In the Legal Industry your LinkedIn profile can and does make or break your chances of landing an interview. Potential clients, employers, and recruiters all actively view LinkedIn making your profile one of the first impressions into your professional brand.

As a leading Queensland-based legal recruitment agency, here’s what we look for in a LinkedIn profile to determine whether a lawyer will get an interview invitation for one of our clients – and what you can do to give yourself the best chance.

1. Specialisation in Your Headline

Your LinkedIn headline is often the first thing our consultants notice. To stand out, be very clear about your specialisation and position/ job title. A headline such as “Senior Associate (Commercial Law)” can instantly clarify your area of expertise. Avoid vague titles or listing multiple roles; instead, tailor your headline to reflect your current job title, specialisation, and employer.

2. Articulate Your About Section with Purpose

A blank “About” section is a missed opportunity. Have a well thought out articulated summary that describes what kind of lawyer you are. This space should capture your professional experience, your unique skills, and the value this combination of skills and experience brings to the table. Think of it as an elevator pitch, detailing your legal expertise, notable clients or industries you've advised, and any relevant in-house experience or secondments. When well-written, your LinkedIn About section demonstrates professional credibility and helps potential employers or clients understand how you could serve them.

Be mindful to stay aligned with your current employer’s messaging; LinkedIn is not just a recruitment platform but also a business development and professional networking tool. Many prospective clients check profiles after a proposal or tender submission, so ensure your About section is polished, relevant, and on-brand.

3. Professional Headshot

A professional headshot is non-negotiable for creating a positive first impression. A clear, corporate-style headshot conveys professionalism and signals that you take your career seriously. Remember, it’s not about looking glamorous, rather aim to look both credible and approachable!

4. Keywords in Headline and Summary

Using relevant keywords in both your headline and summary sections can increase your profile's visibility to recruiters and hiring managers. Include terms such as “commercial law,” “litigation,” or “construction law,” based on your specialty. This approach also signals to recruiters searching specific skills that you are a match. Keep your language straightforward and accurate to ensure that your profile aligns with the roles you’re aiming for.

At Alex Correa Executive we often recommend to candidates that they position their LinkedIn profile to attract offers for the job they want, not the job they currently have! So, whilst you need to keep it accurate, emphasise skills, experience and key words that are relevant to the next role you are aiming for.

5. Complete the Experience Section

Your experience section should reflect your career path accurately, without omissions. Avoid skipping previous employers, even competitors, as this career history builds your credibility. Include when you have shifted laterally from one area of a practice to another.

If you’ve worked for smaller firms, consider adding a brief description (one to two sentences) about the firm’s niche, founding background, or notable clients. This detail helps recruiters understand your background in context, especially when they may not be familiar with your past employers or are looking at your profile with a view to overseas opportunities.

6. Professional Development and Education

Your educational background, including university and postgraduate studies should be up to date. Include only relevant certifications; this shows your commitment to continued professional growth. Recruiters often check this to gauge your dedication to keeping your skills current in your field.

7. Strategic Use of the “Open to Work” Feature

While the “Open to Work” feature can attract recruiter attention, use it carefully. Many professionals find themselves inundated with unsuitable roles.

We have heard stories where recruiters have reached out based on the open to work status and then shopped candidates around to unsuitable employers without their consent.

Instead, consider identifying specialist recruiters you trust, reaching out directly for a confidential chat, and discussing your career aspirations. Just like any service provider, researching and doing your due diligence on the recruiter you are going to develop a relationship with is an investment in your career. Finding a recruiter or specialist agency that aligns with your values, and you are proud to be associated with over the long term can make a significant impact on your career trajectory.

By aligning with a trusted industry specialist recruiter, you maintain control over who advocates for you and avoid multiple, duplicate job submissions and being put forward for roles you have absolutely no interest in.

8. Professionalism in Engagement

Your LinkedIn activity reflects your brand. Posting relevant content, commenting on legal industry updates, and maintaining a professional tone are all noticed by recruiters. I recommend avoiding rants or overly personal topics; professionalism in your interactions enhances your profile’s appeal and reinforces your standing as a serious legal professional.

9. Recommendations, Endorsements and Skills

While recommendations may not always be the deciding factor, endorsements from senior professionals in your field lend credibility to your profile. It’s valuable to have endorsements for skills central to your area of expertise. Just remember, these should complement, not replace, a strong summary and experience section.

LinkedIn allows you to add skills to each of your roles. In some instances, it may have pre-populated these for you based on your description of the job. Check these are accurate and representative of your abilities. Ensure if you have language skills these are included as they are highly desirable by clients and employers.

10. Be Aware of your Interests

A visitor to your profile can see your interests, which includes the companies you are following and the “Top Voices of LinkedIn” you are following. Ensure that these reflect your professional focus.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We often see lawyers making mistakes on their LinkedIn profiles and these are the ones we suggest you do your best to avoid!

Unclear specialisation

Be clear about your area of legal focus.

Gaps or omissions

Include a full work history for transparency.

Frequent job changes

Job-hopping can raise concerns. If you have several positions under 12-18 months, then you may need some longevity in your current role to demonstrate stability.

Location settings

Keep your location accurate and specify if you are open to relocation or remote work.

We recommend thinking of your LinkedIn profile as a preview of your CV. It should capture career highlights but not serve as a substitute for a full resume. A strong profile indicates to recruiters that you understand the legal industry’s nuances and are intentional about your professional brand.

In the booming Queensland legal market, your LinkedIn profile can indeed make the difference between receiving an interview request or not. By keeping it updated, targeted, and professional, you’ll enhance your chances of connecting with recruiters and standing out in your field.

Ready to discuss your ideal next step? Please get in touch here.