You’re juggling case briefs, trying to understand the Rule Against Perpetuities, and wondering if you’ll ever feel like you know what you’re doing. The last thing you want is another “must-do” on your list.
But here’s the thing about LinkedIn—it’s not just another task. It’s actually one of the smartest investments you can make in your future legal career, and it doesn’t require nearly as much time as you think.
Why LinkedIn Actually Matters (Beyond What Career Services Tells You)
The legal profession runs on relationships. Whether you’re dreaming of BigLaw, public interest work, going in-house, or starting your own practice, your success depends on people knowing who you are and what you bring to the table.
Here’s what’s happening right now:
- Hiring partners are Googling candidates between interviews
- Legal recruiters are checking profiles before reaching out
- Alumni are looking for promising students to mentor
- Your future colleagues are already on the platform
Your career services office is great, but they can’t personally introduce you to every potential connection. LinkedIn gives you direct access to thousands of legal professionals who remember what 1L year felt like—and many genuinely want to help.
Building Your Profile: Make It Work For You
Your Headline: More Than Just “Law Student”
Skip the generic “Law Student at [School Name].” Instead, give people a reason to remember you:
Try these instead:
- “First-Year Law Student | Future Corporate Attorney | Passionate About Environmental Law”
- “2L at [Law School] | Former Marketing Professional | Exploring Employment Law”
- “Law Student at [School] | Aspiring Public Defender | Committed to Criminal Justice Reform”
Your Summary: Tell Your Story
This is your chance to connect the dots. Why law school? Why now? Where are you headed?
Here’s an example that works:
“Before law school, I spent three years in nonprofit management. I watched legal barriers prevent communities from accessing essential services—and I decided to do something about it. Now, as a first-year student at [Law School], I’m focused on public interest law with the goal of becoming a legal aid attorney specializing in housing rights.”
See how that tells a story? That’s what makes people want to connect with you.
Strategic Networking: Start Where You Are
Your Immediate Circle
Start by connecting with classmates, professors, and law school staff. Your classmates aren’t just study partners—they’re your future referral network. In 10 years, some will be partners, judges, or in-house counsel who can send opportunities your way.
The Alumni Gold Mine
Your law school’s alumni network is one of your biggest assets. Search for graduates working in areas that interest you, then reach out with a thoughtful connection request.
Most lawyers remember struggling through law school. They get it. And many are surprisingly generous with their time when you approach them respectfully.
Expand Your Circle
Connect with legal professionals you meet at events, guest lectures, or through personal connections. Follow lawyers and firms whose work inspires you. You never know where these connections might lead.
What to Post (And What to Skip)
Share This:
- Thoughtful takes on legal news
- Insights from internships or interesting classes
- Professional wins (law review, moot court, summer positions)
- What you’re learning and how you’re growing
Skip This:
- Party photos or personal drama (save it for Instagram)
- Overly political content (unless you’re specifically going into political law)
- Complaints about professors or law school
- Sharing articles without adding your own perspective
The CEB Connection: A California Law Student’s Secret Weapon
If you’re in California or planning to practice here, following CEB (Continuing Education of the Bar) is a move most law students miss—but shouldn’t.
What is CEB? CEB is a self-supporting program of the University of California with 75+ years serving California’s legal community. They’re the go-to source for legal research, practical guidance, and continuing education specific to California law.
Why it matters for you:
Real-World Legal Insights CEB posts regularly about what’s actually happening in California legal practice—from environmental law to probate litigation to real estate issues. It’s like a window into what your future workdays might look like.
Discover Practice Areas You might think you know what kind of law you want to practice. CEB’s content on everything from CEQA exemptions to probate procedures might surprise you with areas you hadn’t considered.
Networking Gold CEB invites followers to join their LinkedIn group—CEB California Law Practice—where you can connect with practicing California attorneys who are actively engaged in continuing education. These are the people who stay current and take their professional development seriously.
Free Resources CEB offers free guidebooks on topics like “LinkedIn for Attorneys,” “Digital Branding Basics for Lawyers,” and “Strategies for Growing Your Law Firm Business Online.” These are incredibly helpful for law students thinking ahead.
Credibility by Association When you engage thoughtfully with CEB’s content, you’re interacting with an organization ranked as California’s best CLE provider by readers of The Recorder. That visibility matters.
Leveraging LinkedIn for Real Opportunities
Before You Apply Anywhere
Research firms and organizations on LinkedIn. Follow their pages. Connect with lawyers who work there. This homework helps you write better cover letters and gives you natural conversation starters for interviews.
The Informational Interview Approach
LinkedIn makes this so much easier than cold-calling ever was. Most lawyers remember being in your position and are willing to spend 15-20 minutes sharing their experience.
Try this message:
“Hi [Name], I’m a second-year law student at [School] with a strong interest in [practice area]. I’ve been following your work at [Firm] and would love to learn from your experience. Would you have 15 minutes for a brief call? Any guidance you could share would be greatly appreciated.”
Short, specific, and respectful of their time. It works.
Mistakes to Avoid (Learn From Others’ Errors)
The Ghost Profile: Creating a profile then abandoning it looks worse than having no profile. Keep it updated.
TMI: LinkedIn isn’t Facebook. Keep personal updates elsewhere.
Generic Connection Requests: “I’d like to add you to my professional network” is lazy. Personalize it.
Being a Passive Observer: LinkedIn rewards engagement. Like, comment, share—and add your own thoughts.
Your 4-Week LinkedIn Action Plan
Week 1: Optimize your profile. Write a compelling headline and summary that tell your story.
Week 2: Connect with classmates, professors, and legal professionals you already know.
Week 3: Follow 20-30 legal professionals, firms, and organizations in your areas of interest. (California students: add CEB to this list.)
Week 4: Start engaging. Like, comment on, and share posts—always adding your own insights.
Going Forward: Post something professionally relevant once a week. Keep building your network strategically.
The Bottom Line
Your legal career starts now—not at graduation. LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you have for building the relationships and reputation that will shape your career.
You don’t need to spend hours on it. But spending 15-20 minutes a week can make a massive difference in the opportunities that come your way.
Want more tips to grow your legal career in California? Follow CEB on LinkedIn for practical insights, professional development strategies, and real-world advice from legal experts across the state.
