Danny Meek of Pet Trust Law Blog: LexBlog Q&A
There are unique blogs, there are niche blogs, and then there's Florida estate planning attorney Danny Meek's Pet Trust Law Blog.
His area of expertise, in estate planning for pet owners, is so distinctive that even other lawyers are often unaware of this field of law. But it works out perfectly for his blog, which is an incredible resource for questions of pet trusts, will provisions and other queries that likely would not be answered anywhere else.
"While there are virtually millions of blogs and websites on pets and companion animals on the web, there are only a very few that even are indirectly involved with pet trusts," Danny says, adding that this makes it easier to differentiate his blog from the others.
As a result of his blog, Danny has also been approached both for legal advice and for interviews by numerous media outlets on this subject.
We caught up with Danny for this LexBlog Q&A, in which he shares some more of the opportunities that have come out of his blogging.
See our email exchange with Danny, after the jump.
Lisa Kennelly: Why did you decide to start a blog?
Danny Meek: I was looking for a new way to be able to communicate with other attorneys, pet owners, pet providers and veterinarians on the various aspects of estate planning for animal owners. Obviously, the web provides worldwide audience availability and a blog provides an easier and quicker opportunity for interaction, as compared to a website or newsletter.
Lisa Kennelly: What has been most rewarding about blogging?
Danny Meek: There are some very interesting activities and opportunities that have evolved as a direct result of my blogging. Among the most satisfying are;
- I was approached to prepare and ultimately received the certification to teach a Florida Bar CLE class entitled “Estate Planning for Animal Owners.”
- I have been asked to serve as the Chair of the Planned Giving Committee of a local Humane Society.
- I have secured interviews with The Animal Planet television show, the San Francisco Chronicle, Bankrate.com and numerous other legal and online publications.
- I have been selected to provide legal assistance for a developing dog ranch for lifetime care.
- I have been able to assist an individual in Canada in securing direct relief of protection for a herd of horses that were scheduled to be destroyed.
- I established a relationship with a financial advisor in Nevada to assist in securing local counsel to provide continuing seminars for estate planning for animal owners.
Lisa Kennelly: What has the response to your blog been like from readers, other lawyers, bloggers or anyone else?
Danny Meek: Generally, the response has been one of surprise, in that many attorneys are unaware of this field of the law.
Lisa Kennelly: How do you come up with ideas for blog posts, and do you ever struggle for ideas?
Danny Meek: Many of my posts are a direct result of questions from readers, other attorneys and online pet publications.
Lisa Kennelly: You have a very unique blog topic. How does having such a niche blog help or make things challenging?
Danny Meek: That fact that I write about a unique aspect of the law is both helpful and challenging at the same time. As a niche subject, there is only a limited scope of information available for research. In addition, the various pet trust laws are relatively new and the case law interpreting the statues is minimal. On the other hand, while there are virtually millions of blogs and websites on pets and companion animals on the web, there are only a very few that even are indirectly involved with pet trusts and it is easier to differentiate my blog from the others.
Interested in hearing more? Recent LexBlog Q & A posts:
Or, see our full list of legal blog interviews.
Very interesting interview. Well presented and thank you for the information.