Hello Andrew, and thanks for doing this interview with me. I would also like to welcome you to my “Nice Lawyers” category. I started this category when I found out about jedijawa’s work as a public defender and the kindness he shows his clients even though he’s in a tough situation that doesn’t give him much time to spend with his clients or prepare cases.
I had to adjust my attitude about lawyers, which I talked about here. Since starting my blog, I have learned a little bit about lawyers and have had to swallow some a lot of pride and admit I’m wrong about them. I suspect if more Americans actually took the time to read lawyer’s blogs, they too would stop judging so harshly and would see we are all on this earth together, going through the same situations such as struggles, careers, recreation, education, and such.
You also have talked about your work on your blog and I’ve come to know you as a nice lawyer too, but I had to wait for you to be a lawyer before I could add you to this category. Congratulations on passing your Bar Exam! You’re actually the first lawyer I’ve interviewed.
I first learned about you when I found your “Legal Andrew” blog when I was searching for help with my blog, and found out you provide blog consulting services. You did a great job in helping me get my blog set up. Do you still do blog consulting and if so, where can I send people to get more information about your services?
Yes, I still do blog consulting. My time is much more limited now that I’m working full time. But I love to help people out with their online projects. All the basic info is on my consulting page.
I’ve been keeping up with your law school journey. You have a wonderful blog for law students, and I see now that you’re becoming very popular! Congratulations on your topic “Photo Law - Your Right To Take Pictures in Public” that created a Digg overload that brought you so much traffic it took your site down! How did you decide to start a blog as a law student, and how has this changed your life?
I started blogging to share things with people. I wanted to share little tips and tricks that I’ve learned and pass on some thoughts to others. I figured out that blogs are a great way to do that. I think blogging has altered my life philosophy a bit. Now I give first, without worrying about whether or not I’ll receive in return. What a way to live!
Colleen’s note: At the time of this publishing, the above article Andrew wrote has 1300 Digg votes!
Now that you are no longer a student, will this change the direction of your blog and will it open up new topics you weren’t able to write about because you weren’t a lawyer yet?
The blog will change a little to reflect issues that I encounter during my work. But I also plan to stay in touch with the needs of law students and not forget that all lawyers start there. :) I don’t think there are new topics that I couldn’t write about before, but now I’m much more worried about ethical responsibilities. I’m trying to balance giving out educational information and talking with people vs. giving legal advice.
What are some new topics you hope to write about?
I plan to write more posts that discuss legal issues the average person deals with. People need more reliable legal educational material online. And I hope to do some interviews myself, but I’m still working out that plan. Also, I have a number of books that were sent to me for reviews. I’ll be slowly working through them.
Why did you decide to become a lawyer and when did you decide that?
I wanted to be a lawyer so I could help people. It’s sad that you need money to get justice in our society. I decided to be a lawyer during my early high school years, perhaps even middle school.
Can you tell us about the work you’ll be doing now that you’re a lawyer?
Yes, I’m the staff attorney for American Life League. I’m the only lawyer on staff, which is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. If I mess up, there’s no one else to blame. :) I’ll be using the law to protect pre-born babies. We’re still developing a plan of what that will actually be.
Do you have any long term goals for your new career that you can share with us?
Actually, I’ve been thinking a lot about this. The goal for my life has been to become a licensed attorney. Now that I’m here, I don’t have much else planned out. My big short term goal is to argue a case in court. I’m not sure if that will happen soon through my main job, or if I’ll volunteer for a little public defender-type work. Either way, I want to get into a courtroom.
What are your other interests besides law?
There’s something else besides law? Seriously, I enjoy bicycling, woodworking, and blogging. With a full time job, those hobbies, and a wife, I barely have time to sleep. But life is good!
Thank you Andrew, for taking some time to chat with me. I’ll be keeping up with your blog because it’s full of helpful information about legal topics, technology and other tidbits about life, fun and everyday situations.
Colleen
