When you’re exploring new career opportunities, LinkedIn is often the first place hiring managers and recruiters will look. It’s more than just an online CV, it’s your professional shop window, and a well-presented profile can make all the difference in securing interviews and moving forward in your legal career.
At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions, we specialise in Legal recruitment and see first-hand how much impact a strong LinkedIn presence can have. Legal professionals who take the time to optimise their profiles often find themselves approached for the right roles faster, including highly sought-after legal jobs in the public sector.
Here are our top tips to help you optimise your LinkedIn profile and stand out in a competitive market.
1. Create a Headline That Works Hard for You
Your headline doesn’t have to be just your job title. Instead of simply “Solicitor” or “Lawyer,” think about what will make you stand out in searches.
· For example: “Public Sector Employment Lawyer | TUPE & Equality Law Specialist”
This not only tells readers what you do, but also includes keywords that make you more visible to recruiters searching for specialist skill sets.
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2. Highlight Your Specialisms
One of the most important things you can do is make your specialisms clear. Recruiters (including ourselves) often search for candidates based on niche areas of law - such as housing, governance, planning, or employment.
If your profile doesn’t spell out your expertise, you could miss out on being found. Include your specialisms in:
Your headline
The “About” section
Your job descriptions
Being specific about your skills and experience ensures you appear in the right searches.
3. Use Your ‘About’ Section to Tell Your Story
The ‘About’ section is your chance to go beyond job titles and responsibilities. A well-written summary should include:
Your years of experience
Areas of law you specialise in
Career highlights or achievements
What motivates you in your work
This gives us a clearer picture of who you are, not just what you do, which is especially valuable in fields like governance and public sector law.
4. Keep Your Experience Current and Detailed
Make sure your most recent role is up to date and clearly explains your responsibilities. Focus on achievements as well as duties.
For example:
“Provided legal advice on housing management matters, reducing tenancy disputes by 20%” is stronger and more compelling than “advised on housing law”
Recruiters want to see the impact of your work, not just a list of tasks.
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5. Pay Attention to the Details
A few simple improvements can make your profile instantly stronger:
Professional photo: A clear, approachable headshot makes you more memorable.
Skills and endorsements: List relevant legal skills and ask trusted colleagues to endorse you.
Engagement: Sharing insights or commenting on legal updates shows you’re active and informed, which helps with visibility.
Final Thoughts
Optimising your LinkedIn profile doesn’t take long, but it can have a significant impact on your job search.
By highlighting your specialisms and keeping your experience clear and current, you’ll make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to find you for the roles you want.
At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions, we’re experts in legal recruitment and support professionals at all levels across all specialisms. If you’d like tailored advice on your profile, or want to hear about the latest legal jobs, reach out to the team today.
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