PLAN No. 659. THIS LAWYER WRITES FOR NEWSPAPERS
This lawyer says that one of the best ways of developing your abilities is to write, and he found time in the establishment of his early practice to write for the newspapers of his community. He lived in a large city, and certain columns of the newspapers were usually open for the discussion of public questions, and he took that opportunity to get acquainted with the community. However, he was very careful to see to it that he wrote only his own true convictions, and, when matters were thrown open for public discussion he endeavored to suggest through the columns some topic of general interest. He did not hesitate to write on this subject, and made it a point to put forth an article of sufficient strength and value which he could later support if it were attacked, and in this way he engaged in many controversies in the community which brought to him an increase of business. He also made arrangements with a farm paper to answer legal questions in its columns, such as queries on line fences, and the like, and made a nominal charge for the answers. He answered a column to a column and a half of questions each month, and made a certain charge for his opinion on other subjects which he could not answer in the paper. This was all done under the auspices of the farm paper. They were very glad to give him a certain amount per month for this service. This brought him during the year considerable business. He states that the income he can directly trace to this kind of writing, netted him not less than $1,500 to $1,800 per annum. Also from time to time, on certain matters of general interest, he would put out a little pamphlet under his own signature and sell for a small figure—10 or 15 cents. From this source he derived several hundred dollars a year, as well as bringing his name before the community in a novel and interesting manner.
During the first four or five years’ practice of any attorney, he can very well afford to do this kind of work and it will help establish him in his community. It will not only make him acquainted, but will at the same time develop his ability as a writer and a thinker.