LAB-rary 2013: Civility, A Discussion in Honor of Professor J. William Conger: Social Media & the Legal Profession

A Chicago area lawyer has come under fire for comments on her blog: "Denison's posts describe the 'sleazy world of probate' and the 'garden variety theft, embezzlement, malpractice and malfeasance by attorneys and the court.' The blog, according to the complaint, identifies by name and initials court-appointed guardians and describes them as 'tortfeasors.'"

How much information is too much information for a lawyer to share on their blog?

Not all news is bad news. Many practitioners have successfully walked the line between professionalism and candor. What rules have you set for yourself about social media use?

Suggest articles for your colleagues in the comments.

"Maintain professionalism—the Rules of Professional Conduct and Judicial Code follow you online. Professionalism also means that attorneys need to act professionally online."

Brian Kane, A Deputy's Tweet, an Attorney General's Headache: Balancing Personal Social Media with Public Service,  NAAGazette, March 28, 2011, at 6.

A video prepared for a panel at the 38th American Bar Association National Conference on Professional Responsibility. Robert Ambrogi, a Massachusetts lawyer and consultant, answers the question: "Do social media present any special challenges or difficulties for firms, or are they just conventional marketing and client communications through different media?"

In the comments tell us how you would decide. Should judges and lawyers connect with one another through social media?

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners determined in 2009 that bar applicants who meet special circumstances may have their social media accounts examined. Should bar associations be allowed to check your social media accounts to determine your moral fitness?