Social Media and Legal Ethics: Navigating the Digital Landscape

Bonnie, a white woman with blond hair, wears a black dress and dark grey blazer. By Bonnie Keen

Social media platforms have transformed the way individuals and professionals communicate, share information, and connect with others. For legal practitioners, these platforms offer powerful tools to engage with clients, promote services, and participate in public discourse. However, the use of social media also raises significant ethical considerations. Navigating these challenges requires an understanding of the intersection between legal ethics rules and the unique characteristics of social media.

Key Ethical Considerations for Legal Professionals for Social Media

Confidentiality

The duty of confidentiality is a cornerstone of the attorney-client relationship. Legal professionals must avoid sharing any client information on social media that could inadvertently reveal confidential details, even in anonymized scenarios. Even seemingly harmless posts about case outcomes or legal strategies may breach this duty if identifiable information is disclosed.

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Exploring ILTACON: A Game Changer for Paralegals

Andrea, a white woman with brown hair, wears a black blouse.By Andrea M. Blosser

In the ever-evolving landscape of legal technology, the International Legal Technology Association Conference (“ILTACON”) stands out as a pivotal event. This annual conference brings together legal professionals from around the world to share insights, explore new technologies, and discuss best practices. For paralegals, ILTACON offers unique opportunities to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, and network with industry leaders.

What is ILTACON?

ILTACON is the premier educational and networking conference for legal technology professionals. Held annually, it features a wide range of sessions, workshops, and keynote speakers who dive into the latest trends in legal technology. Topics often include data management, cybersecurity, AI in legal practices, and more. The conference attracts a diverse group of attendees, from legal IT specialists to paralegals, making it an invaluable resource for anyone in the legal field.

ILTACON 2025 will be held this year on August 10-14, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

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Paralegal Spotlight: Erica Weiss

Erica, a white woman with black hair, wears a black turtleneck and white blazer.

Erica Weiss

By Lakisha Chichester

Erica Weiss serves as the senior paralegal, office manager, and case manager for attorney Michael D. Nash at Lloyd & Nash, PLLC, in downtown Greensboro. With over eight years of experience, Erica specializes in case management, client communication, and attorney schedule coordination. Her core strengths include maintaining detailed case files, conducting thorough legal research, and investigating case-relevant information. Erica excels at managing multiple priorities and ensuring attorneys are well-prepared for their commitments weeks in advance.

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Ethical and Practical Uses of AI for Paralegals: Part 2

Rachel, a white woman with light brown hair, wears a bright purple blouse.By Rachel L. Royal

My last post on AI focused on simple and practical ways that artificial intelligence can make everyday tasks in the legal field more efficient. In this post, I will give more examples and introduce specific AI tools other than large-language models (LLMs) to utilize in legal practice. While I no longer work in a traditional paralegal role, I am still working in the legal field in a nonprofit with a focus on operations and program management. I look back on the years when I did work as a paralegal and can identify ways that AI could have enhanced my work.

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Exploring New Horizons: Attending HELM – A Premier Conference for Higher Education Professionals

Tina, a woman with brown hair, wears wire-rimmed glasses, a grey blouse and jacket and is smiling.By Tina Dadio

What is HELM?

HELM (Higher Educational Legal Managers) is a nationwide group of legal administrators from both public and private colleges and universities across the United States. This voluntarily-formed body of like-minded colleagues is not incorporated nor affiliated as a legal entity with any other association. Members join HELM to exchange ideas, share job experiences, and seek continuing education opportunities.

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Navigating Issues with North Carolina File & Serve Platform: A Paralegal’s Guide, Part 1

Sarah, a white woman with short auburn hair, wears a black shirt with white flowers.By Sarah L. White

North Carolina’s eCourts platform has revolutionized how legal professionals file documents, manage cases, and access court records. However, as with any technology, there are challenges and limitations that users, including paralegals, face when using the system. In this article, we will explore common issues experienced with the File & Serve (eFiling) platform and offer practical tips for navigating these problems.

