How to Use LinkedIn to Research Firms
BigLaw Bear · February 19, 2026 · 2 min read
LinkedIn is an underused research tool for BigLaw recruiting. The firm's website tells you what the firm wants you to know. LinkedIn tells you what actually happens to people who work there.
Track Attrition Patterns
Search for the firm's name and filter by "Past Company." Look at when people left and where they went. If a large number of associates left within 2-3 years, that's a signal. If most departures go to strong in-house positions or other good firms, that's different from departures to random companies or career changes.
Identify Exit Paths
Where do associates go when they leave? This tells you about the firm's brand value and the quality of training. If ex-associates are in-house at Fortune 500 companies, at top government agencies, or at other elite firms, the platform is working. You can see this by searching "[Firm Name]" under past companies and looking at current positions.
Find People to Talk To
LinkedIn is the best way to find associates at a firm you're considering. Look for people who share your law school, undergrad, or other connections. Most are willing to have a quick chat with a student considering their firm.
Search tips:
- Filter by "Current Company" and "Law" under industry.
- Look for associates who've been there 2-4 years — they're senior enough to have real perspective but junior enough to remember recruiting.
- Check for shared groups, alumni networks, or mutual connections.
Research Practice Groups
Look at associates' profiles in the practice group you're interested in. What matters did they list? What skills do they highlight? This gives you concrete talking points for interviews and a realistic picture of the work.
Gauge Firm Growth
Is the firm hiring aggressively? Are they losing partners to competitors? LinkedIn hiring patterns and partner movements tell you about the firm's trajectory in a way that press releases don't.
Pair It With Other Research
LinkedIn gives you the people dimension. Pair it with practice area data from the firm directory and associate surveys from Chambers Associate for a complete picture. Our guide on evaluating firm culture ties it all together.