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How to use LinkedIn to really build your profile

Published:
16 Aug 2024
News

Wenee Yap

Legal Features Writer for the College of Law
How to use LinkedIn to really build your profile

With over 875 million users worldwide, LinkedIn has become an indispensable platform for professionals. Unlike Instagram and Facebook, it’s a place dedicated to putting your best professional foot forward to further your career and build your business. For lawyers, it's swiftly becoming an essential tool to network, grow a strong professional profile - and generate business. But how do you set yourself apart without having to become a full-time content creator?

In this article, we catch up with College of Law National Career Strategists Susan Pincus and Ruth Beran to better understand the benefits of LinkedIn for lawyers. We then explore a few practical tips to help you use LinkedIn to optimise your profile, showcase key achievements, position yourself as an expert, and network to generate leads and career opportunities.

 

But before we get started, a quick checklist - have you done the basics?

  1. About: add in a quick overview of your career and achievements to date so other professionals can understand your offering.
  2. Work experience timeline: ensure your work experience is up to date, consider adding a couple of lines outlining your current and previous responsibilities. 
  3. Education: add your tertiary education and any other specialist qualifications, find the official organisation so the logo appears in your history.
  4. Skills: make sure to complete the skills section and consider endorsing trusted connections' skills, they are likely to do the same in kind.

 

How can LinkedIn help your legal career?

LinkedIn is a great tool for lawyers to have visibility, engage with the profession, and be seen by peers, potential clients, and even future employers,” Susan Pincus says. “Building a profile on LinkedIn is like a professional landing page where you can highlight your career achievements and create your brand.

LinkedIn is also important in that it encourages a community of collaboration where you and others can share useful articles, content, and knowledge with the profession,” Ruth Beran adds. “Coming from this perspective of sharing is important as opposed to seeing it as a platform merely to promote yourself.”

According to Ruth, research has shown that people are more likely to be referred for jobs by their second- and third-degree connections on LinkedIn, so building a professional network is important.

Some opportunities are only advertised on LinkedIn with some hiring managers only posting about an opportunity on their LinkedIn. Regularly checking the platform means that lawyers can see relevant hiring updates posted by their connections,” Ruth says.

LinkedIn will definitely help for future roles or promotions if you have a large enough network, with good quality connection, and you are active on the platform,” Susan says. “This may mean following individuals and organisations of interest, joining groups, liking or sharing other people’s posts, or ideally creating your own.”

 

Is it ever too early to set up your LinkedIn profile? 

According to Ruth and Susan, it’s never too early to get on LinkedIn.

I would definitely encourage law students to create a LinkedIn profile, the earlier the better, typically when they start their studies at university,” Ruth says. “Whilst their profile doesn't need to be 100% complete and finessed, including key information such as work experience, education, a good banner, and an ‘About’ section is a great start. I have seen some law students with great profiles.”

Susan says the trick is to work out how to tell your career story and highlight relevant skills and experience (including work that is non-legal or voluntary) when you are only just starting your career.

To get started, they recommended two live and on-demand courses available on LinkedIn for students:

Rock Your Profile: https://training.talent.linkedin.com/rock-your-profile

Tap Into the Power of LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/learning-linkedin-for-students-24084227/tap-into-the-power-of-linkedin

Now you know the benefits of LinkedIn, what should you consider as you set up your profile? We’ll explore three practical tips including: Optimise your profile, showcase your achievements, and position yourself as an expert.

 

1. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile

Craft a compelling headline: Clearly articulate your practice area and value proposition in your headline. For instance, instead of ‘Lawyer’, try ‘Commercial Litigation | Resolving Complex Disputes | Results-Driven’.

You may also list a mix of your achievements and roles. For example, Nick Abrahams, from Norton Rose Fulbright, has a headline which includes: ‘LinkedIn Top Voice in Tech | Global Leader - Digital - Norton Rose Fulbright | Entrepreneur (LawPath)’.

Our own College of Law career strategists, Susan Pincus and Ruth Beran, highlight their value in their headlines. Susan Pincus’s headline, for example, is: ‘Dedicated and Passionate Career Strategist | Job Search & Career Transition Specialist’.

Susan Pincus LinkedIn

By contrast, Ruth Beran’s headline is: ★ Career Storyteller ★ coaching people to tell their own unique stories to achieve in their careers ★

Ruth Beran LinkedIn

All these headlines are intended to quickly convey what you can expect from each professional. It’s worth giving careful consideration to what headline best captures what you want to convey.

Don’t forget your profile picture: Have you ever seen an empty profile picture? Though increasingly rare, it’s a sure signal that the owner of the profile is never online. It’s a missed opportunity. A high-quality, recent headshot is essential. It should convey professionalism and approachability.

Or your background picture: Many lawyers use this as additional real estate to convey their location. For example, Wollongong-based lawyer Marie Russo uses it to emphasise the fact that she is a local lawyer.

Below are several excellent profiles which illustrate the variety of approaches you can take to optimising your profile, and how impactful each can be.

