Name: Rachael Schilling
Position: Marketing and Client Services Director at Liskow
Family: Husband: Jonathan; Sons: Addison (8), Lawson (5), Harry (1)
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama
Education: The University of Southern Mississippi (B.A. 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 wasn’t an immediate realization, but the longer I spent in the legal industry, the more I recognized how much it suited me. The combination of intellectual challenge and opportunities for constant growth is what drew me in. Working alongside incredibly smart and driven individuals keeps me engaged, and the dynamic nature of the industry ensures there’s always something new to learn and achieve. It’s deeply fulfilling to be part of a profession that continuously pushes me to grow and contribute in meaningful ways.
What made you decide to join LMA, and how long have you been involved?
Ten years ago, when I first joined my firm, a colleague invited me to an LMA luncheon. At the time, I was brand-new to the role and had no clue what I was doing. What struck me at the luncheon was the warmth and camaraderie among the members. Everyone was so kind and genuinely supportive, and their professional connections were inspiring. I remember thinking, These are my people! I believed this group could help me figure out my new role much faster than if I went at it alone. That same day, I joined LMA and have never looked back.
Tell us a little bit about why you wanted to join the LMASW Board.
I joined the LMASW Board to give back to an organization that has had a profound impact on my career. LMA has provided me with invaluable resources, innovative ideas, and a supportive community of peers who inspire me daily. If I remain in the legal industry for the rest of my career, it will be largely because of the foundation LMA helped me build.
Serving on the Board also gives me the opportunity to contribute to the broader legal marketing industry beyond my firm. It allows me to support initiatives that ensure our profession continues to evolve, innovate, and thrive.
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?
One major change has been how attorneys embraced digital content creation during the pandemic—blogs, webinars, and virtual meetings became essential tools. This shift has made it easier to secure buy-in for these strategies, and I’m confident these formats are here to stay.
Another positive shift is the renewed appreciation for in-person interactions. Event attendance and engagement have improved, with people valuing face-to-face connections more than ever.
Lastly, the pandemic acted as an intense “change management course” for the legal industry. Firms have become more agile and open to innovation, setting a strong foundation for continued growth and evolution in marketing and business development.
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?
My ideal morning routine starts with waking up before my kids. This quiet time allows me to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee and review my schedule for the day. It helps me focus on my priorities and mentally prepare before the whirlwind begins.
What are your best productivity hacks?
Tackle your most dreaded task first. It clears mental space and sets the tone for a productive day.
Pick up the phone. When an email isn’t getting the message across, a direct conversation can resolve things quickly and effectively.
Pause before reacting. When faced with a negative situation, take time to remove emotion from your response and focus on solutions.
Practice empathy. Understanding where others are coming from fosters better collaboration and allows for faster, more productive resolutions.
What’s a leadership skill you’ve learned the hard way?
Leadership doesn’t mean being perfect. I’ve learned that as a leader, mistakes are inevitable, and that’s okay. What truly matters is how you respond. Beating yourself up only sets a negative example for others. Instead, embrace the mistake as a learning opportunity, move forward, and come back stronger.
What is something you are absolutely determined to do in life?
I’m determined to help my kids discover who they are and support them in becoming the best versions of themselves.
Professionally, I want to stay passionate about my career. While challenging days are inevitable, I never want to find myself in a role I don’t enjoy. Staying engaged and loving what I do is a priority for me.