"Asked for the ABA’s 2009 Legal Technology Survey Report whether they personally maintain a presence in an online community or social network such as Facebook, LinkedIn, LegallyMinded or Legal OnRamp, 43 percent of respondents answered yes, almost triple the 15 percent positive responses in the 2008 survey." 

Law firms, ever the pioneers, are also starting to catch the wave.  "When asked whether their firms maintain a presence in an online community or social network, only 12 percent of respondents said yes, up from 4 percent in the 2008 survey." 

Here is a graph showing the growth from 2008 to 2009, using the ABA data:    

The most significant growth was in firms with 10-49 lawyers, which jumped from only 1% in 2008 to 7% in 2009. In short, lawyers are on the rise in social media and law firms are not far behind.  YLB asks, Why? 

Here are some reasons Lawyers might enjoy social media: 

• The practice of law is a relationship-based industry, and maintaining old and new relationships is facilitated by Web 2.0.Lawyers spent a lot of time in school, and, hopefully, made a few friends a long the way. 
• Web 2.0 is a great tool to keep up with old school friends.
• Lawyers, and definitely litigators, are often social people that like to interact with others.
• Cheap advertising. 

Here are some reasons Law Firms might need to be on social media: 

• Cheap Advertising.  We are in a recession people.  While advertising budgets get trimmed, Web 2.0 is taking off.  An online presence and a bit of viral marketing can go a long way in getting a firm's name out there.
• Big Brother.  That's right, folks...law firms may be establishing pages to monitor the profiles of current employees, attorneys, and possible recruits.  Everyone knows it, we here at YLB are not afraid to say it.  It makes sense, too.  A law firm's name is its brand and it has to be protected.  If you don't like it, fix your privacy settings.
• Enhanced Client Communication.  While Web 2.0 is not the place for confidential information relating to actual cases or controversies, it is a nice medium for sending out client bulletins, legal alerts, and commentary on recent caselaw.  Clients always like free legal work.  Loyalty is the firm's reward or new clients, if it's lucky.
• Cheap Advertising.  It's so nice I will say it twice.

Web 2.0 is growing in the legal community.  You have been warned.