Where most legal blogs shy away from a personal angle, Karen Koehler’s The Velvet Hammer flourishes. The blog mixes pictures and experiences from Koehler with top notch legal posts, bringing a human angle that few blogs are able to achieve. She ensures that not only is the content accessible and fun but it’s interesting and informative.
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 woman behind the blog, Karen Koehler.
Why did you decide to start this blog/why did you start blogging?
I had completed my stint as President for my state trial lawyer’s association. We had gone through an insurance related initiative fight. The insurers had bombarded the airwaves with anti-lawyer propaganda ads. The public was becoming increasingly poisoned against our justice system and in particular against lawyers. I started the blog to show that lawyers were real people too. And to help other lawyers fight against insurance company/big corporation defendants.
Why do you enjoy blogging? What’s most rewarding?
I’ve always liked to write and at first considered blogging to be simply another outlet. But I’ve learned so much in these past five years through this practice. Blogging for me – means identifying a subject that will immediately catch people’s attention. Then writing about it in enough of an evocative way to sustain that attention. Almost always through story telling. This blog is more about my audience than about me.
Why do you think you made it on the Blawg 100? What sets you apart?
My “voice” is not that of the typical, pontificating, legalese obsessed, monotone data relaying attorney. I write in the style of an entertainer. I seek to move, inspire, and educate my readers. So the blog is filled with layers of texture, color and scent. With drama. With emotion.
What’s the biggest challenge you have in blogging?
Disseminating it adequately into the big wild world web.
Why did you choose LexBlog to help you with blogging?
I’m all about personal relationships. I met Kevin O’Keefe and learned about the LexBlog network. I was impressed with the mission of integrity and collection of other blogs. I felt it would be good to be associated with a quality group to help with #4.