Lawyers may look up jurors or potential jurors on the Internet and social media, but they may not communicate directly with them — such as asking to “friend” them on Facebook. According to Formal Opinion 466 issued today by the ABA Standing Committee in Ethics and Professionalism, lawyers may pick through the troves of public information that jurors put on the Internet about themselves. “'The mere act of observing’ is not improper ex parte conduct, much as driving down a juror’s street to get a sense of his or her environs isn’t,” the ABA Journal reports.

As states begin to adopt ethics rules requiring lawyers to be technologically competent and aware of the ethical implications of cloud computing, many practioners may be left wondering what it all means. The ABA Techshow presentation “Ethics 20/20, Security and Cloud Computing” walks users through recent rules changes, highlighting what state ethics authorities have ruled so far about lawyers' use of the cloud. The presentation explores what constitutes technological competence, and discusses how far a lawyer who stores data in the cloud must go to protect client confidences from inadvertent or unauthorized access or disclosure. The ABA Journal boils the presentation down to five key requirements.

What does it take to make a lawyer happy? Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan told graduating students at Georgetown University Law Center that the key is being able to make a positive difference in other people’s lives. The high court's youngest justice said that she was inspired by working as a law clerk for Justice Thurgood Marshall, who convinced her that a meaningful career for lawyers meant making a difference "in something bigger than themselves." WRCB carries the Associated Press report.

A new survey by the attorney rating company Avvo Inc. says that consumers want a lawyer who is confident and realistic, but reality show fans want lawyers who are aggressive and attractive. The three lowest-ranking characteristics people want in their lawyers are ambitious (12 percent), friendly (15 percent) and reassuring (18 percent). The Nashville Business Journal notes that responsiveness was the top factor, cited by 92 percent of respondents, followed by track record (80 percent).

The TBA Mentoring Program is geared to helping the growing number of newly admitted lawyers opening solo practices. Beginning now, and running through Jan. 3, 2014, TBA members in their first three years of law practice may apply to be matched with a mentor. Those participating in the program will commit to a formal mentoring relationship for one year -- beginning in February -- with a requirement that mentors and mentees meet face-to-face at least once a month. Participants will be able to choose one of two tracks: a track that offers up to seven hours of CLE credit or one that will not include CLE. Participants will choose from a variety of curriculum topics, materials for which will be available on the TBA website. In addition to seeking mentees, the TBA is recruiting attorneys with at least eight years of legal practice experience to serve as mentors. Whether you are a new lawyer in need of a mentor or a seasoned lawyer with wisdom to share, visit the TBA's mentoring webpage to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

The ABA’s 2012 Legal Technology Survey Report says 89 percent of American lawyers use smartphones for law-related tasks. Almost half of that number use iPhones, while 31 percent use BlackBerry and 18 percent use Android phones. To help lawyers decide which is right for them, the Canadian Lawyer compared and contrasted the features of these top three phones.

Despite the pervasiveness of electronic communication, one paper product that has remained popular among lawyers is the business card. But in a sea of tasteful, traditional, beige business cards, some wonder how you and your firm can stand out. The ABA Journal highlights some of the most unique -- and bizarre -- legal business cards, including one from Nashville lawyer Nicholas D. Waite.

Many law school students and graduates are frequently —but fuzzily— advised to “be entrepreneurial," "build your brand" and "think outside the box" while searching for a job within the legal sector. American University Washington College of Law professor Walter A. Effross instead complied a list of 10 specific and practical tips for maximizing one’s professional credentials, networks and career opportunities. The National Law Journal has the story.

You're not crazy -- your job really IS more stressful than most. In the May Tennessee Bar Journal read the science behind thriving and well-being from David Shearon, as well as personal stories from your colleagues, Lisa Ramsay Cole, Sherie L. Edwards, Mary Griffin and Linda Warren-Seely. In Cole's article, read about the lifestyle transformations of Jason Long, Bill Harbison and John Tarpley. On the flip side of wellness and habits that are good for you, columnist Bill Haltom sides with Mississippi over his Constitutional right to buy a huge sugary orange soda.

If you missed this week's Law Tech Conference in Nashville, you can still get a free sample of what you missed. The popular Bill & Phil Show, featuring Nashville attorney Bill Ramsey of Neal & Harwell PLC and tech guru Phillip Hampton of LogicForce Consulting, takes you on a tour through the hot tech gadgets and toys that no lawyer should be without. You can watch the one-hour program FREE for a limited time. Enjoy!