Online social networking for lawyers

A recent report has revealed that, as traditionally conservative adopters of technology, many lawyers simply have not had the time to consider the implications of social networking websites; others dismiss them as passing fads or consider them to have no lasting impact on the legal world.

Nevertheless, there could be much to gain if lawyers make the effort to embrace this new medium of communication - and it could also provide an advantage when it comes to career advancement.

"It is important that lawyers embrace online networking, so long as it doesn't replace face-to-face networking," said Doron Paluch, director of Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment. "Business relationships can be created and developed on the web, and information about relevant issues such as legal developments, the state of the market, and recruitment can be readily and quickly sourced through online networking and blogs. Online networking can also give a lawyer wider global/international reach and exposure."

It is beyond dispute that the rapid growth on online communities and social networks is helping people connect in new and interesting ways. And sites such as Facebook, Twitter, XING.com, Plaxo, FriendFeed and LinkedIn can indeed provide a platform for legal professionals to raise their profile, promote skills, connect with prospective clients, employers and candidates and discover new markets and opportunities.

Other social networking mediums (see boxout below) specific to the legal profession allow lawyers to share their views and information on particular topics specific to law, highlighting the depth of their expertise through writing and describing the cases and transactions they work on.

"Online networking can definitely assist in career advancement for lawyers if used appropriately - to make you more visible and to learn and understand more about current or potential clients. Some companies are also using online networking sites to raise awareness of vacancies. Graduate recruiting programs are appearing on Facebook," says Paluch. "So while I wouldn't say that lawyers who do not embrace online mediums are making 'career blunders', they could certainly be missing opportunities."

However, Paluch also warns that whilst social online networking can be used as an advantage in the job market - lawyers looking to expand their networks, source new employment opportunities or self-promote, should be wary to do so via the right networks and use some discretion as to how much they reveal.

"Lawyers should make sure they delineate between purely social networking compared to professional and also be very careful about what information they share on the internet, because careers can actually be damaged if a lawyer publishes negative material that could be accessed by an employer, clients and/or colleagues."

Source: Report by Headshift in association with ARK Group - Social Networking for the Legal Profession

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