Legal profession lags behind most other sectors when it comes to social media, study finds

Its publication coincides with a joint venture between The Drum and legal magazine The Firm, to offer social media training specifically for the profession.

The study was undertaken by researchers at Strathclyde's Diploma in Legal Practice. Its original intent was to assess what potential clients would encounter if they were sourcing legal advice via social media. However, the main finding was how few lawyers were actually using it compared to other industries.

The Firm's editor Steven Raeburn, who is now offering the social media training, said: "Legal professionals have historically been slow to adapt to changes in the business environment, which has already led to some firms with a traditional mindset going out of business.

“Social media is first and foremost a business development utility that lets you speak directly to your clients, and allows them to see you doing what you do best. Some lawyers have really embraced social media, and by platforming themselves to the wider media as well as MPs, MSPs, influential societies and their peer network, they are constantly affirming their reputation as the 'Go To' guys and girls in their field on a scale that has never been possible before."

Brian Inkster, whose firm (@Inksters) was the first law firm in Scotland to tweet, agrees that law firms have still not seized the opportunity that social media presents.

“Too many are ignoring it altogether and a fair proportion of actual users are still just dipping their toes in the water,” he said.

“The importance of individual lawyers tweeting on their own account but also clearly aligned to their firm is also lost on many. I think the legal profession still has a long way to go when it comes to social media. Some are only just grasping the benefits of e-mail never mind Twitter!"

Meanwhile well-known criminal defence solicitor Aamer Anwar (@AamerAnwar) says not enough criminal lawyers are using twitter and social media tools.

“That's stems partly from backward attitude to technology and the web but also a patronising attitude that our clients don't use twitter," Anwar said.

“I think with greater education that the public can see what kind of lawyers we are, that we are human and are primary motivation is not money but a genuine desire did justice, after all 140 characters forces you to think about the point you want to make.”