1. How did you start working in/with the legal marketing industry?
Completely by accident. I responded to an ad on Monster.com for a proposal coordinator at O’Melveny & Myers. I had no clue what I was getting myself into.
2. How do you describe your job to people outside of the legal industry?
I find myself explaining my current job as much to my friends within the legal industry as outside of it. In addition to working with practice group chairs to help shape big picture strategy, I also assist with operational process improvement, pricing and profitability analysis, and professional development, which fits surprisingly well with the rest of my job. To my friends outside of legal, I tell them I’m in law firm management.
3. What’s the best part of your work and why?
I get to solve problems that directly impact the bottom line.
4. How do you deal with “impossible” situations?
Chocolate.
5. If you were to build the “perfect” legal marketer, what skill(s) would they most need?
It is now paramount to understand law firm economics, the evolving business environment in which firms and clients operate, alternative pricing and the value of productizing some legal services. Marketers who understand the broader business and operational picture will have opportunities far beyond traditional roles.
And, although it does not get the same attention as the “hard” skills, soft skills matter. A lot. Understand your own personal strengths and weaknesses. Look around your team. Think about how they best receive information. What motivates them? How can you help others on your team succeed?
6. What advice would you offer to someone new to the industry?
Learn about the business of law.
7. If you could have any job other than what you currently do, what would that be?
Public art administrator. I actually have a degree in that field.
8. What are your passions outside of work?
I rescued a German Shephard last year. Her name is Mabel and she is horribly spoiled. I’m also attempting to learn golf, again.
9. What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
Popcorn – popped in oil, dressed in real butter, and salted. (Now hungry.)
10. Why did you join LMA, and is it the same reason you are still a member?
I originally joined LMA because I did not have a clue about what I was doing when I started in the industry. I remain with LMA because of the people I’ve met and the amazing professional and personal resource they represent.
Gail Reysa
Practice Group and Professional Director of Development
Meyers Nave
greysa@meyersnave.com