There is much discussion about regarding whether or not social media in fact works for certain businesses, or better yet certain fields.
The music industry is a field where social media has proven to be most effective, where are financial firms are more reluctant to engage in it.
But what about the legal profession? Do law and social media go together, and if so, how effective would it be? Surprisingly this is a very controversial topic in the legal field and there is a fine line between ethical and unethical conduct.
Attorneys and judges must abide by certain Model Rules of Professional Conduct and any possible misconduct is highly susceptible for review.
Recent discussions involved judges and lawyers and their engagement on Facebook.
Such professionals must be very cautious when using Facebook because of the Model Rules that may be in direct conflict with one's Facebook conduct.
For example, attorneys may not use direct advertising when trying to gain prospective clients.
This would clearly be an issue on Facebook considering it allows direct conversation via chat, and via messages and comments with pretty much anyone.
Another rule is the prohibition of communication with adverse clients (without the presence of their attorney).
This could arise if attorneys try to communicate with such persons via Facebook, or are seen in pictures together.
The idea is that people who work in the legal field must uphold a professional and ethical standard and Facebook could be seen as incriminating if they steer from that direction.
Facebook allows people to connect and befriend anyone, and maintain relationships with these people.
It is a wide playing field with very little rules.
The legal profession, on the other hand, comes with many rules and harsh repercussions.
Social media might in fact not work for everyone, but if you narrow your objective and target the intelligence you wish to achieve, you'd be amazed at the results.
But again, it is just an additional tool that may or may not work for you.
And that's okay too.
The music industry is a field where social media has proven to be most effective, where are financial firms are more reluctant to engage in it.
But what about the legal profession? Do law and social media go together, and if so, how effective would it be? Surprisingly this is a very controversial topic in the legal field and there is a fine line between ethical and unethical conduct.
Attorneys and judges must abide by certain Model Rules of Professional Conduct and any possible misconduct is highly susceptible for review.
Recent discussions involved judges and lawyers and their engagement on Facebook.
Such professionals must be very cautious when using Facebook because of the Model Rules that may be in direct conflict with one's Facebook conduct.
For example, attorneys may not use direct advertising when trying to gain prospective clients.
This would clearly be an issue on Facebook considering it allows direct conversation via chat, and via messages and comments with pretty much anyone.
Another rule is the prohibition of communication with adverse clients (without the presence of their attorney).
This could arise if attorneys try to communicate with such persons via Facebook, or are seen in pictures together.
The idea is that people who work in the legal field must uphold a professional and ethical standard and Facebook could be seen as incriminating if they steer from that direction.
Facebook allows people to connect and befriend anyone, and maintain relationships with these people.
It is a wide playing field with very little rules.
The legal profession, on the other hand, comes with many rules and harsh repercussions.
Social media might in fact not work for everyone, but if you narrow your objective and target the intelligence you wish to achieve, you'd be amazed at the results.
But again, it is just an additional tool that may or may not work for you.
And that's okay too.
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