Why aren't more lawyers using LinkedIn to attract ideal clients, build their brand, and create real career momentum?
In this episode of Trial Lawyer View, host Jason Lazarus welcomes Helen Pamely, a former law firm partner turned psychotherapist, executive coach, and founder of the LinkedIn Academy for Lawyers. Helen shares how she went from burnout in Big Law to becoming a voice for authenticity and balance in legal careers. Alongside guest Rod Sam Toma, a senior business development leader at Synergy, they unpack how lawyers can use LinkedIn to grow their practices, show up as real people, and stop chasing outdated definitions of success.
Whether you're trying to scale your personal injury practice or simply build a more fulfilling legal career, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, digital strategy, and the future of law.
Key Takeaways
• LinkedIn is a powerful tool for authentic legal branding
• Storytelling trumps self-promotion on digital platforms
• Helen’s viral post on partnership revealed systemic problems in Big Law
• Rod’s transformation into a LinkedIn influencer began with Helen’s course
• Vulnerability online can be a strategic business development advantage
• The LinkedIn Academy fills a major gap in legal marketing education
• Lawyers need to differentiate between personal and private
• AI is changing law, but heart-led service still matters most
• Many lawyers are in survival mode and disconnected from purpose
• Coaching helps lawyers rediscover joy, values, and long-term vision
Best Moments
00:03:22. “I've been on LinkedIn since December 2009, but I really didn't get involved until the past couple of years.”
00:05:01. “Helen was talking about nontraditional ways to use your law degree... and I really want to learn from Helen.”
00:08:15. “Nobody had said anything like that publicly at that point... and it just went completely viral.”
00:11:00. “We realized there was nothing else on the market like that... we're talking about influencer marketing.”
00:14:17. “You don't win clients through the posts where you try and win a client. You win them through stories that connect.”
00:17:23. “For me, it doesn’t change our ability as lawyers to have hearts. I think it changes the way we practice.”
00:27:13. “Would you have a coffee with me?” “Yeah.” “Okay, I’m looking for a job where I can do three days a week.”
00:36:15. “If it’s your deathbed, what do you wish you looked back and seen?”
Click here for more information: https://sholink.to/synergycontact
