How Dan Harris Built Influence Through Legal Blogging

Seattle lawyer Dan Harris has been a pioneer in legal blogging for more than two decades. As founder of the China Law Blog and co-founder of the Canna Law Blog, he’s used niche publishing to grow his firm’s reputation and attract major clients from around the world.

In this episode, Kevin O’Keefe talks with Dan about the origins of his blogs, how his firm built a culture around consistent publishing and why blogging still presents huge opportunities for young lawyers.

Watch the episode below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Outline

00:55 — Discovering blogging — How a friend convinced Dan to start a blog in 2003 and the early days of the China Law Blog.
04:10 — The power of niche focus — Why choosing a specific subject area created community and opportunities.
09:50 — Making blogging a requirement — How his firm integrates blogging into business development with incentives and flexibility.
13:15 — Blogging that brings business — Examples of posts leading directly to significant clients and unexpected results.
18:13 — Global recognition — Stories of meeting strangers overseas who already knew the China Law Blog.
23:02 — Loving the work — Why passion, truth-telling and doing a good job keep him motivated.
30:43 — Opportunities for young lawyers — How new niches still emerge and why publishing can open career doors.
36:06 — Launching the Cannabis Law Blog — Identifying the opportunity, empowering a young lawyer and becoming the go-to resource.
43:28 — Blogging as a learning tool — Why writing forces deeper understanding and keeps lawyers on the cutting edge.
46:32 — Memorable moments — The viral McDonald’s post, being blocked in China and the occasional risk of candor.
50:11 — Legacy and impact — Reflecting on the influence of niche blogs in shaping practice areas and reputations.

Key Takeaways

• A niche focus can quickly build credibility and attract the right clients.
• Consistent blogging works as a long-term business development tool.
• Younger lawyers can use new or emerging practice areas to stand out.
• Writing blog posts accelerates learning and keeps lawyers on the cutting edge.
• Opportunities often come from unexpected posts rather than planned marketing pushes.