legality of connecting on linkedin when represented by attorney

by Tressa Fahey 4 min read

You must also refrain from inviting those you know are represented by counsel to connect on LinkedIn, without getting the counsel’s consent. When sending an invitation to connect, you have the ability to write a personalized note.

Full Answer

Why is LinkedIn important for law firms?

Talent Acquisition and Management. LinkedIn is a particularly vital platform for growing law firms because it is an effective tool for attracting top talent.

How many people join LinkedIn every second?

Networking. LinkedIn was built for networking. It is estimated that two professionals join the platform every second. While your firm will get new clients from a variety of sources, some of your new clients will be from referrals based on professional relationships you have developed.

How many users does LinkedIn have?

LinkedIn currently has nearly 690 million users worldwide, so it’s a target-rich environment for lawyers and law firms. The good news is that it takes less time to stay engaged on LinkedIn than other social networks like Twitter or Facebook. Getting started on LinkedIn doesn’t have to be complicated.

What is the most popular social media platform for lawyers?

Of all social media platforms, LinkedIn, which is considered the “professional” social network, is far and away the most popular with attorneys. Due to its professional and serious tone, lawyers naturally feel comfortable participating on LinkedIn. According to a 2016 ABA Legal Technology Survey Report, over 93% of lawyers now use the platform.

Does LinkedIn attract new clients?

LinkedIn might not seem like the ideal platform to attract new clients, but nearly everyone has legal troubles at some point. Ideally, attorneys that represent businesses, such as insurance defense firms and labor and employment firms, will attract more business. But, don’t discount the idea that people on LinkedIn aren’t looking ...

Does LinkedIn show up on Google?

If you have a LinkedIn company page, it could show up on the first page of Google when someone searches for your firm. LinkedIn also provides another way to drive your content and encourage “sharing,” which can get you valuable backlinks to your website. Client Acquisition and Engagement.

Is LinkedIn good for lawyers?

For many lawyers and law firms, LinkedIn is an untapped opportunity resource. Maybe you only created a profile in law school or when you first formed your firm. There is a good chance you are not capitalizing on the features that the platform offers. Here are several ways you can use LinkedIn to help build your practice ...

Why is LinkedIn important for lawyers?

It’s a terrific platform to build a professional presence . You can use LinkedIn both to find people and to be found.

Why do I want to connect with law professors?

There are many reasons why you might want to connect with professors, especially law professors. They tend to be well connected, especially within their technical fields. They could introduce you to lawyers who could give you informational interviews, writing opportunities, internships, permanent employment, and other career development ...

Why do professors not want to connect with students they are currently teaching?

Many professors will not want to connect with students they are currently teaching because of the potential conflict of interest. Wait until the course is over and you’ve received your final grade. Also double-check your graduation requirements so that you can confirm you’re not likely to have that professor again.

Can I use LinkedIn to find people?

You can use LinkedIn both to find people and to be found . As you gain seniority, you’ll be able to use LinkedIn to network with attorneys, business people, and other professionals who might be sources of referrals for you, as well as directly with potential clients.

Corey Kupfer Follow

I recently posted a simple question – and brief explanation – about how people handle LinkedIn connections who immediately solicit you. I must have touched a nerve, because it went a bit viral. You can check out the post here.

Corey Kupfer

I recently posted a simple question – and brief explanation – about how people handle LinkedIn connections who immediately solicit you. I must have touched a nerve, because it went a bit viral. My latest article dives deeper into this topic...

Corey Kupfer

Love it! Although I don’t think these types of solicitations were ever very effective, lack of authenticity is becoming much less acceptable than ever these days.

Sarah (Radford) Zambuto

I have similar approach that you shared in your article. I am open to connecting to genuine folks. Not open to connecting to spammers or anyone who acts annoying. I have seen it all!!!

Marketing Tip (and to Keep You Our of Hot water).

Ethical Considerations

  • Many states, including California, have ruled that online profiles are governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and can also be interpreted as advertisements depending on their content. (California Ethics Opinion 2012-186, PDF). Below are few things to look out for when creating or editing your Linkedin profile. 1. Identify your state of jurisdiction in your profile: This …
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Endorsement Section

  • This section is a double edged sword. On one hand, endorsements from previous clients or attorneys you have worked with can positively impact your reputation, on the other, misleading statements or false statements can place you in a sticky situation. Negative commentary and reviews also can have unpleasant effects on your status as an experienced and reputable attorn…
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Inviting People to Connect

  • You should only invite business contacts that you went to law school with, that you met at a networking event or that you have done business with. Be careful when inviting others to become a connection if they are current or past clients. Usually it is best practice to not send invites to clients but instead only allow current clients or past clien...
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Accepting Invitations to Connect

  • While it is true that the more contacts you have, the better, you only want to connect with people you actually know. When someone invites me to be their contact, I will usually deny the request if I do not know them or I will ask them how they know me in a LinkedIn message. This prompt usually leads to a conversation and I will then evaluate whether or not I want to connect with tha…
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