Web 2.0 - should UK legal profession be more in the game?

26 January, 2009

There are two types of people – those who view online social networking as 21st Century anathema or those who spend their days logging in from one account to another. The networking opportunities on the web are endless, with new social media site popping up, seemingly, on a daily basis. No sooner have you posted up a profile picture and ‘connected’ with a few friends, you’re then deleting you account in pursuit of being ‘seen’ on the next big thing in 2.0.

Twitter, at just over a year old, has seen a 752% growth in users – making it one of the most discussed web startups of the new millennium. Already huge in the U.S, Twitter has become a highly effective tool for the blogging community, essentially being a medium through which to promote recently updated blogs, start conversations or connect with people that have the same interests/occupation/affiliations as you.

Some describe Twitter as being an ‘orchestra’ of noise – you simply choose the instruments want to listen to. High – profile politicians, journalists, judges and celebrities use Twitter to promote their activities and opinions ( all within 140 characters) whilst the legal profession (still, mostly within the US) uses the site as an invaluable tool used to keep up with industry debate, news/services and to forge new partnerships.

Of course, there are risks: ‘Tweeting’, as described by one ‘Tweeter/Tweeble/Twit (never quite sure which is the correct term) described Twitter as ‘handing out promotional leaflets in a tornado’. 

Although you should (and are encouraged) to actively stir up opinion and debate on Twitter, it is hugely important not commit social networking faux – pas's,  especially if you work for a firm.

Out-Law.com does a good round up.

(Great nightmare story about head of FedEx’s PR company, Ketchum, getting caught out on Twitter - World's biggest boo boo.)

 Lawyers blogging - good for me and my career or waste of time?

If you have the time and are keen to share you knowledge/expertise/opinion with the World then, yes, there's no harm in starting a blog as long as you do it right. If you work for a firm - best to use an alias - no matter how innocent your postings are, they can still be misinterpreted and filtered down the WRONG tributeries. If you're keen to promote yourself and your knowledge ( Kudos amongst clients/peers) focus on your expertise - you might even be picked up by nationals for quotes, comments and in - house blogging i.e Babybarista.

Get me started - Tips

Binary Law focuses on digital publishing issues: format, design and style, technologies, marketing, copyright etc - particularly as they relate to publishing by lawyers and those serving the legal industry. It is run by publishing consultant Nick Holmes.

His tips on effective blogging ( and why lawyers should blog)  the pitfalls and beyond should get you started:  effective-blogging-for-lawyers

There’s also some useful information on US website Lawline - a continuing education forum  - regarding the pros of blogging: http://www.lawline.com/blog/post.php?post_id=254

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