The death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in late May triggered worldwide protests over police brutality and racial injustice. As large marches led to arrests, some solo practitioners and boutiques began posting their willingness to provide free legal counsel to those arrested peaceful protesters on social media.

The medium presents opportunity and a risk, however. By leveraging social media’s international audience, lawyers say they reach more impacted individuals. But a wider reach also leads to misinterpretations and some vile and personal comments.