Five ways to use social media to kickstart your legal career

You probably have an Instagram account and a LinkedIn profile, but have you ever thought about how social media can help you to kickstart your legal career?

There has recently been a boom in online content from both aspiring and junior lawyers. From podcasts, YouTube videos and Instagram Lives, there are now so many more ways to get information about a career in law.

You don’t have to be a blogger or run your own platform to benefit. Here are five ways social media can help you to start your career, and potentially secure a training contract.

1. Tips and advice

It is no secret that securing a job in law can be very competitive. Junior lawyers are now sharing their tips on all parts of the job-hunting process, from mastering the Watson Glaser test, answering application questions and approaching interviews. This can come in the form of a LinkedIn post, an Instagram carousel, or even in-depth guides that are available for you to download. These junior lawyers have succeeded in the process themselves very recently, and are well positioned to help you to become the best candidate you can be.

2. Insights

Having an understanding of a firm’s culture, strategy and work can be key to securing a role. Through easily digestible content like ‘day in the life’ TikToks, Instagram reels and YouTube vlogs, you can get a glimpse into the working life of a legal professional. This can help you to understand what day-to-day tasks may arise in particular areas of law, and decide whether certain areas interest you. Having a better understanding of what lawyers actually do can also help you to better articulate your interest in law in an application or interview.

3. Networking

Networking can be quite intimidating. However, social media can help you to get to know the individuals behind the accounts, which makes reaching out less daunting. Some forms of social media have a more casual and friendly atmosphere, which can make it easier to build a connection. So much can be gained from striking up a conversation with someone – whether it’s gaining an insight into their experiences; hearing about opportunities that you would not have otherwise known about; or even just discussing a shared experience with a peer and supporting each other.

4. Opportunities

Trying to secure a legal role without any prior experience can be a challenge. It is important to remember not to discount non-paid experiences. The growth in online platforms means that there are so many different ways to get involved. This can include becoming a brand ambassador, contributing to a commercial awareness newsletter or hosting a webinar. You can even build your own experience by starting a blog or podcast. Not only do these opportunities help you to build soft skills and demonstrate your interest in law, they can also help you to expand your professional network.

5. Business development skills

Business development skills are essential for any lawyer in private practice who is looking to expand their client base and build up their practice. The ability to build a personal brand, network and market yourself online can really assist with this. Establishing an online presence for yourself can mean that you are actively developing these skills from an early stage. Employers are looking for well-rounded applicants, and having strong business development skills can help to set you apart.

Shannon is a trainee solicitor. You can follow Shannon on Instagram and YouTube.