The About section (sometimes called the summary) is the one place on LinkedIn where you get to speak in your own voice, at some length, about who you are. Most people either leave it blank or fill it with stiff, third-person corporate language that sounds like everyone else. That is a shame, because a warm, clear, specific About section is one of the best ways to make someone remember you. Let me show you how to write one that sounds like you and works for you.
Quick answer
To write a strong LinkedIn In the ‘About’ section, as a lawyer or law student, write in the first person and in a natural voice, and cover a few key things: who you are and where you are in your journey, what draws you to law and the areas you care about, what you have done or are building (skills, experience, interests), and what you are looking for or open to. Open with a clear, engaging first line, keep it honest and specific, and end with a sense of direction or an invitation to connect. Aim for a few short, readable paragraphs, not a wall of text or a list of buzzwords. The goal is for a reader to finish it and feel they understand you.
Why the About section matters
Your headline is a glance; your About section is the conversation. It is where a curious recruiter, senior or potential mentor goes to understand you as a person, not just a set of roles. A good one builds a sense of who you are, what you care about, and why someone might want to work with or help you. Because so many people write theirs poorly (or not at all), a genuine, well-written About section can set you apart with very little effort.
What to include (a simple structure)
- A strong opening line. Start with something clear and human that draws the reader in, such as who you are and what drives you. The first line or two is what shows before “see more”, so make it count.
- Who you are and your journey. Briefly: your stage (student, year, or role), your institution or workplace, and where you are in your path.
- What draws you to law and your focus. Share genuinely what interests you and the areas you care about. This is where personality and direction come through.
- What you have done or are building. Mention key experiences, skills and interests, without repeating your whole CV. Give a flavour of what you bring.
- What you are looking for and a warm close. End with your direction or what you are open to (opportunities, connections, learning), and perhaps a simple invitation to connect.
Write it in your own voice
The biggest improvement most people can make is to write in the first person, warmly and naturally, as if explaining themselves to a respectful new acquaintance. “I am a final-year law student drawn to how competition law shapes markets” reads far better than “A dynamic, result-oriented legal professional with a passion for excellence. “Your real voice, thoughtfully expressed, is more memorable than any template.
YLCC ACTION STEP: Draft your ‘About’ section in the first person, covering who you are, what draws you to law and your focus areas, what you are building, and what you are looking for. Write it the way you would explain yourself to a senior you respect. Then read it aloud. If it sounds like you and a stranger would understand you from it, it is working.
If this is you
- If you feel you have no “story”: You do. Why did you choose law? What kind of problems or areas pull you in? What are you trying to become? Those honest answers are your story, and they are enough.
- If you are early in your career: Lean into interest, curiosity and direction rather than achievements. “I am building my skills in X and exploring Y” is a perfectly strong message early on.
- If you are a young lawyer: Use it to convey not just what you do, but how you think and what you care about, which is what makes people want to work with you.
PLEASE DON’T DO THIS: Please don’t write your About section in stiff third person or fill it with clichés like “passionate, dynamic, hard-working professional”. It makes you sound like everyone else and tells the reader nothing real. And please don’t leave it blank, since that is a missed chance to make someone remember you. A short, genuine, first-person paragraph beats an empty box or a buzzword salad every time.
Keep it current
Revisit your About section as your focus sharpens and your experience grows. It should always reflect where you are now and where you are heading. (LinkedIn’s layout can change, so focus on the substance: a clear, warm, honest story in your own voice.)
FAQs
- What should a lawyer’s LinkedIn About section include? Who you are and your stage, what draws you to law and your focus areas, what you have done or are building, and what you are looking for, written in a natural first-person voice.
- Should I write it in first or third person? First person is warmer and more genuine and generally reads better for individuals building relationships.
- How long should it be? A few short, readable paragraphs. Long enough to convey who you are, short enough to hold attention.
- What if I am a student with little experience? Focus on your interests, curiosity, direction and any experience you have. Early on, a clear sense of who you are and where you are heading is enough.
- Does the first line matter? Yes. The opening line or two shows before “see more”, so make it clear and engaging.
Thank you for reading!
If you found this article helpful, explore more resources from YLCC and continue your legal learning journey.
