Legal Tweets

I'll be in New York City on 10/8

On Thursday, October 8th, 2009 I'm going to be speaking at the "Social Media for Lawyers I" conference which is being held at New York Law School from 8-11 a.m.

This conference offers a unique and highly targeted look at social media. A panel of legal experts who have become leaders in the social media arena will offer hands on sessions as well as leading sessions on the inherent risks, limitations and potential vulnerabilities and liabilities of these social media tools.

I'll be speaking on this panel with Lisa Solomon: "6 Things Lawyers Need to Know About Social Media.

As a speaker, I've been authorized to offer my readers a 25% discount using this code: 20OAGEIA .

You can register for the conference here. Remember to use the discount code!

I'm also organizing a NYC legal professionals meetup on Oct 8, 2009, location to be determined by a native New Yorker, but it will be somewhere near the law school. 

If you're on Twitter, you can RSVP for the meetup here or simply leave me a note in the comments and I'll be sure to keep you in the loop.

The utility of social media for lawyers

nikiblack: Thinking about today's Daily Record article re: lawyers engaging in social media. Social media is different for lawyers...

• nikiblack: Gen'ly, successful SM campaigns create a fan base--ppl passionate about ur product. Ppl are not passionate about law firms. So then what?

• nikiblack: Bec. ppl are not "passionate" about their law firm, Facebook fan pages make no sense to me as a SM tool for law firms

• VBalasubramani: @nikiblack everyone's passionate about criticizing lawyers :-) ..I would take this route..(seriously, poke fun at self/profession)

• nikiblack: SM for lawyers is a different focus than most businesses. It's about creating effective online presence, networking & establishing expertise

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack SM is about people, so not passionate about law firms...but can be very engaged with their lawyer. 1 lawyer is a 'firm', too.

• JohnFMoore: RT @nikiblack: It's about creating effective online presence, networking & establishing expertise | All biz should use this way, right?

• nikiblack: -->@JohnFMoore I agree. But other biz can create viral campaigns, create a tribe of followers that evangelize their product. Not law...

• nikiblack: Sm goals are different for lawyers. With specific goals in mind, you then choose appropriate SM platforms & levels of participation.

• amyderby: Me neither, unless it's just for other lawyers. RT @nikiblack: Facebook fan pages make no sense to me as a SM tool for law firms.

• jeffrey_brandt: @nikiblack Different then what? A widget/product company? yes.. but other service industries use social media, how r lawyers dif there?

• nikiblack: Closed legal platforms are useful for networking, getting info., but do very little to contribute to effective online presence

• mikemac29: @jeffrey_brandt @nikiblack Law isn't a service industry ppl rush to interact with, or feel passionate about, it's more like a utility co.

• nikiblack: -->@mikemac29 Exactly--I totally agree. Ppl reluctantly use/pay for lawyers. Hard to create a passionate following when starting w/ that!

• nikiblack: -->@jeffrey_brandt Lawyers' services aren't "sexy"--there's no hook. Can't create sweepstakes/contest 4 reduced services 2 increase interest

• nikiblack: Twitter=effective SM platform 2 increase business 4 some lawyers. Depends on potential clients are--individuals, companies, local, nat'l?

• nikiblack: Effective SM use for lawyers is a tough balance--is time participating ultimately worthwhile or wld local networking make more sense?

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack It's what you do with the platforms to push out compelling info about lawyer to create evangelists and interest. It's called PR

• nikiblack: SM *is* useful to lawyers. No doubt. Lawyers need to understand it & participate. It can help launch practices. It can showcase expertise.

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack don't want 2 limit creativity w/ SM ie:what 'can't' be done. It's 2new, untried. There R definite don'ts but undiscovered 'dos'.

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack They may just evangelize you differently based upon non-legal interests. This may be the key. I have numerous examples...

• jeffrey_brandt: @mikemac29 Tru a service whr many turn 2 in times of trouble, but is that fault of law or failure 2 properly partner w/clients?
  

