straight talk for lawyers using social media
DESCRIPTION
ABA - API Presentation, May 2013 How can attorneys use social media and adhere to the legal and ethical rules.TRANSCRIPT
Straight Talk for Lawyers on Using Social MediaDeborah Gonzalez, Esq
American Bar Association – APIMay 3, 2013
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Disclaimer
This presentation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that you seek legal counsel for specific matters.
Images are used under the Fair Use Doctrine for educational purposes and belong to their owners.
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What Truth Do You Know About Social Media?
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Has Social Media Gone Too Far?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmjsnvYimRQ
Overview
Why is it important to know this?What is Social Media?What Social Media do attorneys use?Why do attorneys use Social Media?Social Media in Legal PracticeSocial Media: Resources/TimeQ&A
When You Don’t Know…
There can be consequences…
Individuals have lost jobs, been disbarred, been disciplined, lost cases, lost clients, lost money, lost their reputation, lost their good standing in their communities, etc., etc., etc.
For example…
To note…
What is Social Media?
A communications channel?
A communications method?
A life-interpretation lens?
A paradigm shift?
Trouble?
Social Media Revolution
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
ZQzsQkMFgHE
The Digital World Has ChangedNo basics anymoreFacebook, Twitter and ???Olympics never the sameDigital Campaign 2.0NLRB – 3rd Memo on Social Media
PoliciesTrade associations issued more white
papers, regulations & guidelinesGoogle Plus still around
I Create Data, Therefore I Amhttp://mashable.com/2012/06/22/data-created-every-minute/
Twitter – 140 character microblog
@law2smdeborah
Professional Rolodex on Speed
Videos on Everything!
Circles
Pin Boards
Photos Shared Instantly
Blogging Made Easy
Answers, Ratings, and Competition
+ Over 400 More
http://traffikd.com/social-media-websites/
Why do Attorneys use Social Media?
Goals: Attract Clients - Marketing Establish a reputation/Showcase Expertise Drive traffic to website Get more media attention/speaking
engagements Network & Build/maintain relationships Obtain Evidence for litigation, etc.
Why do Professionals use Social Media?
Goals: Locate information to support your practice Competitive intelligence and customer
feedback Branding Communication/Information
distribution/sharing amongst attorneys in law firms
Find a new position
Principles of Social Media
Old School: Buy attention (paid advertising) Beg for attention (free PR) Bug for attention (sales)
New School – Social Media Currency (what is important at this
moment) Authenticity (credibility) Relevance (to who is reading)
Social Media Concerns
ToolsPrivacyConfidentialityDisclosure (regulated
industries/compliance)Copyright InfringementEthics
Social Media in Legal Practice
Regulating the use(s) of social media Marketing/Information Sharing
Regulating the content of social media Intellectual Property –
ownership/infringement/offense
Regulating the access of social media What can you regulate in company
policy?
Social Media in Legal Practice
Family LawCriminal LawCommercial LawReal Estate LawTrusts, Wills, and Estate Planning Intellectual PropertyEmploymentProducts LiabilityPersonal Injury Cases
Social Media in Legal Practice
To be aware of:
Tools – which ones are your clients using; which ones should you use; how do they work most effectively?
Privacy – A person's right to control access to his or her personal information. http://www.duhaime.org/LegalDictionary/P/Privacy.aspx
Social Media in Legal Practice
To be aware of:
Confidentiality – personal data; privilege; attorney-client relationships;
Ethics – regulation of conduct; ABA Model Rules; GA Rules of Professional Conduct
Social Media and Legal Ethics
Blame Lawyers, not Twitter for Ethical Implications of Social Media
WordPress Blog Post; May 29, 2011
“the true issue lies with lawyers exhibiting poor judgment when it comes to ethical behavior online not social media creating new ethical problems”
▪ http://trickumlegis.wordpress.com/2011/05/29/blame-lawyers-not-twitter-for-ethical-implications-of-social-media/
Social Media and Resources/Time
Have a plan for using social media – it begins with your goals. Do you even need to be there?
Budget/allocate resources for it – get professional help when you need it.
Learn about it – CLE and other educational programs/books should be part of the budget.
Pick one and start there – LinkedIn is a good first choice for attorneys. Profiles are important and so is your photo!
Social Media and Resources/Time
Get in the habit of checking your social media account(s) at a certain time every day or pick one day a week. Be on a consistent schedule that will not overburden you.
Create a Google Alert for your name and your firm name.
Put a time limit on your social media activity. Practicing law and servicing your clients is priority.
Keep alert for updates on social media and the legal practice.
Enjoy the process.
Resources
http://law2sm.com/resources/website-links/
Last words…
Social Media is…
Public Permanent Powerful
Q&A
???
Thank You & Contact Info
Deborah Gonzalez, [email protected]
404-857-1331www.law2sm.com
Twitter: @law2smdeborahFacebook: Law2sm