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at Synergy, they unpack how lawyers can use LinkedIn to grow their practices, show up as real people, and stop chasing outdated definitions of success.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
Chapters
00:00:00 - Coming up...
00:01:30 - Meet Helen Pamely and her journey from law to coaching
00:02:59 - How Rod and Helen connected on LinkedIn
00:04:45 - The viral post that changed everything
00:08:05 - Authenticity as a LinkedIn growth strategy
00:11:06 - Why the LinkedIn Academy for Lawyers was created
00:14:21 - Balancing vulnerability with professionalism
00:16:48 - The future of law and the role of AI
00:22:30 - Lowering barriers to entry for purpose-led law firms
00:26:52 - Helen’s unconventional path to partnership
00:35:49 - Coaching, purpose, and building a career you love
00:45:34 - Why survival mode is dangerous for lawyers
00:54:44 - Helen’s final view: how connection transforms law
Learn more about Synergy’s approach to healthcare lien resolution and firm operations here: https://sholink.to/synergycontact
Trial Lawyer View is a podcast for personal injury lawyers and legal professionals who believe that great verdicts are only part of the equation.
Hosted by Jason Lazarus, the show focuses on what happens behind the scenes of elite trial firms. Each episode features conversations with trial lawyers, firm leaders, and industry experts who have lived the work of building, operating, and scaling successful personal injury practices.
We go beyond marketing tactics and courtroom strategy to examine leadership, operations, and the decisions that protect outcomes after settlement. This is practical, peer-driven insight for firm owners who want to build stronger operations, lead with clarity, and deliver better results for both clients and teams.
New episodes of Trial Lawyer View are released every two weeks at 5 AM EST.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@triallawyerview8480
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