Social media for law firms and lawyers

Social Media for Law Firms and Lawyers

Presented to PSALA Tech Section, January 28, 2014

Our goals today?

Gain understanding of why social mediais important

Understand types of mediumsand benefitsof each

Learn what mightwork for you

See who is using effectively

Understand ethical considerations

So, WHY is social media important?

• Showcases Practice Expertise

• Client Engagement• Competitive

Intelligence• Increases SEO • Cost Effective

Not Dinosaur

2013 American Bar Association Legal Technology Survey Report:

• 59 percent of lawyers said that their firms have a social network presence, compared with 55 percent in 2012, 42 percent in 2011 and 17 percent in 2010.

Source: American Bar Association

• Among lawyers individually, 81 percent say that they use social networks for professional purposes, up from 78 percent in 2012, 65 percent in 2011 and 56 percent in 2010.

…..social media has proven it’s no fad, it’s a necessity

Still not convinced?

2013 In-House Counsel New Media Engagement Survey:

• 73% say the use Social Media

• They are using Facebook mainly for personal use.

• They are using LinkedIn to strengthen professional contacts.

Source: http://insidecounselsurvey.com

• They are reading industry news on blogs.

• They are turning to these sources with the same frequency as traditional media outlets.

• Older colleagues are using Social Media weekly, and keeping pace with the younger generation.

Top social mediums for law firms and lawyers (in order of importance):

1. LinkedIn2. Blogs3. Twitter4. YouTube5. Facebook

Which are right for your firm?

Social Media as your firm or via lawyers? Or both?

Strategies for both scenarios

#1 whether Law Firm or Attorney:

At very minimum for all law firms and attorneys - LinkedIn:

• Law Firm Company Page• Connected to lawyers

and staff• Completed Lawyer

Profiles• Unique URLs• Color Headshot• Client Connections and

follows

Who’s Doing it Well - LinkedIn:

• Perkins Coie: Perkins Coie

• Ryan Swanson: Ryan Swanson

Blogs – First Thing

• Niche Niche Niche

• Lawyer Commitment

Who’s Doing it Well - Blogs:

• Foster Pepper: Native Legal Update

• Davis Wright Tremaine: Startup Law Blog

Twitter – First Thing

• Firm Account or Attorney?

• Commitment

Who’s Doing it Well - Twitter:

• Bill Marler, Marler Clark

• K&L Gates, Firm Account

YouTube – First Thing

• Attorney Selection

• Tight Messaging

Who’s Doing it Well - YouTube:

K&L Gates

K&L Gates

Facebook – First Thing

• Last Thing

• Reuse other content

• Personal look

Who’s Doing it Well - Facebook:

• Stoel Rives: Stoel Rives

Ethical Considerations

The ABA 20/20 Commission considered amendments in 2012 to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct to address specific lawyer social networking issues, but ultimately recommended no sweeping rule changes in this area.

Ethical Considerations

Thus, the current rules apply to all lawyer conduct. Read them. Follow them.

Ethical Considerations

Do use the confirmation principle. Confirmation is a “technique for preventing unintended actions byrequiring verification of the actions before they are performed.”

Ethical Considerations

Don’t lie. Don’t fudge.

Ethical Considerations

Don’t give legal advice to anyone on a social networking site. Instead, provide only legal information.

Ethical Considerations

Don’t reveal confidential information on social media sites.

Ethical Considerations

Don’t post anything on social media during trial or pending verdict.

Ethical Considerations

Don’t communicate with judges and jurors. Don’t send them invitations to connect.

Opportunity knocks!

Presented to PSALA Tech Section, January 28, 2014

Social Media for Law Firms and Lawyers