How to Web 2.0: Hands-On Guidance to Social Networking and New Technologies for IP Lawyers and Businesses

How to Web 2.0 : Hands-On Guidance to Social Networking and New Technologies for IP Lawyers and Businesses Presented by Leora Maccabee Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, LLP September 25, 2009

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Introduction IP lawyers should use Social Media like vitamin supplements. They are beneficial, but you must follow the directions, use wisely, strategically and in moderation.

LinkedIn: The big deal.

Network of 40 million users around the world. 170 industries. 200 countries. 840,000 people in the law practice industry. 385,000 lawyers.

Why Every Lawyer Should Join LinkedIn

Non-exclusive and open

Virtual, updated Rolodex

Brand yourself and your work

Client, employer, job and reference searches

Networking opportunities

Basic level is free

LinkedIn How Tos: Basics, Beef, Build & Brand

Basics : Sign up at www.linkedin.com . Content. SEO. Links. Vanity url.

Beef it up : Groups , Applications , Recommendations

Build your network: Backwards and forwards. Personal invites .

Brand yourself: Status posts. Q & A. Connect others. Events.

Blogs and Google Reader: Reading ‘em and Feeding ‘em

Why read blogs?

New insight into contemporary legal issues

Opportunities to see how other lawyers in deal with problems or new case law

Connections for the development of future business relationships.

Interactive and conversational

Write your own – become a thought leader

Blog How Tos: Find, Read, Feed, Follow.

Find ‘em : My list, Google, Link Love.

Read ‘em : Online, email, RSS. Check the citations and credentials.

Feed ‘em : Google Reader

Follow ‘em : and email

( Create ‘em: Wordpress, Blogger)

JD Supra

Publish your legal work online for free. JD Supra distributes it through RSS feeds, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and online news feeds.

Legal research – browse legal articles, analyses and documents.

Free vs. paying accounts

Facebook

Why lawyers should use Facebook : to network for referrals; research defendants and potential jury members; market your law firm or company; vet potential legal hires or current employees.

Create a profile, set your privacy settings, and then connect online.

Iphone and Blackberry

Free and cheap applications

Take notes while driving, check your email, browse the FRCP, update Facebook, track billable time, edit documents and spreadsheets, share files, map your location or find the closest grocery store.

iPhone App Store and Blackberry App World

Twitter

140 characters

See what people are saying about your firm, company or products; connect with other lawyers; make yourself available to media personalities; and expose new audiences to your legal services.

Sign on and brand yourself

Twitter etiquette

Martindale-Hubbell Connected and Legally Minded

Both MH-Connected and Legally Minded are in draft versions

Why join? Create a profile; connect with colleagues; join groups; exchange ideas, files & resources; upload blog posts or documents; and explore legal resources on a variety of issues.

Great for thought leaders

Legal OnRamp

Legal OnRamp is for in-house counsel & firm lawyers that can add value. Request or be invited.

Why Join? Public and private conversation and networking; discuss the law with firm lawyer experts & read legal documents submitted by firm lawyers to answer legal questions or assess for future hiring; searches & FAQs.

Conclusion IP lawyers should use Social Media like vitamin supplements. They are beneficial, but you must follow the directions, use wisely, strategically and in moderation.

Questions? Contact me.