Monday, January 2, 2023

How I Am On My Way to Making $1,000,000 on Etsy After Law School

Many people ask me what I did after law school. Strangely (or maybe not so strangely), I did not become a lawyer. Instead, I took a very non-traditional route that nobody expected. I became a digital nomad and began to leverage the skills and talents I learned in law school to make income. 

When I graduated the legal economy was a wreck. I had just found out my wife was pregnant. I found that the passion for law had vanished. My story was not a unique one. Many of my classmates were literally terrified of the job market. I am told that things are not so different even today. Yet, I didn't let that deter me. I knew that law school had given me a set of talents that were worth something. 

In New York, where I graduated, I worked for a variety of attorneys who were the creative types. I saw that many lawyers had some kind of hobby or side gig that was creative in nature. Some of those attorneys had done very well with it. I knew that many would-be lawyers were creative people. I had always been a very creative person, but I was a little too practical to go to art school. Yet, what was calling me was something more artistic. 

Therefore, I decided I would give Etsy a shot. Now, tons of people have given Etsy a shot, but I thought it was worth trying out. I jumped in and started selling soap that I was making in my small studio apartment in Washington Heights. After I sold a few bottles of Castile soap that we made in our blender I was thrilled. I was in business baby! It felt so good! 

Business didn't boom, however. I realized that making Castile soap in my sink in Washington Heights was not an easy endeavor. We had an apartment full of glass bottles and chemicals. It was like an industrial factory scene. I decided it was time to do something else. I looked for ideas and came up with pinback buttons. 

Pinback buttons looked fun to design and make, and they were. I designed about 30 templates and listed them all on Etsy. Sure enough, I started getting sales. Some people wanted one, and some people wanted a few. But it was when someone ordered 200 of them that my life really changed. 

I realized that maybe this could be more than a hobby. So I started making new designs and listing them. And the more I listed, the more I sold. It was like magic. I was selling hundreds of pinback buttons a week, and I was so busy making them and sending them out. 

I thought to myself, "this is too good to be true. Here I am in New York City, selling pinback buttons, and making my rent and enjoying life. Why should I even take the bar exam? Why should I bother becoming a lawyer? I am going to become rich with these little metal buttons..." 

To be continued (see our shop on www.bohotbuttons.com)


Thursday, December 1, 2022

Dietrich Int’l Truck Sales, Inc. v. J.S. & J. Servs., Inc. Case Brief Summary

Summary of the Key Points

A tenant of leased property cannot obtain an easement by prescription, according to the California Court of Appeal, because the landlord cannot enter the premises to prevent the easement by prescription form from taking place until the lease is terminated.

Overview of the Rule of Law.

A tenant who owns the property cannot sue the landlord for an easement by prescription.

Facts.

The plaintiff, Dietrich International Truck Sales, Inc., runs a repair and sales truck store near a truck stop or terminal station. The terminal currently possesses a 49-year lease with Brown (Defendant) as its landlord. Dietrich had driven large trucks to get them serviced for years using a road. The Terminal's land was followed by the road. Dietrich currently asserts an easement. An environmental regulation forced the Terminal to install new tanks.  The action that was suggested was to construct a barrier in the area of Dietrich's alleged easement. Dietrich filed a lawsuit to silence the title. Dietrich won the trial court's verdict. Brown and terminal were appealing.

Issue.
whether a tenant in possession can petition the landlord for a prescription easement?

Held.
No. In support of Brown's argument that the landlord does not have legal access to the property during a lease to prevent the easement, the court rules in Brown's favor. The court refers to a California regulation that expresses a landowner can't impede outsiders from getting easements while an occupant is under lock and key. Consequently, the court switches the judgment against Brown the property manager, yet maintains the easement against Terminal.

Discussion.
Because terminal is not the landlord, the court grants the easement against them because they might have quieted title when they saw the plaintiff using their property for a right of way.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Taking Time Away From Law During the Holidays

It's that time of the year once again. Every commercial on television has a holiday theme, and if you don't plan to talk to anyone in the next few weeks, people have already started sending holiday greetings. During the holidays, most people take time off from work to spend quality time with loved ones. However, many people may work during the holiday season because they need to meet year-end deadlines or accomplish other objectives due to the erosion of work-life balance. Nevertheless, there are a number of benefits to taking a break during the holidays, including the opportunity to rest and refuel.
 
I had varying degrees of success when it came to taking holidays off as an associate at a number of different law firms. Because we were always expected to be on call in the event that a partner required us to complete an assignment, it was difficult for associates at Biglaw to take any time off. When we needed to work over the holidays, it was hard to say no to a partner because we owed the company our high salaries.

