The Grass is Always Greener...

We've heard it before, and we'll hear it again: July and August are typically very slow for law firms. Green Street is no exception, even though the color green evokes prosperity and growth (right?). Lately, we've felt like an under-watered lawn. We're busy with little things, but the little things require other people to engage, and you know how that goes when you're trying to juggle 5-10 other people.

I tell you, Portland starts to look better and better sometimes. Yeah, I know it rains, but it's just not as inundated with attorneys as down here. Yeah, I know it's sunny here just about all the time, but it's difficult not to get Environmental Fatigue, our new phrase to describe the constant traffic, crowds, garbage, lack of fresh air, etc.

Pity party for one?

Tip the world over on its side and everything
loose will land in Los Angeles.

~Frank Lloyd Wright

Luck of the Irish

We've got a lot of things on our plates lately. Elizabeth is super busy and so am I. But, we've never considered maybe it's our individual and combined Super Irish Power that just landed us at the proverbial pot 'o gold.

When we first landed in LA, we met with an estate planning lawyer. We had a nice chat, wrote a Thank You card, promised to keep in touch, and didn't think much of it. Well, he must have liked us, because a few weeks ago, he contacted us to let us know he's winding down his practice and wants to give us some of the work. Um, this guy has been in practice for 40+ years. That means he has about a gazillion files.

So we wrote up a contract, faxed it back and forth a few times, and BAM! the first file came through today, an update to a trust. As of now, we're getting a third of the fee. But his fees are way higher than ours. So, it's a pretty sweet Irish deal.

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

~ Old Irish Blessing

Hello, Law Firm? Oh, Plumbing? Yes, We Handle That Too!

Sometimes you gotta do what pays. Right now what's paying is a major plumbing issue at my aunt's house. Paul, of course, Renaissance Man Extraordinaire came to the rescue and we got a little money out of the deal.

Add the plumbing check to the $15 we won in Vegas, and we've got a serious contribution to Google Ad Words.

Not only is there no God, but try
finding a plumber on Sunday.

- Woody Allen

Rest In Peace Mr. Jackson

What a guy. Aside from all the molestation allegations and a strange lifestyle, I'll always remember Michael Jackson as an absolutely fabulous entertainer. In college Colleen, Cristina and I would rock out to Billy Jean on the record player (yes, my roommate had a record player in 2004). Love MJ.

Paul has been a victim to more than one of my crazy dancing sessions it the car when Rock with You (alllll nighhhttt!!!!), and Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.

What's your favorite Michael Jackson song? I dare you to sing it without dancing!

I would believe only in a God that knows how to dance.
~Friedrich Nietzche

What Happens in Vegas Goes into the Firm

That's right, we're hitting the road and visiting Las Vegas for two nights. We got married in August of 2008, and have not taken one measly vacation since our honeymoon. I am already clawing at the door to get out of LA and off to Sin City!

Of course, we'll post about our big winnings from the penny slots, and how we're transferring all of it into our Google Ad Words Account.

Las Vegas looks the way you'd imagine heaven must look at night.
~Chuck Palahniuk

Money In = Money Out

Things are going great. However, it seems the minute we get our hot little hands on some cold hard cash, it burns a hole through our pockets (see post below re: Google Adwords).

Take the fact that my laptop computer just up and died a few days ago. I've had it for four years, since right before law school, and it's served me well. So off we went to Fry's, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy. We ended up purchasing a replacement at Costco.

It's gorgeous. A Hewlitt Packard G60-243CL.

What I really like about it is that it has a bigger keyboard. My old laptop was tiny. I wanted it that way because I had to haul it around campus most days. The new laptop won't need to be dragged from room to room, so I got a wider keyboard (and screen) and it has an additional number keypad to the right of the main keyboard. Sweet.

Speaking of the number keypad, it was easy to cook up a monthly budget for our law firm. We're slidding in at about $550/month in fixed expenses.

That amount covers:

• Rotary (two clubs, we each belong to a seperate Rotary. Our motto is divide and conquer. Rotary is, by far, the largest chunk of our monthly budget).
  
• Utilities
• University Club (our "office" for meeting prospective clients).
• Internet
• MyFax monthly fee
• Monthly website hosting fee

Adding a few extra fixed expenses such as health insurance and undergraduate loan payment (the mega law school loan is still on deferral) brings it to about $900/month. I did not include our ridiculous obsession with Google Adwords either. I'll have to gird up my loins for that one.

