straight talk for lawyers using social media

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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Who Am I and What is Law2sm?

www.law2sm.com

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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/

Social Life Online

http://www.facebook.com/Law2sm

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

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Thank You & Contact Info

Deborah Gonzalez, Esq.deborah@law2sm.com

404-857-1331www.law2sm.com

Twitter: @law2smdeborahFacebook: Law2sm