'Tis the season for downing one too many 'nogs at the office party and regretting that inhibition-free post on Facebook.

It's bad enough that most of us have an occasional lapse of judgment in the real world. But extra trouble -- the legal kind -- can come from slipping up in the presence of co-workers and a smartphone.

"Social media at holiday parties now is the gift that can keep giving," said employment attorney Christopher Parlo of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in New York.

The firm sees more business over the holidays as companies worry about how to handle issues that arise when liquor is involved, such as sexual harassment or inappropriate humour. "In the past, if something had occurred in the workplace and someone sat on the copier and did something inappropriate there, it would have a limited range of distribution," Parlo said.

What once stayed in the workplace is broadcast to the world. So do you turn off the smartphone altogether? No, just use good judgment and don't get drunk with co-workers.

A few other netiquette tips:

-If you've had several drinks, avoid your photo-happy colleagues who might capture you in a not-so-flattering pose.

-Don't bash an event or complain about going to a company party on your Facebook page. It'll only come back to bite you.

-Re-review your privacy settings now, before the parties, to avoid being surprised that a boss or co-worker had access to your merrier side.