growth

Survey Reveals Substantial Growth in Online Social Networking by Lawyers in 2009

New survey data reveals that more than 70 percent of lawyers are members of an online social network – up nearly 25 percent over the past year – with 30 percent growth reported among lawyers aged 46 and over. The second annual Networks for Counsel Survey of almost 1,500 lawyers was commissioned by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, the industry leader in networking and law firm marketing. It shows that more than 50 percent of respondents think online networks have the potential to change the business and practice of law, while 65 percent expressed interest in joining an online professional network designed specifically for their profession.

The 2009 Networks for Counsel Survey was conducted by Leader Networks, a consultancy that helps businesses foster online social networks. It is the second annual survey that examines the online networking practices of lawyers. A copy of the survey is available online at www.leadernetworks.com.

“Networking remains a critical means of business and professional development for lawyers even as opportunities for face-to-face networking have become severely limited by budget and staff cuts,” said Vanessa DiMauro, CEO of Leader Networks and author of The 2009 Networks for Counsel Survey. “Online networking has emerged as a viable and fast growing means for legal professionals to accelerate or augment their ability to connect with their peers and share best practices.”

“Lawyers are transforming the way they network by incorporating social media tools into their work in record numbers and in increasingly sophisticated ways,” said Ralph Calistri, CEO of Martindale-Hubbell and senior vice president of Global Client Development at LexisNexis. “Both the survey results and the phenomenal membership growth in our own online legal network, Martindale-Hubbell Connected, demonstrate the strong demand for a secure, authenticated network designed specifically for legal professionals.”