were just not a lot of jobs out there. 

     I began thinking more about creating my own opportunity.  I had always been interested in having my own law practice and "hanging my shingle" as it is commonly referred to.  During law school, I always attended seminars and special presentations on opening a practice, read the books, and thought I might do that "someday" after working for someone else for awhile. Working for a big firm, "Big Law," or anyone for that matter, never happened and I wondered if I could build a small firm from the ground up, and be the boss of "Small Law."  I liked the idea of reaping the awards from my own hard work, while also having the flexibility to be the father and husband I want to be.   

     My wife and I talked a great deal in the spring and early summer, discussing our lifestyle, family, where we really wanted to be, the challenges that might come with opening a business, and if WE could do it.  After some great time and thought we made the call that that "someday" we were waiting for was actually right then, at the beginning of summer.  We decided that we liked the small town where we were living and that this place is where I am going to build my business.  I bought professional malpractice insurance in June.  I rented a small, quite affordable office space in August.  I also invested in some technology, a printer, some software, etc.  We dipped into some savings for this as a leap of faith.  I continue to chip away at some work that I've been graciously given by a mentor.  Now, I just need my own clients.

Introduction

     I'm sitting here in my living room with my 7 1/2 month old son commando crawling around the room. I am still in the clothes I threw on when I rolled out of bed almost 6 hours ago at around 5:45 a.m. I am SO lucky to be here with my happy, healthy, smiley firstborn. I get to be a stay at home Papa. 

     Yet, I find my mind distracted and thinking about starting my business, my law practice. There are so many things to think about and that I need to find time to do, especially because I am just beginning - establishing and understanding technology; getting clients and then staying on top of files; accounting; research; phone calls; emails; and, generally figuring out what I'm doing while finding the time to do what I must to make my office a success. I'm sure it can be rather daunting for the average guy, so I need to be superior. That's because in my start-up business, the daily to-do list also includes feeding meals to my son & clean-up, wiping spit up off my shoulder, changing diapers, playing with blocks, making funny sounds and faces, taking walks, and trying to help out around the house while my AMAZING wife works her stable and secure job as a teacher.

     I hope to use this blog as a forum, and as an outlet, to discuss the many challenges of balancing my responsibilities as a husband and father, with the duties of my chosen profession and and challenges of starting a business. That is, on December 3, 2010, I became an Attorney in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. My license says that on that day, I, after ". . . having taken and subscribed the oaths required by law, was admitted to practice as an Attorney, and, by virtue thereof, as a Counsellor at Law, in any of the Courts of the said Commonwealth." In addition, one and a half months after I was admitted to the bar, I became a Papa, or "Pop" when my son was born. The only certificate I received then was a paper with his name and basic info on it but nothing legalistic that suddenly allowed me to be a father. Instead, I just was. Nor was any addendum attached to the law license or the birth certificate explaining exactly how to succeed in the profession, how to start a law practice, or how to be a great father. Hence, with no directions I am left to figure out how to do all of the above and all at the same time.

     I don't presume to think my posts on this blog will be of great interest to many, or even a few, although I hope that there may be bits of my experience that others can relate to and learn from. I do think that writing in this open journal forum will help me to work through my own thoughts on learning the day-to-day aspects of my profession, starting a business, while being a stay at home "Pop," all at the same time. I would be glad to hear comments, thoughts, and insights as well.

      So, welcome to Pop's Law Firm. We are two strong - me and my growing first-year associate. Hence, we are not "Big Law" but small, both in numbers and also for one of us at least, size.

      And, yes, I did hear that blogging was so 2008, but here we go! :-)