< PreviousMy cousin Franky once sagely told me, “you got two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you speak.” I offer examples where lawyers should consider zipping it. 1. Clients. Never lie. Lying to anyone as a lawyer is a cardinal sin, except during negotiations where a communal understanding exists that we all flirt with lying while parsing our words carefully. You’ve just started your own firm and you’re waiting patiently for the phone to ring. It does! It’s a good case in an area where you have experience, but the potential client is asking for answers to complicated questions on the spot. First, it’s okay not to know the answer. Experienced lawyers do not have every answer. The permutations of legal issues are virtually endless. Second, do not make up an answer. Clients remember when you give them incorrect information. It erodes confidence. Third, ask the critical questions to analyze the issue, and listen. Finally, shut up. Don’t continue to talk aloud about how little you know. If it is ethically within your capabilities, nod confidently, ex- press that you’re the right person but the problem warrants consideration, and you will present the best possible solution. 2. Court. You’re at oral argument. You’re crushing the other side. Oppos- ing counsel said one absurd thing after another, and the judge knows it. Your rebuttal is forthcoming. This is your Clarence Darrow moment! No, this is where lawyers often err. They overreach. They trigger a question that shifts the judge’s thinking. If you have something critical to say, make it brief. But consider, “nothing further, Your Honor.” I’ve watched great lawyers say nothing. 3. Social Media. You’re a private practice lawyer. But you should have personal beliefs. My heroic notion of lawyers are people who fight for causes. This job is too challenging not to care about what you do. So, I’m not telling you not to adver- tise your personal beliefs, but… Ask yourself whether you’re just venting, instead of being productive and persuasive. Consider whether you’re need- lessly alienating potential clients or referral sources when you’re jabbing at [insert name]. Would that time be better spent working on a campaign? This is a stressful and taxing job. Many of us deal with mental health challenges. Is it a good idea to vent about your struggles in a spontaneous post? While it’s heroic to talk pub- licly about these challenges to help eradicate unfair stigmas, it’s unrealistic to expect referrals from colleagues when your midnight posts make your audience wonder if you’re in the throes of a crisis. During those times, consider reaching out to trusted confidants, rather than hundreds of potential refer- ral sources. JEFF STORMS IS A PARTNER AT NEWMARK STORMS DWORAK LLC. HE HAS A DIVERSE LITIGATION PRAC- TICE WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PLAINTIFF’S CIVIL RIGHTS AND SEXUAL ABUSE LITIGATION. JEFF IS A PERENNIAL SUPER LAWYER AND HAS TWICE BEEN NAMED AN “AT- TORNEY OF THE YEAR” BY MINNESOTA LAWYER. On Your Own: Talk Less, Smile More BY JEFF STORMS ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · MINNESOTA · V OL. 9 NO. 5 20 Merchant & Gould P.C. is pleased to an- nounce that partner Rachel C. Hughey was selected as a member of Law360’s Intellectual Property Editorial Ad- visory Board. Hughey practices intel- lectual property law with an emphasis on patent litigation and appellate level disputes. Deckert & Van Loh, P.A. is pleased to announce the addition of Scott An- drew Fulks as their newest associate. Scott’s practice will be focused on working with businesses, families, and individuals on immigration matters. Meagher + Geer, P.L.L.P. announces that partner, Robert Graff has been elected to the firm’s Management Committee for a five- year term. Graff focus- es his practice on insurance coverage and complex environmental litiga- tion— particularly cases involving en- vironmental claims made under a wide variety of insurance policies. The Minneapolis office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP continues its strategic expansion with the addition of Allison M. Seeley as of counsel in the firm’s Corporate Trust Services Practice. Seeley focuses her practice on advising financial in- stitutions on their corporate trust transactions, with a concentration on structured finance transactions. Carlson Caspers, a top-ranking in- tellectual property law firm in Minne- apolis, announced in March that Erik Swenson, a highly regarded Twin Cit- ies IP attorney, joined the firm as a shareholder. Swenson is also a regis- tered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Justice Paul Thissen has launched his campaign to remain on the Min- nesota Supreme Court. Justice This- sen was appointed in 2018 by then- Governor Mark Dayton to fill a va- cancy left by Judge David Stras. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Laura Moehrle and Nathaniel Welte as Dis- trict Court Judges in Minnesota’s Sev- enth Judicial District. Both appoint- ments will be chambered in St. Cloud. Ms. Moehrle’s appointment will fill a vacancy that occurred upon the re- tirement of Judge Frank Kundrat. Mr. Welte’s appointment will fill a vacancy that occurred upon the retirement of Judge John Scherer. DeWitt LLP an- nounced attorneys Kath- leen M. Newman and Barbara J. Seibel, for- merly of the Kathleen M. Newman Law Firm, joined DeWitt. Newman has extensive experience in all aspects of marital dissolutions, including cas- es with high net worth, closely owned businesses, professional practices and complex custody matters and is well-versed in media- tion and alternative dis- pute resolution. Seibel focuses her practice on divorce, including division of marital and non-marital property, spousal maintenance and other matters related to divorce such as child custody and parenting time, child support and pa- ternity issues. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Lieuten- ant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of As- sistant Chief Judge Jen- nifer Frisch to the Min- nesota Court of Appeals. Judge Frisch will fill the vacancy occurring upon the retirement of Chief Judge Edward J. Cleary. This seat is designated for Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District. Governor Tim Walz announced the appoint- ment of the Honorable Susan Segal as Chief Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Judge Segal will serve the re- mainder of Chief Judge Edward J. Cleary’s term, which will expire on October 31, 2022. Judge Segal will be the second woman to serve as Chief Judge in the Court’s 36-year history. AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENTS PRESS RELEASES EVENTS PROMOTIONS ACTIVITES HONORS RECOGNITIONS TALK TOWN of the SUBMIT PRESS RELEASES FOR NEXT MONTH’S TALK OF THE TOWN AT WWW.ATTORNEYATLAWMAGAZINE.COM/SUBMIT-NEWS/ Dave Seawell, Publisher | Minnesota Edition | (763) 742-2805 | DSeawell@AttorneyAtLawMagazine.com Rachel C. Hughey Robert Graff Barbara J. Seibel Jennifer L. Frisch Susan Segal Kathleen M. Newman AttorneyAtLawMagazine.com 21Top 10 - Forbes Best Banks Western Alliance Bank specializes in banking for law firms and settlement administrators. We bring you years of expertise in supporting all phases of the settlement process from escrow through distribution with a single point of contact. Our committed team offers a highly personalized and transparent banking experience with a focus on exceptional service, honesty, integrity, flexibility and responsiveness. We provide a broad range of customizable solutions, a commitment to building relationships and access to decision-makers. 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