The Leaders in Law blog is dedicated to discussions with leading lawyers and legal thought leaders on topics including law firm management, legal developments, future of law, leadership in law firms, and the business of the practice of law. 

This week we are talking with Enrico Schaefer, the founder of Traverse Legal, an internet and technology law firm.

1. What drew you to the practice of internet law?

My dad was an insurance defense attorney. My older brother always knew he wanted to be a lawyer. I only knew one thing growing up. I would never want to be a lawyer.  As it turns out I got the gift of lawyer rather than drummer.  I appreciate that my career found me in spite of my bias against law and lawyers.

2. What does an ideal client or referral look like for your practice?

Early stage or growth stage company in the technology space, preferably blockchain, looking for fractional outside general counsel services.

3. What is the best way for a potential client to contact you to start a discussion?

There is only one ‘Enrico Schaefer’ in the world. Google me.  There are 8.900 results.  I spend time across social media, especially LinkedIn, and can always be contacted at www.traverselgal.com.

4. What is one thing you would like your clients and potential clients to know about the way you handle your engagements?

We work within budgets and identify the deliverables up front.  We think like you do, as a business looking to grow and innovate.

5. What’s the most creative thing you did to get your business started, or to keep it going through a tough time?

In 2004, we were paperless doing flat fee projects, and blogging our expertise. There were only a few attorneys globally doing any of this back in the day.

6. What do you see as the future of internet law?

Collaboration across lawyers based on expertise, where clients and firms look beyond their walls to put together the right team for each project. Fee-sharing arrangements between firms based on origination and which firm is handling the administrative overhead. Continued de-emphasis on law firms, in favor of an emphasis on lawyers.

7. What’s your “one thing” that most drives your professional success?

The team we have put together at Traverse Legal.

8. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career as a lawyer?

That the old guard of law have way less power than they portray.  Innovation has come to the practice of law. Technology is unstoppable.  Traditionalists are simply lawyers who can’t compete and try to stop change despite that change being best for clients, lawyers, law firms, and the law.

9. What are you reading right now?

The Science of Mindfulness, by Professor Ronald Siegel.

To learn more about the internet and technology law firm, please visit Traverse Legal.

Sign up for and explore our content and thought leadership here.

About the Firm:

Klemchuk LLP is a litigation, intellectual property, transactional, and international business law firm dedicated to protecting innovation. The firm provides tailored legal solutions to industries including software, technology, retail, real estate, consumer goods, ecommerce, telecommunications, restaurant, energy, media, and professional services. The firm focuses on serving mid-market companies seeking long-term, value-added relationships with a law firm. Learn more about experiencing law practiced differently and our local counsel practice.

The firm publishes the Ideate blog, the latest news and insights into law, business, and culture.