It was much simpler to take time off during the holidays at other businesses. In exchange for the lower pay, it was much simpler to take time off during the holidays or other times of the year. Indeed, when I tried it, many attorneys and staff would take the final two weeks of the year off completely, which was an amazing experience.Since legal work slows down around that time of year, it made sense to take time off when clients, judges, and adversaries had little to expect.

It has been much more difficult for me to take time off during the holidays since I started my own practice. Most of the time, I have to do everything related to my files by myself, and I usually have to use downtime to catch up on work. Besides, clients might have assumptions for me around special times of year, and there is no accomplice or another person who can step in to help a client on the off chance that I am from cash on hand. Likewise, independent work is significantly more of an eat-what-you-dispense with framework than filling in as a partner at a firm, and getting some much needed rest around special times of year can affect my main concern.

Nevertheless, it is still essential to unwind and recharge during the holidays. First and foremost, this is the right thing to do for your loved ones. Moments during the holidays are priceless, and spending time with loved ones can result in treasured memories that will last for many years to come.I didn't go home for Thanksgiving and other holidays when I was in law school so that I could study for my final exams and finish other assignments before they were due. When I think back, I realize that I would rather have the precious memories of being with my family than spending the holidays in a dorm room, and that any academic benefit I received from staying on campus was not worth the sacrifice.Along these lines, the recollections you make around special times of year will stay with you far longer than any little work advantage you could get by not going on vacation.

Additionally, taking time off during the holidays can significantly assist lawyers in unwinding and relaxing.We are all aware of how stressful the legal profession can be.Burnout among lawyers is a significant issue and may be one of the reasons why so many lawyers switch careers.Lawyers need to keep in mind that their work is definitely a marathon, not a sprint, and that it is essential to take breaks to refuel.

I always return to work feeling more energized and relaxed than I have in a long time.This ensures that when I return from a break, I can attack my files with a new level of vigor than I did when I worked continuously for a long time.Everyone gets a nice built-in break during the holidays, and taking time off during the holidays is definitely less stigmatized than taking time off at any other time of the year.Lawyers should take advantage of this natural break to unwind.

Overall, being a lawyer is a stressful profession, and many lawyers may feel compelled to continue working during the holidays.However, lawyers and staff alike ought to take days off during the holidays to reconnect with loved ones and recharge.

Friday, August 12, 2022

Read These 5 Tips from a Corporate Lawyer To Grow Your Business

Read These 5 Tips from Corporate Lawyer To Grow Your Business


A lawyer talking to clients


As an entrepreneur, you must be looking to grow your company, but the volatile nature of the business world is making you jittery. If so, you wonder how to take your business to the next level. One of the best ways to do this is to get advice from a corporate lawyer. 


A corporate lawyer can help you understand the legal aspects of running a business and provide tips on how to grow your company. This blog post will discuss five tips from business lawyers on how to grow your business. 


Table of Contents


  1. Understand the law
  2. Draft clear and concise contracts
  3. Protect your intellectual property
  4. Manage your finances wisely
  5. Stay updated on changes in the law


5 Tips from Corporate Lawyers To Grow Your Business

Below are 5 valuable tips for business owners looking for sustainable growth and expansion of their ventures.

Tip #1. Understand the law 


The first piece of advice is to know the legal aspect of running an entity. There are many laws that apply to businesses, such as employment, tax, and intellectual property. It's essential to have a fundamental understanding of these laws so that you can comply with them. 


Having a sound knowledge of these laws will help mitigate many disputes with the governing authorities, co-founders (if any), and people working for you. These will also assist entrepreneurs in regulating corporate financing, commerce litigation, and regulatory compliance. 

Tip #2. Draft clear and concise contracts


Contracts are the cornerstone for developing relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees. It is thus crucial to have well-drafted contracts that are easily understandable and protect the interests of all parties.


Corporate law solicitors can help draft clear and concise contracts. However, make sure you know all the terms of an agreement before you sign it, and ask for clarification if anything is unclear. This, in turn, helps avert contract disputes while saving both time and money.

Tip #3. Protect your intellectual property


Your products, processes, and branding are your business's most valuable assets. That is why it’s important to protect them with patents or trademarks as soon as possible so that no one can use these intellectual properties without permission from you first.


Protecting your intellectual property will help prevent theft and profiting from them. Doing so will also give you a competitive edge in the marketplace, maintain it and help you expand the market share that belongs legitimately to you. A corporate lawyer is skilled to do this for you.

