LMA Ohio Member Spotlight
Dorenda Swanson
Title: Business Development & Community Relations Manager (Public & Infrastructure Finance Practice)
Firm: Squire Sanders
Education: BS, Myers University
Where did you grow up? Cleveland, Ohio
What was your first job? I was an admitting receptionist at the now Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. It was a little intimidating at first because I was interacting with veterans of various wars who presented with post traumatic symptoms as well as missing limbs and a host of other issues. After I got to know the veterans, it was better interacting with them. I came to realize that their present situations were as a result of serving our country and that because many of them were different than they went in, they still deserved my respect with less judgment.
What would you be doing if you weren't in your current job? I would own a fitness, nutrition and counseling studio.
What is currently on your iPod? To name a few: Adele, Dave Koz, CeeLo, Melanie Fiona, Laura Izibor, Wayman Tisdale, Keith Urban, Earth, Wind & Fire, Nora Jones, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Kem, Chrisette Michele, Kelly Clarkson, Corinne-Bailey Rae, Kenny Chesney, Kty Perry, Lil Wayne, Bruno Mars
Where is your favorite place to go to relax? I can relax and unwind almost any place where there is a great beach and a fantastic spa facility nearby.
What is your favorite TV show? Dancing with the Stars
Favorite movie? Antwone Fisher
What is your favorite cuisine? Thai and spicy cuisine
If you were stranded on a desert island, who or what would you want to have with you? My family, iPad, P90X DVDs, lots of good food, books, wine and music
Who are the most important people in your life? God, my family and friends
What is the first thing you read in the morning? Our Daily Bread
How did you get into legal marketing? By way of a newly created position designed to assist our firmwide Chief Development Officer at the time with marketing and business development efforts for the firm 12 years ago.
What is the best thing about your job? The fact that no two days are the same, the autonomy of the position and the interaction I have with the lawyers to help them with business development opportunities. I also like working on community activities with nonprofit executives and community leaders in the area on some of the events we support with our firm giving dollars.
What advice would you offer a new entrant to the world of legal marketing? Learn from a mentor as much as you can. Work on building relationships because it comes into play a lot. Be proactive vs. reactive and you will gain much more respect that way.
What are you most looking forward to as an LMA Ohio Board member? I’m looking forward to working with the new Board to get to know them better and to move the Ohio chapter’s objectives and goals forward. As my schedule allows, I’m also looking forward to participating in some of the community outreach activities.