Marie Russo LinkedIn

Nick Abrahams LinkedIn

 

2. Showcase your Achievements

Write a Persuasive Summary: Your ‘About’ section is your digital elevator pitch. Highlight your expertise, unique selling points, and how you can help clients.

Marianne Marchesi does this particularly well. She captures her value from her first line: “I am the Founder and Managing Principal of Legalite – a multi-award-winning commercial law firm committed to delivering Simplified and Strategic Advice.”

It’s a line that clearly distinguishes her to potential clients, and to other lawyers who may refer work.

In her next three paragraphs, she sets forth a clear mission statement, finished with the social proof of key achievements.

Example - Marianne Marchesi

Marianne Marchesi LinkedIn

Marianne Marchesi LinkedIn About

Highlight key projects: Your ‘Experience’ section also provides an opportunity to delve into the details of key projects, clients, and matters. Quantify any achievements, wherever possible. Explain the outcome of your efforts.

List qualifications: Last but not least, include your qualifications and practising certificate.

 

3. Position Yourself as an Expert

Seek to share articles, quick commentaries, or thought leadership pieces related to your practice area. This positions you as a practice area expert. Conversely, you can share content relevant to your client base, addressing their legal challenges or concerns. Family lawyer Hayder Shkara does this quite well. For example, he shared a short video explaining how domestic violence victims can access $5000 to leave an abusive relationship. You don’t need a studio to film content like this; your phone is high quality enough to deliver the kind of quick content that plays well on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Content like this positions you as a knowledgeable resource and attracts potential clients.

To drive engagement and ensure you’re seen across LinkedIn, participate in discussions with other lawyers, and respond to comments on your content. This builds relationships both online and in-person and contributes to a community that can help you grow your career and your business.

It can also be worth leveraging LinkedIn’s publishing platform to increase your visibility and reach a wider audience. Like Google, LinkedIn has a search algorithm that you can tap in to rank higher in searches. You can explore more here.

Example - Hayder Shkara, family lawyer

Hayder Shkara LinkedIn

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The future has never looked brighter: words from our CEO on the College’s big move

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The future has never looked brighter: words from our CEO on the College’s big move

After more than 50 years at St Leonards, The College of Law is moving into the heart of Sydney’s CBD in early 2022.

A Lawyer's Guide to Getting Published

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A Lawyer's Guide to Getting Published

Looking to enhance your area of legal expertise via publication? Academic journals have long been a popular option for lawyers to establish a strong reputation in their practice area.

How to have the career you want with John Poulsen

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How to have the career you want with John Poulsen

How do you transcend the daily grind to do work you love? When can a career become a calling? What steps can you take to achieve the career you want? We spoke to John Poulsen, former CEO of Squire Patton Boggs and Principal of People Passion Performance, for his insights on getting the career you want informed by an illustrious career in law and leadership.

Navigating Age Discrimination In The Law With Tile Imo

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Navigating Age Discrimination In The Law With Tile Imo

Bias and age-based discrimination remains an issue in the workforce, despite legal protections. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of age bias claims with Tilé Imo, Associate Director of Caxton Legal Centre. We explore the evolving legal landscape, effective strategies for litigating age discrimination cases, and the emerging trends that lawyers need to be aware of to best serve their clients.

Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

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Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

There’s no doubt the legal sector can be an intense work environment. Thanks to heavy caseloads and fierce competition, lawyers and other legal professionals are facing stress, anxiety and burnout on a concerning scale. But according to executive transition coach and CEO at Lucent Global, Ellie Scarf, it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s one tool that can help you manage a plethora of professional challenges. That tool? Self-awareness.

5 tips on how to avoid common ethical breaches for lawyers with Athol Opas

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5 tips on how to avoid common ethical breaches for lawyers with Athol Opas

The law is a complex field heavily reliant on knowledge, interpretation and advice. This makes for a profession that can have far reaching consequences and, as a result, lawyers are held to high standards. Athol Opas presents annual ethics updates to firms to keep them abreast of recent cases of misconduct and/or common ethical breaches. We spoke to Athol to find out about the most common ethical breaches lawyers should be mindful of and to gain his top tips on complying within ethical obligations. 

What are the top negligence claims facing lawyers today?

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What are the top negligence claims facing lawyers today?

The College of Law investigates which legal practice areas are most at risk of negligence claims and why. We spoke to Lawcover’s Legal Risk Manager Glenda Carry about the practice areas most affected by negligence claims, what behaviours can lead to adverse claims by clients, and what risk mitigation strategies law practices can put in place.

From LLB to Parliament – Australia’s Politicians-Turned-Lawyers

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From LLB to Parliament – Australia’s Politicians-Turned-Lawyers

Australia’s recent change in leadership has set the nation’s eyes on Malcolm Turnbull. Over the coming weeks and months, the newly appointed 29th Prime Minister will reveal his mettle as a national leader.

From ballroom dancing to the law: Meet PLT alum Helena Angela Hanna

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From ballroom dancing to the law: Meet PLT alum Helena Angela Hanna

While completing her law degree and Practical Legal Training with the College of Law, Helena Hanna also kept up with her interests outside of studies. Learn more about Helena and her law degree experience.

