GPSOLO
Volume 20, Number 4
June 2003
GP MENTOR
Voices of Experience
Brian T. Hermanson
Too many mentors? That's an oxymoron for law students and new
lawyers setting up practice. In the coming months, GP Mentor will
give you the benefit of experienced voices from general
practitioners, solos, and small firm members who'll be able to th
What is your background, and what inspired you to become a
lawyer?
I always wanted to be an attorney. I went to undergrad at Carroll
College in Wisconsin, with majors in political science and
history, and to law school at the University of Oklahoma College
of Law.
What influenced your decision to pursue a general
practice/solo/small firm career?
I joined a firm right out of law school and left the firm seven
years later. I felt I wanted to have the control of my practice
that I could get only as a sole practitioner.
On a scale of one to five (five equals nerd, one
equals novice), how proficient would you rate yourself in the use
and integration of technology into your practice?
Three.
What changes have the use of technology brought to law
practice in general, for better or worse?
It has clearly aided in the preparation of lengthy documents.
Documents that took a day to prepare when I began my practice can
now be created very quickly. Also, a sole practitioner can manage
complex document cases with the new technology in ways never
dreamed of a few years ago.
What technological advance or purchase has made the
biggest positive change in your practice and why?
Certainly the purchase of the computer with Internet capacity has
been the biggest advance. To be able to communicate in seconds is
now expected. The ability to research and investigate issues
online has been huge. The purchase of office management software
also has made the handling of cases much more efficient.
What early lawyer experiences have helped you in your
career?
The ability to talk to people, listen to their concerns, and
really care about their needs has been continually helpful to me
in my career.
Do you have any concerns about the proliferation and
expansion of technology in the practice of law?
Not major concerns. I am always worried about the amount of
information that is burying each of us. I also worry about the
amount of paper that lawyers can throw at one another because of
technology. Computers were suppose to bring about a paperless
office. In fact they have generated even more paper.
What was the best professional advice you ever
received?
While the lawyer may have many cases, this is the client's only
case. Treat the client like his/her case is the most important
one you have in the office.
Whom do you most admire?
Clarence Darrow.
Who or what got you started with the ABA and/or GP
Section involvement?
I was involved with the ABA and the GP Section since my law
school days. I just always felt that as a lawyer I should belong
to the organization that nationally represents the profession. I
also felt that it was a way to keep up with current changes in
the profession.
What can the ABA and/or GP Section do to be a good
home to young lawyers in the electronic age?
Information, information, information. We get so many biased or
slanted opinions from people on the best way to do things. If one
group could just tell us the proper information without bias,
that would be invaluable.
What personality trait has served you best over the
years?
Honesty.
What advice would you give young
lawyers?
-Always admit your mistakes to your client.
-Don't represent your interest, but the interest of your
client.
-If you are uncomfortable in a case, get out. You are not doing
yourself or your client any good by staying in.
-Answer calls as soon as possible.
Enjoy the benefits of membership:
- Award-Winning Periodicals
- Special Member Discounts
- Practice Area Committees
- Continuing Legal Education
- Networking Opportunities
- Leadership Opportunities
