CLEWebinars.com 2023 Ethics, attorneys, and social media: How to keep the disciplinary counsel from knocking at your door

Ethical conduct is a key to being an effective attorney. Each week we read about disciplinary cases where attorneys are suspended for misconduct involving clients, the courts, or other attorneys.

In this presentation we examine disciplinary cases involving the misuse of social media and the types of conduct that result in disciplinary action and suspensions. We will examine the rules of professional conduct as it relates to giving legal advice on social media and advertising on social media.  We will review a disciplinary case where a prosecutor used social media in order to persuade a defense witness not to testify at trial.  Most importantly, we learn how to avoid professional misconduct with regard to the use of social media.

NOTE: This program reviews material from relevant attorney disciplinary cases. This includes recounting excerpts from transcripts and social media posts that include profanity used by attorneys in their social media posts and other messages.

Opinions and positions stated by presenters of MoBarCLE programs are those of the presenters and not necessarily those of The Missouri Bar. This program is intended as information for lawyers in Missouri, in conjunction with other research they deem necessary, in the exercise of their independent judgment.