3 Reasons Lawyers Should Embrace Social Media

by Kim Niemi

Lawyers can be a cautious bunch. They know things the general public doesn’t about laws and loopholes and how easy it is to get yourself into trouble without even realizing it. So it’s understandable that lawyers might be wary or unwilling when it comes to social media. Not to mention, 60- to 80-hour work weeks aren’t unheard of, so who has the time? 

But social media has proven itself beyond a reasonable doubt – and it’s not going anywhere. Which means it’s time for lawyers to learn to use it or fall behind. Here’s our case.

​1. Other decision-making executives are already social

It might seem like a foreign land to you if you’re new to social media, but you’re not exactly alone. In fact, 83% of Fortune 500 companies have corporate Twitter accounts, and they’re using them to make connections, build business, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industries. Follow them and let them show you the ropes.

2. Not many lawyers are using social media

According to Business of Law Blog’s breakdown of the ABA’s Technology Survey for 2014, 26.9% of law firms have blogs, and only 10% of individual lawyers do. And while 81% of lawyers say they use social media, they’re not using it professionally; 22.6% of firms have no social media presence at all.   

So the competition isn't there in strong numbers yet. Lawyers who stake a claim on social media now can own their own space, and pave the way for their peers.

3. You'll need to be there eventually

There was a time when using phones, faxes, computers and email seemed just as outrageous as social media may seem to you now. But the reality is, all of these innovations have enhanced our lives and businesses, and social media is no exception.

So don’t wait for your competition to get there first and get all the attention. Get social now, and be ready for a new world of opportunity to follow.

Are you one of the lawyers or firms using social media successfully? We want to hear your tips!