The Law Society has become the first regulatory body to issue guidance to UK lawyers using social media services such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

The guidance stresses the importance of adherence to professional ethics and standards when using social media, stating that: "the same ethical obligations that you adhere to professionally also apply to your conduct in an online environment".

The 13-page manual targets all lawyers who are interested in or currently using social media, as well as law firm compliance officers.

It particularly highlights the pitfalls of blurring the lines between personal and professional use of social media.

The note highlights the three principles most likely to be tested due to social media usage: the requirement to act with integrity; to not allow one's independence to be compromised; and to behave in a way that maintains the trust the public places in you and in the provision of legal services.

The guidance identifies a number of risks presented by social media use, including issues relating to defamation, confidentiality, and control over information.

With reference to the solicitor-client relationship, the note states that simply by becoming a 'contact' of a client via social media, you may be breaching ethical principles by acknowledging such a connection in a public forum.

Also included in the guidance is the recommendation that practices should seriously consider implementing a social media policy for their staff, covering strategy, compliance and roles and responsibilities.

Click here for the Law Society guidance on social media use.