Eric T. Cooperstein
Law Office of Eric T. Cooperstein, PLLC
1700 U.S. Bank Plaza South
220 South Sixth St.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
etc@ethicsmaven.com | (612) 436-2259

Eric Cooperstein has a private practice devoted to representing and consulting with lawyers on ethics and law practice management issues. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility. You can contact Eric at etc@ethicsmaven.com.

A maven is
An expert, according to the dictionary. The east-coast vernacular is “self-appointed expert.”

My practice is
Representing lawyers and law firms in legal ethics and related matters. I primarily defend lawyers against ethics complaints, provide advice and expert opinions, and represent lawyers in fee disputes and law firm break-ups. 80% to 90% of my clients are lawyers.

How I developed my practice
I was fortunate to be able to begin practicing part-time while my previous salaried job was winding down. Because I focused my practice on a narrow niche and I had been in-house for many years, I knew marketing and developing a referral network would be critical to bringing in enough work. I increased the number of CLEs I presented, became more involved in HCBA and MSBA, started blogging, and tried to be a helpful resource to other attorneys through the MSBA’s solosmall listserve and in one-on-one contacts. Many generous colleagues have encouraged me, given me their time and advice, bought me lunch, and referred cases to me.

My coolest software/ website/ gadget
My Mifi wireless card. It is like a cell/data card for a laptop, but it does not have to be plugged in and creates a wireless network 25 feet around you. I can use it with my laptop and Ipod Touch, and I can share the wireless connection with up to four other people at the same time.

A recent challenge
Managing a slowdown in my practice a little over a year ago, at the same time Lehman Brothers folded and the stock market tanked.

How I solved it
Deep breaths. Patience. I told myself what I would tell someone else whose practice had slowed down, which is that most things follow patterns and that the previous two years of getting clients was not likely a fluke. I was right (but we didn’t eat out much for those two months). Now part of me longs for a slowdown!

What else I do
I drive my children hither and yon; I serve as chair of a small foundation; I run, bike, and walk; and my wife and I have season’s tickets to the Jungle Theater, just so we remember to get out once in a while.

What I would be doing if not practicing law
Building houses for Habitat for Humanity.

The book(s) I am reading
The Book of Negroes, by Lawrence Hill; Physics of the Impossible, by Michio Kaku.

The CD currently in my car stereo
Green Day, 21st Century Breakdown.

My favorite fictional character
Jean Valjean.

Five things few people know about me
1) I have attended the Minnesota State Fair for 22 consecutive years; 2) I once had a late-night radio show in England; 3) I love power tools; 4) I am always in search of good Buffalo-style chicken wings; and 5) I have been the target of some excellent practical jokes.