Is this a good idea?

[lawrocket 3]

As many of you may know, I am practicing on my own (with my lady). We are doing a lot of family law - about 2/3 of our practice.

Here's my issue - we've put in phone book ads. We are looking at specializing in gay issues. We haven't seen anybody attempting to cater to that market here in Fresno. With the gay-marriage exploding (even our own Narcimund) we are looking at it as a fine market niche.

However, part of me thinks it is taking advantage of the situation. It is. But, I also think these people are going to need help. Sure, I'll make money, too.

Is it playing dirty marketing games to do this? Please let me know.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[Kramer 0]

Quote

Is it playing dirty marketing games to do this?

I'm taking a family law class right now, we talked a ton about the gay marriage issue this week, neat.

I really can't help you here too much, IMO, it's not practicing dirty market games. You went to law school, you earned the right to practice law any way you wish (provided it's not illegal). If you wanna specialize in gay issues, I say go for it.

The FAKE KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!!

[Casie 0]

No.

~Porn Kitty
WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts!

[osuskydiver 0]

no offense,

But your al lawyer, aren't you expected to do dirty things?

IMO I think it is ok to do. Your just trying to earn a buck just liek everyone else.

By the time you read this you have already read it.

[Gawain 0]

No it's not dirty. In fact, it's a great idea both professionally and legally. The "Gay Marriage" community (if you will) will eventually begin getting dirvorced (some percentage) and lawyers and activists will insist on specific case history apart from traditional marriage "because they're different"...

Go for it dude!

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[Aviatrr 0]

Just be aware that if you do so, you may open yourself up to some of the hatred so many people seem to have...and they may try to take it out on you for representing people they don't like. There are a lot of people that don't agree with homosexuality...and then there are those that will fight against it(kinda like those schmucks that bomb abortion clinics to "prove their point"). Be careful.

Mike

[lawrocket 3]

Quote

But your al lawyer, aren't you expected to do dirty things?

Nope. I don't do things that way. Those attorneys who do dirty things are hugely successful for a couple of years. Then they can't even scrape by because everyone plays dirty tricks on them.

Lawyers who don't play dirty get respect. Due to respect, things get handled far more easily.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[EricaH 0]

I wouldn't say so. This is done in every market. Otherwise stock values wouldn't go up & down, clothing stores would always have every season in stock, card stores wouldn't have 1/2 their shelves stocked w/ whatever holiday seems to be near.... there are many many reasons. besides, you WOULD be HELPING people. -what's the harm if you make money in the mean time?

There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear.

PMS #227 (just like the TV show)

[PhillyKev 0]

Why not? Considering the divided opinions on the issue, wouldn't hurt to advertise which side of the issue you're on so that those in that situation don't have to take a 50/50 chance. On the other hand, you might alienate other clients who think it's morally wrong for you to be on that side of the issue, that wouldn't know any better if you didn't advertise it.

[Nightingale 0]

standing up for the underdog usually involves taking the ethical high road. nothing wrong with making a little money while you do it. go for it.

[panzwami 0]

Honestly, if I heard about a lawyer that was trying to pull off something like this, I would be appalled (because I am completely anti-gay marriage). But, since you're a *skydiving lawyer*, I say go nuts.
Matt
-----

[chopchop 0]

I say it sounds like a great plan. If you do alot of work in that area, not only will you take advantage of a situation and make a good practice of it but you will become good at it meaning you will do an excellent job for your clients. Unlike the guy that does it on occasion and might not be completely familiar with everything involved.

BTW.. there is nothing wrong with "taking advantage" of a business opportunity. We are a capitalist society. Capitalize, my friend.

chopchop
gotta go... Plaything needs a spanking..

Lotsa Pictures

[rehmwa 2]

What about compiling a contractual package that contains agreements and documents to parallel many rights that married people automatically get:

basic will
common property agreement
contract outlining hospital visitation rights
etc

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[nightjumps 1]

Quote

We are looking at specializing in gay issues

Why is it necessary to segment "marriage" in the field of law? Would you specialize in inter-racial, black, asian, or hispanic marriages?

Instead of "branding" yourself in the phone book as specializing in gay marriage - Why wouldn't you open yourself to networking opportunities in the gay community and other multiple segments where your reputation is as a great family law attorney for "any marriage?"

[PhillyKev 0]

Correct me if I'm wrong, lawrocket, but isn't most family law involved in marriages breaking up? This is an opportunity for him to stay in his field of specialty but help people get together. Would probably be a nice break from the ugly side of things.

[lawrocket 3]

You are right, with the exception of one key aspect.

It is up in the air right now how this will pan out. Also, California has a specific "Civil Union" law.

THere will be work here in the future. I might as well look into it now.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[nightjumps 1]

aahhhh.... OK, I'm with you. Because there is controversy in the subject, he could fight for their right to marry. I see. Good point.

I'm thinking, "Yeah, why not?" They're going to hire someone in that scenario.

[weegegirl 2]

I don't think there is anything wrong with it, as long as you are sincere. Sounds timely... and everyone has to make money somehow, right?

Oh, can I borrow $5 to get on this load?

[lawrocket 3]

Ugly side of things? I'll tell you, this family law stuff is rather pleasant compared to the insurance bad faith I was doing.

I will admit - I saw it from a business eye when the gay marriages started in SF. I know that there will be divorces from them, too. WHen the divorces happen, I know it will be a "this was never legal."

It'd be nice to be on the leading edge of this. Of course, I'd have to argue either side of it. How neat to be one whose work may actually develop some law?

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[Tink1717 2]

It depends on whether you can advocate effectively, and to extent needed, for your clients. That, AND, whether you are ready to deal with the shitblizzard of homophobia that is sure to come your way.

Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off.
-The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!)
AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717

[jahk 0]

I think focusing on gay/lesbian issues in family law could include much more than just families breaking up.

Some of the things heterosexuals take for granted when they get married are not automatic for same-sex couples. Adoptions, child custody in the event of biological parent's death, the right to make medical decisions for the partner, inheritance, are all examples of issues that same-sex couples might need legal help to settle before they become crises.

I'm thinking there might already be a need for lawyers to specialize in some of these matters, regardless of what happens to the marriage stuff.

Judith
__________________________________________________

Imelda Marcos just wanted some cute shoes that didn't make her feet hurt. Why's that so hard to understand?

[lawrocket 3]

There are lawyers who specialize in all of these issues.

Still, I haven't seen anyone specifically market to the gay community. Especially a husband and wife team like me and my lady.

I do feel as though I'd be doign it mainly for the money and client base, regardless of how I personally feel about the issue. Then again, it's the representation of best interest regardless of my personal opinions that has helped make me successful, since I've argued both sides of just about everything.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[AggieDave 6]

As a lawyer you're worried about the ethics of taking advantage of people in need?

BBBBWWWWWWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH...OHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH...*gasp, gasp, gasp*...BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA...

Ok, sorry.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[lawrocket 3]

UH OH!! STATE BAR COME!

STATE BAR BIG!

STATE BAR BAD!!!

STATE BAR GO "You are ordered to comply with Rule 955."

FEAR STATE BAR.

Honestly, I don't ever want to do anything that could negatively affect my reputation or my living. If we don't take these rules seriously, we are up a certain creek without a paddle.

Mind you, there is nothing ethically wrong with trying to focus on a certain segment of the population. To me it's a moral issue of whether I'd be kinda wrong for seeking a certain clientele to pay me more.

My wife is hotter than your wife.