Social networking has become ubiquitous in our society, yet it remains unclear whether this medium will help or hinder the legal profession and job market. A 2014 ABA Tech Report stated that over 93 percent of all the attorneys in the United States had a LinkedIn in profile. That is an enormous number and speaks to the potential power of social networking within the legal community. LinkedIn, and other social media platforms, can be effective and beneficial modes of professional communication and networking but it is imperative that these sites are utilized properly and effectively.
I have recently been informed by several graduating law students that they received LinkedIn messages from firms seeking to interview them for associate positions. These firms initiated direct contact with these students after reviewing their LinkedIn profile. Many employers, even within the law, search LinkedIn for specific terms and skills as part of their recruiting efforts, and many post jobs directly to LinkedIn. Having the right information on your profile and keeping it updated could be the easiest thing you do that will get you a job.
