How barristers can make the most of social media

In a guest blog for The Bar Council, MD Communications CEO Melissa Davis discusses the ways in which barristers use of social media has changed, and explores what those aspiring to build a brand through these networks can learn from those already using it.

Melissa spoke to three high-profile barristers – Sean Jones, Gerard McDermott and Joanna Hardy – to get their views on this fast-moving medium. They also provided tips on dos and don’ts across the platforms.

Red Lion Chambers’ Joanna comments: “Social media has transformed how people communicate. The legal profession should not be left behind and ‘legal Twitter’ is a thriving online community.”

Says Gerard of Outer Temple Chambers about using Twitter: “I knew for it to be successful that I needed to enjoy it – and 10 years later I have built not only a profile but also made and developed many friendships and it is, of course, relationships that are at the heart of any successful brand.”

11 King’s Bench Walk’s Sean reflects on how he used to be a part of a network called CIX in 1992, and provides advice for those aspiring to improve: “If you are marketing, you are marketing yourself, so be yourself. No-one wants to read a stream of press releases.”

The other tips include being generous, sharing knowledge and insight, and looking to others to replicate their successes if you’re struggling. Melissa concludes with delving into what the secret to social media might be: Sometimes the best test of what you should or shouldn’t do on social media is whether you’d be comfortable doing it in real life.

Read the full article on the Bar Council website

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