Interim Social Media Guidance

Question 1

What are you bound by when using social media?

Answer 1

Core Duty 5 (not to behave in a way that is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in you or the profession)

Question 2

When are you bound by Core Duty 5

Answer 2

at all times

Question 3

Do unregistered barristers need to consider this guidance?

Answer 3

yes, as members of the profession, they are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and are also subject to certain core duties.

Question 4

What does social media include?

Answer 4

posting material online, private messages to individuals, organisations or groups, sharing content, promoting your business as a barrister or networking.

Question 5

What types of comments are likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public place in the profession?

Answer 5

offensive, discriminatory, harassing, threatening or bullying comment.

Question 6

Is foul language alone likely to be a breach of the handbook?

Answer 6

no.

Question 7

When can you use social media to correspond with clients?

Answer 7

only where it is necessary for your clients safety- the client has agreed and you are satisfied that their confidentiality won’t be at risk.

Question 8

If you are contacting a client through social media, what do you need to consider?

Answer 8

the security of the system you are using and its privacy policy.

Question 9

What are less obvious risks of social media?

Answer 9

advertising that you are in a particular location at a particular time, which may inadvertently reveal that you act for a particular client.