Tip #4. Manage your finances wisely


Another important tip is to manage your finances wisely. This includes creating a budget, sticking to it, and carefully tracking expenses. It's also essential for a corporate law firm to invest in accounting and financial software so that you can generate accurate financial reports. 


Good financial management is key to making sound business decisions and avoiding unnecessary tax litigations. To make it work, devise strategies to help you achieve and sustain it. One of them is to hire and retain the right people, including a corporate lawyer, to manage tariffs. 

Tip #5. Stay updated on changes in the law


The final tip is to stay up to date on changes in the law. The business environment is constantly changing, and new laws are constantly being enacted. It's important to stay updated with these changes so that you can ensure compliance with the latest legal requirements. 


You can stay informed about changes in the law by subscribing to legal publications, attending seminars and conferences, and talking to your corporate lawyer regularly.

Conclusion


When it comes to business, there are many things to consider and take care of. From employees to clients, contracts, and of course, money. But don't forget that knowledge is power. And in the business world, having a corporate lawyer on your side can give you the advantage you need to succeed. 


Contact Mishoura if you need a corporate lawyer. They have the most knowledgeable and qualified solicitors who'll support you throughout your business journey—advising and resolving pressing issues along the way.


Written by – Omar Shams


Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Want to be a successful lawyer? Follow these 10 habits and be a winner!

Some students may believe their academic path will fail after being admitted into law school. On the contrary, these law students are thinking wrong.

The most successful law school graduates are aware of this fact. They also know that maintaining certain behaviors or habits is necessary if you want to perform well on challenging tests continuously.

Successful law students share the following top 10 habits and some helpful advice for handling the sometimes exhausting burden of legal study.

1. Attending classes regularly

Preventing absenteeism is a must. Be there, take part, and be a committed student. If you find yourself drifting off during class, probably, you didn't adequately prepare; you're far more likely to pay attention when you've studied the material, retained the most important lessons, and given some consideration to how you may use what you've learned.

There is a distinction between just attending lectures and actively engaging during the entire presentation. Avoid the error of using your phone as a distraction or leaving your favorite social networking site open on a tab on your laptop.

Again, a significant portion of law school is self-education; doing the pre-work should improve your ability to concentrate and participate in class. Make little adjustments to help you be completely present with your friends and lecturers, such as scheduling specified study time or joining other study groups when required.

2. Advancing in the reading

As a law student, you have a responsibility to educate yourself. To achieve that, you must go over and above the reading assignments; you must read the material (at least twice or three times) and try to teach yourself how you would apply it before studying it in class. Reading beforehand reinforces your general understanding.

Another excellent justification is that you can better prevent falling behind if you get ahead in the reading.

One case of illness or unforeseen setback may quickly turn into feeling lost for the remainder of the semester. Keeping a firm knowledge one step ahead of schedule may eliminate the possibility of slipping behind and lessen possible unneeded stress.

3. Keep practicing

Do not assume that your undergraduate study methods will work in law school. Understanding a significant amount of information presented quickly is an entirely different matter.

Practice is the foundation of the legal industry; thus, attorneys don't work; they practice law. Today's best attorneys are those who regularly practice and work hard to become experts in their field. It only requires that you indulge yourself and boost your abilities. You might also wish to brush up on your speech, writing, and arguing skills, which are necessary for success in the legal profession.

Make study and memorization of content a top weekly priority as the cornerstone of your legal education. Regularly memorizing courses in manageable chunks can help you perform better on tests than scrambling to learn everything at the last minute. Additionally, you'll do better when asked to apply the information in court cases and real-world scenarios.

Applying what you've learned is the key to succeeding in law school and pretty much any other area you've studied. Bottom line - you'll be far better equipped to pass your law school examinations and that annoying little Bar exam if you've diligently studied the law over time.

4. Planning all the work

When you suddenly find yourself surrounded by due dates for assignments, practical examinations, and a mounting stack of sticky note reminders, this proverb truly comes in handy. Although it might seem obvious, too many students lag because they have poor organizing abilities. Avoid having it happen to you. Invest in a paper planner, a virtual assistant, or a digital scheduling software – whichever will enable you to manage your time effectively, arrange your work, and keep tabs on your objectives.

The ones that stay current with their study and find the chance to keep up on their reading are the ones who have sorted out how to excel in law school. You must educate yourself on the law to some level as a law student by reading pertinent literature before your lectures. By doing this, you get more familiar with the material and have the opportunity to ask the lecturers for clarification if necessary. You might also need to create a law school study timetable to allocate time to each course properly. This might be helpful, particularly during exams, which can be difficult.

