In this month’s member spotlight, get to know the chairs of the Boston, New York and Philadelphia Local Steering Committee Chairs.
Matt Parfitt, New York
President, Vuture US
What advice would you give to members looking to get involved in LMA?
They say it takes a village to raise a child. The LMA is a ready-made village that can support and elevate legal marketers at all stages of their career.
Don’t take my word for it. If you have 10 minutes then pick up this Freakanomics Podcast at 28 minutes and 45 seconds and learn how being part of a community can be life changing.
How did you get into Legal Marketing?
Like many people I have seen answer this question, it was by accident. A chance encounter with my now wife in Spain led me to New York and good luck allowed me to use my marketing background to get a job with a legal marketing technology provider.
If you weren’t in Legal Marketing, what would you be doing instead?
Sitting on a beach in the south of Spain wondering what could have been.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Easy. The kids sleep all night long and then just a tiny little longer. Drink coffee slowly, swim ski, read, eat. Repeat.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I married a divorce lawyer. It was false advertising, she was in Trusts and Estates when I met her. Also, divorce lawyers have a very low rate of divorce.
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Dawn Sheiker, Philadelphia
Marketing and Business Development Specialist,White and Williams LLP
What advice would you give to members looking to get involved in LMA?:
Just do it! Come to an event. Engage on social media. Inquire about volunteer and leadership positions. Find a way to get engaged with the LMA community. It will provide excellent opportunities to learn more about the profession and open doors for you in the future.
How did you get into Legal Marketing?
Like most of us, I stumbled upon it. In my early college days, I wanted to be a psychologist or a lawyer so I sought a Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Behavioral Science and gained employment at a law firm as a file clerk. The idea was to gain exposure to both professions.
My aspirations shifted in graduate school. I grew less interested in the practice of law and more interested in conducting social science research. After a study abroad trip to Ireland, I learned of a graduate-level course at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland and decided to pursue it.
I returned to the US in the Fall of 2007 to a plummeting economy and no research jobs. I was unemployed and drowning in student loan debt so I returned to the law firm environment as a Legal Assistant. I thought this position would be temporary and continued my job search for a research position.
The firm was between marketing professionals at the time and a marketing-related project was assigned to me. I jumped on the opportunity and asked to be considered for the marketing position.
I never would have said, “I want to do legal marketing when I grow up,” but it is a natural fit for me.
What are three words others would use to describe you?
Resilient. Loyal. Energetic.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Hanging with my husband, daughter and dog someplace warm and near water.
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
A place I’ve never been, though the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica and the Galway and Antrim Coasts of Ireland hold a very special place in my heart.
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Joanne Thorud, Boston
Director of Marketing, Davis, Malm & D’Agostine, P.C.
What advice would you give to members looking to get involved in LMA?
First, attend events and get to know other members, especially steering committee members, regional board members, and volunteers. They have great insights into the resources available to LMA members and can help guide you as you start to make the most of your membership. Be sure to follow LMA on all of the social media platforms, both in your region and internationally. This will keep you informed of upcoming events and programs.
Next, join a SIG group. Each local group has active SIG groups that meet regularly, bringing together like-minded individuals to share best practices and network. LMA International also has a host of SIG groups that meet by teleconference, webinar, listserv, social media, and at the LMA Annual Conference.
Finally, volunteer. This is one of the best ways to get to get to know your fellow LMAers and understand the organization. Committees are always looking for extra hands to help with tasks and initiatives. Volunteering often leads to taking on leadership roles, which is valuable in your professional development.
If you weren’t in Legal Marketing, what would you be doing instead?
I would probably be working in either architectural or interior design. My dad was an amazing commercial artist, sketching and drawing by hand – back in the day before there were computers – and I have always been fascinated by and enjoy seeing a design come to fruition.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Waking up and enjoying a cup of coffee by the ocean; going for a run or walk by the ocean; reading a good book by the ocean; dinner, cocktails and great conversations with family and friends by the ocean. There’s a theme here.