Back on Camera

For the last two decades, Eric Seidel has been the go-to guy for small businesses and individuals needing help solving problems and disputes with bigger firms or agencies. He appeared weekly on WTVT Fox 13 as “The Consumer Lawyer,” a title he still bears proudly on business cards for his new, small law firm.

But being a champion for consumer rights isn't enough, so Seidel has branched his firm into a multimedia service aimed at helping companies with their social networking needs. Even after leaving his popular position at the Tampa television station, he was still getting calls from former viewers with “how do we” questions.

So far, he says the response to his new business format and his website, EricCanHelp.com, has been tremendous. Seidel has set up shop in 4,000 square feet on the top floor of the Westshore 500 building, overlooking Interstate 275 next to WestShore Plaza mall, with plenty of room for growth.

“The companies we're dealing with now can't wait to get started,” says Seidel, who has secured 15 clients in a short time. “The response has been tremendous and just the right amount.”

While he advertises occasionally on Fox 13, Seidel says online marketing has also proven to be effective. In fact, one of his biggest motivators for leaving the station in August after 19 years was the prospect of expanding social media to incorporate video presentations while traditional TV appears stagnant.

By using services such as YouTube and Skype, companies can make high-definition presentations to current and potential customers beyond a static web page, without incurring the high cost of video production. Seidel produces his own one-minute videos offering consumer advice, and the new office even includes a small TV studio with cameras, lights and a green screen for varied backgrounds.

“We want to help businesses pursue the customers they deserve,” he says, adding that he wants to be able to develop Seidel Law beyond the traditional model of civil trial firms.

To that end, Seidel has brought on board Kendall Almerico, a well-known Tampa trial lawyer and sports agent who also has plenty of TV experience.

Almerico is still remembered for hosting a weekly public access cable program “Legally Speaking” and was frequently featured on Seidel's “Ask a Lawyer” segments on Fox 13.

Besides offering legal advice and counsel, Almerico says the move from his own law firm allows him to continue the video side of his practice online. The key, he says, is making both legal and video services available in a one-stop shop.

“We're trying to sell an affordable package, but if people want more we're set up to do most everything,” says Almerico, who is in the process of combining his nearby office with Seidel's firm. He adds that his longtime law partner, Brian Mooney, will also join the practice soon.

Seidel Law currently has eight employees from the combined practices and looks to add lawyers and support personnel as growth allows. It has an option to take additional space on the 10th floor of Westshore 500.

In the meantime, the firm operates with greater efficiency thanks to technology.

A video monitor greets visitors in the lobby, rather than a full-time receptionist, so someone in the back office can respond through two-way video reception.

There are video monitors throughout the offices that can display various videos and web pages.

Seidel says his years at Fox 13 and the recognition he still enjoys from that time have helped advance the promotion and growth of his new law firm. “It's an incredible bonus,” he says.