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David Nelmark of Mixed Martial Arts Law Blog: LexBlog Q&A

By Kevin O’Keefe
October 21, 2009

Iowa mixed martial arts attorney David NelmarkHow’s this for a niche? Iowa attorney David Nelmark writes the Mixed Martial Arts Law Blog, covering the myriad legal issues that come up around this emerging and increasingly popular sport.

David has a general practice, and he and his firm, Belin Lamson McCormick Zumbach Flynn, practice in a wide variety of areas that are of interest to promoters, competitors, and others in the Mixed Martial Arts industry.

“While most people at my firm do not understand the intricacies of Mixed Martial Arts, they do understand the value of building a name for yourself within a particular industry,” David says. “Thanks to the blog, I am the first entry when someone does a Google search for MMA lawyer or Mixed Martial Arts lawyer.”

David advises potential law bloggers not to be afraid of focusing their blog in a very specific area.

“I have been able to highlight multiple aspects of my practice, including civil litigation and intellectual property matters, by finding stories that combine those elements with the sport of MMA,” David says.

We reached out to David for this LexBlog Q&A to find out what blogs he enjoys following and what advantages his blog gives him.

See our email exchange with David, after the jump.

Lisa Kennelly: Why did you decide to start a blog?

David Nelmark: I thought that a blog would be the most efficient way to establish myself in an emerging practice area. I also enjoy writing and my blog allows me to tap into my creative side without devoting the massive amounts of time necessary to draft law review articles.

Lisa Kennelly: What has been most rewarding about blogging so far? What has been most challenging?

David Nelmark: The most rewarding part has been getting to know people that have contacted me through the blog. Even those who do not become clients are very interesting and I have made several contacts around the country.

The most challenging part is finding the time to blog consistently.

Lisa Kennelly: What has the response been to your blog from clients, other attorneys, or anyone else?

David Nelmark: All of the feedback I have gotten has been positive. While most people at my firm do not understand the intricacies of Mixed Martial Arts, they do understand the value of building a name for yourself within a particular industry. Thanks to the blog, I am the first entry when someone does a Google search for MMA lawyer or Mixed Martial Arts lawyer.

Lisa Kennelly: Do you feel having a blog on such a unique topic gives you an advantage, as an attorney?

David Nelmark: The most beneficial part of blogging has been that it serves as a great icebreaker with potential clients in the industry. I can strike up a conversation and let them know about my interest without making a direct pitch for their business.

Lisa Kennelly: Do you read any other law blogs or do you mostly read MMA blogs, and which ones?

David Nelmark: I regularly read my colleague Chuck Becker’s blog at Iowa Environmental Update, Rush Nigut at Rush On Business and Brett Trout at BlawgIT. For a city not known for being at the forefront of technological advances, Des Moines has a really strong legal blogging community.

On the Mixed Martial Arts side, I read MMAJunkie.com (general news and fight results), MMAPayout.com (the business of MMA) and Cage Potato (irreverent and humorous commentary).

Lisa Kennelly: What advice would you give to another attorney thinking about starting up a blog?

David Nelmark: Find a topic that you love. I am able to justify the time I spend doing “research” because much of it deals with articles that I would already be reading just for entertainment. Also, don’t be afraid to find what might at first seem to be a small niche. I have been able to highlight multiple aspects of my practice including civil litigation and intellectual property matters by finding stories that combine those elements with the sport of MMA.

Interested in hearing more? Recent LexBlog Q & A posts:

Or, see our full list of legal blog interviews.

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