• mypractice: @nikiblack To me, the intensity of effort to convince lawyers SM is useful is reflective that it really isn't that useful

• jeffrey_brandt: RT I know sex sells, but thats the cheap way out - not the only way 2 sell @nikiblack:Lawyers services arent 'sexy'--there's no hook.

• mikemac29: @jeffrey_brandt @nikiblack Partnering w/ clients would help, esp if firm keeps them out of litigation, but will client tell story on SM?

• FlemingMF: Hype of SM for lawyer is overblown; but to suggest it's all just smoke is also overstating @nikiblack @mypractice

• jeffrey_brandt: RT w/GenY I wouldnt B so sure @mikemac29 @nikiblack if firm got me out of trouble, gr8, but I wnt B going 2 firm FB page 2 share details

• lancegodard: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt If FB fan pages could be personalized, say with specific Firm RSS feeds, then they might be useful to clients

• Lemonlawyerinfo: @nikiblack one lawyer firm tweeting nationwide and having a statewide practice? hmm...Seem to be meeting people but that might be it

• LeighMonette: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt @mikemac29 Re: evangelizing attys. Vast maj. of online comments negative; few so happy they have to shout it (1)

• LeighMonette: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt @mikemac29 Re: evangalizing attys. I'm thinking of typical products/svces. Attys are a little different (2)

• JulianRCrump: @nikiblack No doubt online soc netwrkng has it's place; but where to find the time for it? I'm amazed how many tweets some post per day.

• DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack 1potential advantage of FaceBook fan pages R that clients R already there. I C them as means 4 communicating to current clien

• DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack I think of FaceBook Fan pages 4 attorneys as Newsletter of 2009. Less invasive than email & can B provided 2 others interested

• thetrialwarrior: @JulianRCrump @nikiblack Time management + scheduled tweets x creativity = 30+ tweets per day.
  

Social Media Risks and Rewards Conference

karasmamedia: #LSMC - The Social Media Confe is getting started. Bob Ambrogi's welcoming the group w/an intro and being the Risks & Rewards conversation

DougCornelius: Develop a Corporate Policy for Social Media http://bit.ly/TucRH Materials for #lsmc presentation this morning.

nikiblack: Flynn (from obama's campaign blogging team)"have to get engaged or get left behind & be obsolete" #LSMC

alinwagnerlahmy: key to online relationship: be authentic, converse ('half the show is in the comments') - Kevin Flynn in #LSMC

LawTechNews: Read the comments, too. Can be really valuable and get more out of the convo.-TB #lsmc

nikiblack: Flynn: re: his new gig at Motorola--to seem "real" Motorola allows negative comments on Facebook fan page. #LSMC

LawTechNews: CG shows United Breaks Guitars videos, which got 5.5mil views and @united's attn. Shows power and reach. -TB #lsmc

karasmamedia: LSMC: NB - Legal Marketers, use social media to monitor your platform socialmention.com - good place to see what's said

howardgr: On panel @nikiblack - talking about how Social and Professional online networking ar by necessity intertwined. Of course! #lsmc

dougcornelius: "Give up some control of your brand (But not so much that you risk harming your brand)" Andy Mitchell of CNN on social media #lsmc

ipdotcom: followers of #LSMC might be interested in Kodak's free social media tips brochure. http://tinyurl.com/n6cfv8 (expand) via @JeffreyHayzlett

howardgr: consider using employees as "brand ambassadors" by encouraging SoMe use. #lsmc

nikiblack: Mussell (wells fargo): BLocking access to SM sites or ignoring SM is short sighted--numbers alone convince you of that. #LSMC

