Q4 2024 Q&A
When did you decide to start to use LinkedIn to share posts, and why?
Some time prior to lockdown, I wanted to share legal articles and topics. Once I started my podcast Talking Law in 2019 and wanted it to reach a wide audience of women lawyers and male allies, I was keen to learn how to share.
Did you have any fears about being authentic and sharing your opinions in your posts at first?
Yes. Strict rules about the use of social media are important. But then I learnt to post about my dog and fundraising that I am involved in for charities - whether it is a run or silly challenge.
LinkedIn has been a welcome task.
Why do you think your posts encourage your followers to comment and engage?
Because I try to be an authentic lawyer, a mother, and showcase a work-life balance. I am interested in wellness as well, and the constant quest to find balance.
Were you surprised when you saw the data about the level of performance you'd achieved?
Yes, very.
I engage with LinkedIn as a professional platform for engagement with fellow barristers and solicitors, but I am actually engaging with young people aspiring to be lawyers.
I am also keen to engage with non-lawyers and business leaders.
What's the most surprising result that you've produced due to your posting on LinkedIn?
As a criminal law barrister specialising in all aspects of crime and cybercrime as well as employment law, LinkedIn has not only generated work but also unexpectedly boosted my other work areas as an experienced non-executive director, as a speaker and TED talker, but also as a leader and educator through my published books.
It has also enabled me to to gain an extensive listenership for my podcast Talking Law, now in the top 2% of all global podcasts.
What advice would you give to anyone who wanted to campaign for greater representation or equity?
For greater representation, equality or equity, my advice for those interested in this area is to have data and statistics on representation and the impact of equity to support any posts on LinkedIn or otherwise.
Who do you most love following in terms of other people's accounts, and who is your LinkedIn inspiration?
I love following the female leaders, as well as Shelley Vallis - who shares a lot of thought-leadership-type posts and Tony Robbins. I love following Amanda Adeola and a number of lawyers writing about careers and law.
What would you say to others that are thinking of adding their voice on this platform?
Champion the causes close to your heart.
I set up Women in the Law UK to support the next generation of lawyers at all stages of their career.
LinkedIn has allowed me to connect with similar lawyers with the same passion. And in turn, we improve the retention and attrition rates of women leaving the solicitors' profession and increase the diversity and inclusion of those from all backgrounds wishing to enter the profession.
So for anyone wanting to champion equity, social mobility and many other areas: go for it.
But also be aware that LinkedIn is a global professional platform. And do check your own ethics rules. And then do get some training as to how to use the platform.
Finally, be kind on the platform.
Published as given at the time. More Q&As · Something to update?