Social Networking and Legal Ethics
Although many people do not realize it, on-line social networking (such as a page on Facebook or tweets on Twitter) by lawyers is subject to the same legal ethical rules as running a television commercial, a newspaper ad or any other use of the media to promote the lawyer's practice. Reflecting on this, please be reminded of the following points:
• We are licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina, and the federal court for the District of South Carolina, and no other jurisdictions.
• Periodically we post general information based on South Carolina law, only, which we hope is helpful to you in gaining a better general understanding of the topic covered.
• Nothing we post on this or any other website should be construed as the rendering of legal advice or the solicitation of your legal business.
• Do not attempt to communicate with us on Facebook or any other on-line site about a particular legal issue or case. Please send us an e-mail, call us by telephone or make an appointment for an office visit. What could otherwise be considered to be a privileged communication from a client to a lawyer will no longer be deemed so if posted on a website.
• "Testimonials" from clients are not allowed. You may think that we are the greatest lawyers this side of the Mississippi but you are not allowed to post that statement or any other statement praising our work to a website that we control, such as this one.
On-line social networking on the Word Wide Web can be a great tool for any business, including a lawyer's. However, as with most other matters regarding the Internet, one must use care and caution in deciding what information should be published for the entire world to see, especially on a legal site.
- 1 year ago
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