LawTechNews: Paul Mussell: be where your customers are. Participate or others will participate on your behalf. -TB #lsmc

commonscold at #lsmc : 2/3 of global web population visit social sites

commonscold: #lsmc: Bisard of Amex (really) -- have code of conduct, soc media policy, internet use policy, privacy policy, biggest trouble spot: vendors

nikiblack: Rosenman: 3 "ps" of SM-personal, pervasive, persistent #LSMC
karasmamedia: AR: Creating advocacy via Social Media from the people who already believe in your company is money back in your pocket - #LSMC

nikiblack: Rosenman: SM activity by companies is not an ad campaign--can't start & stop it--it's out there. COntrol is lost #LSMC

commonscold: #lsmc Sarah Bird (SEOmoz): "Transparency: you gotta do it!" monitor your affiliates. Not always well trained w/ traditional mktg bkgr nd

nikiblack: Rubin: "by the time I'm dead, the media as we know it will be dead as well." #LSMC

commonscold: #lsmc: Marc Monseau (Johnson & Johnson): 8 in 10 americans go online for health info

karasmamedia: Consumer generated content is more trusted than that put out by corporations - becomming more complicated #LSMC

LawTechNews: Monseau: don't always approve SM communication but sit down first and look at risks. Move legal dept from "no, bc" to "yes, if"-TB #lsmc

LawTechNews: Mussell (Wells Fargo): highly regulated companies are well-suited for SM since they already have compliance processes in place. -TB #lsmc

karasmamedia: RCleland-FTC Won't be going after companies whose employees publish inappropriatly - if the co's regulations are thoroughly laid out #LSMC

karasmamedia: Companies who ignore the risk by not monitoring their conversations are going to be exactly the kinds of companies the FTC looks for #LSMC

nikiblack: #LSMC Tech is moving faster than we are--faster than regulation can keep up. Monitoring is first step to get handle on things

karasmamedia: Using Social Media for the legal community is no longer optional -- Traditional channels are disappearing #LSMC

karasmamedia: VDimauro - No matter what social media tools get used, it's about strategy. success factor is based on business goal and objective #LSMC

karasmamedia: Running over to the next new tool is not the solution. Defining what you need to achieve& Redefining how you react and interact is key #LSMC

nikiblack #LSMC Speed matters with SM--can go from problem to crisis in very short time unlike the old way things were done

Can Twitter be useful to lawyers?

DisabilityGuy: Great post, I agree w/ everything except following 2000 RT @Scobleizer What I'm learning from Twitter: http://bit.ly/DK4G6

• nikiblack: @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy I agree w/ @Scobeleizer 100%--Twitter is the most important SM platform right now--for now;)

• nikiblack: -->@DisabilityGuy @uMCLE Not sure that Twitter is best format for many lawyers, but in general--best & most important SM platform

• DisabilityGuy: -> @nikiblack & @uMCLE: Twitter is important 2 lawyers 4 learning new things. May not directly drive business, but helps U practice better

• nikiblack: -->@uMCLE @DisabilityGuy That's a great point-for lawyers--Twitter's better as an RSS reader, info. gatherer & for networking, too, I think.

• DisabilityGuy: Twitter disc. w/ @nikiblack - Today I reviewed multiple tips 4 improving my website 2 better serve clients & tips 4 productivity. Invaluable

• uMCLE: @DisabilityGuy @nikiblack When attys need to become "experts" overnight, use SM:Twitter for current issues/language then LinkedIn for depth

• DisabilityGuy: @gerkmana @nikiblack @uMCLE - I wouldn't have come in contact w/ many experts in my practice area w/out Twitter. I'm a better lawyer 4 that

• gerkmana: nikiblack @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy Presenter I saw yesterday said maybe... not. But I think yes, at very least because of search.

• DisabilityGuy: @LeighMonette @nikiblack @uMCLE: True value is indirect marketing opportunities. Twitter presence provides visibility, may lead 2 new client

• LeighMonette: @nikiblack @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy - I met with 2 clients a few days ago who found me through my tweets. I use primarily for networking though

• LeighMonette: @DisabilityGuy @nikiblack @uMCLE - I agree re: indirect mktg. Engaging in meaningful exchanges with peers helps me connect and show ability.

• gerkmana: @nikiblack @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy And b/c of networking/relationships, of course. But as with everything, it's not for everyone.

