Social Media for Law Professionals: Friend or Foe?
Social media marketing is not widely accepted in the legal world, at least, not when compared to other professional services. Last month, we conducted a short survey of Texas lawyers in firms and in-house counsel, and the results were not surprising. More than 60% stated that their firms didnât utilize social media in marketing to clients, and more than 40% reported that their firm policy prohibited office use of most social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter. Firms may have good reason to block these sites because many legal professionals have experienced negative consequences from participating in social media sites. The New York Times reports that some legal professionals have been reprimanded by the Bar, and some have lost their jobs as a direct result.
Not to say that all social media should be written off. A good way to utilize these sites does exist. That is according to an ABA online article about how lawyers can benefit from social media if they find the right way, professionally, to do it. For example, there are approximately 142 blogs by Texas Lawyers on legal-related topics. Even the State Bar of Texas has a blog.
Of course, lawyers and law firms are subject to more scrutiny than most, and thus should proceed with caution on the social media front. While law firms arenât totally jumping on the bandwagon of social media just yet, and with good reason, itâs an area thatâs likely here to stay.