The use and practice of social media

Abstract

This chapter explores how social media has changed the world we live in today and how it is such an important way for people to share information, communicate and connect with others. It considers how the rise in our engagement with social media platforms raises important questions about how we manage our online presence and how we curate, build and enhance our personal brand. It reflects on the difficulties in how we separate our personal and professional use of social media, and how essential it is we understand how to protect who can access our content and data. The chapter then goes on to examine how lawyers are subject to professional conduct rules when they are using social media in both a personal and professional capacity. It examines the important ethical obligations lawyers must be aware of when navigating social media platforms. It addresses how law firms are also using social media as part of their digital marketing strategy and the opportunities it provides to advertise legal services, develop brand awareness and attract new clients. The chapter concludes by considering how social media content is relevant in legal proceedings and the ethical duties lawyers have to advise their clients on their use of social media. It reflects on the many ways lawyers use or encounter social media and their responsibilities to keep up to date with developments and understand how it is relevant to all aspects of their professional lives.