Consider both your short-term and long-term obligations and objectives so that your planning may serve as a road map for your total success. This entails regularly planning time for studies, externships, and extracurricular activities to ensure everything is covered.

5. Asking Questions

You're losing out if you don't interact with your lecturers to benefit from their extensive aggregate expertise.

Raise your hand if you have a query since it's likely that at least one of your classmates also has it. Plan a time to see your lecturer during work hours if you are feeling a bit shy or have a topic that isn't related to the current lecture.

In conclusion, always be willing to seek guidance regarding law school and your long-term professional plan. Rely on your academic support team, including professors, classmates, mentors, and others, for skills-related questions.

6. Asking for help 

Asking for assistance when needed is one of the best study strategies for law school. One of the best habits for law students and any successful student is the ability to ask for help.

You will have to write, revise, and research essays for class on topics that might be challenging. As soon as an issue arises, you should speak with the teacher for personalized guidance if you don't grasp any course content.

If you need assistance with a law essay but don't have the time, getting in touch with experienced writers who can do it swiftly and effectively could be preferable. You do yourself a favor in the long run by asking for assistance.

 Apart from legal education, law students should also seek help for financial education. During your law study, if you need financial guidance regarding loans, credit cards, insurance, or any other financial issue, you should not hesitate to take financial assistance from professionals. Students often experience problems with credit card debt management or student loan repayment. Take help from a professional and consolidate multiple debts through options such as balance transfer, consolidation loan, or enrolling in a debt relief program. For student loans, get help from federal programs or a debt consolidation loan (for private student loans).

7. Taking Advantage of Free Resources

The departments and programs at many law schools are designed to help you at every level of your legal career. You're losing out if you're not making use of them. Make it a habit to become aware of the various advantages of using those free resources so you feel comfortable asking for assistance when needed.

The Career and Professional Development Office will help you with the résumé-writing process as soon as you're prepared. Until then, your Enrollment and Student Services Coordinator will assist you in planning your academic route. Between such turning points, you may enhance your abilities through seminars, practice tests, bar prep courses, networking functions, and other activities. Therefore, make it a practice to look for and use as many free materials as possible to complete your legal education.

8. Managing time

Time management is one of the most crucial elements of success in law school. Your first year of law school will be packed with time spent in the library, attending classes, making friends with other students, and, if you're lucky, spending a few hours a week at the gym to keep your body and mind healthy.

One of the first actual concerns of law school is learning effective time management. Life as a law student is a constant struggle, and if you don't manage your time well, it's possible to fall behind.

What is the remedy? Establish a reliable regimen that is simple to follow and gives you breaks. Your weekly schedule should provide time for class attendance, note-taking, reviewing for exams, visiting family and friends, going to the gym, and having some alone time. You will need to make time for yourself in your routine.

Without a reliable regimen, it's simple to burn out, impairing your performance. So, if you want to achieve, establish a rigid regimen and stick to it religiously.

9. Taking practice exams

Exams that your professor has already given are preferred. You may use this to learn how your lecturer creates their tests. Choose a previous test for which a sample answer is available wherever it is feasible. Doing so may compare your response to the example and gauge how well you did.

Ask your lecturer whether they will evaluate and comment on your answers if there isn't an example answer on file. But do not wait until the very last minute to ask your lecturer. Your lecturer is more likely to have time to evaluate your response the earlier you inquire.

10. Maintaining balance

Considering your years in law school like a sprint, you'll soon find yourself out of the game. It might be challenging to balance the high expectations of law school and the rest of your life, but it's essential to maintaining your health and engagement and preventing burnout.

Self-care is a habit formed by successful students. Plan your schedule to spend time with family and friends, keep up your healthy routines (both physically and mentally), and keep doing the things you enjoy. If you let the rest of your life suffer, law school will feel more like a punishment than the thrilling path toward the profession you had in mind.

Conclusion

Good law students are motivated, enthusiastic, and uniquely inclined toward working hard, but they often scale new heights of success by using strategies to work smarter, not simply harder. You will benefit immensely from adopting any or all of the behaviors mentioned above while you pursue your law studies and future job.


Author’s Bio: This guest post was written by Lyle Solomon. Lyle has considerable litigation experience as well as substantial hands-on knowledge and expertise in legal analysis and writing. Since 2003, he has been a member of the State Bar of California. In 1998, he graduated from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, and now serves as a principal attorney for the Oak View Law Group in California. He has contributed to publications such as Entrepreneur, All Business, US Chamber, Finance Magnates, Next Avenue, and many more.