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A recent survey shows a large percentage of lawyers are using online networking for their profession. And while many are finding it to be a cost-effective way to work in a tough economy, our Sarah Hagen tells us some attorneys still have a few hesitations about getting connected.

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Ingram said, "Instead of heading for the books, you turn around and head to your computer and there is a world of research right there."

And a 2009 Networks for Counsel Survey commissioned by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell shows lawyers are becoming increasingly dependent on online technology with 75 percent of surveyed lawyers using the web for online networking. And in a tough economy, many are finding it to be a cost effective strategy.

VP with LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Laxmi Wordham said, "The fundamentals of the legal world won't change, so let's be clear on that, but it is how lawyers consume information and network and connect with others."

And even though online networking is growing, networking professionals and attorneys say there is some hesitation.

"People of my generation, when you say social networking, they are going to think of Facebook and Twitter and that kind of thing," said Ingram.

"It is that colliding of two environments and you really need to keep your social separate from your professional," said Wordham.

And then there's the challenge of confidentiality on the web.

"Major ethic complications if you do anything that reveals who your client is, what your case it," said Ingram.

Wordham said, "The rules of ethics that exist today still exist on the online world and lawyers need to be conscientious of that."

But while challenges may exist, there is an increasing demand for professional networking sites. Both attorneys and company experts say the trend is catching on.