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.