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There are a great number of people on Twitter these days. Generally, one doesn't think of attorneys as being among those that Tweet. So, you may be surprised to learn many Internet-savvy attorneys are finding more and more ways to use Twitter and other social networks like LinkedIn. Two examples: “Tweagle” is a LinkedIn Group for lawyers using Twitter, and the LinkedIn Group “Legal Blogging” is populated by attorneys who have personal blogs or write for a law firm blog.
Melanie Hatton whose Twitter handle is @in_house_lawyer, is an In-House Counsel using Twitter as an information resource. “I then realized that because I had so much real-time information I also had a lot of information to share. Following on from that I have been able to build up more of a profile in my industry,” she says.
Not only does Hatton have a very active Twitter account but she also has a blog - “because sometimes 140 characters are just not enough” - and is the founder of the LinkedIn Group Tweagle.
Haton believes in-house lawyers need to be resourceful to find good and relevant information. “I found that Twitter really helps me as I get a constant stream of information based on following a carefully selected group of lawyers in private practice and other in-house lawyers as well as government sources, industry sources and legal publications.”
Many other attorneys both In-House and in firms have Twitter accounts and blog for their firms. Attorneys are using social media to keep up with developments in their speciality.
The more business-minded LinkedIn network is attracting lawyers in large numbers. LinkedIn Groups, Answers and the ability to follow companies have increased the relevance of the site to the point where it cannot be ignored. LinkedIn's integration with JD Supra also has attorneys flocking to the social network.
Hatton says: “Four years ago LinkedIn was just a glorified address book full of business cards, but it has recently come into its own. LinkedIn groups are a very good way of connecting with your peers. I receive a weekly email update highlighting discussions that have been started which I might have an interest in.”
As a lawyer you are also a salesperson, a rainmaker and you must be easy to find. Being active on social networks can only help you be easier to find. I also believe LinkedIn can assist you with obtaining referrals from your network of contacts. LinkedIn needs to be taken seriously by attorneys wanting to grow their practice and remain relevant in the legal community in which they live and work.
One last thought. The ABA Model Rules of Professional Responsibility require attorneys to provide “competent” counsel to their clients. CANON 6 provides: A Lawyer Should Represent a Client Competently. “Because of his vital role in the legal process, a lawyer should act with competence and proper care in representing clients. He should strive to become and remain proficient in his practice and should accept employment only in matters which he is or intends to become competent to handle.”
The Ethical Considerations go on to say “A lawyer is aided in attaining and maintaining his competence by keeping abreast of current legal literature and developments, participating in continuing legal education programs, concentrating in particular areas of the law, and by utilizing other available means. He has the additional ethical obligation to assist in improving the legal profession,… In short, a lawyer should strive at all levels to aid the legal profession in advancing the highest possible standards of integrity and competence and to meet those standards himself.”
I believe, in the not too distant future, an attorney not using the Internet and social networks in his or her practice will not be providing competent counsel to their clients. The Internet and social networks provide real time information about trends in an attorney's practice area, recent caselaw, and additional valuable information. In addition to assisting attorneys in keeping up with current law, the Internet can be used to investigate claims, opposing counsel, opposing parties and prospective jurors. There is a myriad of uses for the Internet and social networks in your practice. If you aren't availing yourself of these resources you should contact us to see how we can help.
