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‘What is going on with legal LinkedIn?’ 

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By Legal Cheek on

24

One lawyer isn’t happy

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In the latest instalment of our Career Conundrums series, a junior lawyer expresses their frustrations regarding what they perceive as changes to the nature of posts by legal professionals on LinkedIn.

“This is more of a rant than a career conundrum, but I’m curious to hear others’ thoughts on this. I am an associate and have been using LinkedIn for a good number of years now, and have noticed a distinct shift in the tone of posts. Increasingly it seems that many trainees and associates (and even some partners!) are using it more like Facebook. There are updates about their daily lives, ‘humble brags’ disguised as motivational posts, and announcements that often have little to do with their actual careers. What do others think about this shift? Please keep anon.”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at tips@legalcheek.com.

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24 Comments

Anon

I don’t care

Reply Report comment
(41)(3)

Anon

I agree. There’s a growing tendency to prioritise the appearance of success over actual substance. Social media platforms like LinkedIn have amplified this trend. While sharing achievements can be inspiring, it’s important to maintain authenticity and focus on providing value to the community. Long-term trust and respect are built on genuine connections and meaningful contributions.

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(32)(14)

Anonymous

Thanks, ChatGPT.

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(86)(2)

Anonymous

People want to be seen as wise and virtuous, without being wise and virtuous.

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(42)(0)

Outside in

I’m trying to make a career switch into law and as a result, have connected with professionals within the industry via LinkedIn whilst completing TCs. That being said, from my perspective, it’s the same in my current industry and wider afield.

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(12)(3)

Archibald O'Pomposity

Cool story, bro.

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(5)(12)

Focus on value, not vanity

Disguising boastful statements as modest ones, constantly posting about personal achievements and daily activities, and flooding the feed with promotional content – yeah, it is a no from me.

They need a good lesson on how to self-promote without humblebragging and oversharing. It’s actually less about you but more about what you can do for others. Instead of constantly talking about personal achievements, it’s more beneficial to share insights, offer advice, or provide solutions to problems. This approach not only helps others but also positions you as a knowledgeable and helpful individual.

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(28)(1)

Archibald O'Pomposity

But you’ve just done exactly the same thing!

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(3)(7)

Isabel

Well said!

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(2)(1)

Thicc law boi

Just a bit of bants.

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(3)(4)

Paperwork Monkey

The ones who are humble bragging on Linkedin are usually (at best) intellectually mediocre knobs who either: (a) got invited to something like a firm Open Day or virtual insight event, then proceeded to thank every one of the firm’s partners, lawyers, recruitment officers, receptionist, family members, friends, etc.; or (b) got something way above what they deserve (meritocratically).

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(28)(2)

Anon

Please can we as an industry make the point that “Open Days” or “insight schemes” are not things that should go in the “work experience” section on Linkedin.

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(37)(2)

Yes Man

Thoroughly agree with this.

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(7)(0)

Anon

This. Please.

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(5)(0)

Future prospective virtual insight day attendee application completer, Eversheds, Leeds

But how else are we meant to make people think we are better than we are?

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(4)(0)

anon

partly agree but those of us who had work experience cancelled because of the dreaded covid had to differentiate ourselves somehow

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(1)(1)

Wigmore

I have noticed the same shift. Most content on LinkedIn now is a waste of text and time. Along with the humble (and in many cases, not-so-humble) brag I am noticing a huge increase in useless daily updates and endless attempts at talking about everything from mental health to career aspirations.

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(9)(0)

Anonymous

Idk . Work culture is toxic, my previous law firm I worked at wasn’t interested in knowing my personal life or who I really was and what I was about.

I think a lot of the time, I want to make personal posts to show potential colleagues/ employers who I am, what I’m etc.

However yeah some of these LinkedIn posts can be excessive. A lot of it I think definitely isn’t for LinkedIn. A funny Reddit called “LinkedIn lunatics” can show some absolutely absurd examples of people maybe being too TMI or extreme.

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(5)(1)

Toys & Pram LLP

Boo hoo!
Poo poo!
Noo noo!

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(1)(0)

Anonymous

True. It’s not professional anymore. And the motivational posts aren’t motivating, for example, your kid got a gold star at primary school for a project, so what does that have to do with the legal profession?🤣🤣🤣

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(2)(1)

In-house grump

Legal LinkedIn is the refuge of the self-indulgent, attention-seekers one does one’s best to avoid in real-life.

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(9)(1)

Anon

It’s the work toilet mirror selfie that kills me. You’re just attending an open day.

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(5)(0)

I didn’t do my work #mindfulness

Anyone else love reading the increasing incompetence of that one MC trainee who keeps getting posted on LinkedIn lunatics?

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(1)(0)

Curious

Who?

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(0)(0)

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