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What happens when you take a side on your blog?

Nathan Burke asks “What happens when your firm takes a side?“

Most companies try to stay as neutral as possible. Their approach is: ‘Since we want everyone in the world to be a client, let’s not alienate anyone.’ And to accomplish that, they simply say nothing. And that makes sense…….So here’s the question: Is it better to not take a position on any issue and hope that no one will hate you….or is it better to take a stance and know that people on your side will love you and some people on the other side will hate you?

Large firms are not going to be able to take positions other than as advocates for a client. And even that can get dicey if the issue at hand is too controversial.

When it comes to blogs, those willing to take a stand are going to get known. I am not saying to take a stand on something unrelated to your practice. Talk about abortion or euthanasia on your IP law blog and you’ll not only lose a few clients but you’ll have your audience wondering what the heck you are doing. But perhaps taking a stand on net neutrality – for or agin – on a tech or telecommunications law blog could attract an audience, enhance your reputation, and bring work.

Sometimes it’s time to take a stand in life. Lawyers have traditionally lead local political causes and been held in high esteem for it. I know you guys in large firms are chilled from so on blogs. This is where lawyers in smaller firms can shine in the blogging community.

  • http://lawfirmblogging.com/ Nathan Burke

    Hi Kevin and thanks for the link. I realize that large firms won’t be able to take a side on an issue publicly. You’re not going to see “XYZ LLP: The firm that supports euthanasia.” That makes a lot of sense. But, like the article I reference, when a firm gets publicity for their actions, whether they like it or not, they are perceived to be on a side.
    You’re dead on when talking about taking a side on a blog. I really think that is what makes blogging so innovative and fresh. Blogs are inherently subjective, and opinions are what draw readers in, for or against. With sterile, safe law firm web sites you won’t find interesting, thought provoking commentary on issues. But with blogs, you get to see that behind the corporate wall, there are actual human beings with opinions and analysis. Go blogs!

  • http://www.chinalawblog.com China Law Blog

    If the blog is to be interesting you must take a side on those matters on which people expect you to take a side. My firm is going to get hired because we know China and if someone is not going to hire us because of a position we have taken on China, I just see that as their loss. I believe most clients/potential clients do not really care about their lawyers’ opinions so long as those opinions do not interfere with representation. Clients ask “can you do this project in China,” not, “do you really think China is democratizing as fast as can be expected?”
    You will never get everyone as a client anyway.