• DisabilityGuy: @LeighMonette @nikiblack @uMCLE: Twitter provides better visibility than Website, LinkedIn, Blog & approaches Facebook. Captive Audience

• gerkmana: @DisabilityGuy Love that. Sometimes we forget networking is more about learning than anything else. @nikiblack @uMCLE

• uMCLE: @DisabilityGuy @LeighMonette @nikiblack of all platforms, real-time exchange that Twitter offers mimic traditional relationship building >>

• uMCLE: @DisabilityGuy @LeighMonette @nikiblack >> but what's truly unique is the unprecedented access from and to potential clients

• uMCLE: @nikiblack Impt element that gets lost - patience re social media networking. @kevinokeefe evangelizes bldg relationships. Agree!

• LeighMonette: @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy @nikiblack - Real-time is a definite plus, but can cut both ways if you're not always in the stream...

• DisabilityGuy: Another viewpoint 2 add 2 @nikiblack conv. from earlier RT @LegalBlogWatch Are Lawyers Getting Clients From Twitter? http://twurl.nl/fud4le

lawtechTalk Episode #5-Cloud Computing and Your Law Practice

The fifth episode of lawtechTalk is now available. 

This presentation will focus on three different types of online legal technologies.  In it I'll discuss the concept of "cloud computing" and explore the main features of  each to help you figure out which will best meet your law firm's needs.

This episode is a little over one hour long and is sponsored by the three companies featured in the screencast: VLOTech (a virtual law office platform), NKrypt (offers a secure, encrypted email network), and NetDocuments (online document management) and for a limited time, is available at no cost. 

As a reader of my blog, you can simply click here to access this episode, instead of contacting me for information regarding how to access it.

The fifth episode of lawtechTalk is now available. 

This presentation will focus on three different types of online legal technologies.  In it I'll discuss the concept of "cloud computing" and explore the main features of  each to help you figure out which will best meet your law firm's needs.

This episode is a little over one hour long and is sponsored by the three companies featured in the screencast: VLOTech (a virtual law office platform), NKrypt (offers a secure, encrypted email network), and NetDocuments (online document management) and for a limited time, is available at no cost. 

As a reader of my blog, you can simply click here to access this episode, instead of contacting me for information regarding how to access it.

The fifth episode of lawtechTalk is now available. 

This presentation will focus on three different types of online legal technologies.  In it I'll discuss the concept of "cloud computing" and explore the main features of  each to help you figure out which will best meet your law firm's needs.

This episode is a little over one hour long and is sponsored by the three companies featured in the screencast: VLOTech (a virtual law office platform), NKrypt (offers a secure, encrypted email network), and NetDocuments (online document management) and for a limited time, is available at no cost. 

As a reader of my blog, you can simply click here to access this episode, instead of contacting me for information regarding how to access it.

The fifth episode of lawtechTalk is now available. 

This presentation will focus on three different types of online legal technologies.  In it I'll discuss the concept of "cloud computing" and explore the main features of  each to help you figure out which will best meet your law firm's needs.

This episode is a little over one hour long and is sponsored by the three companies featured in the screencast: VLOTech (a virtual law office platform), NKrypt (offers a secure, encrypted email network), and NetDocuments (online document management) and for a limited time, is available at no cost. 

As a reader of my blog, you can simply click here to access this episode, instead of contacting me for information regarding how to access it.

The fifth episode of lawtechTalk is now available. 

This presentation will focus on three different types of online legal technologies.  In it I'll discuss the concept of "cloud computing" and explore the main features of  each to help you figure out which will best meet your law firm's needs.

This episode is a little over one hour long and is sponsored by the three companies featured in the screencast: VLOTech (a virtual law office platform), NKrypt (offers a secure, encrypted email network), and NetDocuments (online document management) and for a limited time, is available at no cost. 

As a reader of my blog, you can simply click here to access this episode, instead of contacting me for information regarding how to access it.