It's good to know the numbers up front and now they're on the office wall. It's certainly motivation to keep on truckin'.

A nickle ain't worth a dime anymore.
~Yogi Berra

Eight is Great

I was working on our database today, organizing our electronic files categories according to their legal need. We have eight beautiful little client files, all categorized to perfection. So pretty! I feel as though they are my children--I am so proud of them.

Anyone use Google Adwords? We started using it and it is addictive. It's incredible to see how many impressions you get, then how many people click through.

We pay per click, however, and the clicks can get pricey. For example, if you wanted to be at the top of the list when people search for "Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer" you'd have to pay about $15 per click. Fortunatley we're not in that area (haha..yet) but it can get crazy.

For example, our loan modification ad is hot. We get about 10 clicks per day, but they cost us approximately $5 per click. And we've only gotten about 7-8 inquires, with two people signing on for assistance. Every morning I check the balance and have to throw about $50 in the proverbial Adwords Fire. But, it is interesting to study the traffic to our site and see where people are coming from, as the analytics are very good.

Although I'm thrilled with of our eight files, everytime someone writes a check, it goes straight to advertising! It'll be a blog-worthy event when we get ahead of this prediciment. Will keep you posted. If anyone has tips on Google Adwords, please share!

For a business not to advertise is like winking at a girl in the dark.
You know what you are doing but no one else does.
~Stuart H. Britt

Two Pictures in ONE Day

Okay, so we didn't want to jinx ourselves, but we have good news.

Let's hear it for not one, but two new clients!

No estate plans here, we're doing what's hot in this region: loan modification and foreclosure avoidance. There are so many scams out there. We look forward to assisting these folks and providing advice and counsel.



In other good news, we got our first settlement check for our rent deposit return website.

Paul wrote a mind-blowing demand letter, and the check just came in the mail yesterday. The client is over the moon and so are we. This could be big. More on that in a few weeks, when it's bigger than one check. ;-)

I know the price of success: dedication,
hard work, and an unremitting devotion to
the things you want to see happen.
~Frank Lloyd Wright

Slow as Molasses

Hopefully by the end of next week Green Street Law will have more news. Until then, we can't risk jinxing anything. One can become very superstitious in this practice.


Feels like molasses.

If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.
~Buddhist Saying

Drum Roll Please...

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls...we have our first family law matter!

Considering we walked out of the first day of Family Law class, I was surprised to get a referral for a divorce. Um, sure, we do divorces!

The initial meeting was a little rough, due to our lack of experience (this is where I thank God we have a list of helpful attorneys in our contact database). We wouldn't have taken the case save for the facts that there are no children (those can get really ugly and last a long time) and the wife (who we represent) has a moderate income.

Due to these two factors, we are going to do the "unbundled approach." That means we limit our representation to assisting with specific items such as document preparation and coaching, rather than "full representation" which would entail her paying a hefty retainer fee. Several attorneys who practice divorce law complain that when they burn through the retainer and ask for more, the client then squeals "I have no more money!" and the lawyer is left to do the rest of the work for free. It puts both attorney and client in a real bind.

Unbundled legal services is a great solution, providing affordable legal services to middle income families, and allowing attorneys to do many family law matters on a flat fee basis.

Anyways, off the soapbox. Wishing you all a great weekend!

Ah, yes, divorce ... from the Latin word meaning
to rip out a man's genitals through his wallet.
~Robin Williams

Tell Me Your Story

My apologies for the lack of entries recently. It's not that we've been bowled over with clients throwing themselves at our door like voracious zombies (that one is for you, James!).

Actually, we've had several phone calls. But many are those we like to call "Story Tellers."

Take "Mike," for example. He calls me on a Saturday (at this point, we'd answer the phone for a client on Christmas Eve if we had to). He's talking really fast, something about a physical illness he had which was something something with his Veteran's benefits.... Finally I interject and ask for his name and telephone number, politely stating that I'll need it in case we get disconnected.

He tells me his name is Mike. He gives me his area code, then goes off on another long tangent about how the Veteran's Administration misdiagnosed him, yada yada yada. I interject a second time, explaining it's a Saturday and I actually have to meet a friend shortly, but I'd be happy to talk to him more on Monday, if he'd just give me the rest of that phone number.

He hangs up. I kid you not!

