The Modern JD spotlight series is a feature on Lawyernomics that highlights attorneys that are using technology, their brand and marketing in innovative ways to connect with clients and their peers. These attorneys come from different practice areas across the country but have one thing in common: they have evolved with the times to meet the needs of their clients and practice. This week we are excited to share attorney, Jason Beahm of Beahm Law.
What is your area of practice and why did you decide to get into it?
My specialty is Criminal Defense. I got into it because I am a strong believer in the principle of being innocent until proven guilty as well as the protections we are afforded under the Constitution. It was an area of law in which I had a lot of fantastic experience as an intern in law school for a criminal defense barrister in London. It was also an area of law that I was confident I would immediately be able to make an impact.
How has being a lawyer changed since graduating law school?
I would say that the main change would be the rise of smartphones and apps. Documents are being scanned on mobile phones and every practice management software is now in the cloud with an app on your phone. The possibility of being able to work remotely is now greater than ever. It’s also more convenient for clients. Many of our clients are very busy individuals that don’t even have time to set up a face to face appointment. With the technology available now, we are able to send them all of our materials electronically and vice versa.
Where do you envision your practice going in 5 years?
I see our practice at Beahm Law continuing to grow over the next five years and expanding geographically. We currently have offices in Northern and Southern California and I would like to see those grow exponentially.
How do you think your practice is unique compared to others? What is your firm’s secret sauce?
We make a concerted effort to connect with every client on an individual level. We want to understand what their concerns are and make sure they feel heard and supported.
If there is a secret sauce, it’s integrity. If we say we are going to do something, we do it and go the extra mile. I can’t imagine doing it any other way.
Do you see yourself as a lawyer first? Business person first? or Client service first?”
I see myself as me first. I don’t identify as just a lawyer, or a business person; those are skills that I have and enjoy making use of. It’s nice to have value to contribute to society and have a sense of purpose.
How do you use your personality or brand in creative ways to connect with clients?
We have given clients unique experiential gifts, such as going to a glassblowing workshop, or a hot air balloon ride, etc. We like to reach out to our current and past clients to check in with them. Sometimes it’s as simple as just picking up the phone.
Creating video content has also been a great way to show our personality to clients.
How has Avvo helped you connect with clients?
We get a lot of clients that reach out to us through Avvo. The platform provides a streamlined experience where our clients can do research and then find a lawyer to help them. I have answered hundreds of questions in Avvo’s free Q&A forum. It gives me a platform to share my expertise and help out potential clients that have basic legal questions. While I don’t answer questions for the purpose of landing clients, it has led to business.
I also do a number of Avvo Advisor calls each month, which has led to not only extra revenue for the firm but new clients have signed up after the calls as well.
Where do you find inspiration professionally and/or personally?
Music and nature. I love listening to music, going to festivals and being outside as much as possible. If I am not in court, I’m probably outside listening to music.
I am motivated by protecting people’s individual freedoms and their right to enjoy life, free from interference.
What’s the piece of technology you couldn’t live without and why?
Whatever is making the music play…so my iPhone. Being able to run my office from a phone that fits in my pocket is an incredible blessing. Of course, it can also be a curse.
I find that I am more attached to the phone than I would like and it takes a concerted effort to turn it off or put it away. Turning devices off and taking the time to relax is very important and is something I try to monitor.
What kind of a role does technology play in your practice?
It is critical. I can’t imagine running the practice without the technology available now. Everything that we do is on the computer and/or iPhone. In addition, we constantly use email, slack, text messages and several apps and services that keep things working like a well-oiled machine.
We also use a Fujitsu ScanSnap which allows us to scan all of our paperwork in a flash.
Favorite app on your phone?
I kind of hate them all equally. If I have to pick, the Lawyernomics 2016 conference app was pretty dope.
The best tip or trick for balancing everyday work and life?
Enjoy your life to the fullest and don’t worry too much about balancing your life. If you are happy then don’t overthink it.
A few more tips and tricks:
- Meditate
- Exercise
- Eat Healthy
- Listen to music
- Read
- Enjoy the creative process
- Call your mom
- Go for a swim
- Remember that besides life and death, it isn’t life and death
Describe, in three words, the Modern JD or the 21st Century Lawyer.
Mobile. Specialized. Adaptive.
Do you or someone you know exemplify a Modern JD? Nominate yourself or others by emailing gillian@avvo.com or follow @avvolawyers on Twitter, using the hashtag #ModernJD.