Introduction to eCourts in North Carolina

North Carolina’s eFiling system is part of the broader eCourts initiative designed to modernize and streamline the court processes by enabling electronic filing, viewing, and management of court documents. While the system has improved efficiency and accessibility for legal professionals, it is not without its hurdles. When filing documents with North Carolina’s eFiling system, users often encounter several challenges. Some of the known issues that can cause frustration or delays include:

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The Importance of Pro Bono Paralegal Work

Andrea, a white woman with brown hair, wears a black blouse.By Andrea M. Blosser

In the legal field, the term “pro bono” refers to legal services provided voluntarily and without payment. While most people think of attorneys when they hear about pro bono work, paralegals play an equally important role in providing these services. In North Carolina, pro bono paralegal work not only supports access to justice but also enriches the professional and personal lives of those who engage in it.

What is Pro Bono Work?

Pro bono work involves offering legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford to pay for legal services. This can include a wide range of services, such as preparing legal documents, conducting research, and providing assistance in court. For paralegals, pro bono opportunities allow them to utilize their skills while contributing to their communities. Pro bono service must be completed under the direct supervision of an attorney licensed in the State of North Carolina in accordance with Rule 6.1.

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Invest in Your Career: Why Attending Paralegal Conferences Pays Off

Lakisha, a Black woman with black hair in a bun, wears a black sleeveless shirt and gold earrings.By Lakisha Chichester

I entered the paralegal field in 2011 as a mid-career pivot. I was juggling school, working an entry-level paralegal job, and raising school-aged kids. The thought of taking time off or traveling for a conference was not on my to-do list, but I did wonder if attending conferences might pay off in terms of professional growth or getting me closer to my dream job and salary. I asked other paralegals about their experiences, and the responses were all over the place — from “don’t waste your time” to “conferences are worth their weight in gold.” Ultimately, I decided to take a chance and invest in my career.

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10 Points of Retirement Planning: An Overview of Recommendations from Professionals

Martin, a white man with white hair and a beard, wears a pale blue button-down shirt.By Martin A. Ginsburg

Retirement is a significant milestone in life, and preparing for it requires careful planning, smart investments, and a disciplined savings strategy. With the right plan in place, you can ensure a financially stable and fulfilling retirement. This guide aims to provide a thorough overview of retirement planning, from setting your goals to making the most of your Social Security benefits and managing healthcare costs. Whether you are just starting your paralegal career or nearing retirement, this comprehensive guide will help you develop a clear strategy to meet your retirement goals.

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Paralegal Spotlight: Alexa Lyles Brinegar’s One-Stop Shop to the Legal Field

Alexa Lyles Brinegar is a woman with blond hair. She wears teal blouse and is standing in front of a bookshelf with legal books.

Alexa Lyles Brinegar

By Yazmeen O. Gadalla

Many people know what career they want to pursue. They research options, do internships, and seek other avenues to find that perfect choice. And sometimes, the career and opportunities find them in the most inconspicuous of places.

Alexa Lyles Brinegar recounts how she started her voyage into the vast field of law. A little over five years ago, Alexa, who had relocated to North Carolina from her native state of Oregon, was working in a coffee shop. Alexa had been there for a while, chatting with regulars while working hard to provide excellent service. It was that hard work that got the attention of an attorney whom she had connected with. He approached her with an offer his assistant was leaving, and he asked if she would be interested in interviewing for the position. This exchange would begin Alexa’s career into the legal field. As Alexa said, “An opportunity looks at you, and it’s presented to you on a platter. It would have been stupid to not try it out and see.”

Alexa, who has been working with the same attorney, Richard “Blake” Cheek, at The Law Office of Partin & Cheek, P.L.L.C. for over five years now, started out as a part-time assistant before moving into her current role as a paralegal. In that time span, Alexa obtained her associate degree in Paralegal Technologies and Paralegal Technologies certificates in Litigation and Real Property from Surry Community College. She became a North Carolina Certified Paralegal in May 2023. Alexa’s role as a paralegal includes assisting with the firm’s criminal and civil work. Blake Cheek is also the Department of Social Services attorney for Surry and Wilkes, and Alexa helps with those matters.

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