Written by Eleni Chalkidou, Director of Strategic Communications.
“Building a network through your digital presence is paramount.” If you haven’t already heard it this week from your colleagues, it’s likely because it is only Monday.
In the legal landscape, where networking on social media can be an easy win, it’s remarkable that more lawyers aren’t tapping into the immense potential of LinkedIn.
Undeniably, the LinkedIn surge has caused a legal networking shift that no lawyer should ignore.
This isn’t just a feeling. There are statistics that back this up: Nishlis Legal Marketing’s annual GC survey revealed that over two-thirds of General Counsels (GCs) are actively engaged on LinkedIn. Even more astonishing, a recent BTI study shows that a staggering 83% of in-house attorneys make weekly appearances on LinkedIn, with the majority checking it daily. With such a significant presence of legal professionals on the platform, the question arises: why aren’t more lawyers investing their time here?
Let’s examine the top five advantages and look at practical tips of how to help achieve your goals.
Raise your professional profile
Look at LinkedIn as your digital business card with the ability to continually update your resume to showcase your legal expertise. When prospective clients, partners, or employers scout for legal services, your LinkedIn profile will often form their first impression of your capabilities.
What does this mean in practical terms?
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is not just complete but also up to date. Use a professional headshot taken by a photographer, a captivating headline, and a concise yet compelling summary to highlight your key skills, experience, and achievements.
Networking in abundance
LinkedIn brings a myriad of networking opportunities with countless legal professionals, ranging from fellow lawyers to corporate counsel and judges. Building connections on LinkedIn opens doors to potential collaborations, referrals, and even job opportunities.
What does this mean in practical terms?
Go ahead, connect with colleagues, clients, and your peers! Foster meaningful discussions through comments, likes, and shares. Join relevant LinkedIn groups and actively participate in discussions to broaden your legal network.
Position yourself as a thought leader
LinkedIn provides the chance to publish articles and share updates, allowing you to establish yourself as a thought leader in your legal niche. Sharing insights, case studies, and legal updates will boost your credibility and increase the trust among your peers. This is also a brilliant way to be seen as an active member within a sector ahead of legal directory ranking interviews.
What does this mean in practical terms?
Try to be consistent. Share valuable content related to your area of expertise, including insightful articles, pertinent news updates, and provide practical tips to your followers and connections. Encourage engagement by asking questions, posting polls and inviting discussions.
It’s a means to stay updated
LinkedIn isn’t just about self-promotion, no, it’s a treasure trove of insights, legal trends, industry news, and updates on the latest legal and regulatory changes. By following related companies and influencers, you can keep ahead of the competition, and stay informed.
What does this mean in practical terms?
Follow law firms internationally, set notifications to receive the latest posts from industry leaders, and connect with legal publications, marketers, and directories. Dedicate some time to scroll through your LinkedIn feed regularly to help you stay informed and adapt swiftly to changes.
Win new clients and be seen
As the statistics suggest, a growing number of potential clients are using LinkedIn to vet and connect with lawyers internationally. By maintaining an active presence and visibility on the LinkedIn platform, you and your colleagues can increase your chances of being noticed by individuals seeking legal services.
What does this mean in practical terms?
Don’t forget to engage proactively with your connections, make sure that you respond promptly to messages, and deliver value through your content. Consider running targeted, focused content pillars that you work on in collaboration with your colleagues, the marketing, and the BD team to reach specific audiences of potential clients.
Don’t waste time!
Take the initiative, and optimise your LinkedIn profile, share your legal savvy, and actively engage with the legal community. This will help you become a prominent legal professional in the digital age, and help you open doors to new opportunities to advance your legal career with confidence, and at no cost other than your time.
