Case law posts. My advice? Ditch 'em.
As an international executive coach working with ambitious women lawyers, I often see the same pattern on LinkedIn: well-meaning legal professionals posting detailed summaries of recent court decisions, full of case references and dry facts. If you’re doing this, I want to share why these posts might not be serving you — and what you can do differently to build meaningful relationships and grow your career on LinkedIn.
The Problem With “Court of Appeal” Posts
These types of posts often miss the mark because they face three main problems:
They don’t grab attention.
They don’t reveal much about you as a person or professional.
They lack a clear strategy or call to action.
Let’s unpack each one and explore how you can improve your LinkedIn presence.
1. Stop Writing Like You’re in Law School
Many legal posts start like this: “The Court of Appeal of Paris ruled last Thursday in case number XYZ...” followed by a dry recital of facts and rulings. Honestly? That reads like a law student’s assignment or an academic journal article. But LinkedIn is not an academic journal. It’s a social platform built for creating connections.
If you want people to engage with your content, your first responsibility as a writer is to capture their interest. Imagine reading a book: if it doesn’t hook you within the first few pages, you probably put it down. The same applies here.
Instead of leading with the case reference, ask yourself:
Why does this case matter to the people involved?
What emotions or conflicts were at play?
How does this decision impact the wider industry or practice area?
Bringing the human story behind the case to life is the key. For example, instead of “Case ABC,” try opening with:
“Mrs. Jones was walking to the shops when...” — something relatable that draws the reader in.
2. Reveal Your Perspective and Personality
LinkedIn is about relationships. To build them, you need to show who you are — not just what you know. When you share your opinion on a case, you invite others to engage with you. Do you think the ruling was fair? Does it challenge the status quo? How does it align with your values and legal approach?
Many lawyers tend to keep their posts safe, calm, and “gray” — professional but forgettable. In marketing, the cardinal rule is: be memorable. Who do you want to stand out to? Other lawyers? Legal heads in insurance companies? Tailor your voice and insights for your niche audience.
Remember: your posts aren’t just about sharing information, they’re about positioning yourself as the go-to expert who understands their world.
3. Have a Clear Strategy — What Happens Next?
Posting without a plan is like throwing a message in a bottle into the ocean and hoping it lands somewhere useful. What do you want your reader to do after reading your post?
Comment and start a conversation?
Reach out for a consultation?
Attend your event or webinar?
Great LinkedIn posts invite interaction and offer clear next steps. For example, if a case is controversial, ask your audience what they think and invite them to discuss it privately. Or use your post as a springboard to invite people to a breakfast meeting or workshop.
My Own Approach: Clarity, Confidence, Client Development
I’ve honed my own LinkedIn strategy by getting crystal clear on who I serve: English- and French-speaking women lawyers aiming to become partners. Everything I post, every event I run, every offer I make is tailored to help that specific audience.
Because I know who I’m speaking to, I don’t waste time on content that doesn’t serve them — and neither should you.
What Do You Think?
Do you write case law posts on LinkedIn? Are they working for you? Or do you have another strategy that’s been successful? I’d love to hear your thoughts — please reach out.
Warmly,
Cecilia Poullain