Lessons from Lawyers: An Interview with Ryan Russman
Next up on our series Lessons from Lawyers is New Hampshire attorney Ryan Russman. Ryan has been running his own DUI and Personal Injury practice, Russman Law, for 12 years. We asked him about the challenges, as well as the successes he was experienced as a solo practitioner and how he has built his professional network.
Avvo: What is the greatest thing about being a lawyer?
Ryan Russman: The greatest thing about being a lawyer is being able to use my strengths as a persuasive advocate to help people who are in need. Every day presents new challenges and new opportunities to apply my strengths in the courtroom.
Avvo: What’s the most challenging aspect of being a lawyer?
RR: Balancing the need to be a lawyer as well as a businessman. In law school there were no courses offered on the subject of how to run a law practice, whether it is a solo practice or a large firm.
Avvo: What was your first job as a lawyer?
RR: My first job was in a small criminal defense firm in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I met my future employer while I was interning at the prosecutor’s office. I presented a motion for the State in a high-profile sexual assault case. The lawyer who was defending the accused citizen recognized my talents and offered me a job at the conclusion of the trial.
Avvo: Most significant change you’ve witnessed in the legal industry?
RR: The emergence of technology as a means of enhancing storytelling for the jury. As a society we expect pictures, video and other multimedia presentations. The command of technology in the courtroom is becoming as important as oral advocacy.
Avvo: What’s one thing you wished you would have known or would have done differently when you first started your own practice?
RR: The one thing that I wish I had known was how much time would be devoted to the marketing and business side of the operation. I would have availed myself of courses relating to office management, marketing, and record-keeping to enhance my chances of success.
Avvo: What advice do you have for a new lawyer?
RR: My advice for a new lawyer would be to find a mentor, someone who is truly interested in your success as well as their own. Experience is the best education. Finding someone who is willing to share their experience with you will greatly enhance your chances of success.
Avvo: What advice do you have for a lawyer seeking a job?
RR: Lawyers seeking a job should offer their assistance at no charge to public institutions that need legal services. By demonstrating firsthand how your assistance can benefit them, you will earn a position with that organization.
Avvo: What is your best tip for managing work/career and life balance?
RR: Schedule personal time for yourself. Without making yourself a priority, you will degrade the representation that you offer others by not being refreshed and excited to meet the challenges of the day.
Avvo: If you had one non-billable hour free during your day, how would you spend it?
RR: I would take the time and leave the office and get away from my work, so that I could return recharged and refreshed.
Avvo: What were the three most important things you’ve done to build your professional network?
RR: First, I give my best professional effort in every case – no matter how big or small. Results build a reputation that others will aspire to and trust. Second, I take additional courses in my respective field to become the most proficient and educated advocate for my clients. By providing cutting-edge arguments for the Judge and jury to consider, your reputation as a zealous advocate will draw other professionals into your network. Third, obtaining recognition by independent third parties such as Avvo, your peers as well as potential consumers, will be drawn to your professional network. Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Associating yourself with trustworthy organizations will enhance your professional reputation and ultimately lead to your own success.
