LinkedIn Etiquette: Tips for Landing a Lateral Attorney Position
Making a lateral move as an attorney can feel a bit like navigating a layover. You know your destination, but the path to get there requires coordination and attention to detail. Your expertise and resume may get you in the lobby, but in today’s digital age, your online presence could determine if you get to board. Think of social media, especially LinkedIn, as your virtual handshake. Done right, it’s firm and confident. Done wrong, it’s like spilling coffee on your outfit right before the interview.
Follow our recommended tips below to ensure your online presence remains polished and professional, and to avoid being placed on the no-fly firm list.
The Importance of Privacy Settings
Do: Protect Your Personal Life
Review those privacy settings, stat! Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (or whatever “X” is trying to be), make sure your personal life stays personal. Ensure that only your trusted network can view personal updates or content unrelated to your professional life. No hiring manager needs to see your karaoke rendition of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun".
Why It Matters:
Recruiters stalk profiles, don’t give them a reason to swipe left. A quick online search is often the first step hiring managers take upon reviewing your resume. Keeping your personal posts private ensures they focus on your qualifications instead of your questionable dance moves or weekend decisions.
Don't: Assume Absolute Privacy
Reminder: the internet is forever. Even with ironclad privacy settings, screenshots and oversharing friends exist. Avoid posting anything that could come back to haunt you, like that one spicy group chat comment or meme that could “accidentally” wind up public.
Google yourself. What comes up when a potential employer searches your name? If it’s anything less than flattering, it might be time for an online spring cleaning.
Avoiding Controversial Posts
Do: Stay Neutral and Professional
Think twice before diving into hot takes on politics, religion, or headline-grabbing controversies. When it comes to your professional presence, less drama is more. Keep things neutral, thoughtful, and judgment-free.
Instead, focus on content that shows you’re plugged into the legal world, such as landmark cases, legislative updates, industry trends. Don't be afraid to sprinkle in a little personality while you’re at it. A well-timed legal meme or clever take can go a long way in making you relatable without losing your edge.
Why It Matters:
As an attorney, discretion is the name of the game. If you wouldn’t say it in a courtroom, don’t post it online. Employers value judgment, and staying neutral shows your ability to separate personal opinions from professional obligations.
Don't: Rant or Vent Online
It’s tempting to use social platforms to blow off steam, but venting about cases, colleagues, or firms, no matter how vague, can leave a damaging impression. These posts may lead potential employers to question your confidentiality and reliability.
Showcasing Your Expertise
Do: Build an Engaging Professional Profile
Think of LinkedIn as your digital business card. Start by optimizing your profile with a professional headshot (not a vacation selfie), a clear summary highlighting your expertise, and a detailed experience section. Then, post content that displays your skills and shows you're in-the-know, such as:
Thought pieces on evolving legislation within your field.
Share your take on high-profile rulings.
Updates about your recent accolades, speaking engagements, or published work.
Engage with industry leaders and your peers by liking, sharing, or commenting on their posts. Thoughtful contributions demonstrate your expertise, intellectual engagement, and communication skills.
Why It Matters:
Recruiters are actively browsing LinkedIn profiles for potential candidates. A dynamic, well-maintained profile can set you apart and make you standout against peers. Engagement also acts as a trail of breadcrumbs, leading recruiters and law firm leaders directly to you.
Don't: Overshare or Breach Confidentiality
Avoid using social platforms as grounds for self-promotion that feels excessive or inappropriate. Keep it classy by focusing on measurable achievements (like settlements or deals closed) and never discuss confidential details about past or ongoing cases to appear more impressive. Breaching client trust, even unintentionally, can be a one-way ticket to a bad reputation.
Engaging Professionally on LinkedIn
Do: Network Purposefully
LinkedIn isn’t just a digital resume; it’s a networking powerhouse. Use it to connect with colleagues, recruiters, and industry leaders in your practice area. Ditch the "I'd like to connect" message and instead write polite, personalized invitations to grow your network strategically.
Join legal groups, comment on discussions, and share your insights. Intentional networking puts you on the radar of recruiters and hiring managers. It’s similar to networking at a conference, but you can wear sweatpants.
Why It Matters:
Networking increases your exposure to recruiters and hiring managers while helping you stay on top of market trends. Engaging thoughtfully shows that you’re proactive, knowledgeable, and connected. Plus, a strong professional network can open doors you didn’t even know existed—hello, dream job!
Don't: Go Overboard with Recruitment Signals
While LinkedIn is a great platform for signaling you’re open to opportunities, avoid broadcasting your job search too loudly. Overemphasizing your availability may come across as desperation and create awkward conversations if your current employer notices.
Instead, select LinkedIn’s discreet “#OpenToWork” feature to alert recruiters privately.
Engaging Directly with Legal Recruiters
Do: Reach out to Legal Recruiters
Send personalized messages to legal recruiters who you think highly of and let them know you are in the market. These messages should be short and sweet. You may want to provide a list of key items that you are looking for in a role and why you are looking. You can also include key aspects of your practice so they know what roles would be best suited for you.
Why It Matters:
Recruiters are usually first to learn about new roles. Candidates that they have previously connected with will be top of mind when it comes to these opportunities. By making your openness known, you will hear about these roles before other attorneys and can be the first candidates presented.
Don't: Assume That the Legal Recruiters Will Have Immediate Needs
Recruiters usually work a handful of opportunities at a time. If you reach out, they may not be working on a job that fits your background. The key is to be placed on their radar so that when a role comes, the legal recruiter knows to call you first.
Take Action Today
Your social media habits can make or break your job search. Take a few minutes this week to review your profiles, tweak privacy settings, and share something professional. With a little effort, your online presence can transform into your greatest career asset. Plus, it never hurts to show potential employers you’ve got your digital act together.
