How Regular Advocacy Tasks Have Become Headlines on Social Media: In recent years, the legal profession has seen an increasing trend: lawyers and law firms showcasing even the most routine tasks on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Whether it is securing a routine bail order, marking an appearance in a district court, or getting a legal notice drafted by a junior associate, everything now seems worthy of a post, often accompanied by hashtags and celebratory tones. This growing culture prompts a necessary reflection on how the profession is evolving, and whether this shift adds value to the dignity of advocacy or dilutes its gravity.
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The Rise of Performative Professionalism
LinkedIn, once a hub for job updates and thought leadership, is now gradually being inundated with posts like:
- “Secured a bail for client today. Justice served!”
- “Proud of my Junior for drafting a well-structured legal notice! Approved by Client!”
- “Appearance in Saket District Court today. Always a learning experience!”
Such tasks, though essential to the profession, have historically been considered bread-and-butter responsibilities, routine in nature and expected of every practicing advocate. The question is not whether these tasks are important (they are), but whether publicising them in this fashion contributes meaningfully to one’s professional image or the perception of the legal community at large.
The Need for Visibility
One cannot deny the importance of visibility in the age of digital branding. Today’s competitive environment demands that professionals, including lawyers, market themselves effectively. Many young advocates and small firms do not have the luxury of legacy or deep-rooted networks, and digital platforms offer them a fair chance to be noticed. For some, every post is an opportunity to be seen by a potential client, collaborator, or recruiter. This creates pressure to project productivity, even if that means highlighting tasks that are otherwise considered standard.
But there is a fine line between showcasing competence and appearing performative. Regular appearances in court, drafting notices, or filing petitions are not special accomplishments in themselves, they are foundational tasks that form the baseline of legal practice.
What Is the Message Being Sent?
By constantly posting about such routine matters, the underlying message can become distorted. It risks giving the impression that these basic responsibilities are extraordinary feats. This can mislead young law students and those unfamiliar with the profession into thinking that the practice of law revolves around one-off tasks, rather than sustained effort, ethical grounding, and strategic thinking.
Moreover, it may inadvertently lower the bar for what constitutes “success” or “achievement” in legal practice. Should the standard of celebration be drafting a notice? If so, what then distinguishes senior work, like formulating arguments in constitutional benches, winning complex trials, or contributing to public interest litigation?
The Role of Mentorship and Perspective
Senior advocates and mentors have traditionally played a role in grounding younger lawyers in the ethos of the profession. Advocacy is not just about tasks performed, but about thought, discretion, ethics, and a deep understanding of law and its social impact. Encouraging juniors to take pride in learning the basics is important, but there is a difference between private encouragement and public self-congratulation.
LinkedIn or any Social Media posts celebrating juniors for drafting notices or attending a routine case hearing are perhaps well-intentioned, but can sometimes come across as patronising or exaggerated. A better way may be to mentor juniors privately, share lessons learned, and allow the work to speak for itself over time.
How Regular Advocacy Tasks Have Become Headlines on Social Media: What Should Be Shared Then?
This is not to say that lawyers must refrain from sharing their journeys. The real power of LinkedIn lies in offering insights, reflecting on complex cases (while respecting confidentiality), or discussing evolving jurisprudence. Posts that explain legal developments, landmark judgments, courtroom experiences, or lessons from tough litigation not only establish credibility but also serve a larger purpose: they contribute to legal discourse and educate the community.
There is value in sharing meaningful content, like your pro bono work, challenges in legal reform, or how you helped a client to sail through systemic barriers. These add substance to your digital presence, rather than simply adding noise.
Author: Sandeep Chatterjee, Advocate
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