An attorney in Illinois is the target of a complaint filed in Illinois by their “Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission” because she allegedly is attempting “defeat the administration of justice.” This attorney is blogging about “corruption and greed in the probate court of Cook County.”
I make no judgement about the underlying facts. This attorney may well deserve kudos for exposing corruption to the light of day. However, looking at her blog, it appears she is not adverse to using this blog to promote herself as an attorney. I say this because there is a prominent link to her law firm website promoting her practice and providing her contact information.
Why This Isn’t Effective Marketing
Unless you are a lawyer whose practice is all about crusading against the entrenched powers of society, negative attacks against those interests isn’t wise. This attorney specializes in intellectual property and business litigation. I don’t think most clients are going to be compelled to hire someone who attacks the judicial system. Business clients want good results at the minimum of costs.
How This Lawyer Could Use Her Blog Effectively
She has a great section of her blog, lost in the heat of her corruption claims about great case law on Guardianship. That is what she should lead with, showing her expertise in a particular niche. The only downside is that if she wants to be known for her IP expertise, this won’t assist her in that goal.
Don’t Mix Business with Pleasure
If her zeal is for crusading against Cook County officials, then why not do that without trying to promote her IP and business litigation practice? Business professionals looking to protect their IP, aren’t going to be calling an attorney embroiled in an administrative fight over guardianship.
