A simple social media policy for law firms
Your law firm's lawyers and staff are going to use social media (Facebook, Twitter, and the like) no matter what you do. They're going to use social media at work and at home.
And it's okay. You want your employees to be engaging others to increase the size of their professional and social network. It's what brings in work by word of mouth - by reputation.
At the same time, I understand a law firm's desire to craft social media guidelines (a policy as law firms will call it) to guide its employees and protect the firm. But rather than draconian rules coming down from above drafted by lawyers who don't use social media, why not some simple rules that show your lawyers and staff you trust them?
Florida Journalism professor, Mindy McAdams, shared The Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) social media policy in a post this week. McAdams was drawn to the policy because of its simplicity. She thought it appropriate for any journalist or staff.
And why not for law firms too?
- Do not mix the professional and the personal in ways likely to bring the ABC [law firm] into disrepute.
- Do not undermine your effectiveness at work.
- Do not imply ABC [law firm] endorsement of your personal views.
- Do not disclose confidential information obtained through work.
Guidelines like this show your lawyers and staff that you regard them as responsible professionals. A long list of do's and don'ts prepared by people who don't understand social media, and in some cases turning off access to social media at the law firm, indicate a lack of respect for the intelligence and integrity of your firm's professionals.
Do you recommend disclaimers for blogs? And if so, how would you word the disclaimer? I agree with simple, brief guidelines. Just be professional.
I'd advise disclaimers for law blogs. We suggest a standard disclaimer for those on the LexBlog Network, which the lawyer authors may then modify.
The suggested disclaimer reads: "This Blog/Web Site is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state."
I bumped into a former colleague the other day who told me that he will always remember me as the crazy woman who wanted our firm to pay for our cell phones in 1996. He could not imagine a single reason why he needed to take a work call away from his desk. Now he laughs because his blackberry is attached to his hip 24/7.
McAdams' policy is stunning in its simplicity and reliance on common sense. Any law firm that wants to make it more complicated would be well-advised to (1) not [make it more complicated]; or (2) get a consultant involved that can help them understand new media and the implications of any proposed restrictions.
Excellent and timely post, Kevin!
I am a veteran journalist, laid off in January after nine years as an editor with the New York Law Journal. I believe one of the problems there was that they monitored our use of the firm's computers. As you said, instead of treating us like cows in a barn, it would have been better for them to have established standards. Even for a legal editor (lower editor) like I was, it was very important that I be able to socialize with the legal community in NYC and state.
If I may, I now ask that you view my new sites and contribute articles, if at all possible:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/veteranjournalist
With Yahoo:
http://dons-review-law-politics-science-philosophy.com
Many thanks!
Steve
Exposure vs. Reputation Management Problems
I agree Kevin, a short list is necessary because newcomers might not be aware of the pitfalls and doing damage control after the fact is tedious sometimes.
Making the list too long might discourage some and make you look like big brother. And considering the possible benefits I would try to encourage it as much as possible.