Making the most out of LinkedIn

Making the most out of LinkedIn as an aspiring Lawyer

LinkedIn may operate as a professional platform, but it is more of a lucrative tool than you think. From connecting with colleagues to reading sector-relevant articles, it’s safe to say that LinkedIn goes beyond being a form of social media, because used right, it’s an invaluable tool in the arsenal of every professional.

This is also the case for aspiring, current and the more well-seasoned legal professionals. So, here are some top tips you can use that will help you get the most out of the social media platform, beyond connecting with your current or former colleagues and classmates (not an exhaustive list):

1. Engage , engage, engage:

USE the platform beyond having a profile. Follow groups that interest you, such as the (litigation) group if that’s an area of law you are particularly interested in, the Law Society, or (shamelessly), you can follow the Westminster Holborn Law Society for updates on all stuff commercial awareness, law related and find out more about the committee. You can also find plenty updates on events too.

People and firms are always posting and sharing engaging content, so read articles, comment, and respond to posts. Give firms and follow!

If you’re applying to a firm/chamber, it might seem daunting connecting with someone who works there, but it might be a good way to gain insight from an associate or trainee at the firm/chambers you’re interested in. Sending an invite and kindly asking for 20 minutes via a video call or asking to connect to ask questions may work in your favour.

Whether the request is accepted or not, putting yourself out there is key.

2. Curate your connections:

Whilst it may seem like a great platform to have many people to engage with, it should not be seen as a contest/comparison with anyone else in terms of the number of connections. A person may have 500+ connections on LinkedIn, but not every connection may engage with them, or they may have had an account for years and slowly built up. Some people can be successful with less than 300 connections on LinkedIn – focus on quality rather than quality and don’t just add anyone for the sake of it.

3. Widen your professional network:

That said, your LinkedIn account doesn’t mean you have to solely connect with lawyers. Ensure your network is a good mix – it could range from colleagues to people you went to university/school with, and especially with intermediaries. Use the platform to engage with other professionals in different sectors (intermediaries) and also people you have met in a legal capacity, as well as Graduate Recruitment team members. This is because law as a practice doesn’t operate in silo, it involves engaging with multiple stakeholders, internal and external.

• For example, you might be working on the administration of an estate and need items valued/sold, so may need to consult with an auctioneer or an estate agent.

• Another matter might be international in scope and may rely on having documents translated and verified and may result in you getting a translation verified.

• Or finally, you might be consulting with experts in a litigious matter, such as a hotel attempting to sue a farm for noise and smell pollution from wild boar on their neighbouring farm, therefore you may need to consult a vet, a farmer, or a microbiologist to ascertain impact or potentially any damage to the neighbouring lands/properties.

Lawyers cannot and do not know everything, therefore being able to network with a range of individuals is key for practice and beyond. It also helps knowing people in certain fields/areas or at different companies, so it helps foster, build and continue meaningful and lasting rapports.

4. Following up

As mentioned above, being in the legal sector is a great opportunity to expand your network professionally and personally. But as someone who does martial arts and goes to the gym frequently in their spare time, I know any external space is a means to meet like-minded people and break away from the day-to-day. You also realise the world is incredibly small, a group of individuals I would regularly see at a spin class were at a networking event the other day.

Going to events such as panel discussions, seminars, or drinks are a great way to meet people and cover a wide range of discussion topics. Don’t hesitate after engaging in conversation to ask a person you’ve spoken to, the question “may I add you on LinkedIn?” or “it was great speaking to you today - shall we connect on LinkedIn?”. I’ve found instances where I have done that allowed me to continue a line of communication with an intermediary.

5. Interviews and Assessments:

Making the most out of networking opportunities is key, even for assessment days and interviews. Whilst I didn’t do a vacation scheme, I did do interviews for my Training Contract and at the end of each of my training contract interviews, I asked my interviewing Partners if I could keep in touch via LinkedIn. I think that not only showed I was keen and eager about the firm I applied and interviewed at, but showed I was interested in building a rapport (which is still ongoing now), whether I got the offer (I did, mind) or not.

Networking continues through your career, so it continues, from being an aspiring legal professional to one with a senior position, so having a polished and updated profile is key.

6. Updating your profile:

That noted, ensure your profile is up to date, with educational details, volunteering and/or hobbies, as well as having a professional-looking profile photo. Ideally you want a good headshot, and it doesn’t need to be one you pay for from a professional photographer, but do keep it updated, especially if your appearance has changed. Keep the photo professional looking by wearing something smart, and not a drunken picture from a night out. Make sure all qualifications are listed and up to date, as well as any job changes.

As mentioned in the first point, using your profile is key. Think of yourself as your own brand, and LinkedIn are one of many portals to pitch and sell yourself. Have a snappy bio too.

7. Be mindful

Anything can be found through the internet these days; you would be surprised where a Google search can take you. It is also worth remembering that once something is online it usually remains there forever, and even if you delete it, anyone may have taken a picture/screenshot before you take it down. A good general rule of thumb when posting anything online is to think:

1. Would my family members feel comfortable seeing this?;

2. Could I potentially offend someone? and;

3. Would I be comfortable with a (potential) employer seeing this?

Whilst LinkedIn is a professional form of social media, other social media profiles and accounts are a lucrative source of information and an avenue to other areas of your life, It is also worth noting that your social media channels will be something that can be looked at by employers. Despite the intention ‘views are my own’ may not work. Things can be interpreted in a myriad of ways, and sometimes out of context, so think before you post, and if in doubt, leave it out.