Lance Goddard interviewed Omar Ha-Redeye on 22Tweets:

@omarharedeye, thank you for joining us on Twitter. Tell us, who is @omarharedeye?
Remember the Shaft theme song? I’m a complicated man, and finally resigned myself to this fact. Just trying to have my type of fun.
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Well, your bio reads a little like a spy novel, making it hard to know where to start…. What are you currently doing?
I’m in the last stage of becoming a lawyer in Ontario, Canada. We work under another lawyer in a process called “articling.”
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You finish your articles soon, don’t you? What’s next for you? Part of a firm or your own practice?
No plans for my own practice any time soon. Litigation is highly leveraged, and cost consequences here make group practice prudent.
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Where do you see yourself in five years? What type of practice, what type of firm, etc.?
That really depends on the opportunities. The legal profession here is still hesitant with social media, and I’m extremely visible.
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Indeed. You are the Ontario Bar’s “Articling Student Ambassador” for the Toronto Region. What does that role entail?
Mostly meetings with exec. Advocating student interests. Encouraging participation in the OBA. Meeting lots of interesting people.
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You’ve seen how others do it. How well does the CA system stack up in preparing students for “the real world” of law?
We balance strengths of US and UK systems; previous education, and practical experience. But only practice prepares for practice.
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You have a very storied past: nuclear medicine, health admin, corporate comms and PR. Why did you become a lawyer?
I still do all of those careers in some capacity, even today. Law is just the newest layer in the skills and interests I’m pursuing.
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And how will your passions of the past shape your practice of the future?
It’s the reason I engage in social media, I’m involved in the bar and teach. Life experience taught me to give back and value input.
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Nice philosophy. What lessons did you learn doing communications for a provincial cabinet minister?
Politics and law are intricately related, there’s no escaping it. Any lawyer interested in reform or advocacy must become political.
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Tell us about going to South-East Asia after the 2004 tsunami. What did you do there? Where?
We set up a medical clinic in a small rural area called Panton Labu. Only possible because of diplomatic relationships we developed.
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Must have been very satisfying to help that way. How do you describe yourself to people you meet at a cocktail party?
Just Omar. Then find commonalities with them; there’s almost always something. Everyone ends up knowing a slightly different Omar.
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You blog, for your site http://bit.ly/f9zjmk and these http://bit.ly/em4ZpG http://bit.ly/8sA3xP. Why do you do it?
I have a lot to say. It’s fun, and I meet people. And dozens Google my name every day. I have to give them something to talk about.
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:-) Congrats on winning Blawg Review of the Year for BR #278 http://bit.ly/g2wput. Will it be your last BR?
Unlikely. We all need to engage in more online projects that refer to other sites, across jurisdictions. Builds stronger community.
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What’s the role of social media for lawyers today? Mktg tool? Relationship tool? Info tool? All of the above? None?
All of the above. Few lawyers thrive in isolation/obscurity. People, including clients, are online. Let’s join them in a classy way.
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But you were “social” before social media (eg, Pres of 3 student clubs). Is online different or just diff channels?
Exactly. Online activity should continue in person. Continuity is important, & I’ve always been pretty sociable before social media.
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Indeed. Let’s switch gears. What is the most significant issue currently facing the legal profession?
How effectively can a service-based industry efficiently adapt to a rapidly changing economy without compromising client quality?
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What will the legal landscape look like in 10 years?
Similar to today, given our resistance to change. But technology is a game changer, allowing firm growth we haven’t seen in decades.
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The answer to this one is probably pretty easy, but what would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?
Probably work on my other half dozen careers. Surprisingly not much different than now, i.e. writing, teaching, pro bono, comm work.
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How do you want to be remembered?
The guy who figured out how to clone himself. Or work without sleep. The story isn’t over yet, and many memories to come, I hope.
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What do you do when you’re not working?
Seems I’m always working these days. Family, friends, like everyone. A few eccentric reading hobbies. Lots of movies for down time.
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What advice can you pass along to lawyers currently under- or unemployed due to the economic crisis?
No job doesn’t mean you can’t work. Write a book, build a blog, volunteer in community. Stay busy, jobs will come if you’re positive
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And our final question for you: what advice do you have for people going to law school today?
Play the long game, starting today. Don’t succumb to negative behaviour. Nice guys do finish first, so keep giving to your peers.