Name: Kelly Breslin
Company: Dechert LLP
Title: Director of Marketing
Email: kelly.breslin@dechert.com
- How did you get into legal marketing?
I began my legal career as a litigation associate at Dechert. As a practicing attorney, I gained a great appreciation for legal management, and quickly learned the importance of efficient processes, effective staffing, comprehensive training and budget management. Dechert gave me the opportunity to leverage my experience and pursue my interest in legal management in the position of Paralegal Director. This role led to an opportunity to join Dechert's practice group management team as the Litigation Department Director. Many of my responsibilities in this role touched upon legal marketing and business development. I collaborated closely with our marketing team on client pitches, requests for proposals and ranking submissions. I also worked closely with partners on client development efforts. The Firm Practice Group Director, Beatrice Seravello, knew I enjoyed these responsibilities and promoted my experience as an attorney and practice group professional to the Marketing Department. With the arrival of Dechert's new Chief Marketing Office, Wendy Taylor, I was given the opportunity to join the marketing team as Director of Marketing.
- Describe one of your best experiences in legal marketing?
As a former practicing attorney and practice group professional, I have relied upon marketing services for several years. So, when I transitioned into the marketing department, I was able to bring an end-user perspective to the team. I understood what information was important to attorneys and clients and why it was important. On the other hand, I did not have a full understanding of marketing processes, client relations technology or departmental challenges. It has been a great experience rounding out my learning in these areas. I have especially enjoyed collaborating with my marketing colleagues throughout my integration process. Therefore, I would say my best experience has been drawing upon my full range of knowledge to better a process or contribute an innovative idea to the team.
- What is one of your greatest challenges when it comes to legal marketing?
One of the greatest challenges in legal marketing is conveying to attorneys the breadth of services that marketers can provide and getting them to capitalize on these services.
- Do you have any words of wisdom to those who are new to the field?
As marketing professionals, we routinely support attorneys in building client relationships. It is equally important for us to build relationships with our colleagues and clients. As someone who is new to this field, I have already found great value in my existing relationships with attorneys and my new relationships with my marketing colleagues. My greatest piece of advice would be to consistently grow your relationships.
- What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
One thing many people don't know about me is that I'm really into unique approaches to working out and will try just about anything once. I've rotated through salsa and hiphop classes, hot yoga, aerial silks and spinning. I am now hooked on lithe method, which is extremely popular in Philadelphia. It keeps things interesting and is a great way to relieve stress!