How important is LinkedIn?

[Rose2289]

Hi everyone,

im starting law school this fall and I currently do not have a LinkedIn. I deleted my account over some privacy concerns because I’m estranged from some family members. Is it a disadvantage to not have an account? Will it harm my job prospects? Does everyone have one? 

[CleanHands]

Doesn't matter.

[chaboywb]

I like LinkedIn as a way to keep track of people I've met and put faces to names. But it doesn't really help me beyond that.

[Phaedrus]

If you to like tow the company line and tell the world how excited you are to start articles at [insert law firm name] or "start the next chapter of [your] life", you should think about getting one. 

Edited May 31, 2023 by Phaedrus

[123]

It's a convenient way to post your resume online, if that's something you want.  If you're ever at the stage of building business by getting clients yourself, it does help to have enough publicly available information that people can look you up and see that you seem like a respectable, credible lawyer. Having a linkedin can be part of that (although you usually also have a webpage). But that doesn't matter for students. They'd be sending their resume to potential employers anyway.

I don't use it as a networking tool at all. Some do, but students and lawyers have better ways to network than linkedin, in my opinion.

Edited May 31, 2023 by realpseudonym

[PzabbytheLawyer]

LinkedIn can be great for networking if you're interested in connecting with people in other jurisdictions (countries, continents).

I've gotten a lot of random and great connections around the world by tailoring my LinkedIn to my interests.

[Aurelius]

Linkedin is excellent when job hunting after accumulating 4-5 years of experience in your field. If you spend time writing out your profile, putting in details, work experience, a small personal blurb, jobs will come find you once you become more established in your field.

I had office managers from prominent law firms in my area of law reach out to me, and recruiters; researchers asking for my participation in a research in my area of law, students looking for jobs (Cold calling me), advertisers offering to increase my client outreach etc.

If you add the prominent firms in your area, or follow their page, they might sometimes post articling and summer jobs (which I often repost to my network).

I also got a few clients from Linkedin.

Edited June 1, 2023 by Aureliuse

[capitalttruth]

I wish it was less important than it is. I get this odd sensation of wanting to vomit everytime I visit.

[sarcasticlemon]

Linkedin was really handy for finding jobs outside of the formal recruits. I would recommend it, it doesn't hurt.

[StoneMason]

On 5/31/2023 at 12:15 PM, realpseudonym said:

I don't use it as a networking tool at all. Some do, but students and lawyers have better ways to network than linkedin, in my opinion.

Not to derail the from the topic too much, but could you pls share some of the better ways to network? Also starting 1L this fall so open to any pointers!

[Law nerd 221]

Some employers check your linkedin profile before interviewing you so i guess it has some importance. You can also network and build connections. I found the position I work at right now, through someone I knew from Linkedin. 

[ayswn]

I keep my Linkedin up to date but try to generally avoid it. I don't use it to network, mostly to keep track of who I've met and occasionally send chats to them since I don't add people I don't already know. Job-wise, I've only ever been asked about something on my Linkedin in an interview one time. While I wouldn't be surprised if recruiters were looking atmy profile, there's very little on there that isn't already in my resume. And like others said, it's useful for looking for job opportunities outside of the formal recruitment process.

BUT no, not everyone has one or uses it especially not as students. People with no online presence get great jobs all the time. It will not hurt your job prospects