Name: Courtney Keller
Position: Marketing Specialist at Phelps Dunbar/Chair of NOLA/BR LSC
Family: Chocolate Lab named Beau
Hometown: New Orleans
Education: Ursuline Academy (High School), Louisiana State University – B.S. in Marketing
At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in the legal industry and why are you passionate about your profession?
It is funny really, both my parents are lawyers, but I am sad to say I didn’t know about legal marketing. The opportunity really fell into my lap. I heard about an entry-level position at my mom’s old firm (Phelps) and decided to go for it. The rest is history!
What made you decide to join LMA and how long have you been involved?
My mentor at Phelps really pushed me to join and step out of my comfort zone. Also, being super green to the legal industry, she thought it would really help me to get fully immersed in a short period of time. I have been involved for 5 years.
Tell us a little bit about why you wanted to join the LMASW Board.
I joined my LSC very early in my career in legal marketing because I was asked by a former colleague and friend. I decided to accept the offer because I had never really held a leadership position in my professional career up to that point, and I wanted to push myself and also build up my resume.
Have you seen any changes to your role or areas of focus since COVID-19? Are there any long-lasting impacts that you anticipate for the profession of legal marketing and business development?
I think since COVID it really taught us that people can crush their jobs while still working from home. We all got to see our colleagues and coworkers as people with lives outside of work, it was really humanizing. Adding on to that, the impact and importance of firms hosting conferences and parties. Events for our firm skyrocketed the next year because nothing beats face to face interaction to connect with clients and potential clients.
What time do you typically get up on a workday, and what’s your ideal morning routine to get it off to a great start?
At least 3 times a week, I am up by 6:30 am and head to a workout class (either Pure Barre or Orange Theory). I am not a morning person, so the workouts really help to get me started and ready to head into the office to tackle the day.
What are your best productivity hacks?
Always start your day with a to do list and wear tennis shoes! It seems silly, but it tricks your brain into being more productive even if you are at your desk!
What’s a leadership skill you’ve learned the hard way?
It actually happened this year! Delegation is key when managing any kind of team or project. Don’t try to do everything on your own because you are setting yourself up for a lot of stress and failure.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite things to do in your free time?
I have recently gotten into watching standup comedy, and there are local shows every Friday in New Orleans. And of course, I love taking Beau to the park and tossing a tennis ball around.
Tell us about some of your volunteer efforts in the community and why you support those causes/organizations.
I love to devote some time boxing care packages at Second Harvest Food Bank or making food at the kitchen in Ozanam Inn. We had service days in high school, and they stuck with me because nothing makes you feel better than spending time giving back to people that need your help the most.
What’s one of the smartest purchases you’ve ever made? What’s one of the dumbest?
Smartest purchase I ever made was a MAC laptop in college – life changer! I don’t really have any major dumb purchases, I will just say any kind of trendy jewelry in the early 2000s like huge, chunky necklaces. Yikes…
Can you name someone who has had a great impact on you as a leader, or someone who has been a mentor to you in your life or career? How have they changed your outlook?
I think Louise Vallejos has had a huge impact on me as a leader. Not only did I have her to look up to as a great leader, but she believed I could become a leader even before I did. I can’t thank her enough!
What is something you are absolutely determined to do in life?
Is it dumb to say learn how to ski and speak fluent French?