Social Media Dos and Don’ts for Law Students

Pretty much everyone uses at least one, if not more, forms of social media. It's easy to use, fun to look at and can pass time even on the slowest days.  But, watch what you say, once you hit the post, send, or tweet button, someone out there is going to see it.  Even though posting on social media is usually protected speech, that doesn't mean you should always say what you feel.

1. Don't vent about your professors.

You may feel the need once in awhile to vent about a particular professor or class.  But don't do it on social media.  Professors and administrators are on social networks and you wouldn't want to give the wrong impression to anyone that you can't keep your opinions to yourself.  If you really feel the need to vent, do so with a trusted classmate, without other ears around, so it stays between a limited number of people.

2. Don't vent about your classmates.

Same as your professors, don't vent publicly about classmates.  You wouldn't want someone out there trashing your name, so you really shouldn't do it to someone else.  Your classmates will become your colleagues in the near future, would you want to go up against opposing counsel who remembers what you said about him/her on social media years ago?  Memories can be long when it comes to things of this nature,

3. Expand your professional network.

By all means, friend your classmates, professors, administrators and those you network with, as you come across them in your lives. The law profession is all about networking, use social media to create a solid professional network, and use it!

4. Avoid the time suck.

Set aside some time each day to look at, post, and comment on social media.  Don't just randomly hop on and off during class and other times of the day, that time can surely add up.  Also, watch when you post things.  Employers and professors can see social media, and if you constantly posting during work or class hours, someone may notice. Stick to times are you waiting for class to start, or after you get home, so you don't get the reputation as someone that is distracted all the time by social media.

5. Don't trash the school.

This should go without saying, but don't trash the school you go to, even in jest.  It looks bad on everyone when students say nasty things about their school.  If you can't say something positive, then don't say anything at all.

6. Only post messages and information that you would say publicly.

A good rule of thumb...if you wouldn't say it in front of your mother (or grandmother), then chances are you shouldn't say it on social media.

7. NEVER post when you are angry or upset...once it's out there, someone has seen it.

Even if you think better of something later and delete, chances are more than one person has already seen it.  Cool off, take some time to think about what you were going to say.

8. DO have fun with it.

Social media is out there for a reason...it's fun.  How else can you see endless pictures of cute baby animals, or that video of the baby panda sneezing that scares his mother?

These are always good pointers for your professional life after law school...be mindful of what you say..