Most law students think of LinkedIn as a place to have a profile, but it is also one of the most useful tools for actually finding internships and jobs if you know how to use it. Opportunities on LinkedIn come through two channels: the ones that are posted and the ones you uncover through people. Let me show you how to make the most of both, so LinkedIn becomes an active part of your search, not just a static profile.
Quick answer
To find internships and jobs on LinkedIn, use it in two ways together. First, use it actively as a search tool: search for relevant roles and organisations, follow firms and companies you are interested in, use the jobs feature and relevant filters, and set up alerts where possible so you hear about openings. Second, and just as importantly, use it as a networking tool: a lot of opportunities come through people, so connect with and learn from relevant lawyers and recruiters, engage genuinely, and let your network know (appropriately) what you are looking for. Combine an active search with genuine relationship-building, keep your profile strong so you are ready when opportunities appear, and be consistent. The posted-plus-people approach finds far more than either alone.
Channel one: the active search
- Search and follow. Search for the kinds of roles, firms and organisations you are interested in, and follow them so their updates and openings reach you.
- Use the jobs feature. Explore LinkedIn’s jobs section, use relevant filters (like location and type), and apply to genuinely relevant roles. Where possible, set up alerts so new openings come to you.
- Watch for posts about openings. Many internships and roles are shared as posts by firms, recruiters or lawyers, not only as formal listings. Following the right people and organisations helps you catch these.
- Keep your profile ready. When you find or are found for an opportunity, your profile is your first impression. Keep it complete and strong so you are always ready.
Channel two: opportunities through people
A great many opportunities are never widely advertised; they flow through relationships. This is why networking is not separate from your job search; it is part of it. Connect with and learn from lawyers in areas you care about and recruiters in the legal space, engage genuinely, and build real relationships over time. When appropriate, let your network know what you are looking for so people can think of you. Someone who knows you and your interests is far more likely to point an opportunity your way than a stranger scanning applications. (See the networking and outreach guides in this cluster.)
YLCC ACTION STEP: This week, do both channels: follow several firms or organisations you are interested in and explore relevant roles in the jobs section (setting alerts where you can), and connect thoughtfully with a few relevant lawyers or recruiters. Then make sure your profile is complete and current. Searching and relationship-building together will surface more than either alone.
If this is you
- If you only ever apply to posted listings: You are missing the large share of opportunities that come through people. Add genuine networking to your search, and your options widen considerably.
- If you are a non-NLU student: LinkedIn lets you find and approach opportunities directly, beyond your campus, and build relationships that lead to roles. Used actively, it helps level the field.
- If you feel awkward telling people you are job-hunting: you can do this gracefully by keeping your profile clear about your interests, engaging genuinely, and letting trusted connections know what you are exploring. It is normal and expected, not something to be embarrassed about.
PLEASE DON’T DO THIS: Please don’t rely only on mass-applying to posted listings while ignoring the relationship side of LinkedIn. And please don’t spray generic applications or messages everywhere hoping something sticks. A focused, genuine approach (relevant applications plus real relationships) beats a high-volume, impersonal one. Quality and genuineness win over sheer quantity.
Be consistent and patient
Finding opportunities on LinkedIn is an ongoing practice, not a one-time push. Keep searching, keep building relationships, keep your profile sharp, and stay patient. Over time, the combination of an active search and a genuine network makes opportunities much more likely to find you. (LinkedIn’s features and job tools can change, so focus on the enduring approach: search actively and build relationships genuinely, together.)
FAQs
- How do I find legal internships and jobs on LinkedIn? Use it actively (search roles and organisations, follow firms, use the jobs feature and alerts) and as a networking tool (connect with and learn from relevant lawyers and recruiters, and let your network know what you seek). Combine both.
- Are most opportunities posted as listings? Many are, but a large share flow through relationships and posts, which is why networking is part of the search, not separate from it.
- Should I follow law firms and organisations? Yes. Following relevant firms and organisations helps their updates and openings reach you.
- Is it okay to tell people I am looking? Yes, done gracefully. A clear profile, genuine engagement, and letting trusted connections know your interests all help people think of you.
- How does a non-NLU student use LinkedIn to find roles? By searching and applying actively and building direct relationships beyond campus. LinkedIn helps you find and approach opportunities widely.
Thank you for reading!
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