Julie Brush, Solutus founding partner. Julie Brush, Solutus founding partner.

Q: How do employers perceive LinkedIn profiles vs. resumes? What are the differences and should they contain the same or different information?

A: It used to be that the resume was the sole document that chronicled and encapsulated a professional's career. But with the rise of technology and social media, legal professionals today are branding themselves in new ways, shapes and forms. One tool that has risen to prominence is LinkedIn, a social media networking website for professionals. The site's LinkedIn profile feature has become somewhat of a professional must for those who wish to be in the online fray of the corporate globe. Given its proliferation and easy public access, employers, networkers and looky-loos often turn to the LinkedIn profile for the professional scoop on an individual. Its use in this regard has become so common in the corporate world that some people in industry verticals such as sales are substituting the tried and true resume for the quick click of a link.

But the legal profession is not wholeheartedly following suit (nor should it) and resumes are still the go-to resource for the official expression of a lawyer's background and professional story. With this said, legal professionals should be mindful of the LinkedIn profile's growing reflection of the professional You—and they should be equally mindful of what content should … and should not be included.