The best way we can explain it is that the Ballard Spahr’s CFPB Monitor covers the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau the same way an old-school reporter covers his or her beat. When news comes down, they’re on it—and quick. Not only that, but they cover it in a way that makes it interesting and easy to understand.
And all of this is probably why the publication made its way into the ABA Journal’s Blawg 100. And, continuing our series interviewing LexBlog Network members who made the Blawg 100, we spoke with the CFPB Monitor’s Alan Kaplinsky.
Why did you decide to start this blog/why did you start blogging?
When the Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB in 2010, it was apparent to me right away that the new agency represented a sea change for the entire consumer financial services industry. Many of our nonbank clients would—for the first time—be facing the prospect of examination by a federal regulator with broad enforcement powers. As a result, I knew our clients would have a keen interest in following the CFPB.
Why do you enjoy blogging? What’s most rewarding?
I have been practicing consumer financial services law for decades and Ballard Spahr has one of the largest practices in this field in the country. Having become aware of the growing use of legal blogs, I came upon the idea of creating our own legal blog devoted to the CFPB so that we could bring our firm’s experience and depth to the table and provide timely, ongoing information about CFPB developments to our clients and friends. So when the CFPB officially opened its doors for business in July 2011, we launched our blog, the CFPB Monitor (http://www.cfpbmonitor.com). It has been really gratifying to see that we’ve recently been recognized by commenters like Above the Law in their article As ABA Blawg 100 Shows, Biglaw Is Finding The Handle On Quality Blogging for getting it right and doing it well. That was nice.
Why do you think you made it on the Blawg 100? What sets you apart?
While there are other blogs that cover the CFPB, I think our blog provides the most thorough and timely coverage of CFPB developments and does so in a way that is more “user friendly” than the style of other blogs. Our blog is a “one stop shopping place” for CFPB developments that not only tells our clients and friends what is happening at the CFPB but also provides commentary and analysis that tells them what these developments mean. As such, we have developed a loyal following of readers who have come to rely on our blog to stay informed about what the CFPB is doing and about related developments in areas such as fair credit and disparate impact liability.
What’s the biggest challenge you have in blogging?
Our biggest challenge is keeping up with the high volume of CFPB activity so that we can get the new information on the blog promptly.
Why did you choose LexBlog to help you with blogging?
We wanted to partner with a company that had experience building blogs and working with lawyers. And LexBlog has exactly that. They worked closely with our lawyers and marketing on the blog layout, workflows, and training, and they counseled us on blogging best practices.