In ‘Social Media Guidance’ issued this week, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) reminds barristers, including unregistered barristers, that they have a duty not to behave in a way that diminishes public trust and confidence in the profession ‘at all times’.
It warns against ‘comments designed to demean or insult’ or ‘getting drawn into heated debates or arguments’. Barristers must consider the ‘content and tone’ of what they are posting as well as guarantee their client’s confidentiality, while less obvious risks include ‘advertising the fact that you are in a particular location at a particular time (perhaps via a “geotagged” status update), you may risk inadvertently revealing that you act for a particular client’.
Many barristers are prolific tweeters, regularly taking part in controversial or political debate.
