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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
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