Now seriously people, did he get anything out of yaking my ear off for five minutes? I don't know. But, I've run this by several other attorneys and they agree it's pretty common. Some people just want to talk, share their story.

One more thing they don't teach in those non-existant Law Firm Management classes at law school.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

If you've heard this story before, don't stop me, because I'd like to hear it again.
~Groucho Marx

It's My Birthday and I Got a Stapler

My mom is in town, and she took us on an office supply blow-out buying spree at Costco today. Her gifts will cover both of our birthdays (mine being May 12th) and Paul's in July.

On the long-coveted list:

• A rockin' STAPLER--this baby can do 25 sheets. It is HOT.
• A Brother 4-in-1 machine. Faxer, printer, scanner, copier. Wow!
• Paper--5,000 blindingly white sheets.
  
• Business security envelopes.

She also bought me a pair of shorts, running socks, a new shirt, and some Philips Sonicare toothbrush heads. What can I say, I'm a practical woman.

Thanks Mom! Seriously, the "business" gifts are much appreciated because they will really increase our productivity. Let's hear it for Liz's Mom!

Our Favorite Blogs

As bloggers, we have to keep up with other blogs. Our blog is quite measly compared to the ones we'll list here. Some writers are so creative, cleaver, and informative, it's hard not spend the whole day reading their entries, when we need to be out beating the pavement.

Hence, a post about some of our favorite blogs, and why we are shamelessly addicted:

• Sweet Hot Justice: HILARIOUS account of an associate at an anonymous big law firm. Her accounts of big law life have made me squirt Diet Coke through my nose more than once.
• California Injury Blog: Jon Bisnar and his crew are incredible, maintaining an amazing blog with almost daily entries about personal injury cases throughout California. This guy never sleeps.
• Above the Law: one of the top-ranked legal blogs in our present day. It's our one stop shop to learn about the latest law firm lay-offs and hiring freezes. Tip: ignore the comment sections, things get out of control regularly.
• My Shingle: consistently brings in news and tidbits for those out on their own, in the sun or in the cold. She also wrote a book titled Solo by Choice. Although we've yet to check it out, judging from her blog, it's likely a good read.
  
• Legal Marketing Blog: consistently comes up with solid, useful tips for marketing a law firm.
• Build A Solo Practice: I've been following this informative blog since before graduation from law school. It has a wealth of resources and interesting articles pertaining to hanging your shingle. It's creator, Susan Cartier Liebel, is the mastermind behind the incredible Solo Practice University.
• The [Non] Billable Hour: the top post was "Selling Through a Slump" so it automatically goes on here.
  
• The Greatest American Lawyer: blog tag line is "Changing the Way Law is Practiced." We're doing the same thing. So there. It's G2G.

The personal nature of the blog is what they find appealing.
~ Ethan G. Salwen

Entering the Ooma Vortex

Yesterday we bought a new office phone system. It's call Ooma. It's a box you buy at the store (we got it on sale for $199, typically it runs about $249) and then you can make and receive domestic phone calls for free, forever through your high-speed internet, which you're already paying for. Ooma is an additional device, not connected with your internet provider. One telephone number is included.

We also signed up for the Premier Services, which run $99 per year, or $8.25 per month through Ooma. These services include:

• An instant second line (through the same box)
• Three-way conferencing
• Voice mail forwarding to our cell phones when we're out
  
• A personal blacklist (ooohhhh!)
• Custom ring patterns
  
• Message screening
• An additional phone number
  

Wishing there was more to report, I'll be signing off to make some calls.

The telephone is a good way to talk to people without having to offer them a drink.
~ Fran Lebowitz

Just Chillin' at the Bus Stop

We feel a lot like this squirrel. We may not wear hats, but we do bring our own bags to the store. Save a tree.

I digress. Sometimes it feels as though the bus has already left, or it simply is not coming.

We've got our one client, and we're still out shaking the acorn trees for more.

In the meantime, we are going nuts over some new areas of law we may venture into. We'll keep you posted, we know you're hungry.

Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the
ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.

~ Josh Billings

I Got Your Number

We made a switch here at Green Street and changed our telephone number to accurately reflect our location in Pasadena.

To do this, we bought a "626" telephone number from Skype ($35 per year?! Can't beat that with a stick!). Now we can answer the phone on our computers.

But wait, there's more!

