As a modern lawyer, it’s no longer sufficient to innovate. You have to do more, like add a plus sign to the end of everything. For those who innovate by cofficing at Starbuck’s or taking calls next to the kitty litter in the basement, I’m going to drop a word that exudes instant double plusness, as in ++. That word? Airstream. As in Airstream Sport camper.
Lawyer Wally Byam invented the Airstream Clipper in the 1930s and it’s been around ever since, representing the ultimate in caravan styling as well a great vehicle for suntanning. It’s time to bring the Airstream back to its lawyerly roots and make it a stylish fixture in the modern and mobile law office practice. Here are some pointers.
The Travel Trailer Is King
Stay away from the stupid-looking Airstream touring coaches. They just scream Volkswagen Eurovan +. Go for a travel trailer. But not the Eddie Bauer Classic. Sure, it’s a great brand and has a foldable lounge included, but it’s not worth the extra bucks. Also, while we love the really big models, remember that you’ll primarily be parking your Airstream outside of big city coffee shops—typically with limited space for parking. If you end up with a Flying Cloud 28, you’ll be plugging three parking meters all day instead of the typical two.
Pay Attention to Size and Options
We recommend either a 22-foot Sport or a 20-foot Flying Cloud. If you can, spring for the twenty-two foot Sport, known as the Sport 22FB, as it typically comes with a pretty groovy table instead of a more cramped dinette. Piling around a dinette for a deposition in a sixteen-foot Sport is a bit cramped. Plus, going to the bathroom while opposing counsel is six inches away can be a bit embarrassing. Size matters in this area. Don’t skimp, even if it costs about $45,000 to do so.
Accessorize
Don’t forget needed Airstream accessories, including a t-shirt to advertise the pedigree of your office. You will also need at least 100 feet of waterproof extension cords to sponge as much electricity as you can from Starbuck’s (in addition to the free Wifi). Check with head barista, however, before parking outside on the street and running a line into the store. Some Starbuck’s baristas aren’t so cool with lawyers sponging off their stores all the time. The key word is courteous.
Also, make sure you have a good-looking sign to hang in the window or side of the Airstream to advertise your services. If, however, you aren’t comfortable with a sign because of some sort of ethical advertising bullshit, it’s perfectly fine to hang around in Starbuck’s during the day and, when things get serious with a client or potential client, just pop off the perfect line: “Why don’t we take this to my Airstream?” That’s Innovation ++.
Luckily, Airstream has an online store with all the other accessories you’ll need, other than the usual staplers, Bic pens, fax machine, and manual Bates numbering machine you already use for cofficing. But if you’ve been following our advice religiously, you should already be well prepared. Good luck. Let us know where you’ll be parking.
