Ben Stevens of The Mac Lawyer and The SC Family Law Blog: LexBlog Q&A
You might know better know South Carolina attorney Ben Stevens by his moniker and eponymous blog, The Mac Lawyer, where he blogs about using Macs in the practice of law. What started out as a hobby has earned him national renown as a legal technology expert.
His first blog, though, was The SC Family Law Blog, and he still maintains both.
"The response to my blogs has quite honestly been overwhelming over the years," Ben says. "I never thought that I would have the type of national presence that I have achieved, and I know that it is due to my blogs."
Ben advises any lawyer with something to say to consider starting a blog, as long as they are willing to put the time into it.
"When looking at blogging from a cost/benefit analysis, it's a no-brainer that blogging brings the most bang for your buck," he says. "However, the lawyer should understand that it takes three C's (commitment, content, consistency) for the blog to be a success."
We corresponded with Ben for this LexBlog Q&A to learn more about his success and his advice.
See our e-mail exchange with Ben (after the jump).
Lisa Kennelly: Why did you first decide to start a blog?
Ben Stevens: Several years ago, I had a long talk with Dave Swanner of the SC Trial Law Blog about blogging. After talking with Dave, I discovered that there were no family law blogs in South Carolina, and I saw two opportunities: (1) to provide a needed service by giving helpful information to the public, and (2) to increase my firm's online presence and reach potential clients in the process. Shortly thereafter, my first blog, the SC Family Law Blog, was created.
Lisa Kennelly: How did you end up with multiple blogs and how do you keep up with all of them?
Ben Stevens: My other blog, The Mac Lawyer, began as a hobby. Back then, I noticed that there were not any blogs which specifically addressed using Macs in a law practice, so I decided that I'd create the first one.
Keeping up with multiple blogs is not easy, but the benefits are well worth it. Now, since my blogs have been around so long and are so successful, it is much easier to obtain content, and I frequently have people submit "Guest Posts" for both blogs. I also utilize RSS feeds to monitor other blogs for possible subject matter.
Lisa Kennelly: What has been most rewarding about blogging? What has been most challenging?
Ben Stevens: The answer to both of these in my case is the same — the notoriety that they have given me. Thanks to my blogs, I have been interviewed and featured in national magazines and asked to speak at regional and national conferences. Those "rewards" also bring with them the challenge of staying on top of my game and continuing to generate good content.
Lisa Kennelly: What has been the response to your blogs from other lawyers, clients, bloggers or anyone else?
Ben Stevens: The response to my blogs has quite honestly been overwhelming over the years. I never thought that I would have the type of national presence that I have achieved, and I know that it is due to my blogs. I have made contacts with other professionals all across the country, many of whom have become close friends. I have also managed to attract many great clients (from both far and near) who found me through my blogs.
Lisa Kennelly: What advice would you give to a lawyer who is hesitant about starting a blog?
Ben Stevens: If the attorney has something interesting to say, then I would strongly suggest that he/she begin blogging. When looking at blogging from a cost/benefit analysis, it's a no-brainer that blogging brings the most bang for your buck. However, the lawyer should understand that it takes three C's (commitment, content, consistency) for the blog to be a success.
Interested in hearing more? Recent LexBlog Q & A posts:
Or, see our full list of legal blog interviews.
- Tom Withers of Federal Criminal Defense Blog [4.27.09]
- Jason Krebs of Springfield Injury Law Blog [4.24.09]
- Kevin LaCroix of The D & O Diary [4.22.09]
- Daniel Zimberoff of Northwest Condo & HOA Law Blog [4.20.09]
