Tela researched social media trends among barristers’ chambers to identify key patterns in platform usage, posting frequency, content preferences, and strategies for enhancing visibility, engaging audiences, and strengthening brand presence.
What we did
To do this, we analysed the social media usage of the top 50 barristers’ chambers, examining their activity across YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. For each chamber, we assessed whether they have an account, if a chamber has an account Tela then researched their posting frequency and the types of content they produce for each platform.
YouTube
Our research found that 66% of the top 50 barristers’ chambers have a YouTube account.
Posting Frequency
Tela found that 30.3% of the chambers with a channel have posted nothing in the past year and 18.2% have not posted in the last three to six months. For those maintaining some activity, 27.3% of the chambers post occasionally, sharing 1–3 videos monthly. 12.1% post with less than one video per month and 12.1% of the chambers are moderately active, uploading 4–9 times a month. Our findings show that while many barristers’ chambers have established a presence on YouTube, their posting activity varies widely.
Content Posted
The content shared by barristers’ chambers on YouTube predominantly focuses on educational and professional development themes. The majority of chambers who post on YouTube utilise the platform to share webinars, seminars, and podcasts, offering insights into legal topics and showcasing their expertise. Pupillage-related content is also a prominent topic, with many chambers posting videos aimed at prospective candidates. These include advice on applications, tips for success, and “day in the life” perspectives from recent pupils, providing an authentic glimpse into life at the chambers.
Here are some examples of barristers’ chambers YoutTube accounts
Tela’s research concluded that 90% of the top 50 barristers’ chambers have a Twitter account.
Post Frequency
After analysing the chambers posting frequency, we found 28.9% of chambers actively post more than 10 times per month, demonstrating consistent engagement with their audience. 20% are moderately active, posting 4–9 times per month. 8.9% post occasionally (1–3 times per month), while another 8.9 % less than once a month. A significant portion of chambers shows limited or no activity, with 20.5% having no posts in the last three to six months and 13.6% inactive for over a year. These findings suggest that while some chambers use Twitter effectively, others are not fully utilising its potential as a communication tool.
Content Posted
The content posted by barristers’ chambers on Twitter largely revolves around professional updates and achievements. Case summaries, appointments, and instructions were commonly shared, often accompanied by links for further details. Events also featured prominently, with chambers posting about upcoming webinars and conferences, as well as attending events and sharing images of their team. Similarly, awards were frequently highlighted, with chambers celebrating at award ceremonies and sharing awards from reputable sources such as Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Additionally, chambers shared news about their internal developments, including the arrival of new tenants and pupils, further showcasing their activity and growth.
Here are some examples of tweets by Barristers Chambers’
Only 36% of the top 50 barristers’ chambers have Instagram accounts according to Tela’s research.
Post Frequency
Out of the chambers with Instagram accounts, 27.8% have been inactive for over a year, while 22.2% have accounts but have not posted any content. Additionally, 16.7% post rarely, with less than one post per month, and another 11.1% post occasionally, sharing 1–3 posts per month. Only 11.1% are moderately active, posting 4–9 times per month, and a small 5.6% are highly active, posting more than 10 times per month. 5.6% have not posted in the last 3–6 months. These findings suggest that Instagram is not a primary platform for most chambers, with many showing little to no activity.
Content Posted
The content posted by barristers’ chambers on Instagram often emphasises visual appeal, with many creating custom visuals incorporating their brand colours. Common content themes include awards, such as recognitions from prominent legal directories, and chamber news, including announcements about new pupils or vacancies. Chambers also use Instagram to promote events, such as seminars and articles. Additionally, posts frequently feature events attended by the chambers, like the London Legal Walk, often accompanied by images of the team participating. This approach highlights Instagram’s role in creating a more personal and visually engaging connection with the audience.
Here’s an example of an Instagram post by Quadrant Chambers
Only 18% of the top 50 chambers have an account on Facebook, highlighting the limited use among barristers’ chambers.
Post Frequency
The research Tela produced shows that activity levels on Facebook are notably low, with 60% of accounts showing no posts in the past year and a further 10% having been inactive for 3–6 months. Additionally, 30% of chambers with accounts have yet to make any posts at all. These findings suggest that Facebook is not a priority platform for barristers’ chambers, as they appear to focus their social media efforts elsewhere.
Content Posted
The content posted by barristers’ chambers on Facebook is relatively limited. The majority of posts consist of case updates and awards, with chambers sharing notable legal successes and recognitions. These posts are typically brief and focused on highlighting the chamber’s expertise and achievements.
Tela’s research shows that all barristers’ chambers have a strong and active presence on LinkedIn, with activity levels significantly higher than on other platforms.
Post Frequency
The research shows that 46% of chambers are highly active, posting more than 10 times per month, while another 46% are moderately active, sharing content 4–9 times per month. Only 8% post occasionally, with 1–3 posts monthly, and no chambers are inactive. These findings highlight LinkedIn as a crucial platform for barristers’ chambers, showing their commitment to maintaining a professional and consistent presence.
Content Posted
The content shared by barristers’ chambers on LinkedIn is highly professional and tailored to their audience, with many chambers creating branded visuals to maintain consistency and reinforce their identity. Common themes include case updates and judgments, often shared to showcase legal expertise and recent successes. Chambers also use LinkedIn to promote awards they have won and to share blog posts or links to articles published on their websites. Event-related posts, such as reminders for upcoming webinars or seminars, are frequent, as are updates about awards and recognitions from reputable sources. This focus on professional achievements and thought leadership makes LinkedIn a key platform for engaging with clients, peers, and aspiring barristers.
Here is an example of a LinkedIn post by Radcliffe Chambers and Maitland Chambers
Key Takeaways
LinkedIn is the most actively used platform, with 100% of chambers maintaining accounts and the majority posting regularly. Content typically includes case updates, awards, blog posts, and branded visuals, emphasising expertise, professionalism and thought leadership.
Twitter is also widely used, with a significant number of chambers posting frequently sharing case summaries, events, and news. However, nearly half of the accounts exhibit minimal activity or long periods of inactivity.
YouTube is less frequently used, with 66% of chambers having accounts but many showing low posting frequency. Chambers that do use YouTube focus on webinars, seminars, podcasts, and pupillage-related content.
Instagram sees limited use, with fewer chambers maintaining accounts and many posting sporadically. Content posted on Instagram includes awards, chamber news, and event highlights, often presented with custom visuals.
Facebook is the least prioritised platform, with only 18% of chambers maintaining accounts. Most of these accounts are either inactive or have never been used to post content.
Final Thoughts
Chambers should focus on sharing consistent, high-quality content such as case updates, awards, and thought leadership articles on Linkedin. Twitter is also valuable for real-time updates and engaging with the legal community, so maintaining a regular posting schedule is beneficial.
For chambers with the capacity to expand, platforms like YouTube and Instagram offer opportunities to diversify content through webinars, podcasts, and visual storytelling, such as showcasing team culture or providing insights into pupillage. While Facebook may not be a priority for most chambers, it could act as a platform for community engagement or broader outreach.
Barristers’ chambers should prioritise platforms that align with their audience and objectives. Maintaining consistent branding, tailoring content to each platform, and focusing on valuable content will help chambers maximise visibility and professional reputation online.
