[The latest in our series of Q&A discussions on successful writing in the business realm with recipients of JD Supra's 2016 Readers' Choice award:]
Kevin Noonan is one of the top intellectual property and patents writers on JD Supra. He is a partner with McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP and an experienced biotechnology patent lawyer. He helped found Patentdocs.org in 2006 in part to gain visibility and garner clients but also to have a voice and … it’s fun to disagree with people, he says.
Why did you begin the Patent Docs blog?
I was initially skeptical about starting a blog because there were a few other more established venues for providing commentary. We knew we were novices, babes in the woods, but we didn’t know what we were getting into. We knew we needed to write every day and that seemed daunting at first, but it turned out not to be so hard. Over the past ten years there were very few days that we didn’t know what to write. We keep an eye on patents in federal and circuit courts and Congress — those are the people who are going to make the most difference. We have to understand how they are shaping the law.
I’ve been a lawyer for a long time and so I can write anything, anytime on 20-minutes notice...
In terms of my writing process, I usually play with my cats, eat dinner, then I have a few hours between when my wife goes to bed and when I go to bed. That’s when I write. I’ve been a lawyer for a long time and so I can write anything, anytime on 20-minutes notice.
What were your expectations for writing when your first began? How have those expectations changed?
We had no expectations when we began. We’re not journalists, we’re working lawyers so getting known to potential clients was really why we started it. But blogging also gives you an opportunity to have a voice. It’s very satisfying to make a point of view and have an outlet for it. Many more people read us now than we ever would have thought. I’m quite amazed that there are people in the Patent Office, courts, and White House that subscribe to us.
What motivates you?
I do it because it’s fun. If it wasn’t something I liked to do I wouldn’t do it.
What is the value in writing?
It makes me a better lawyer and thinker.
I find it deepens my appreciation of the law and how to advise clients because you have to be able to understand and explain issues to people so they understand them. It makes me a better lawyer and thinker. Writing is like playing tennis, anybody can pick up a racket and racket ball (which I do badly) but to play tennis you have to practice. I think I write better now because of the blog.
How do you benefit from your writing?
I work for a boutique firm in Chicago. Because of the blog we are better known now and in contact with people I wouldn’t be otherwise. Professionally, no one hires you if they don’t know you.
Legal marketing is not linear, it really is something you have to work at over time and then it will bear fruit if you persevere and have some luck.
Legal marketing is not linear, it really is something you have to work at over time...
So for anyone thinking of blogging they shouldn’t expect a boatload of money to come over the transom because of the blog but doing it will benefit yourself and your firm in getting your name out there.
What does success mean for you as a writer?
What I enjoy the most is when people disagree with me.
What advice do you have for writers just starting out?
You need to have discipline in doing it every day. The consistency of your readership is counting on you. You have a responsibility to readers in timing and consistent message. I don’t want to hear about your kids, dogs, or vacation; I expect to read a professional blog. Write about whatever your focus is, that’s what people are coming to read. If they consistently get that they’ll be happy. If they don’t know what they’re going to get from you everyday, they’ll be less likely to subscribe.
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[Kevin was recognized as a top author in the patents category in JD Supra's 2016 Readers' Choice awards. Follow his latest writings here.]
