How to Use Social Media to Recruit Legal Professionals: Paralegals, Staff, and Contract Lawyers

Hiring the right paralegals, administrative staff, and contract lawyers can be just as important to your firm’s success as hiring the right partners. Yet, many firms still rely on old-school recruiting methods like classifieds, job boards, and word of mouth, while their competitors are quietly using social media to tap into a much larger (and often better) pool of talent.

Here’s how your firm can use social media strategically to attract top-notch legal professionals.

1. Showcase Your Firm’s Culture

When paralegals and support staff are considering a new job, they want to know more than just salary and benefits. They will want to know what it’s actually like to work there. Social media lets you give them a front-row seat.

• Post photos from firm events, volunteer days, or office celebrations.

• Share behind-the-scenes moments (yes, even the lighthearted ones).

• Show screenshots of light moments during virtual team meetings.

• Highlight staff anniversaries and achievements.

These posts signal that your firm values its people and fosters a positive work environment which makes you more appealing to potential hires.

2. Use Targeted Job Announcements

A generic job listing posted on a website may get lost in the noise. Social media allows you to be more precise.

• LinkedIn: Post jobs to your company page and share them in industry-specific groups for paralegals, legal admins, or freelance lawyers.

• Facebook & Instagram: Boost your posts and use location, age, and interest targeting to reach your ideal candidates.

• Twitter/X: Share openings with relevant hashtags like #ParalegalJobs, #LegalJobs, and #RemoteLegalWork.

This targeted approach means your posting will reach the people most likely to be interested and qualified. Use language that reflects your firm’s personality. Be creative.

3. Feature Employee Spotlights

Your current team is your best recruiting tool. Share “day in the life” profiles or Q&A interviews with paralegals, assistants, or contract attorneys.

Have them talk about:

• Why they joined the firm.

• What a typical workday looks like.

• What they enjoy most about the job.

It gives potential applicants a relatable, authentic look into your workplace and builds trust before they even apply.

4. Leverage Professional Groups and Communities

Social media isn’t just about broadcasting. It’s about joining the conversation.

• Join LinkedIn groups for paralegal associations, legal admin professionals, or local bar association communities.

• Engage in discussions, answer questions, and share helpful resources.

• When you post an opening, these groups will already see you as a trusted participant, not just someone selling a job.

5. Promote Contract and Flexible Roles Creatively

More legal professionals—especially post-pandemic—are looking for flexibility. Highlight remote options, flexible schedules, or project-based work on platforms like:

• LinkedIn (for professional reach)

• Facebook Marketplace & Groups (for local talent)

• Specialized gig platforms linked through your social media

Frame these roles as opportunities, not compromises, and you’ll appeal to experienced professionals seeking nontraditional arrangements.

6. Make It Easy to Apply

If your social media post requires someone to jump through too many hoops, they’ll move on. When recruiting paralegals and other staff, acting fast is key, and candidates will want the process to move quickly too.

• Include a direct link to the application or an email for resumes.

• Use short, mobile-friendly application forms.

• Respond to applicants quickly. Social media candidates expect speed.

Bottom line: Social media recruiting is not just for big firms with big budgets. With the right strategy, any firm can use it to find qualified, motivated legal professionals who might never have seen your ad otherwise.