Legal and Ethical Implications of Social Media

Abstract

Social media technologies continue to evolve at an increasingly rapid rate and have now replaced email as the preferred method of communication for many. Because of the Rules of Professional Conduct and other doctrines, lawyers need to be especially careful in using social media for client communication, marketing and other law firm functions, as well as handling social media as evidence. And it doesn't stop there: not only might incorrect use of social media end up as a breach of ethical rules, but it also has the potential to communicate a lack of professionalism to the community and damage a case or a client.