This post was contributed by Matt Gold.

Learning to use social media may seem like a daunting task. The good news is that social media
and online networking is not just for the young, or technically inclined, every demographic and industry is represented. It’s never too late to use and explore social media. Before long you will discover that there are many benefits and applications for your practice of law.

For those who want to get started at a beginner’s level, this list will introduce you, and
allow you, to immediately explore social media. It includes links to video clips from the
Learn.lawline.com library offering perspectives from other legal professionals.

1. Social media is an important way for business professionals to connect with peers,
clients, and potential clients. Social media allows you to enhance your professional
reputation by complementing in person networking and other reputation building efforts.
It promotes interaction and dialogue, and is a powerful way to find people and be found
by others.

What are the five main goals for using social media?
http://learn.lawline.com/video/what-are-the-five-main-goals-for-using-social-media/

2. According to Forbes, “social media is a shift in how people discover, read and share
news, information and content.” Social media has increasingly become today’s fastest
way to share content and information. It has shifted power away from the mainstream
media and has the ability to bring in the latest news first. It has also provided channels of
communication that have given people a greater voice.

Social Media For Lawyers: Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and More!
http://www.lawline.com/cle/course-details.php?i=775 (49 Seconds in)

3. While social media is changing the way people communicate, including lawyers, the
same rules of attorney conduct apply as with other mediums of communication and
advertising. Therefore, lawyers using social media should adhere to state regulations
when advertising services, avoid making giving the appearance of an attorney client
relationship, and use disclaimers appropriately.

Social Media and the Law: What Attorneys Should Know http://www.lawline.com/
cle/course-details.php?i=967 (45 seconds in)

A Practical Look at Social Media Policies
http://www.lawline.com/cle/course-details.php?i=939 (60 seconds in)

4. Different social media sites serve different purposes. The easiest way to determine if and
where you should be participating online is to explore, observe, and listen. *See Chart.

How can attorneys start using social media to their advantage?
http://learn.lawline.com/video/how-can-attorneys-start-using-social-media-to-their-
advantage/

5. The real rewards of social media are experienced when you actually put it to work. You
can start slow, by learning to use one application at a time. I personally feel that Twitter
is a good tool to start with. It’s easy to create an account and a great way to start
listening to what customers and colleagues have to say about you. When you’re ready to
tweet, it’s an effective method of engaging with them as well as others in your field.

What are some great ways to use Twitter as a social networking tool? (Part 1)
http://learn.lawline.com/video/what-are-some-great-ways-to-use-twitter-as-a-social-
networking-tool-part-1/