How to merge your love of music with your legal career: Chelsea's story

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How to merge your love of music with your legal career: Chelsea's story

Learn how Chelsea Donoghue merged her lot of arts and law: How she managed her study while on world tours, what she loves most about her work at Sanicki Lawyers, and what’s next.

Graduates and prize winners recognised in June ceremony

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Graduates and prize winners recognised in June ceremony

Graduates and prize winners celebrated their achievements, received their awards and honours remotely due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions.

How AI is being used in Family Law

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How AI is being used in Family Law

To understand where legal AI use cases are showing up within family law, the College spoke with two highly experienced practitioners who have incorporated AI into their legal practice in different ways. Fiona Kirkman, principal at Kirkman Family Law, embraced ChatGPT early on in her practice, while Jenna Downy, solicitor at Family Law Matters, helped train LawY, an AI legal research assistant.

How to exit your job gracefully in law

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How to exit your job gracefully in law

For the 1 in 4 Australian lawyers considering leaving their job, the current job market is tipped in their favour. However, Australia’s legal profession is tight-knit and relatively small, so reputation matters. If you are leaving your role for fresh challenges, here are our top tips on how to exit your job gracefully in law, from the College of Law’s National Careers Advisors Ruth Beran and Susan Pincus.

Juggling full-time work, parenting and PLT possible through the College of Law, says Kerala Drew

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Juggling full-time work, parenting and PLT possible through the College of Law, says Kerala Drew

Kerala Drew found the path to qualifying as an Australian lawyer fraught with roadblocks. Learn how she landed her first job in law, what set her College of Law PLT experience apart from prior study, and what advice she might have for lawyers looking to join the Australian legal profession.

The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

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The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

We talk to the College of Law’s Adrian Deans, Academic Policy & Quality, James Crittenden, Head of Short Courses and CPD, and Lewis Patrick, Chief Academic Officer, about some of the pragmatic impacts of the Queen’s passing on the law and Australian legal profession.

3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

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3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

Parting ways in a relationship is never easy, and family lawyers are generally the first professional separating couples encounter when they end a relationship. For all of these reasons Angela Harbinson created The Separation Guide, which aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful.

Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

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Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

Starting a business is never easy. What step should you take first? How do you negotiate the ins and outs of your legal requirements if you’re not a lawyer? Even for a seasoned lawyer these steps are complicated…And what if you also face unique cultural considerations and complexities?

How to Become a Partner Guide

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How to Become a Partner Guide

This guide will help you navigate the first steps towards becoming a partner. It will help you reflect on your own motivations, assess your skill set, and determine the best path forward in your career.

New Resolution Institute and The College of Law partnership to maximise skills and experience

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New Resolution Institute and The College of Law partnership to maximise skills and experience

Resolution Institute and The College of Law are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership aimed at establishing a symbiotic cooperation which will maximise the resources of both organisations through mutual collaboration and the sharing of expertise and efforts in education and training.

How to get into Wills & Estates with Rick Christie

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How to get into Wills & Estates with Rick Christie

Rick Christie, owner of ChristieLaw and committee member of STEP NSW, had always been attracted to the personal side of wills and estates. Insights spoke to Rick about how he came to specialise in wills and estates, what advice he might have for lawyers looking to move into the area, and what role industry organisation STEP can play for lawyers keen to become specialists.

Major changes ahead with the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in progress

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Major changes ahead with the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in progress

Major changes are coming that will impact the family law system and the way practitioners operate in Australia. The Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 is currently under debate in parliament and after its third reading, it is now under review with the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. The College of Law will provide legal training support when the Family Law Amendment Bill commences, but in the meantime, we spoke with College of Law adjunct lecturer Kathryn Kearley to find out about the most important changes.  

Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony

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Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony

The College of Law recognised over 200 graduates of its Postgraduate Specialisation Programs at the 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony on 1 August. These awards included the Master of Laws (Applied Law), Master of Applied Law (Family Law), Graduate Diplomas of Applied Law and Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Practice (FDRP).

When commercial acumen meets common courtesy: Ankurpreet’s LPMC story

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When commercial acumen meets common courtesy: Ankurpreet’s LPMC story

Ankurpreet Singh was thrust into a costly commercial conflict, which made him determine to pursue a legal career. To make his dream a reality, he enrolled in the College of Law’s LPMC – where he bolstered his business competence and confidence.

How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

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How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

Embarking on a legal career in local, state, or federal government can be an exciting move. There are many pathways for development, a broad range of practice areas, and often a healthy work-life balance. These roles are highly rewarding, and highly competitive, the College of Law tells you everything you need to know about landing a government job in law.

Legal Practice Management Course Queensland - Course Guide

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Legal Practice Management Course Queensland - Course Guide

Download the QLD Legal Practice Management Course Guide to learn how our program can prepare you to manage a law firm or take on a leadership role within an established practice.

Legal Practice Management Course Western Australia - Course Guide

Resources

Legal Practice Management Course Western Australia - Course Guide

Download the WA Legal Practice Management Course Guide to learn how our course can help you meet the requirements for a Principal Practising Certificate and successfully manage a legal practice.

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