This month, we’re spotlighting Virginias Chapter Board member Matt Smyers. A lawyer turned entrepreneur, Matt is the founder of his own legal marketing agency, The Smyers Group. His goal is to help law firms grow by bringing clarity of purpose to the organization, and he works closely with clients to develop strategic marketing executions and business development efforts that are tailored to each firm’s identity.
The legal industry has been a part of Matt’s life for nearly two decades. After graduating from Widener Law School in Pennsylvania, Matt spent eight years managing litigation throughout the mid-Atlantic for the largest medical malpractice insurance company in the United States – an experience that shaped his understanding of, and interest in, law firm culture. Through his work Matt not only learned about the business side of law firms, but also about the unique cultural characteristics that make a law firm tick – a perspective that informs his work to this day.
Matt took a break from the law as President of RedShift, an online marketing agency, but as the company took on more clients from the legal industry, Matt saw a way to leverage his interest in the law by focusing on the fast-growing, dynamic legal marketing field. In 2011 Matt formed The Smyers Group, a marketing agency devoted exclusively to marketing for law firms. Matt and his team work with small to medium-sized firms, offering branding, web design and development, online marketing and strategic planning services.
Most recently, Matt became a Strategic Alliance Partner with Jaffe PR. Matt’s extensive knowledge of the region and industry will be bolstered by Jaffe’s resources, as he manages business development and strategic marketing projects with new and existing Jaffe clients throughout Virginia.
Matt is an active member of the community, serving as a founding member of Legal Partners Group, a collection of service providers who provide turnkey solutions to law firms in transition. The group’s diverse offerings include marketing, financial management, office services, and administration. He has been a member of the LMA Virginias chapter since 2010 and a board member since 2011, and also finds time to serve on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.
Matt is married to Beth Smyers, an attorney at BrownGreer, and father to three active young children. When Matt is able to find time in his packed schedule, he tries to squeeze in a round of golf.
Lightning Round
Why did you join LMA?
I joined LMA because it provides virtually unlimited resources to a legal marketer. From the programs to the people, there is no better resource for a legal marketer than the LMA. I am constantly amazed by the spirit of LMA members, especially their willingness to help other members professionally. There is a true sense of comradery among our membership.
How do you handle 'impossible' situations?
I believe in honest, open communication at all times. I have found that this approach prevents impossible situations before they occur. I also take inspiration from Rudyard Kipling's poem "If" about keeping your head while all about you are losing theirs.
If you could offer one piece of advice to lawyers regarding their marketing and business development efforts what would it be?
Stay focused. There are so many options available to lawyers today to market themselves and their firms that it is impossible to do everything. Prioritize, plan and execute on what works best for you. I see too many lawyers trying a little bit of everything when it comes to their marketing but not doing anything particularly well.
If you, or someone you know would be interested in participating in the Member Spotlight, please contact Marcail Waskom.