Q1 2025 Q&A
When did you decide to start to use LinkedIn to share posts and why?
Like many people, I suspect, I set up a LinkedIn profile years ago because it appeared to be a necessary part of adulting, although I wasn’t really sure why.
I posted rarely, thinking it was only for major professional announcements, but I did log on fairly regularly to connect with people I’d met in person.
I started to notice that it seemed busier and that the tone had shifted to something more human.
It was in summer 2024 that I consciously decided to come out of the woodwork and post.
I’d had a rough time health-wise in previous years, which isn’t great if you’re self-employed, so I was hoping it would help me rebuild some professional confidence and reconnect with clients.
What I didn’t know was that I’d get to know so many lovely people.
Did you have any fears about being authentic and sharing your opinions in your posts at first?
Oh, I’m not authentic: it’s all a charade.
But seriously: yes, definitely. I was very worried about looking like a wally.
But I remembered my grandma’s mantra: “You would worry less what others think of you if you realised how little they did”.
It really doesn’t matter if a post doesn’t “perform” – it will be buried in the feed within hours. And although I am completely authentic on LinkedIn, that doesn’t mean I share every aspect of my life or my opinions.
Why do you think your posts encourage your followers to comment and engage?
No idea – I’m always surprised anyone cares.
I hope it’s because they find my content one or the other of relatable, informative or maybe a tiny bit funny.
Or maybe they just like pretty pictures of the Inns of Court.
Has your firm been supportive of what you’re doing and - assuming it has - what lessons could others learn from your approach?
Yes, really supportive.
I can see why some organisations might be nervous but I think you have to trust your people. They could be great ambassadors for chambers and it doesn’t cost you anything.
Do clients ever say anything about your posts to you?
All the time!
Usually just that they like seeing my posts, which is obviously really nice and encouraging to hear.
Nobody’s ever said anything negative about it. At least, not to my face.
Has your success on LinkedIn inspired other colleagues to start using the platform?
I’m not sure that it has, to be honest.
Come on, folks! I refer you to paragraph 2 above, which is repeated. (Terrible barrister in-joke, sorry.)
What would you say to others that are thinking of adding their voice on this platform?
Give it a go.
You don’t have to go in all guns blazing: you can start by following some people and commenting on their posts when the discussion interests you.
You’ll find your people.
What’s the most surprising result that you’ve produced due to your posting on LinkedIn? Or, have you had any breakthrough results?
As I said, I was really not expecting the incredible sense of community, friendship and support amongst lawyers on LinkedIn.
I was really surprised to realise I’ve only been active on the platform for about 9-10 months because I feel as if I’ve known some of them for years.
It has also yielded tangible results in terms of instructions – I’ve had at least one solicitor specifically say they had instructed me because we’d interacted on LinkedIn.
Have you found real life networking easier as a result of your profile on LinkedIn?
Absolutely – it’s a great icebreaker.
That’s one reason that I’d encourage younger lawyers in particular to get involved.
It can be really daunting showing up to a big meet and greet event where you don’t know anyone and you’re one of the most junior people in the room, so it’s really helpful if people already have an idea of who you are and what you do.
Which creators would other legal sector professionals be wise to follow?
I’m not going to single people out here because there are just too many fabulous people and I’d be bound to forget one of them unjustifiably; also, it depends on your individual interests.
That said, I do think a great starting point is...
a) follow Simon Marshall (not just a piece of transparent sucking-up, I promise – it’s just that you will quickly get to see lots of great posts through Si’s connections); and
b) follow some people who are lower down the rankings, simply because they’re obviously doing good stuff but you might not come across them organically
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