We all spend way too much time browsing social media. It is easy to get lost looking at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and every other platform that has become a way of life. Although most of the time spent on social media is harmless, sometimes what seems harmless often can be problematic.… Learn more. “Beware of Social Media!”
Read MorePundits swiftly smacked down Rosanne’s recent racist and anti-Semitic tweets, comparing them with New York Lawyer Aaron Schlossberg’s videotaped, racist rant against people for standing in front of him in a line. In a situation, where honestly, blameless people were supporting a local business, Attorney Schlossberg fumed at them shamelessly, calling them undocumented immigrants for inconveniencing him.… Learn more. “Professionals @High_Risk on Social Media”
Read More… Learn more. “Authenticating Social Media Evidence Is Harder Than Lawyers Think” Read MoreLet’s play a game. You’re the judge. Under the following facts, is the social media evidence admissible?
After obtaining a Court Order allowing him to obtain a criminal defendant’s Facebook records, the prosecutor files a motion seeking permission to introduce into evidence the following items:
- Screenshots of the defendant’s Facebook account
- Various undated mobile and online “chat” messages
- A bloody hands photo posted by another individual
So, which items were admissible?
According to recent surveys, two-thirds of all American adults use Facebook, with the majority using it on a daily basis. Social media platforms are ever-growing and changing, with 78% of people under the age of 24 now using Snapchat, and 71% using Instagram. Using these platforms to make statements or post photos has become second-nature for many, and you might not realize the risks of using social media if you are in the midst of a legal battle.… Learn more. “Plaintiffs Must Be Careful Using Social Media When Pursuing Injury Claims”
Read MoreFor lawyers, the issue of social media – whether it is their use of it or, God forbid, their clients’ use of it – is one that seems to pervade every area of their practices. As a result, many attorneys prefer the “head in the sand” approach, hoping that if they ignore it, it will go away.… Learn more. “12 Rules for Lawyers to Ethically Deal With Social Media”
Read MoreAh, social media. Facebook, Yelp, you name it, social media is out there, and lawyers are using – and misusing it. Here are some recent examples that highlight the issues confronting us – and why it is best to recognize the problems up front – so you don’t have to hire me to represent you in front of the Disciplinary Board later.… Learn more. “Lawyers & Social Media – Adding Flames to Fires”
Read MoreThe Pennsylvania Bar Association Committee on Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility has released an Ethics Opinion on Social Media, explaining to lawyers what they can and cannot do when posting or responding to information and comments on social media websites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Avvo and others. The Opinion, one of the first in the country to broadly address these issues, explains (1) the issues confronting attorneys who use social media, (2) the ethical obligations of attorneys using social media, and (3) what attorneys and their staff may and may not do when dealing with information that their clients post on social networking websites.… Learn more. “Pa. Bar Association Ethics Opinion Offers Attorneys Guidance on the Use of Social Media”
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