Internet Social Networking for Paralegals: Step Out to Step In

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published July 10, 2012

By Harrison Barnes, CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search

Almost every paralegal today knows and recognizes the importance of professional and social networking on the Internet. However, paralegals are conscious and scared (justifiably) about Internet social and professional networks due to concerns over data privacy and slips of the pen which might become subject to e-discovery. As they say, fear is the mind killer – and in a profession where confidentiality and professional misconduct are part of common vocabulary, unknown risks can freeze you into inaction. However, the most certain way of getting rid of fear is to know and learn about the subject and be able to estimate actual risks. This article is written for paralegals interested to do internet social networking for professional and social gain.

How paralegals can use internet social networks

Internet social networking for paralegals

Relations bring work and work builds relations, but things need to be approached very carefully – distrust is common and expected, trust is difficult to come by on Internet social networks.

To use internet social networks and other online professional networks to your best advantage you need to understand two things – first, no conversation on networks is private and it can be used later on either to your advantage or disadvantage; second, you need to have a thorough understanding of the laws of libel and professional misconduct. Once, you are aware of what to say and what not, online professional networks become an asset to you as a paralegal.

Some general tips to follow on online social networks include the following:

What paralegals should not do on internet social networks

Do not reveal confidential information or identifying information about work assigned by your employer or client
Do not criticize the characters or professional capabilities of other professionals in your network
Do not try to hijack discussions of people
Do not spam
Do not get into quarrels or public shows of impolite behavior – even if you get into a tussle, or somebody makes a pungent remark at you, accept things politely

What paralegals should do on internet social networks

Keep your opinions and discussions focused on learning and discussions on general problems of the trade
If you discuss specific work problems, never do it in a manner where the assignment can be identified
Use networks to learn more than trying to earn – networks and relations online fail dismally when you try to seek work up front, and you end up losing important connections who are veritable storehouses of knowledge
Duly fill in your online profile and keep updating the same with new skills and achievements
Seek to place recommendations on your online profile – there are many who would not provide you with any work or other assistance, but would be free to recommend you
Use social networking tools to search engine optimize your profile for particular keywords related with work opportunities

Keep in mind that even if you feel your efforts at networking on internet social networks are not paying off in relation to increasing streams of revenue, it would pay off with time. Consistency and presence is the key. Without consistent presence at particular social networks you'd not get visibility, and trust comes with continued visibility over a period of time. Nothing happens overnight.

Even if you are not interested in relying on internet social networks to get you work, they do get you work in both direct and indirect fashions. First, your profile remains on a highly ranked webpage, something any potential employer would chance upon while making a background check. And second, your conversations remain as proof of your intellect and the way you are able to handle topics and apply your mind.

Being accessible to all – your online conversations remain as proof of the kind of person you are. It is difficult to place such proof within the short span of a job interview, and your continuing online conversations in internet social networks allow employers to have a glimpse into your mind. By making it easy for potential employers to understand you, you make it easy for yourself to get a job or work, or find opportunities to develop your career.

About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations—from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

Immigration law
Workers’ compensation
Insurance defense
Family law
Trusts & estates
Municipal law
And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success – The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm’s unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison’s legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
His placement success is unmatched—see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here.

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials—he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison’s work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

Finds and creates job openings that aren’t publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney—no matter their background, law school, or previous experience—has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
Senior attorneys who believed they were “too experienced” to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options—only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist—often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today – Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison’s expertise will help you take control of your future.

? Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Alternative Summary

Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison’s writings about attorney careers and placement attract millions of reads each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.

More about Harrison

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