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. And 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, and resumes are still the go-to resource for the official expression of a lawyer's background. 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.

As a lawyer contemplating the two career tools to maximize impact, it's important to understand their similarities—and differences. So, what are the differences between a resume and a LinkedIn profile? Below are a few of the biggies:

1. Accountability

A professional is held accountable for every word written—or omitted—on a resume. And the consequences for not being truthful, or “fudging,” can be the legal grounds for termination as well as other potential career-killing infractions. The LinkedIn profile, on the other hand, is not held to the same ethical or perhaps legal standards. Professionals can twist, turn or rejigger the puzzle pieces of a career with little to no professional consequence. So lawyers are provided more latitude to control the narrative of their career to onlookers. This can be encouraging news for those who need to maneuver things a little—or a lot—for a better foot forward.

2. Expectations

When reviewing a resume, the reader comes into the process with expectations of the document. S/he expects the resume to be well formatted, provide detailed and relevant information about the candidate's substantive experience in an organized and readable way, strike a serious tone, not contain much, if any, personal information and be concise. In addition, complete information is expected, as well as transparency. It's the expectation of a more clinical experience.