How can in-house lawyers leverage LinkedIn without sounding self-promotional?
For many in-house lawyers, LinkedIn feels like an awkward balancing act. You know visibility matters—but the idea of posting updates, sharing insights, or networking online can feel forced. What if you come across as inauthentic? What if no one engages? Worse, what if you waste time on a platform that doesn’t actually help your career?
Take Neil Greenbaum, a transactional attorney who transformed his LinkedIn presence from hesitant to highly influential. His early posts were, by his own admission, “cringe-worthy.” But by committing to consistency, he built credibility, grew his network, and even landed referrals—six out of eight people once tagged him in a post seeking a contract lawyer. That’s the power of LinkedIn for in-house lawyers done right.
Watch the full conversation with Neil Greenbaum here:
Building Your Legal Brand Through Consistent Engagement
You don’t need daily posts or polished videos. What matters is showing up regularly and being genuinely helpful. Start small by sharing practical insights from your work. If you recently navigated a tricky compliance issue, share a key takeaway. When new regulations impact your industry, offer a concise perspective. After negotiating a complex agreement, explain one clause others should watch for.
These bite-sized contributions position you as a thought leader without the pressure of creating formal content. Forget sounding like a legal memo—write as if you’re explaining something to a colleague over coffee. Neil’s unscripted, early-morning videos worked because they were real. On LinkedIn for in-house lawyers, authenticity beats perfection every time.
Positioning Yourself as a Go-To Legal Expert
Many in-house lawyers assume their work speaks for itself. But if people don’t know what you specialize in, they can’t refer you or seek your input. Your LinkedIn profile should clearly communicate your niche—whether it’s contracts, data privacy, or corporate governance. Then reinforce it through your posts. The more you highlight your expertise naturally, the more you become the obvious choice when opportunities arise.
How Corporate Lawyers Can Generate Organic Opportunities
The biggest wins on LinkedIn for in-house lawyers often come indirectly. A colleague might tag you in a discussion about your specialty. A connection could recommend you for a speaking opportunity. A peer might message you for advice, leading to a strategic collaboration. These opportunities happen when you’re top of mind—and that only comes from consistent engagement.
Comment on others’ posts, celebrate their wins, and add value to conversations. The more you contribute meaningfully, the more your network grows—and the more opportunities find you.
Getting Started: Simple Strategies for Legal Professionals
You don’t need a grand strategy. Your first step is simple: post one insight this week. Share a lesson from a recent negotiation, comment on a regulatory change you’re watching, or engage with someone else’s post. LinkedIn for in-house lawyers isn’t about vanity metrics—it’s about building influence through genuine contributions. The more you show up, the more doors open.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 1, Episode 8 (ft. Neil Greenbaum)
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