The New York City Bar Associaition has isssued an ethics opinion finding that lawyers may research potential jurors’ backgrounds on social media sites.  But, the lawyer or his staff may not contact the juror and must avoid actions that might allow the juror to know the research is being conducted.  For example, a law office cannot friend request a potential juror.  Or, if in reviewing a juror’s social media page, if the social media site sends an automatic message to the juror that a potential contact has viewed her page, then the lawyer has arguably communicated with the potential juror.  Inadvertent contact would not be allowed under this decision.  See ABA Bar Journal news report.