LMA Ohio Member Spotlight:
Rob Phillips
Title: Marketing and Communications Manager
Firm: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease
Education: Miami University, B.A.; Ohio State, M.B.A.
Where did you grow up? Bryan, Ohio — home of the Etch A Sketch and Dum-Dum Pops
What was your first job? When I was in high school, I spent the summers as a school janitor. My wife continues to search for my lost janitorial prowess.
Where is your favorite place to go to relax? Marco Island, Fla.
What is your favorite cuisine? Any good dive-bar food (preferably fried) with a cheap beer. That way, I feel like I’m still in college (just with less hair).
What is your favorite TV show? Favorite movie? TV: Seinfeld/Mad Men. Movie: Forrest Gump.
What is the first thing you read in the morning? Email, then The Columbus Dispatch.
Who are the most important people in your life? My 9-month-old son (despite not yet being potty trained) and my wife (who continues to get further out of my league, and is potty trained).
How did you get into legal marketing? Happenstance. I was a print journalist and covered legal news (civil/criminal trials) for a few suburban Chicago newspapers. I then led marketing and communications for Ohio State’s Moritz College of Law while attending business school. That landed me at Vorys. It seems to be a nice blend of my work experience/education.
What advice would you offer a new entrant to the world of legal marketing? Look beyond law firms for best practices. I think we (me included) oftentimes incorrectly believe law firms are more unique than they actually are. The basis for great marketing ideas and ways to improve the client experience can be derived from a variety of industries (professional services or not). I make a point to routinely talk to marketing folks outside legal services for fresh perspectives. Plus, you have to laugh a lot.
What is the best thing about your job? Of course it’s cliché, but it’s definitely the people. My team is the best I’ve ever worked with. They bring the right amount of big ideas, getting stuff done and fun. They make coming to work pleasurable. But that’s awfully cheesy and may make them smug, so I’ll just say jeans day and firm meals.