Within the legal industry, there’s opportunities for marketers to apply their strengths and Kaley Green, Marketing & Business Development Manager, did just that. Reflecting on her legal marketing career, Kaley offers insights for marketers who want to explore the legal marketing rabbit hole.
Like many in this industry, I had never considered looking at professional service firms for a marketing position and simply fell into my first role as a Communications Specialist back in 2003, after working a year with a Toronto ad agency after graduating university. As my career progressed, I have had the pleasure of working in a variety of roles with phenomenal marketing and business development teams, at both large and mid-sized law firms.
Marketing is all about storytelling and being able to tell stories about your firm is a great way to start each day. Full-service law firms have clients from across the spectrum of industries, so to tell those stories you have to combine both the legal and business elements in a way that resonates with organizations at all stages of the business life cycle, from start-ups to established industry leaders.
The legal industry as a whole is in a state of change, but we can already see how emerging technology will bring better efficiencies and insight into our roles. The more we can know about our clients and their industries, the better informed our marketing initiatives will be. There are some great technological developments that professional service firms are using that will improve functions and streamline processes that will benefit both the marketing team and the organization.
I view success as creating and implementing programs that empower marketing and business development professionals to drive top-line growth within their organizations. And on a personal level, success to me is also establishing yourself as an agent of change within your firm and becoming a trusted resource to both your colleagues and peers in the industry.
The legal marketing community in Toronto is full of great individuals who are willing to share tips and advice to help students succeed. Leverage your network. If you know someone who works in a law firm, reach out to them and ask for an introduction to someone on the marketing team for insights. Also, check out the resources and local events put on by the Legal Marketing Association (LMA).
The legal marketing industry is unique -- and not without its own challenges, but the variety in roles and the evolution of the role of law firm marketing and business development professional over the past 10 years has presented great opportunities for those with drive and determination to shake things up.
Often, junior coordinators have a 'jack-of-all-trades portfolio: event planning, digital medial, research and completing ranking submissions etc. Those in junior roles have an opportunity to be the anchor that pulls your team through adversity.
I've had the pleasure of working with some rock star coordinators who were the glue that held their teams together. Use your insights to connect the dots between key stakeholders and your organization's marketing and business development initiatives.
You never know how your career will grow and who will offer you the next opportunity. Be a visible and engaged member of whatever industry you find yourself in - it will be invaluable to your career. Reach out, build your network and get involved in industry associations, like the CMA or in my case the Legal Marketing Association. I can directly attribute the jobs that I've had and the team members I've hired or recommend because I engaged with an industry association.
I cannot stress the importance of having a mentor - to this day I still rely on the advice of my former bosses. Also, it has been a great feeling to see the young professionals I have mentored throughout the years ascending the ranks of law firm marketing teams.
Since speaking to people you don't know can be stressful, practice your pitch repeatedly until it comes out naturally to alleviate anxiety. Don't forget to mention your goals. Whether you’re job hunting, looking to be assigned to a new project or simply seeking to expand your network, clearly state what you’re looking for.
You just crushed the last answer in the interview. You could tell from the expression on their faces that not only did they like your answer – they loved it. You wonder if that was enough to make you stand out amongst the other applicants.
