BCI issues social media guidelines for advocates and law students, warns against promotional content

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has introduced fresh social media guidelines for advocates and law students, outlining how legal professionals should conduct themselves on digital platforms. The new norms aim to preserve the dignity of the legal profession while addressing the growing use of social media for networking, legal awareness and professional engagement.

Under the guidelines, advocates and law students have been advised not to use social media for direct or indirect solicitation of clients, misleading promotions or content that could undermine professional ethics.

The BCI stressed that online activities should remain educational, factual and in line with the standards prescribed under the Advocates Act and the Bar Council Rules. It also warned against sharing confidential client information, making exaggerated claims about legal expertise or posting content that could damage the image of the legal profession.

The move comes amid increasing scrutiny of lawyers' digital presence and follows legal proceedings seeking a formal code of conduct for advocates on social media. The BCI said violations of the guidelines could invite disciplinary action under the existing professional conduct rules.