Guidance from the Law Society of Scotland cautions against unprofessional behaviour such as indicating to clients that they are “awake and online at 4am” amid worries it may lead people to wonder whether their solicitor is “at the top of their game” during the working day.

The Law Society of Scotland’s Technology Law and Practice Committee told members not to engage with trolls or spread fake news.

They are also told not to make remarks which “might reasonably be construed as unprofessional, unwise, offensive, abusive, defamatory, or undermine trust and personal integrity” or to engage in “unprofessional arguments”.

In new guidance, Anthony McFadyen, lawyer and committee secretary, states: “Social media offers unique and valuable opportunities for lawyers to participate in interactive communications, develop their network and share news, both as a private professional, and on behalf of your firm in a more formal social media capacity.

“The technology law and practice committee has developed a refreshed set of tips and tricks in both of these areas to help you gain the most out of social media opportunities, while at the same time helping keep you cyber-secure, navigating the safer online path, and avoiding the hidden social media platform pitfalls.”