By Julie Bays, OBA Management Assistance Program Director

The legal profession and social media are a tricky mix. Facebook can be a great way for lawyers to connect with their communities and share their expertise. Yet here we are in 2025, and I still need to say this: blending personal and professional lives online is a recipe for confusion and drama. While some have found notable business success on their personal profiles, mixing the personal and professional can quickly become a hot mess and blur important lines. The most effective approach is to set clear boundaries between your personal and professional online identities and manage each one thoughtfully.

Separating Personal and Professional Accounts

The first step is to distinguish your personal profile from your business page. A dedicated Facebook Business Page allows you to present a consistent, polished brand, complete with logos, updates on your practice, and firm news, all while keeping your personal account focused on private matters. This separation protects your privacy and directs clients to the right place where your message is professional and intentional.

Using Disclaimers Appropriately

A clear disclaimer is an absolute must. For instance, a statement like, “This page does not provide legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship,” immediately manages expectations. Put this disclaimer somewhere prominent, like in the “About” section of your business page, or on your personal profile when you share professional content, to prevent any misunderstandings.

Prioritizing Ethics and Confidentiality

For a lawyer’s online presence, ethics are non-negotiable. Legal professionals must follow strict rules about advertising, solicitation, confidentiality, and professionalism. Avoid making big claims like “best lawyer” or “guaranteed outcome”. Instead, focus on sharing informative updates, legal insights, or community news, and whatever you do, never, ever discuss client cases or confidential details. Confidentiality should always be your top priority.

Managing Privacy

While privacy settings offer some protection, they aren’t foolproof. It’s smart to assume that anything you post could eventually become public. This mindset helps protect your reputation, because even private posts can get shared beyond your intended audience.

Establishing a Social Media Policy

Even if you’re a solo practitioner, consider drafting a social media policy. Written guidelines clarify your online conduct, what disclaimers you use, and your overall tone. If you’re in a firm, a policy ensures that all team members are on the same page regarding social media communication.

By thoughtfully balancing privacy, ethics, and professionalism, lawyers can build a trustworthy and compelling online presence. Clear boundaries, disclaimers, and a well-defined social media policy not only protect your practice, but they also foster client confidence and uphold the integrity of the legal profession in the digital age.