Paul installed a VOIP box that will transfer the phone calls online to our cell phones, so we'll get the calls even if we're on the road. How sweet is that? Ahh, technology.

People who are funny and smart and return phone calls get much
better press than people who are just funny and smart.
~ Howard Simons

No Better Than a Used Car Salesman

For the past several weeks we've been trying to set up dates to do presentations at several local venues. There is one library which has been extremely accommodating and willing to work with us. I applaud them for being so helpful. We are really looking forward to that date.

However, other groups are treating us like used car salesmen. They don't return phone calls, don't understand why anyone would want to talk about the subject, and are very quizical as to what we are promoting, believing we're simply going to shower the room with our business cards.

Today was the straw that broke this blogger's back. The "gatekeeper" said she'd have to check with another venue where we plan to give a presentation and see how they said it went. I sputtered for words, and finally croaked out "okay, sounds good, look forward to hearing from you!"

I felt like pulling a Steve Martin line: "Excuuussssse Me!"

Dear readers, no one will deny that we are trying to grow our business, but we are also trying to provide a complimentary public service to those in our community. These presentations are always in the evening, or on a weekend (when we'd much rather be at the beach). We never talk for more than half an hour (we don't want to bore). Then we answer questions. We bring food. We dress up, we are friendly and personable. Did I mention good-looking? What is not to love???

In law school, professors and deans always said "as an attorney, you will be one of the most highly regraded people in your community." Yeah right!

Love what you do. Believe in your instincts.
And you'd better bet able to pick yourself up and brush yourself off every day.
~Anonymous

Wow. Just Wow.

Yesterday Paul and I had the privilege of meeting with Jay Foonberg, aka "the Godfather." His book, How to Start & Build a Law Practice is the Bible of hanging your own shingle.

I once checked his book out from the Career Services Department at our law school and intentionally did not return it for months (I rationalized it because they had seven more copies). Thankfully, I got my very own copy for Christmas this year! Jay's book is practical and addresses so many concerns that first-timers are worried about, such as:

• How do I set my fees?
• How do I get clients?
• Can I really do this?
  

Mr. Foonberg lives in Beverly Hills. I figured since we're judgment proof, I'll call his office.

The phone rang twice, then suddenly I hear:

This is Jay Foonberg, how can I help you?

*Thunk* That was the sound of my jaw dropping on the floor.

Yesterday we took him to lunch in Beverly Hills. Let me tell you, he is the NICEST guy, had tons of advice, and wished us the best of luck. Mr. Foonberg spent two hours with us, answered all of our questions, and signed our book. We were so honored to spend time with him. Thanks Mr. Foonberg!

Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us.
~ Boris Pasternak

Pasadena v. Pasadena

We're on a kick to get involved in the Parks & Recreation departments of our city. These departments often hold classes on estate planning, elder law, veterans benefits, and the like. We'd be thrilled to offer a complimentary course in the evenings or on weekends to our local community.

So I'm all jazzed to start contacting people. I reach this super nice guy and he gives me the name of a really friendly woman and it's all cupcakes and marshmallows, I'm finally feeling as though I'm getting somewhere by the end of this week. I've even added these folks to our contact management system (CMS for the nerds out there).

Um, yeah. Until I figure out I've just left messages and had conversations with people in Pasadena, TX! One guy even described to me the location of one of the senior centers, giving me street names, etc. I just go along with it--figure I'm new to town and don't know all the streets, even though I've never heard of them.

So...I end the week red-faced. Thank God it's the weekend.

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.
~ Albert Einstein

Keep Pushing!

We had another breakthrough today on the phone. It occurred during the fourth phone call, in trying to set up a presentation for us to:

• provide a community service
  
• reach our core client base
• eat cookies (by providing refreshments)
  

Boy, did I get the runaround. First I lightheartedly suggested we talk about XYZ. She told me all the people already had XYZ. Then I suggested ABC, to which she said "not really."

Every time she started explaining why we couldn't do it, I took deep breathes and thought "How am I going to get her on my side?"

Finally, my last ditch effort was to ask her what she thought people would like to hear about. Ahha! She had two ideas which were perfect, both of which we have experience talking about.

Lesson: instead of sighing and saying, "Okay, thanks anyway" when she turned me down, I kept trying to think how I could work with her so that we could have a mutually beneficial relationship. Victory!

Never, never, never, never give up.
- Winston Churchill