Miki Hanlen
Director of Marketing Communications & Operations, Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Miki Hanlen is the Director of Marketing Communications & Operations at Steptoe & Johnson LLP. Previously she served as Senior Business Development Manager for Steptoe's IP and Telecom, Internet & Media practices. Miki is blessed with two beautiful, energetic little girls and a husband serving in the Air Force and currently deployed (LMA Capital Chapter thanks you!). How does Miki balance it all?
How did you get into legal marketing?
In 1999, my husband and I got married and relocated to Los Angeles. I knew I wanted a marketing/communications focused position and a relatively easy commute (by LA standards). After several interviews, I accepted a position at a California labor and employment boutique firm. I had NO idea what I was getting into, but I really enjoyed my job, the interaction with the lawyers, and learning more about law in general. Thirteen years later, and I continue to enjoy what I do.
Do you notice any differences between the West Coast legal marketing community and the East Coast legal marketing community?
There are slight differences, but many of those are a by-product of lawyers, specialties, and firm cultures. In the end, we are all in the business of developing and maintaining relationships. By nature differences will exist, but the basic principles remain the same no matter where you are.
Why did you make the move from Senior Business Development Manager to Director, Marketing Communications & Operations Manger? Your current role is unique.
Business Development was my comfort, and something I knew well. When the marketing operations position became available, several of my colleagues encouraged me to switch my role and focus. I am a good problem solver who sees the big picture, so the role has allowed me to broaden my knowledge and expertise in a management and leadership capacity.
In this role, I am responsible for everything non-Business Development and Public Relations related. Events, branding, the alumni program, marketing technologies (CRM, e-mail marketing, website, experience database) and social media are just some of the things that fall under my mandate. It's a big job, but I am blessed with an awesome team who helps keep everything moving forward.
Steptoe just rebranded. Any tips for someone about to go through it?
Define clear goals and understand the expectations of the partners and management team. And expect it to take longer than you plan!
What is it like being the wife of a military man? What is the military "family" community like?
My military family is an extension of my immediate family. At times our visits are few and far between, but we are never strangers to one another. Being a military wife has afforded me wonderful life experiences. We have lived throughout the country, traveled around the world, and met some of our closest friends. It isn't the easiest life (although I love it!), but it is incredibly rewarding.
You have two young girls and your husband is in the military. How do you balance it all?
I don't believe in balance, per se, because life is constantly evolving. It's a juggling act. The goal is to manage your priorities and know what is the most important, and do whatever it takes to keep everything moving forward. Every day I figure out what needs to get accomplished - both at work and at home. Sometimes that means working late and having a babysitter put the girls' to bed, while other times it means taking a conference call on a day off. Now that my husband is deployed, the juggling act is more challenging, but I am blessed with an amazing network of friends and family who provide additional support.
Do you have personal time outside of work and your family? If so, how do you spend it?
Free time with two young children is rare, but when time allows I enjoy traveling, reading, and cooking.
Do you have any tips for junior legal marketers who like you are making a career in this field?
Be proactive - proactively meet the needs of your supervisor and team. Identify needs of your co-workers and offer suggestions and assistance. Seek out new projects when time allows.
Be curious - have the intellectual curiosity to learn as much as you can about your firm and its lawyers and practices. Ask questions to better understand the 'big picture.' Get to know your team, including the managers, so you can better understand roles and responsibilities.
Learn from your mistakes (and those of others) - everyone makes them, but don't make the same one twice.
By Helena M. Lawrence, Business Development Manager, Proskauer