In the latest LMA Podcast episode, we explore the strategic nuances of managing communications during law firm mergers. The conversation covers pre-merger planning — offering insights into building a communications playbook, balancing confidentiality with transparency and ensuring cultural compatibility. Also covered is deal work activity, emphasizing the importance of clear internal messaging, effective external stakeholder communications and proactive media relations. Finally, guests address mid- and post-merger challenges, including leak management, rebranding strategies and maintaining client trust, while reflecting on lessons from past mergers and future industry trends.

Speakers:

Jamie Diaferia, CEO, Infinite Global

Kenny Gary, Founding Partner, LIMELIGHT

Ashley Horne, CMO, Womble Bond Dickinson

Lisa Smith, Principal, Fairfax Associates

Series Description:

The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

In this episode of the LMA Podcast, guests Katherine Boyko and Arthur Uratani discuss the concepts of likability, storytelling and body language in professional settings to strengthen interpersonal and business relationships. This discussion aims to empower and inspire listeners to improve their professional interactions.

Speakers:

Katherine Boyko, Senior Marketing Coordinator, Whiteford

Arthur Uratani, Director of Marketing and Outreach, Bookoff McAndrews

Series Description:

The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

In this episode, we explore the intense discussions surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic candidacy, focusing on the intersection of race, gender and the concept of "DEI hires." As the first woman of color nominated for president by a major party, Harris has become a flashpoint in debates about diversity, equity and inclusion. We dive into the vocal backlash, significant support and the broader implications these conversations have on our personal and professional lives. This episode unpacks how identity politics, meritocracy and DEI initiatives shape the evolving dynamics of leadership in America.

Speakers:

•Carman Akins, Director of Practice Marketing, DLA Piper US

•Nadia Campbell, Sr. Business Development Manager, Reed Smith LLP

•C. Dominica McGinnis, CEO and Executive Coach, BridgeField Group

Series Description:

The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

On this episode of the LMA podcast, our guests discuss the importance of cross-firm collaboration and its impact on client service. Their discussion emphasizes the need for understanding different roles and departments to work smarter and improve efficiency, while also highlighting the significance of effective internal partnerships, communication, and empathy in delivering the best client experience.

Speakers:

Rebecca Hnatowski, President, Edwards Advisory, LLC (Host)

Sophie Curdts Mohrmann, Director of Attorney Development & Inclusion, Williams Mullen

Debbie Leitner, Director of Practice Management, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

Rachel Shields Williams, Director, Knowledge Management, Sidley Austin

Series Description:

The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

Professionals face a critical decision when contemplating a career move: how to align their choices with long-term goals, personal growth and organizational culture. The risk of mistiming a career change or choosing the wrong path can lead to significant challenges, making it essential to carefully assess both timing and firm culture before making a move. In this episode of the LMA Podcast, Julie Amos (Jackson Lewis) guides an engaging discussion between Ben Curle (Ambition) and Emily Flowers (Jenner & Block) about the importance of proactive strategies for positioning oneself for growth and success.

Speakers:

Julie Amos, Director of Pursuits and Client Development, Jackson Lewis

Ben Curle, Associate Director, Ambition

Emily Flowers, Director of Strategic and Communications, Jenner & Block

Series Description:

The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

In law firms, a positive culture is priceless. It fosters a sense of community and collaboration, and directly impacts the firm's ability to grow its business and retain top talent. When a law firm prioritizes culture, it becomes a magnet for diverse professionals, encourages innovation and ethical practices and impacts how clients are served.

In partnership with the Practising Law Institute (PLI), this episode of the LMA Podcast shares how legal marketers and business development professionals can help drive the cultural changes necessary to impact the change needed to attract, retain and grow the talent they need to survive.

Speakers:

Deborah Farone, Founder and Marketing Strategy Consultant, Farone Advisors

Allan Schoenberg, Chief Communications Officer, Vinson & Elkins

Relevant Links:

To optimize the learning experience, LMA Members are encouraged to log in to their member profile to take the PLI course "Law Firm Culture: How to Develop and Sustain One to Support Stellar Retention, Client Growth and Work Product" prior to listening to this podcast.

About this Collaboration:

LMA is proud to partner with the Practising Law Institute (PLI), a leading nonprofit learning organization in the legal industry, to offer new, complimentary educational offerings to LMA members. Through this initiative, PLI, a renowned resource for attorneys and other professionals, will offer LMA members exclusive complimentary access to select educational programs. Curated for LMA members with their professional development goals in mind, these programs will provide legal marketing professionals with relevant, useful information on the business of law and substantive legal issues, presented by PLI’s faculty of leading industry experts.

Law firms and legal communicators grapple with a pressing challenge in today's landscape: adapting communication strategies to address the escalating political divisions in the country. The risk of messages intersecting with polarized politics is high, necessitating the crafting of robust and sensitive messages that maintain their impact. In the midst of a politically charged environment, more law firms find themselves compelled to speak out, placing communication managers in the crucial role of fostering cohesion amid turmoil when conveying firm news. This session aims to equip communicators with the tools to ensure that law firm messages transcend divisive lines and resonate with the broad coalition of your client audience. Practical examples will be provided to guide communicators through the navigation of messages in this challenging context.

This podcast builds upon the learning from the PR SIG webinar The Dilemma of Law Firms: To Speak or Stay Silent?

Speakers:

Michelle Calcote King, Principal and President, Reputation Ink

Traci Stuart, President and CEO, Blattel Communications

​Series Description:

The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

In this episode of the LMA Podcast, attorney Kristin Gray (FordHarrison), joins LMA Editorial Committee member Hayley Lavin (Thompson Coburn) to share the creative process behind harnessing pop culture to capture audiences and showcase your firm’s expertise.

Gray speaks from her experience as a contributor of FordHarrison's popular "That's What She Said" and "EntertainHR" blogs.

Speakers:

Kristin Gray, Attorney, FordHarrison

Hayley Lavin, Business Development Coordinator, Thompson Coburn LLP

Series Description:

The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

In this two-part conversation on the phenomenon of the legal marketing field’s growing integration with DEI, LMA members in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space offer advice on developing DEI-related roles and career paths within our industry.

Speakers:

Ashley Black, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Porter Hedges LLP (Host)

Terra Davis, Chief Diversity and Talent Development Officer, Knobbe Martens

Patricia Gaitan, Diversity and Pro Bono Marketing Manager, Arnold & Porter LLP

SJ Snyder, DEI Specialist, Holland and Hart LLP

Series Description:

The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

In this two-part conversation, members from the LMA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and DEI SIG come together to share insights on the phenomenon of the legal marketing field’s growing integration with DEI. In part one, speakers offer advice on developing DEI-related roles and career paths within our industry.

Speakers:

Ashley Black, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Porter Hedges LLP (Host)

Terra Davis, Chief Diversity and Talent Development Officer, Knobbe Martens

Patricia Gaitan, Diversity and Pro Bono Marketing Manager, Arnold & Porter LLP

SJ Snyder, DEI Specialist, Holland and Hart LLP

Series Description:

The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.