Make 2009 the Year of the Blog!

It's that time again, the start of a new year. As we kick off 2009, many of us have made ambitious New Year's resolutions, and by now some of us have probably broken them already!

Even if you've already broken your New Year's resolution, the start of 2009 remains an opportunity for each of us to look toward the year ahead and set goals to enhance both our practice and our development as young lawyers. It is in this spirit that we will forego a list of suggested resolutions for young lawyers (after all, resolutions are made to be broken) and instead offer an invitation to embrace a growing trend in the legal community -- blogs.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the blogosphere, a "blog" (a contraction of the term "Web log") is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Legal blogs, occasionally referred to as "blawgs" (we lawyers are so clever), are springing up all over cyberspace.

The ABA has even compiled a listing of some of the best legal blogs in its second annual "Blawg 100." There are legal news blogs and blogs about technology for lawyers. There are blogs about career strategies for lawyers and blogs about client development.

Some of the most valuable blogs for young lawyers are practice-specific. There are IP blogs, labor and employment blogs, bankruptcy blogs, product liability blogs, tax blogs and sports law blogs, to name a few. In addition, a growing number of firms are sponsoring practice-specific blogs that are accessible directly from firm Web sites.

There are also blogs targeted towards particular jurisdictions and even blogs for law students.

Blogs serve as an incredible tool for savvy young lawyers, one that we should not be afraid to take advantage of. Subscribing to practice-specific blogs can keep you on top of the latest developments in your practice area. Many of these blogs send e-mail alerts and regular updates with relevant appellate decisions, jury verdicts and news reports. Some blogs offer links directly to opinions, legislation or other information that may be helpful to your practice. Others include articles with analysis and commentary on particular issues facing the profession or the particular practice area.

However, not all legal blogs are created equal. Some offer exceptional analysis and are updated frequently -- some blogs are even update ...