LinkedIn for lawyers is a tough nut to crack. In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become indispensable tools for professionals to connect, network, and thrive in their respective fields.
For lawyers, LinkedIn is the go-to platform for building a robust online presence that can lead to valuable opportunities, from networking with colleagues for job opportunities to attracting potential clients.
In this article, we’re going to look at ten things you can do right now to get yourself a winning profile that draws people in.
Lousy LinkedIn lawyer profiles
We’ve all seen them; those profiles that you may take a cursory glance at before looking elsewhere.
Yes, I’m talking about the kind of LinkedIn profile that a lawyer should never have, so let’s just get this out of the way, because you may have one! That’s probably why you’re here.
Picture this: a pixelated, passport-style photo taken in front of a cluttered bedroom, as if they’re auditioning for a reality show called “Hoarding: LinkedIn Edition.”
Their headline? “Job Seeker” or “Unemployed Wanderer.”
The summary section? Blank, as if they’re leaving it to your imagination to fill in the blanks.
These profiles are the equivalent of handing out a wrinkled, coffee-stained resume and expecting a job offer.
Of course, it goes without saying that of all fields, the legal profession can be very traditional in how relationships are cultivated and maintained, with associations and events still the primary way many make connections.
However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge how important LinkedIn is to a lawyer’ prospects, both with clients and for networking purposes, in this day and age.
So, let’s raise the bar and give those profiles a makeover worth connecting with.
Absurd LinkedIn profiles
I also want to point out those other profiles you see on LinkedIn; the ones that have you rolling your eyes because they’re so absurd.
This is not about that; this is about having a profile that attracts the right kind of attention.
I’m not about to recommend posting every single day with a wall of inspirational quotations and emojis in an attempt to garner interest, that’s for marketers, not legal professionals!
Why is it important to be conscious of your LinkedIn presence?
Over 90% of lawyers and law firms are active on LinkedIn. It is the most important platform that attorneys use and LinkedIn for lawyers is as important as Instagram for fashion brands.
Because of this, it’s absolutely imperative that lawyers maintain a positive LinkedIn presence. You don’t have to go overboard, but merely having a LinkedIn profile is not enough to reap the full benefits of this professional network.
Let’s delve into the world of LinkedIn and explore ten actionable tips for lawyers.
These tips will empower you to improve your LinkedIn presence, bolster your professional reputation, and open doors to new avenues in your legal career.
Whether you are a seasoned attorney or just starting out in the legal profession, these insights will help you establish a powerful online presence on LinkedIn and make the most of this dynamic platform.
Let’s get started on your journey to LinkedIn success for lawyers.
1. Complete your profile
Let’s start simple.
For lawyers, completing a LinkedIn profile is essential. Start with a professional photo and an attention-grabbing headline highlighting your legal expertise.
Craft a concise yet compelling summary that summarizes your career and areas of specialization (this will be important for the next point).
List your education, certifications, and memberships in relevant legal associations. Populate the experience section with detailed descriptions of past roles, emphasizing accomplishments.
Add specific skills and seek endorsements from colleagues and clients. Include multimedia content, such as legal articles or presentations, to showcase your expertise.
Finally, connect with industry peers, and join legal groups to network and stay updated on industry trends so you can stay engaged.
2. Optimize your profile and experience for SEO
Don’t worry, this isn’t as complicated as it sounds.
You may have heard of search engine optimization, or SEO for short. Every search engine uses an algorithm that crawls the Internet looking for the terms you entered, providing you the results.
LinkedIn is no different, so it’s important for lawyers to update their profiles so that they can be found by others searching for attorneys of a particular specialization.
To optimize SEO for a LinkedIn lawyer profile, focus on key areas. First, craft a compelling headline with relevant keywords showcasing your legal expertise.
In your summary, provide a concise yet keyword-rich description of your legal specialties and achievements. Populate your experience section with keyword-optimized descriptions of your past roles and achievements.
All this doesn’t mean cramming words in where they don’t fit, but just bear in mind when filling out your profile that there are optimizations you can make to help you be seen.
Take a look at the following image and notice how the attorney is optimizing their profile by including keywords related to their specialty, in this case, lemon law.
3. Use a professional headshot
If I could write this “tip” twice, I would. It may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many attorneys have a poor profile picture, or worse; none at all.
Using a professional headshot on LinkedIn offers lawyers several advantages.
Firstly, it conveys a strong sense of professionalism, instilling trust in potential clients, peers, and employers.
A well-lit, high-quality photo creates a positive first impression, helping you appear approachable and confident.
It helps you stand out amidst a sea of profiles and ensures that your face is easily recognizable at.
I don’t think it’s overstating it to say that it serves as a visual representation of your competence and sets the tone for meaningful professional connections on the platform.
People want to establish an instant connection with others in their network, and putting your best face forward is a surefire way to do that easily.
4. Use a custom LinkedIn URL
It may seem like a small thing, but using a custom URL for your LinkedIn profile is a valuable feature that improves your professional image and makes it easier for others to find you on the platform.
It’s certainly not essential, but it does add a little “extra” to your presence when compared with a jumble of your name and a string of numbers. Best of all, it’s very simple to do.
Here are the steps to create and utilize a custom LinkedIn URL:
- Login to LinkedIn: Log in to your LinkedIn account if you’re not already signed in.
- Go to your profile: Click on your profile picture or your name at the top of the LinkedIn homepage to access your profile.
