Kevin O'Keefe commented today about an article in the ABA Journal suggesting that social media for lawyers is dangerous. As proof, the article cites bone-headed lawyer moves such as blogging about a Judge and calling her "a witch," "mentally unfit," and "unfit for her position"; an assistant public defender revealing confidential information about cases she was working on online; and, ex parte communication via Facebook between a judge and an attorney appearing before him.
For attorneys like this, yes, social media is dangerous. But so is the Postal Service, fax machines, email, and courtroom hallways. Lawyers with poor ethical grounding or loose lips are a danger anywhere they are allowed to speak.
It's true that social media gives lawyers even more ways to show their ignorance or lack of discretion. But that doesn't mean we need new rules restricting its use. So says Mr. O'Keefe and I agree, as I've written before.
In fact, couldn't we make the case that what's really dangerous is the idea of restricting social media? Aside from it being an assault on freedom of speech, it would be an assault on the use of common sense. Putting extraordinary limits on attorneys' use of social media might give readers a false sense of trust in what they read online. I don't know about you but I don't want to live in a world where people think, "I saw it on Facebook so it must be true."
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How's business? The ABA Journal wants to know. They are surveying lawyers on the job market and the state of the economy. They've asked me to mention this on my blog, so here it is:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=9Dhw2g7bX_2bxfq4mW8eB1Cg_3d_3d
Surveys are interesting, but guess what? The job market and the state of the economy have no bearing on your life. Unless you believe it will.
If you believe the economy will materially affect your practice or job, it will. If you believe it won't, it won't.
Does that sound naive? Some kind of new age hooey? Well, if you believe that, then for you, that's exactly what it is. But I have different beliefs. I believe we create our reality. I believe we can choose to be successful in the face of adversity or we can choose to capitulate, wring our hands, and suffer along with everyone else.
It's our choice.
You can choose personal responsibility. You can choose to be optimistic. You can choose to see opportunity when others see Armageddon. In the Depression of the 1930's, unemployment was twenty-five percent and millions suffered. But many made fortunes. I guess they understood that periods of great change create opportunities for the status quo to change. Of course that's also why many previously wealthy people jumped out of windows.
Business philosopher, Jim Rohn, said, “It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go.” How are you choosing to set your sails?
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Update: In case you're interested, here's a link to the survey results: http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/14307_lawyers_predict_the_future
Filed under Career satisfaction, Dealing with stress, Personal development by
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