The Unspoken Rules of Social Media for Attorneys

Ever feel like everyone else is killing it on social media while you’re still wondering whether you should even be on it? For attorneys, it’s not just about visibility—it’s about credibility. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a larger firm, your digital presence matters more than ever.

Potential clients are checking out your posts before they even think about picking up the phone. And it’s not just clients—referral partners, journalists, and even opposing counsel are likely scrolling your feed. So yeah, how you show up online actually counts.

What You Post Sends a Message

Social media isn’t a casual space when you’re a lawyer. Every comment, like, or share can subtly reinforce your professionalism—or chip away at it. That doesn’t mean you can’t show personality. In fact, a little humanity goes a long way. But if you’re constantly veering into sarcasm or ranting about every local policy change, it might not land the way you think.

Ask yourself: Would I be comfortable seeing this on a courtroom screen? If the answer is even a hesitant maybe, backspace is your best friend.

Navigating the Gray Area

Here’s where it gets real. About a third of the way through building a strong online presence, most lawyers hit a wall: the question of compliance. That’s where knowing the social media rules for attorneys becomes essential.

There are ethics boards that frown upon casual comments that could be construed as legal advice. Some jurisdictions treat LinkedIn recommendations or endorsements as advertising. Even something as simple as answering a legal question in a Facebook group could inadvertently create an attorney-client relationship.

It’s easy to think, “It’s just a post.” But for lawyers, it could be seen as solicitation, breach of confidentiality, or worse. You don’t need to overthink every tweet, but you do need a general awareness of what your state bar considers off-limits.

Don’t Be a Billboard

Have you seen those accounts that feel like one long ad? “Call us now!” “We won another case!” “Here’s another 5-star review!” That kind of content might check the box for activity, but it rarely engages anyone.

People want to connect with real people—not walking advertisements. If you’re only using social media to promote your wins, you’re missing out on the opportunity to become a trusted voice. Try mixing in real-world commentary, useful insights, or answers to questions clients often ask.

Personality Isn’t a Liability

Lawyers often hold back on social because they worry about saying the wrong thing. But being cautious doesn’t mean you have to be cold.

You can be professional and still show your human side. Share a photo of your office dog. Talk about what it’s like prepping for trial. Offer a behind-the-scenes look at how you help clients through tough situations. It builds connection, and connection builds trust.

The key is intention. Be mindful, not robotic. Be approachable, not flippant.

Your Reputation Has No Off-Switch

Ever wonder if it’s okay to post that sarcastic take on jury duty or joke about a crazy court filing? Technically, you have freedom of speech. But ethically, you have a reputation to protect—one that doesn’t disappear when you close the app.

A post might live for a moment on your screen, but screenshots are forever. That doesn’t mean you can’t be funny or bold. It just means every post should pass the silent test: “Would I want my ideal client to see this?”

Engagement Isn’t Just About Likes

So you’re not going viral. That’s okay. Social media success for attorneys isn’t about follower count. It’s about staying top of mind with the right audience.

If a past client comments on your post and says, “Thank you for everything you did for my case,” that’s worth more than 1,000 likes from strangers. If a referral partner shares your video on how to handle a car accident, that’s momentum. Focus on connection, not clout.

Your Digital Demeanor Is Your Brand

Whether you’re tweeting about tort law or sharing a LinkedIn post on landlord-tenant updates, your tone adds up. Are you the steady hand? The explainer? The local expert? Whatever it is, make sure it feels intentional.

Your feed tells a story. Is it the one you want clients to hear?

Ready to Set the Right Tone?

Social media isn’t a minefield if you know how to walk through it. The best approach? Show up thoughtfully. Follow the rules. Respect your role. And give people a reason to follow you that goes beyond flashy graphics or brag posts.

So if you’re unsure whether social media is worth your time as an attorney, consider this: every smart, well-placed post is a chance to build trust before someone even needs your services.

And in today’s world, trust is everything.