Digital and Content Director Emma Maule has been quoted in an article in The Times, on the Bar Standard Board’s new guidance for barristers using social media.
The article, written by leading legal journalist Catherine Baksi, highlights that there has been a steep increase in complaints to the regulator about social media, and therefore it has issued new guidance.
Emma is quoted to round off the article, explaining how to stay out of regulatory hot water:
Advising barristers on how to stay out of the social media soup, Emma Maule, digital director of MD Communications, suggests:
“Before posting, a good rule of thumb is to ask: would I say this to someone in real life? Is this discriminatory, dishonest, threatening, harassing, or a risk to client confidentiality? And if it is, don’t post it.”
The article looks at the content and scope of the guidance and offers a balanced opposition, as some barristers complain that it sets the bar too low or is too subjective. It considers whether the guidance will affect free speech, with one “socially conservative” barrister suggesting it will.
Bar Council Chairman Nick Vineall KC is quoted in favour of the guidance, as is well-known public law barrister Adam Wagner.
If you want more information about our social media training covering the new guidelines and how barristers can build their personal brand on social media, please get in touch.
