1. How did you start working in/with the legal marketing industry?
My first job in the legal industry was as a college student at Boston University. I worked part-time at a family law firm. They based the movie "The Verdict" starring Paul Newman based on my prior law firm so it was my "first brush with celebrity." I worked as a part-time paralegal meeting with the clients and compiled their financial histories. These discussions often turned into the clients’ sharing their personal family histories. Although the stories were usually quite interesting, it steered me away from family law as it got to be too emotionally draining.)
2. How do you describe your job to people outside of the legal industry?
One of my usual responses is to say “I’m responsible for the marketing, business development, communications, media and website initiatives for my law firm. I also generate client pitches, media outreach and develop attorney training programs and leverage great press.”
3. What’s the best part of your work and why?
Since I’m fairly new to my law firm, I’ve gained a good understanding of our present firm culture by bringing a new perspective. I’ve been able to communicate these shared values and develop some long-term goals and business strategies that have initiated some positive changes.
4. How do you deal with “impossible” situations?
I’m also married to a lawyer so I have a good sounding board- a big help! I’ve learned that productive decision making is based on trust and true collaboration. I’ve discovered there are fewer disagreements when shared beliefs can influence the “right actions”.
5. If you were to build the “perfect” legal marketer, what skill(s) would they most need?
Some of my ideal attributes include having a broad based knowledge of both the legal and business industries. Being an integral contributor to the firm’s business development, attorney training and media outreach initiatives also leads to real success. It also helps to foster strong allegiances within the firm to enhance goodwill and gain mutual trust and support.
6. What advice would you offer to someone new to the industry?
As I’ve done for others in the past, I would strongly encourage them to join LMA. Developing key relationships with fellow marketing colleagues leads to shared experiences and insightful feedback.
7. If you could have any job other than what you currently do, what would that be?
I would love to be a co-host on the Today Show although the thought of getting up at o’dark hundred has a bit of a downside.
8. What are your passions outside of work?
Travel with my family is top of the list. We’re planning a trip to Fiji & New Zealand. It’s been fun researching some cool excursions and hope I’ll survive my first bungee jump. Gulp.
9. What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
Watching marathon viewings of Game of Thrones, Homeland and House of Cards- can never get enough.
10. Why did you join LMA, and is it the same reason you are still a member?
I’ve developed some great friendships and love the collaborative spirit of our wonderful LA Chapter. I really enjoy our CME and the senior marketers’ roundtable has provided great insight into best practices.