Audio Coursesby JellypodLesson 05 of 15
Overview
Paul Crowther: Welcome back to Compliance Pods for Legal Professionals, and just a reminder that the content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. So “Buckle up”. Because Here. We. Go.
Andre Grayson 2: Hi All, I'm Andre Grayson, and as always, I'm joined by Paul Crowther. Today, the world of social media. It's not one I like to engage with much but with Paul's help we'll get an insight into it's murky interior and look at how it’s changing legal practice, the risks, and, apparently, the opportunities if you get it right.
Paul Crowther: Yeah, hi everyone! Social media—love it or hate it, it’s everywhere. And it’s not just LinkedIn for business anymore. We’ve got X, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Pintrest, Bluesky, Tinder, even blogs and wikis. It’s wild. Even WikiWild you might say.
Andre Grayson 2: "You" might, I suppose. But I wouldn't, and I'm not sure Tinder is a place for Law Firms to have a presence.
Paul Crowther: Mmmmm maybe not
Andre Grayson 2: Definitely not.
Andre Grayson 2: I've been reviewing the Law Society’s practice note which highlights how platforms are evolving. AI is creeping in, short-form video is huge, and clients—especially younger ones—expect to find you online. If you’re not there, you might be missing out on a whole audience.
Paul Crowther: Yeah, and it’s not just about being visible. There’s real value in client engagement, marketing, and networking. I mean, I remember when marketing meant a listing in the Yellow Pages. Not any longer though.
Andre Grayson 2: Yeah, and even if you’re not actively posting, it’s worth monitoring what’s being said about your firm. Sometimes you find out about issues—or even compliments—you’d never hear otherwise. But, of course, with benefits, there are some real risks, too.
Paul Crowther: Oh, definitely. And, as we’ve seen in previous episodes—like when we talked about AI hallucinations or complaints transparency—technology can be a double-edged sword. Social media’s no different. The line between personal and professional can get blurry fast.
Andre Grayson 2: Right, so let’s talk about those boundaries. The Law Society’s really clear: your ethical obligations—confidentiality, integrity, all of it—apply online just as much as offline. It’s easy to forget that when you’re firing off a quick post or replying to a comment.
Paul Crowther: Yeah, and it’s not just about what you say publicly. Even in so-called private groups, things can go wrong. We've all seen the furore over the US Government sharing confidential war plans on a Signal chat.
Andre Grayson 2: That’s a classic pitfall. And for legal professionals it’s not just about accidentally sharing client details. Even saying you’re meeting someone in a certain place can inadvertently reveal who your clients are. Or, you know, posting a photo from a meeting—suddenly you’ve breached confidentiality without even realising it.
Paul Crowther: And don’t get me started on those “views my own” disclaimers. People think they’re a magic shield, but they’re not. If you’re a solicitor, people will associate your views with your firm, disclaimer or not. The SRA isn’t going to let you off the hook just because you put a little note in your bio.
Andre Grayson 2: Exactly. And privacy settings—look, they help, but they’re not foolproof. Once something’s online, you have to assume it could go public. Screenshots, resharing, all of that. So, it’s about being thoughtful before you post, not just relying on settings or disclaimers.
Paul Crowther: And the personal versus professional thing— You might think you’re just chatting with friends, but if you’re known as a legal professional, you still have to comply with the SRA regulations.
Andre Grayson 2: Yeah, and it’s worth regularly reviewing your profiles. Delete anything you’re not comfortable with, and think about which platforms are actually appropriate for your business. Not every channel is a good fit for every firm.
Paul Crowther: And, just to add, if you’re using images—be careful. There are intellectual property issues, and sometimes even safeguarding concerns if you’re posting photos of people. It’s easy to overlook, but it can come back to bite you.
Andre Grayson 2: So, let’s get into the regulatory side. The SRA’s been really clear—there’s been a big uptick in complaints about offensive communications, defamation, and misuse of social media, both within firms and with clients. And as you said it’s not just public posts; private messages count, too.
Paul Crowther: Yeah, and the SRA Principles—2, 3, 5, and 6—are front and centre here. That means upholding public trust, acting independently, with integrity, and promoting equality and inclusion. If you cross the line, even outside work, you’re still on the hook as a regulated professional.
Andre Grayson 2: And it’s not just about what you say. If you retweet or share something offensive and don’t make it clear you disagree, the SRA might see that as an endorsement. And if someone posts something from your account—even if you didn’t write it—you’re expected to be vigilant and act fast to refute or remove it.
Paul Crowther: That’s right. And for managers and colps, there’s an extra layer. You’re responsible for making sure your firm has effective systems and controls—like a social media policy. If you know about a problem and don’t act, you could be in trouble, too.
Andre Grayson 2: So, practical advice: every firm, even small ones, should think about a social media policy. It doesn’t have to be a massive document, but it should set out what’s acceptable, who’s responsible, and what happens if things go wrong. And, honestly, training is key—make sure everyone knows your policy and your rules. Policies should be live documents - not just something reviewed each year and then left in a draw.
Paul Crowther: Yeah, and have a plan for what to do if something does go wrong. Who handles it? How do you respond? It’s much easier to deal with a problem if you’ve thought about it in advance.
Andre Grayson 2: That’s a good point. The SRA looks at aggravating and mitigating factors—so if it’s a one-off, you apologise, and you fix it, you’re in a much better position than if you ignore it or there’s a pattern of bad behaviour. But, as always, prevention is better than cure.
Paul Crowther: Absolutely. And, you know, as we’ve said in previous episodes, transparency and a bit of humility go a long way. Social media isn’t going away, so it’s about managing the risks and making the most of the opportunities.
Andre Grayson 2: Well, That’s all we’ve got time for today. Thanks for joining us—Paul, always a pleasure.
Paul Crowther: Cheers, Andre. And thanks to everyone for listening. Stay compliant, stay safe, and we’ll see you next time.
