In our Careers Clinic, we tackle career development questions from members of our specialist communities.
This month, Associate Consultant and personal injury careers specialist Kim Stark, answers a question we hear more and more from legal professionals:
I’m an EL/PL solicitor returning to work after time off on parental leave and want to come back with impact. I’d like to raise my profile on LinkedIn, reconnect with my network, and build a strong personal brand, but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any advice on how to do this effectively?
Absolutely—and it’s brilliant that you’re thinking about this. A strong personal brand can help you stand out in a competitive market, attract new opportunities, and establish yourself as a trusted voice in your practice area. And LinkedIn is the perfect platform to build that presence.
Whether you’re looking to position yourself for progression, attract referrals, or simply be more visible to clients and peers, here are some practical steps to get started.
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Craft a Clear and Compelling Headline
Don’t just list your job title—use your headline to reflect your specialism, value, or even who you help.
Instead of:
- Solicitor at XYZ LLP
Try:
- EL/PL Solicitor helping clients navigate injury claims with clarity and confidence
- Experienced Litigation Lawyer | Specialising in employers’ and public liability claims
This makes it instantly clear what you do and why it matters.
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Tell Your Story in Your Summary
The ‘About’ section is where you can share your personality and professional values. Use it to explain what drives you, what you specialise in, and what kind of work you’re passionate about. Keep it in the first person and aim for a tone that’s friendly but professional.
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Be Active and Consistent
Posting regularly helps keep you visible to your network. You don’t have to post every day—once or twice a week is a great start. Content ideas include:
- A reflection on a recent case or challenge (anonymised, of course)
- Legal updates in your practice area
- Career milestones or insights from your journey
- Lessons learned from the job
- Commentary on industry news or events
Your tone should reflect who you are. You don’t need to be overly formal – authenticity builds trust.
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Reconnect With Your Network
Take some time to re-engage with your LinkedIn community. Comment on posts from colleagues, share articles that interest you, and send messages to old contacts. Interaction builds visibility and keeps your name front of mind.
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Use the Featured Section
Pin your best content to the top of your profile using the ‘Featured’ section. This could be a LinkedIn post you’re proud of, a blog you’ve written, or even a recent case study or client testimonial. It’s a great way to highlight your expertise to anyone visiting your profile.
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Position Yourself as a Thought Leader
Over time, aim to establish yourself as someone who adds value to conversations in your area of law. Share insights, comment thoughtfully on others’ posts, and don’t be afraid to start meaningful conversations. It’s not about being the loudest—it’s about being consistent, useful, and relevant.
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Don’t Aim for Perfection
Many lawyers hold back from posting because they’re worried it won’t be “perfect.” But LinkedIn isn’t about flawless articles—it’s about showing up, sharing your perspective, and being part of the conversation. The more you do it, the more confident you’ll feel.
Want Help Getting Started?
If you’re ready to build your brand but need a helping hand, download our Personal Branding Playbook. It’s full of practical tips, content ideas, and examples tailored for lawyers looking to raise their profile and build a reputation on LinkedIn.
And if you’d like tailored advice on positioning yourself for progression, growing your network, or exploring new roles, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help.
