Avoiding Cyberspace Danger Zones: The Ethics of Attorney Advertising

Each day, new technology and global regulations are implemented to impact how the internet is used across the globe, including American law practices. The American Bar Association Model Rules 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 relate to advertising, solicitation, and communication to the public about an attorney and services offered by the attorney. Rule 1.1 on competence also requires attorneys to be aware of the effect of relevant technology.

Technology has changed significantly in recent years. It was one thing to debate what size yellow pages ad you should get. It's another thing to debate what and how to maintain a law practice presence on the ever-changing landscape we call the internet. What constitutes "advertising" and "communications" under the rules of ethics? The answer isn't always clear.  Are you ethically in compliance or inadvertently walking in the "Danger Zone"? Find out in this amusing, but informative, presentation on Cyber Space Danger Zones.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify common ethical danger zones relating to your cyber presence (e.g. websites, directories) and your cyber activity (e.g. social media, blogging, newsletters)
2. Explore how to avoid common mistakes relating to your cybersecurity (e.g. email, hackers, confidential information)
3. Develop strategies for maintaining compliance with ethical obligations governing internet advertising, and learn what questions to ask yourself before you do anything that touches cyberspace