LEGAL PERSONALITIES WHO GET PERSONAL ON LINKEDIN
Their profiles are more than just a listing of where they've worked and what they've done, but also a peek into who they are.
BY RACHEL CHIA
With its reputation as the Facebook for executives, many see LinkedIn as a place to hunt for jobs—but that’s not all it can do. Take a leaf from these SAL members, who leverage the platform to share personal stories and insights, all the while cementing their brand and reputation. Their profiles are more than just a listing of where they've worked and what they've done, but also a peek into who they are.
LinkedIn can also be a place for learning, both from your peers and from experts. SAL’s LIFTED - LinkedIn Learning offers a range of curated e-learning courses that can help users satisfy all their private CPD requirements in one place. Find out more here.
Stefanie Yuen-Thio
The joint managing partner at TSMP Law is among Singapore's most prominent lawyers on LinkedIn. One of the platforms’ ‘Top Voices’ in 2020, she pens perspectives peppered with personal anecdotes to an audience of some 16,000 followers. Her content ranges from pithy poems about Gen Z workers, to discourse on gender equality, along with business and legal takes on the news of the day. This online visibility has parlayed into appearances on BBC radio and other speaking opportunities. Follow her here.
Adrian Tan
His bio – which reads: masked litigator, advocate for advocates, socially and emotionally distant law firm partner – provides a taster of the Law Society president and author’s signature humour. Adrian’s posts are broadcast to over 27,000 followers and include opinions on local news (“If I were King of Singapore” is a frequent catchphrase) and explanations of the logic behind contentious points of law. Occasionally, they even delve into his personal life, including his ongoing battle with cancer. With his prominence, Adrian has no want of exposure, but he uses his growing influence to draw attention to causes, such as the impact of pro bono legal work on the underprivileged. Follow him here.
Lara Quie
Japanese-British Lara is Asia Pacific business development head for Singapore barristers’ chambers Twenty Essex, host of The Legal Genie Podcast, and an executive coach for high-flying lawyers. No longer practising, her content centres around career advice and personal development in the legal sphere. Laura’s posts are written in the punchy style that’s become trendy on LinkedIn: short sentences and bite-sized messaging around key ideas (‘be consistent’, ‘how to thrive at work’, ‘making career transitions’). They motivate and inspire her followers, positioning her as a go-to expert for those looking for a change of trajectory. Follow her here.
Tris Xavier
A law lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences with a self-declared no-nonsense reputation, it’s no surprise that Tris’ posts centre around education. They comprise an engaging mix of lecturing anecdotes, musings on the role of law school and general exam tips. A unique trait of his writing is its semi-academic explanatory approach, which unpacks points raised in judgements and media reports. These perspectives, supplemented by his nine years at the Ministry of Law and Insolvency and Public Trustee’s Office make Tris a popular LinkedIn personality with the younger crowd. Just note that he doesn't accept connection requests from students till after graduation. Follow him here.
Li Xingyu
Singapore Management University law student and freelance Mandarin legal translator Xingyu uses LinkedIn to chronicle the highlights of her journey as an aspiring lawyer with a unique interest in China and entrepreneurship. Her posts offer takeaways from events such as the launch of a legal book in Mandarin written by lawyer and mentor Mr Richard Siaw, sharing sessions with the law faculty of Xi'an Jiaotong University, workshops on Chinese law in entrepreneurship for the International Business Acceleration Program, and a chat with Health Minister Ong Ye Kung about bilingualism. Such posts remind her peers—and us—that industry impact can start right in school, regardless of experience. Follow her here.
