Evolving Online Conduct for New Jersey Lawyers
Date: Oct 31, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Online
Member Price: $143.00
Non-Member Price: $179.00
Section Price: $0.00
Areas of Law: Ethics
Earn up to 2.4 credits, including 2.4 in Ethics! (More Information)
Keynote
Moderator
Presenters
- Hillary Horton, Esq.
- Counsel To Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics, Supreme Court of New Jersey
- Ryan J. Moriarty, Esq.
- Assistant Ethics Counsel & Statewide Ethics Coordinator, Office of Attorney Ethics, Trenton
Ethics, Boundaries, and Professionalism in the Social Media Era
In a world where lawyers are Googled before they’re called, your online presence is part of your professional record. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and even online reviews have blurred the line between personal and professional communication.
This program is not about mastering the latest technology – it’s about mastering yourself in public digital spaces. Drawing on real disciplinary cases, judicial examples, and emerging online norms, we’ll explore how the Rules of Professional Conduct apply in a 24/7, shareable, and searchable environment.
Through highly relevant scenarios and ethics guidance, you will sharpen your skills on how to:
- Avoid unintentional breaches of confidentiality in online settings
- Maintain professionalism while still being authentic online
- Market your services without crossing ethical lines
- Set boundaries that protect both your clients and your reputation
Whether you post daily or almost never, you’ll leave with a practical framework for protecting your license, your reputation, and your relationships in an increasingly transparent world.
Program Agenda:
9:00 | Welcome and The New Digital Reality for Lawyers
The internet never forgets, and neither do clients, colleagues, or disciplinary authorities. We’ll start with the current state of online conduct among New Jersey lawyers – and why it’s more than just “being careful.”
- Why online conduct is a core ethics concern in New Jersey
- The gap between what lawyers think is “private” and how it’s perceived publicly
- How rapid platform evolution creates new risk points
9:15 | Disciplinary Actions and Lessons from the Field
Review recent examples of cases in New Jersey and elsewhere reveal where the boundaries lie and how they get crossed.
- Overview of disciplinary actions involving online behavior by lawyers and judges
- Key warning signs from case outcomes in other jurisdictions
- The social media-in-chambers example and similar professionalism breaches
- How slow-moving discipline still delivers lasting reputational consequences
9:40 | Confidentiality, Boundaries, and Professionalism in Digital Spaces
What you share, even indirectly, can be interpreted as revealing client matters or showing bias. This segment tackles how to safeguard both your obligations and your public image.
- Applying confidentiality rules to public posts, “private” groups, and DMs
- Avoiding improper online contact with witnesses or adversaries
- Risks of posting anonymized client information
- Why even “likes,” comments, or emoji reactions can be viewed as endorsements
10:05 | Online Marketing and Advertising Ethics
Your marketing message should inspire confidence, not an ethics investigation.
- New Jersey advertising rules as they apply to social media and websites
- Ethical issues in keyword advertising (including targeting adversary names)
- Avoiding puffery and unverifiable claims in online bios and posts
- Managing client reviews, endorsements, and testimonials within the rules
10:30 | Crisis Moments and Online Conduct
Lawyers face unique challenges when controversial issues dominate public discourse. We’ll explore strategies for responding – or not responding – while protecting both your license and your relationships.
- Recognizing when an online exchange risks escalating into an ethics issue
- Responding to inflammatory comments or false reviews ethically
- Handling client or case-related misinformation online
- The reputational impact of emotional or impulsive posts
10:50 | Key Takeaways and Q&A
We’ll close with practical, real-world steps to ensure your online conduct supports your professional goals.
- Five questions to ask before posting anything
- How to maintain a professional digital footprint in any forum
11:00 | Program Ends
Important Information About Our Events, Meetings, and More:
To secure your spot and receive important updates about our events, meetings, and other gatherings, such as schedule changes, remember to register in advance.
Digital Materials & Environmental Commitment: As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, unless otherwise noted, all seminar materials are provided as digital downloads. You can access these materials through:
- The “My Links” section at the top of our website for in-person or online events
- Or, for online programs, the event access link included in your joining instructions
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
If you need to cancel your registration and are not transferring to another program or date, please submit a written request to us at least three business days before the event, meeting, or gathering. You will receive a refund minus a $20.00 cancellation fee. No refunds or registration changes will be issued within three business days of the event, meeting, or gathering.
Stay Informed:
Registered participants will be notified of any schedule changes. For updates regarding inclement weather, please check your email or visit NJSBA.com.
Media Consent:
By participating in our events, meetings, or other gatherings, you agree to be photographed and/or recorded. Additionally, all media content captured during these gatherings will become the property of NJSBA. This content, including your image and name, may be used in our future promotional materials without additional consent or compensation.
Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy:
Read our Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy and submit an Application here: https://njsba.com/njicle/cle-programs/scholarship/