GPSolo January/February 2020: Solo Lawyers Making a Difference

Criminal

How Could You Defend That Guy?! Representing Unpopular Clients

Thomas F. Liotti and Lucia Maria Ciaravino

Everyone accused of a crime has the right to due process under the law. Even “that guy.” (9 minutes to read · 2100 words)

Civil Rights & Constitution

Social Media, Social Action: How Lawyers Are Using New Tools for Mass Mobilization

Traci Feit Love

The massive mobilization of lawyers on social media is leveraging meaningful action in immigration and other cases. (10 minutes to read · 2300 words)

Tort

Defending the Class Action (from Its Critics)

Michael D. Donovan

Class actions use the market for legal services to regulate the market for commercial services. (9 minutes to read · 2100 words)

Law Students

Practicing Attorneys Are a Law School’s Ace in the Hole

Judge Gail Prudenti

The academy-to-profession connection must be seen much more dynamically. (4 minutes to read · 1000 words)

Professional Development

Considering a Run for Public Office? What Every Lawyer-Candidate Should Know

Monte E. Frank

It is possible to balance the demands of running for office with the demands of practicing law—and gain many upsides in the process. (11 minutes to read · 2400 words)

Pro Bono

Giving Back to the Community

Shamika T. Askew

As attorneys, we all have an obligation to give back to our communities. Perhaps the most immediate way to do so is by volunteering. (6 minutes to read · 1300 words)

Ethics

Social Media Marketing Ethics: The Real Issues and the Red Herrings

Jordan L. Couch and Greg McLawsen

This article offers practical rules of thumb for any law firm’s social media policy. (11 minutes to read · 2500 words)

Practice Technology

Understanding Website Hosting

Jeff Lantz

What you need to know about features, cost, security, hacking, and the need for speed. (10 minutes to read · 2200 words)

Practice Marketing

Podcasting: Be Heard in the Legal Marketplace

Kevin Pratt

Podcasts offer an opportunity to present yourself as a thought leader who creates credible, authentic content. (9 minutes to read · 2000 words)

Trial Practice

May It Displease the Court

Hon. Bridget Mary McCormack and Len Niehoff

Three Supreme Court cases provide instructive examples of how a litigator’s argument can stall, stumble, sputter, or sink. (4 minutes to read · 1000 words)

Wills

Defective Catastrophe Clauses in Wills: Paths to Reform

Adam J. Hirsch

This article highlights defective catastrophe clauses in inheritance law and offers the first policy analysis of the issue. (5 minutes to read · 1200 words)

Taxation

Taxation of Autonomous Vehicles in Cities and States

Stephen Ratner

How will this emerging technology impact cities and states that rely heavily on transportation taxes for revenue? (4 minutes to read · 1000 words)

Insurance

Civil Authority and Ingress/Egress Coverage

Clark Schirle

When can a company recover lost income under civil authority or ingress/egress coverage following a natural disaster? (5 minutes to read · 1200 words)

Family

Pro Se Roadblocks: How to Get Around Them

Amy Calvo MacNamara

Settling or trying a case against a self-represented party can be challenging, but these tips will help you navigate the roadblocks. (4 minutes to read · 1000 words)

Wills

Disinheritance vs. Forced Heirship

Elaine Lam

This article compares inheritance laws in the United States and France, and examines how inherited wealth can contribute to inequality—or be placed back into the public interest. (5 minutes to read · 1100 words)

Lawyer Wellness

Living Courageously

Cedric Ashley

Five principles of courage will guide lawyers along the path to well-being and life balance. (9 minutes to read · 2100 words)

Practice Management

The Lawyer as Team-Building Entrepreneur

Richard A. DeMichele Jr.

To grow your practice, implement a team-building strategy like those championed by entrepreneurs and CEOs. (4 minutes to read · 1000 words)

Professional Development

GPSolo Nominating Committee Report

The Committee presents its candidate for the offices of Division Secretary, Budget Officer, and five candidates to serve as Council Members-at-Large. (8 minutes to read · 1800 words)

Pro Bono

Ready Resources for Making a Difference

Check out these ABA books and web resources designed to help you make a difference as a lawyer. (2 minutes to read · 500 words)

Practice Technology

The Road Warrior Sees 2020

Jeffrey Allen

Make a New Year’s resolution to see your technology with 20/20 vision and watch for problems with 20/20 foresight. (8 minutes to read · 1800 words)

Lawyer Wellness

Voices and Choices

Benjamin K. Sanchez

Draw on your experience, knowledge, and relationships to stay positive when wrestling with difficult life choices. (7 minutes to read · 1500 words)

Technology

The Language of Social Media: What Lawyers Need to Know

Jordan L. Couch

Emoticons, emojis, GIFs, and memes will soon be working their way into your court cases. Prepare yourself with this primer. (7 minutes to read · 1500 words)

Practice Management

Transitioning from Criminal Law to Estate Planning

Kenneth A. Vercammen

Has your trial practice become too stressful? Consider estate planning. (3 minutes to read · 600 words)