Lawyers Can and Should Use Social Media

By Casey C. Sullivan, Esq. on July 15, 2015 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Perhaps you've seen your friends slowly drift away from Twitter as their careers take off. Maybe you've felt pressure to not share that Clickhole masterpiece, now that you're a serious lawyer. You might even worry that sharing an article on LinkedIn could give the impression that you're not working hard enough. After all, lawyers are too important for social media, right?

Forget that. Not only can you continue to update your Facebook and 'gram your selfies as a lawyer, you should. Here's why.

1. Lawyers Are People Too

You might want to keep this one under wraps, but behind every lawyer's intimidating, sharky facade, there's a dork who blogs about video games or a holdout still playing Farmville. That's fine. Lawyers can maintain their online lives, so long as they have time. Plus, learning how to make the most of simple privacy tools can help keep your cat fancying hobbies separate from your work persona, should you so desire.

2. Passion Inspires People

Social media is a great place to give voice to your passions. Perhaps you're an ardent environmentalist, or you spend your weekends working to find homes for stray cats. Maybe you're really into using statistics to analyze burritos or obsessed with Bogota's public transit. Writing about your interests on a blog, putting together a website, or publishing articles on LinkedIn can help you share your passion with others.

If you can combine a relatable passion with your love of the law, even better. Take, for inspiration, the brilliant Law and the Multiverse blog, where two solo practitioners delve into important questions like "is Superman an illegal immigrant?" People want to connect with, and work with, individuals whose brains have space for more than just motion practice.

3. It's Networking

The golf course isn't the only place people schmooze with their bosses or drum up new business. Using social media can help you connect to colleagues and clients. Publishing online, for example, is a great way to develop your bona fides and show that you're relevant in your field. Taking advantage of Twitter and LinkedIn can help you spot new opportunities to develop your business.

Your networking won't be limited to Millennials, either. Even olds use the Internet now! A social media presence that anticipates and targets different audiences can help you connect to people from all backgrounds.

So don't worry. Being a lawyer doesn't mean you have to give up on the Internet.

Speaking of social media, be sure to connect with FindLaw via Twitter (@FindLawLP) or Facebook (FindLaw for Legal Professionals).

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