IT-Recht USA

Preface

I promised the assistants to institute a social media policy. This afternoon, one saw me on fb and wondered if I hadn't chastised her for posting during office hours. I don't recall chastising her.

In fact, I would like the assistants and staff to feel free to communicate. I want them happy, because I believe that makes them productive. I don't care if they use facebook, GTalk or AIM and whether they Tweet or blog. Just as I don't care that one partner jogs down the Mall and another beats his friends in squash during office hours. They don't neglect their work, and neither would you. 20 years ago, clients and I used AOL and CompuServe tools for corporate and other business meetings. There's nothing inherently new or sinister about social media and the like in a law firm. Nobody needs to get defensive.

Ultimately and always, I want happy clients. Happy staff is a key element in the production of solid work that brings success and satisfied clients. That's not a web 2.0 thing.

Proposed Rules

1. Pronouncements About the Firm
Pronouncement about the firm are within the responsibility of the partners. Partners are responsible to the outside world for everything we do as a firm. Talk to a partner if you have something to share about the firm.

2. Pronouncements About Clients
No. Exception: The client wants it and you want it. Example: The client appreciates exposure for a new app, and you love the app. Even then, talk to a partner first.

3.  App Window Open During Office Hours
Don't close it as if you've been caught cheating. We hire highly responsible people and know we can trust you. Close it or hide it to protect your personal information.

4.  Get Your Work Done
Write and check your status updates as long as you are certain that you will get your work done. On time and perfect, as always.

5. You Could get Fired
No matter how you under-perform -- whether by blowing up the safe or watering the files -- you can get fired. Using social media services does not change that one iota.

Note

This is a draft for discussion.