Lately I’ve found that I don’t like the way I have traditionally answered the question: “What do you do?” My answer for the past 17 years has generally been “I”m a corporate/commercial trial lawyer”.
This response has generally lead to blank stares and for those brave enough, the follow up question “what is that?”
It has only taken me 17 years (I”m such a quick learner) to realize the simpler way to describe what I do is to say “I’m a trial lawyer who only handles business law.” O.K. …. so that is wordier and therefore, likely a work in progress, but it is a start down the correct path.
Corporate/Commercial Law is a technical definition. It is a Law School definition and one that we boring lawyer types understand – but it does not embrace the energy of what we really do: we’re business lawyers.
As a trial lawyer, I pursue and defend the rights of businesses in any situation they find themselves. Paul Voorn & Ann Hatsios are also Business Trial Lawyers (look, I shortened it already … I’m becoming a quicker study!)
As a business transaction lawyer, Scott Young of our firm advises businesses on all aspects of their work – from start up to wind up and the fun parts in between, including the particularly active Trade Mark aspects of business.
In my legal writing I’ve always believed simple is better – and stating we’re Business Lawyers just makes sense …. now to look into Trademarking that …. Scott?
Inga B. Andriessen, Sr. Lawyer (Business Trial Lawyer to be specific)