Where to Find Topics Consumers Will Read
It's Friday afternoon. Your busy week is about to end. But first, you must write your weekly blog. Staring at a blank computer screen or legal pad can be daunting. Even though you’ve been immersed in the law all week, what would your readers be interested in? Where would you find interesting topics?
National News
The Supreme Court of the United States has been prominent in the news this week. Avoiding political issues, talk about the Supreme Court itself: its history, how cases come to it, how the justices decide what to hear. Many of your readers want to understand this sometimes mysterious branch of government.
A quick scan of recent national news reveals topics that might interest your clients—the recent hurricane in Florida raises questions about insurance, a new treaty may affect a local agricultural community, and data privacy is a big issue.
State News
Three proposals are on the Michigan ballot this year. A discussion of each, and explaining the terms used to describe them, could interest your readers.
Court Cases
Besides my column, the State Bar of Michigan e-Journal summarizes recent court decisions. They are listed under the area of law to which they relate such as agriculture, contracts, criminal law, family law, etc., making it easy to find topics relating to your area of practice. In your post, when analyzing a recent court decision, stay away from legal jargon and focus on explaining in simple terms the impact of the decision.
How a Law Could Impact Your Life
Legal discussion isn’t confined to recent decisions. Existing regulations and laws such as OSHA for businesses or family law issues continue to attract those affected by them. A spotlight on a topic in your area of practice is a great opportunity to showcase your skills. In a blog or podcast, you can explain how an existing law could affect your reader’s life.
Clients come to you with questions, and those questions are a great source of topics. You can also ask your clients what subjects they are interested in. With a little research, you can soon look at that blank screen ready and able to write a blog post or article that will keep your readers coming back for more.
After years practicing law, Roberta Gubbins served as editor of the Ingham County Legal News. Since leaving the paper, she provides writing services to lawyers ghostwriting content for websites, blogs, and articles. She is editor of The Mentor, the SBM Master Lawyers Section newsletter.
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