Networking Lawyers! JD Supra & LinkedIn Announce New "Legal Updates" Feature

JD Supra announced a joint effort with LinkedIn to launch "Legal Updates," described as:

"the first and only application specifically created to distribute legal content (and help lawyers connect with the right people) on the world's largest professional network."

LinkedIn is a professional networking website, and JD Supra users create online portfolios to share content. The collaborative application lets LinkedIn users install the Legal Updates news feed of legal content from JD Supra. This new tool allows users to better target their relevant audiences - the feeds are customizable, allowing users to sign up for information related to specific subjects or industries (real estate, employment, etc.) or for feeds from particular sources (individuals, law firms, etc.).

The announcement sums up the power of this resource well, saying this new tool allows "targeted delivery of useful legal information to professionals across the LinkedIn network..."

Keep your eye on this new networking application, already being touted as a "game changer in the online dissemination and marketing of legal work"!

Blagojevich Judge Won't Release Juror Names Because of those Darn Bloggers and Facebookers

The Ward Room over at NBC News in Chicago reports that the judge in the Rod Blagojevich corruption trial announced that juror names would not be released because of bloggers and social media sites like Facebook. After journalists challenged the judge's decision, the Court of Appeals ruled that the judge will have to hold a hearing on the issue -- which is set for next week.

I understand the judge's concern over protecting the jurors, and thus, the integrity of our legal system. But the former journalist in me struggles to accept this kind of ruling as beneficial for the public at large. Ensuring freedom of the press -- particularly on a matter of important political and public concern -- also preserves and protects the integrity of the system.

The Chicago Tribune also ran a good summary on the issue here.