More than half of the people seeking legal assistance look for a lawyer on their own and the majority do it by conducting an online search.
Does your law practice have an online presence?
Social media gives you the ability to connect with clients, potential clients, and other legal professionals in an interactive manner. People can comment on pictures or live reels to give feedback or ask for information.
Social media for lawyers and law firms also allows them to post employment opportunities. They use it for networking and advertising as well.
Are you using social media to promote your services? Keep in mind that there are strict social media rules for lawyers to follow. Keep reading to learn the rules regarding lawyers’ use of social media.
Social Media Ethics
Nothing is completely private on social media and engaging in inappropriate behavior can result in bar discipline or sanctions or the loss of a job.
It’s not just in good taste to behave appropriately online, there are also guidelines set forth by the American Bar Association on social media ethics. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Don’t Use Hypotheticals
A lawyer might think it’s helpful to others to outline details of a certain type of case with some details, names, and dates changed to protect the privacy of the people involved, but don’t do it.
Someone could guess the identity and the lawyer could be held in violation of Rule 1.6 and end up suspended.
Attorney-Client Relationship
When communicating with followers on social media, lawyers have to be careful with their comments or responses. Such communication might imply the establishment of an attorney-client relationship.
It’s a good idea to include a footnote stating that the content is not meant to form any type of attorney-client relationship.
Don’t Give Legal Advice
Because some social media platforms have sharing capabilities, anything you post can potentially end up going around the world.
Make sure that you post general information like legal news or the summary of a case and not legal advice.
Want to know more about how to use TikTok for lawyers? You’ll learn three content ideas to help your firm gain exposure online that’ll help you attract new clients.
Social Media Policies
Every law firm that uses social media or has attorneys using it has put forth social media policies to follow.
While it’s an inexpensive way to get your name out there, firms worry about sensitive information being exposed.
Lawyers have to be mindful not to share case-sensitive information or daily court proceedings.
Social Media Rules for Attorneys
While it’s very common for every type of professional and business to use some form of social media these days, there are social media rules to consider. The rules are in place to keep you from engaging in ethics violations. Even when using a personal account, lawyers need to act professionally.
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