What began as secretaries organizing client holiday cards has transitioned over the past few decades into an entire industry that allows us the opportunity to play key roles within a firm and be conduits of legal marketing knowledge. Over the course of the three-day program, CMOs, COOs, CEOs, and all-around COOL professionals imparted their own stories of growth and goals for the eager legal (say that 5 times fast) marketers whose experience ranged from 6 months to over 20 years. Some of the recurring topics highlighted during the conference include: the importance of establishing your presence with a firm, leaving and leveraging change, knowing the significance of a strategic plan, and providing those evidence-loving attorneys with proof of why what we do as marketers actually matters.
One of the principal takeaways for me was the benefit of transparency within a firm. This notion of open communication extends beyond just the Executive Committee team; it should be a luxury afforded to clients, staff, and most importantly - you. Whether you are a one-man show like me with a few dozen attorneys or a big fish who oversees hundreds across the globe, there is a candid sense of community engrained within the LMA that makes for a truly invaluable network.
Kevin O'Donnell
MKRS Law Marketing Manager