Charles Internicola of New York Franchise Law Blog: LexBlog Q&A
New York franchise law attorney Charles Internicola started his blog, the New York Franchise Law Blog, because he was looking for a forum to share and communicate his take on franchise and business law.
He found that, but he could hardly foresee the relationships he has since build with a close-knit and dynamic "franchise community" of bloggers.
"These relationships are not only with some really great lawyers but also other 'franchise' professionals who know what they are talking about and who approach blogging with a legitimate desire to contribute," Charles says. "Whether you are a prospective franchisee or looking to start a franchise system the wealth or resources and information offered by the blogging community is truly amazing."
We caught up with Charles for this LexBlog Q&A to chat more about how he works to make his blog a true resource for franchise law, and what blogging has done for his understanding of the value of a specialized law firm.
See our email exchange with Charles after the jump.
Lisa Kennelly: Why did you decide to start a blog?
Charles Internicola: At a very basic level I was looking for a forum to reflect and communicate “my take” on franchise and business law. However, as the blog progressed I realized that my decision to start New York Franchise Law had a lot to do with my belief and desire to communicate to the business community, other lawyers and prospective clients that when it comes to law firms and “value oriented” legal services that there is some very real innovation going on at the smaller specialized law firms. In fact, I realized this when I wrote a post titled “Measuring Client Value: The Value of a Focused Law Firm”. What is interesting is that the post was not planned, almost wrote itself and has been helpful in guiding how I manage my law firm.
Lisa Kennelly: What has been most rewarding about blogging? What has been most challenging?
Charles Internicola: By far and completely unexpected the most rewarding aspect of blogging has been the relationships that I have developed with other bloggers in the franchise community. These relationships are not only with some really great lawyers but also other “franchise” professionals who know what they are talking about and who approach blogging with a legitimate desire to contribute. Whether you are a prospective franchisee or looking to start a franchise system the wealth or resources and information offered by the blogging community is truly amazing.
Most challenging? To stay relevant and to continuously develop and offer information that “adds value” for franchisors, franchisees and entrepreneurs. That is, I want New York Franchise Law to serve as a true resource.
Lisa Kennelly: Do you feel having a blog sets you apart from other attorneys in your practice area?
Charles Internicola: Without question. I believe that any lawyer that establishes a blog and makes an honest commitment to delivering helpful and informative resources to a select community (without asking for anything in return) is demonstrating his or her commitment as a lawyer and to his or her select area of law. You can’t fake commitment (clients are too smart for that) and I believe that a good blog conveys who you are as a lawyer.
Lisa Kennelly: What has the response been to your blog from clients, other attorneys, or anyone else?
Charles Internicola: Completely positive. I can definitely attribute client and industry relationships that in one form or another were initiated or reinforced by my blog.
Lisa Kennelly: What advice would you give to an attorney considering blogging?
Charles Internicola: Blogging is an incredible resource. However, it is not a gimmick and will require real time and dedication on your part. The LexBlog platform and community is an exceptional resource for any lawyer who is decides to take this step.
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