YLD's technology webinar aptures viewers worldwide.

Somewhere in the expansive country of China, a Florida attorney was tuned into a Young Lawyers Division webinar on social media when it aired online in October. Plugged in at the same time were viewers oceans away in various time zones--the United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, Panama, Germany, Puerto Rico, and Colombia.

It is fair to say the educational video, hosted by Ethan Wall of Miami, received worldwide attention. "Social Media Marketing 101" was the first online presentation in a three-part series titled "The Florida Bar's Social Media and Technology Series."

Viewers learned how to promote a law practice using LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

The second webinar, tentatively scheduled to air in January, is currently being taped. Hosted by Mac R. McCoy of Tampa, "Legal Ethics 2.0MG: Potential Ethics Pitfalls for Legal Professionals Using Social Media," will cover ethics governing social media.

In awe of the cross-continental reach, Young Lawyers Division President Michael Orr did not expect such a widespread response; 2,243 registered to watch the webinar online, and 862 viewers attended the event live.

"We knew that we had been doing an incredible job with our social media outreach, but the communication is stretching further than we anticipated," Orr said. "So many people did incredible work that should be recognized."

Orr credited Bar President Greg Coleman for being instrumental in getting the three-part series off the ground. Also heavily involved in the project's success were YLD President-elect Gordon Glover of Ocala, and Technology Committee Chairs Zack Zuroweste of Clearwater and Margaret Good of Sarasota.

"After watching the first five minutes, we all looked at each other and just said 'Wow!'" Orr said. "I could not stop talking about it."

Keeping President Coleman's mission in mind to help members identify useful technology resources to enhance their law practices, Orr said the YLD continues to move forward to meet goals, especially via the webinars.

"These webinars are absolutely helping achieve the goal. We have identified a tool and provided training for our members," Orr explained.

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