Happy 2012!

Every year about this time, I am faced with a dilemma.  Do I prepare a list of resolutions or not?  In the past, I have diligently done so with a hoped for weight loss almost always at the top of the list.  Sometimes my wishes were general, i.e., "peace on earth," "exercising more," or they involved specific items, such as writing in my journal on a daily basis or walking for 30 minutes a day.  Other years have gone by and I made no resolutions.  Why not?  Because I make resolutions every single day and January 1st was just another day.  That line of thinking eliminated lots of pressure because I could take a failed resolution and fashion it into a brand new for the following day.

I have been done this blog for several years now.  With the birth of Google+, Twitter, and Facebook, I am told that  blogging is dead.  My blog is written mostly for trial lawyers, so it would be hard to imagine that a mainstream audience might be interested in recent appellate cases if I were to post publicly on Google+.  Or perhaps I am underestimating a large segment of the population.

I find myself being interested in events beyond my appellate practice.  I listen and watch news programs - I love Rachel Maddow! - when before I might have filled up that time with episodic comedies or classic movies.  Last month I traveled to Cuba to conduct some research on its legal system, only to discover that one cannot accurately assess Cuba's legal system without considering its political and social systems.  It was a valuable mission and I can't wait to report on my visit and share my observations.

While I enjoy my appellate work, I want to devote time to more creative endeavors, such as photography and creative writing.  So much is happening in the world right now that I find I cannot stick my nose in a law book and ignore it.  That means that my blog will change too.  I hope you enjoy it.             

Comments

[Eric Neshanian]

Dear Ms. Bader,

First, I want to thank you for blogging. I consider your blog a valuable resource. For instance, with regard to civi procedure in the realm of summary judgment motions, you provide much insight to litigators with heaping literary spoonfuls of simplicity.

Second, it appears that you have resolved to allow comments on your blog. I think that is very important in keeping your blog from becoming obsolete. A lot of the blogs in the legal arena are static because of the lack of the open discourse and meaningful content permitted by allowing comments.

Here, is an interesting article about the topic of allowing comments on a blog. http://www.blogherald.com/2007/08/13/the-legal-issues-with-comments/

And, another, about why your legal blog should have a comments section.
http://www.legalpracticepro.com/why-should-your-legal-blog-accept-comments/

Happy New Year!!!

May you stick to a resolution or two!!!

[Mitch Jackson]

It's always fun to start off a new year. It's also nice to see and read about the "adventures" of other lawyers with diversified interest. I don't know about you but my varied interests keep my litigation days doable and trial weeks manageable.

Keep blogging. It's your foundation for everything else. Coordinate notices of new blog post on your various social media platforms. That's a great way for all of us to find out about your most recent appeal, latest play, newest picture, or recent trip :-)

Hope all is well and look forward to seeing you soon!