- Edit public profile & URL: On your profile page, locate the “Edit public profile & URL” link, usually located on the right side, beneath your profile picture.
- Create your custom URL: In the right sidebar, you’ll see a section titled “Edit public profile URL.” Click on the “Edit” link next to your current URL. You can then type in a custom URL that reflects your name or a professional keyword related to your industry. LinkedIn will indicate if your chosen URL is available or if you need to try something different.
- Save your changes: Once you’ve selected a custom URL that’s available and suits your needs, click the “Save” button, and you’re all done.
Having a custom URL not only makes your LinkedIn profile more professional but also simplifies your online presence, making it easier for people to connect with you and find your profile when searching on search engines or within LinkedIn itself.
5. Write a compelling summary
A compelling LinkedIn summary for lawyers should succinctly convey expertise and personality.
Start with a strong opening that captures your attention and states your legal focus.
Highlight key accomplishments and experiences, showcasing your skills and dedication, and emphasize your commitment to clients, ethics, and the legal profession’s values.
Mention any unique attributes or passions that set you apart, before concluding with a clear call to action, inviting connections or inquiries.
Remember to strive for a balanced tone that reflects professionalism and approachability.
A well-crafted LinkedIn summary for lawyers can leave a lasting impression, attracting potential clients, colleagues, and networking opportunities.
6. Highlight your achievements
Highlighting achievements on LinkedIn for lawyers is essential to showcase expertise and attract potential clients or employers.
Use the “Experience” section to emphasize significant legal victories, successful cases, and high-profile clients you’ve represented.
Use specific, quantifiable metrics to illustrate your impact, such as successful verdicts, settlements, or case outcomes.
Mention any prestigious awards, recognitions, or certifications earned in your field. Include leadership roles in legal organizations and contributions to legal publications.
Accomplishments should convey your exceptional legal skills, integrity, and dedication.
Don’t be shy; showcase your experience on LinkedIn and establish credibility, build trust, and make a compelling case for why clients and employers should choose you.
7. Showcase recommendations
Recommendations are one of those things that look great on a profile and yet so few have them.
Encourage clients, colleagues, and mentors to provide thoughtful endorsements of your legal expertise and professionalism.
These testimonials offer real-world evidence of your skills and ethics. Seek recommendations from clients whose cases you’ve successfully handled, highlighting your problem-solving abilities and client satisfaction.
Recommendations from peers and supervisors can underscore your teamwork and leadership qualities.
Ensure that the recommendations are specific and highlight concrete examples of your legal prowess.
They not only validate your skills but also serve as persuasive endorsements, helping you stand out and attract prospective clients and legal opportunities.
8. Share valuable content
This is a difficult one because while there are those posts in your LinkedIn feed that have you rolling your eyes, it should be acknowledged that there is a very good reason professionals share articles (sometimes just trains of thought) on the platform.
It’s fundamentally because the algorithm will pick up certain keywords in the text of the post and then show it to other professionals, even those not in your network. This is a tried-and-tested approach to building engagement and expanding your presence, if you have the will and discipline to post regularly.
If you choose to do so, share insightful legal articles, case studies, and industry news to showcase expertise and stay relevant.
Craft your posts with a clear, concise message, and consider using graphics to enhance engagement. Encourage discussions by asking questions or seeking input on legal topics.
Consistency is key; maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Engage with comments and messages promptly to foster meaningful connections.
9. Engage with others
If you’re not into posting yourself, then getting involved with others is the next best thing.
Engaging in LinkedIn posts and discussions is vital for lawyers to foster professional relationships and establish expertise.
Regularly comment thoughtfully on industry-related posts, offering insights or posing questions to demonstrate your knowledge.
Engage with your connections by liking and sharing their content, strengthening your network.
Join relevant LinkedIn groups or associations and participate actively in discussions, contributing valuable legal perspectives.
Be respectful, professional, and concise in your interactions, as your comments reflect your reputation.
By actively engaging in posts and discussions, lawyers can strengthen their presence within the legal community, showcase expertise, and open doors to collaborations, referrals, and career opportunities.
10. Use your profile as a sales tool
Don’t forget that, while LinkedIn is essentially an online resume, it can also serve a separate function as a gateway to new leads and sales.
Leveraging your LinkedIn profile as a top-of-funnel tool and channeling traffic to your website is a strategic move for lawyers.
Craft a compelling LinkedIn profile that not only highlights your legal expertise but also offers valuable insights into your field.
Share informative posts and articles to pique the interest of your connections. Then, encourage them to visit your website for more in-depth information, resources, or consultations.
By using LinkedIn as a top-of-funnel platform, you can attract a wider audience and then seamlessly guide them to your website, where they can access your services or learn more about your legal practice, ultimately driving potential clients and opportunities.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, LinkedIn is an indispensable tool for lawyers.
We’ve explored ten actionable tips to enhance your LinkedIn profile, from optimizing SEO to showcasing achievements and recommendations.
We’ve also emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional image and engaging thoughtfully in posts and discussions.
A compelling LinkedIn summary and a custom URL can set you apart, while a professional headshot reinforces your credibility.
Sharing valuable content and participating in conversations is key to building a strong presence, and don’t forget to leverage your profile as a sales tool to channel traffic to your website. Embrace these strategies for LinkedIn success in the legal field.
I hope this has provided some insight on how to get your profile up and running and get seen. Good luck out there!
