Clients check out law firms online long before they pick up the phone, so a professional, active social media presence wins work. But solicitors are bound by the SRA Code of Conduct, and that applies online just as it does in the office.
This guide covers the SRA rules that matter on social media, how to handle reviews and messages, and what you can post with confidence. It's general guidance, not legal or regulatory advice, so check anything you're unsure about with your COLP.
The short version
Everything you post must be accurate and not misleading, must protect client confidentiality and must uphold public trust in the profession.
That covers your firm's pages and, in many cases, your own personal accounts too.
Six rules every law firm should know
Start with the SRA Code of Conduct, including confidentiality and publicity duties, and the SRA’s warning on offensive communications.
Keep it accurate
Your publicity must be accurate and not misleading, including claims about fees, results and expertise.
Protect confidentiality
Never reveal a client's details or matter without their clear consent, even in a success story.
No cold approaches
The rule excludes current and former clients, but other marketing and data-protection duties still apply. Do not send unsolicited, individually targeted approaches to other members of the public. See the SRA’s advertising guidance.
Be careful with fees
If you mention prices or "no win, no fee", make the terms clear and complete.
Think before you post
The SRA has warned that offensive posts, even on personal accounts, can lead to disciplinary action.
Handle reviews properly
Respond professionally, never reveal confidential information and don't pressure people to remove reviews.
How to reply to a review
The SRA’s online review guidance encourages constructive responses. A week is a useful service target, not a fixed regulatory deadline. A public review does not remove your confidentiality duties.
Content that builds trust
Helpful, educational content can show your expertise. Check accuracy, confidentiality and advertising requirements before publication; these ideas are not automatic exemptions.
Law explained
Changes to the law and what they mean for ordinary people.
Common questions
"Do I need a will?" or "What is lasting power of attorney?"
Process guides
What happens when you buy a house or go through a divorce.
Meet the team
Solicitors, paralegals and support staff, with their specialisms.
Awards and rankings
Legal 500, Chambers and local business awards.
Community
Charity work, sponsorships and free legal clinics.
Reviews
Positive reviews from your review platform.
Case studies
Only with written client consent, and anonymised where possible.
Law firm social media dos and don'ts
Do
- Get written consent before featuring any client or matter
- Make fee information clear and complete
- Have a social media policy that covers personal accounts
- Aim to reply promptly and professionally; a week is a practical target
- Keep educational posts accurate and up to date
- Move enquiries to a private, secure channel
Don't
- Reveal anything confidential, even in a reply to a review
- Send prohibited unsolicited, individually targeted approaches advertising your services
- Discuss ongoing matters without checking confidentiality, court restrictions and your authority to comment
- Make claims like "the best solicitors in town" that you can't support
- Post anything offensive, even as a joke
- Give specific legal advice in public comments
How 99social works with law firms
We write posts that are accurate, professional and in your voice, focused on education and trust rather than hard selling.
You approve everything before it's published, so nothing goes out without your say. Find out more about our social media management for law firms, or browse our social media post ideas for solicitors.
Social media rules for solicitors and law firms FAQs
Can solicitors share client reviews on social media?
Yes, subject to confidentiality, permission to reuse the material and accurate presentation. You can invite genuine reviews, but do not pressure clients to remove criticism or reveal details of their matter.
How should a law firm reply to a negative review?
Reply politely and professionally, without revealing anything confidential or privileged. Apologise where it's right to, explain that you'll look into it and invite the client to get in touch directly.
Can solicitors send direct messages to people on social media?
You can respond to enquiries, but unsolicited, individually targeted approaches advertising legal services are restricted. Current and former clients are excepted from that SRA rule; data-protection and electronic marketing duties still apply. Check the context with your COLP.
Can a solicitor's personal posts get them in trouble?
Yes. The SRA has warned that offensive or inappropriate posts, even on personal accounts and even if meant as a joke, can lead to disciplinary action.
Can an agency run a law firm's social media?
Yes. An agency can write and schedule posts while you approve everything before it goes live. Our social media management for law firms works this way.
