Are You a Twittering Lawyer? Your New Profile Has Arrived

The new Twitter profile layout is out -- and it's looking good. Have you taken a look? It's more modern, with bigger text, more images, and more information displayed in a clear way. If you want to check it out, log on to Twitter (on a computer, not on your phone) and you'll get a big notice with the option to switch to the new profile with just one click.

If you don't like it, one click will change it back. (If don't see the big notice, go to your old profile and click on the gearbox. Click on settings and go to "profile." From there, you'll see a link called "your profile." Click on that to switch to the new profile layout.)

In honor of the new profile, here are some quick tips on using Twitter effectively as a lawyer.

1. Know why you're using Twitter

Is it to keep in touch with clients? Keep abreast of new legal developments? Establish yourself as a thought leader in a subject area? Or are you using Twitter as a marketing tool? You'll get more out of Twitter if you know your purpose in using it.

2. Have a social media policy -- even if you're a solo

A good set of rules about what you will or won't tweet will keep you focused on your purpose in using Twitter. It'll help keep you and your firm out of trouble, too.

3. Be ethical

Know the ethical issues in tweeting and follow the rules in your jurisdiction. There are many pitfalls to avoid. Can you "follow" a judge on Twitter (or vice versa) or will it be considered an ex parte communication? Can you create a fake Twitter account to follow and learn more about a witness, or is that dishonest? Can you follow jurors on Twitter? Will your tweets be considered advertising? Those are just a few examples of things to consider.

Some lawyers love Twitter and feel they get a lot out of it. Some don't bother with it at all. No time? You could let FindLaw do it for you.

And don't forget to follow FindLawLP (FindLaw Legal Professionals) on Twitter.

Related Resources:

• 12 Social Media Ethics Issues for Lawyers (Solo Practice University)
• Lawyers and Social Media: The Legal Ethics of Tweeting, Facebooking and Blogging (Touro Law Review)

• 50 Twitter Accounts Lawyers Should Follow Religiously (Part II) (FindLaw's Strategist Blog)