That’s Why I’m Here

… is one of my favorite James Taylor tunes. It’s a reminder to remember why we do the things we do. As a lawyer, why I’m here is to serve my clients, first and foremost. Every decision I make starts with the premise that I need to put my clients’ needs at the top of my priority list. Having said that, I’m not so sure that a Virginia lawyer who also blogs remembered that concept. Horace Hunter, a Virginia criminal lawyer, recently was reprimanded by the Virginia State Bar for including information about his clients in his blog without their consent. Hunter contends that the information was publicly available and so he did nothing wrong. He feels he will be vindicated on appeal. The appeal will be heard by a panel of state court judges, rather than bar volunteers. And he may be right. But the panel found that Hunter’s disclosures would be embarrassing or . . . detrimental to the client.” In my mind, if it’s even a close call, remember why you’re here. It’s for them, not you. If you want to include your clients in your blog, just ask first.