LMA Podcast

In this episode of the LMA Podcast, business development growth coach and strategist Deb Feder moderates a panel with Chantal Williams and Joy Sperling, exploring the underestimated role of small talk in professional growth and relationship-building. From favorite TV shows to brisket recipes, the panelists illustrate how everyday banter can lead to lasting business opportunities. Whether you're a natural conversationalist or a recovering small talk skeptic, this episode shows how small talk can be the spark that builds trust, deepens rapport and opens unexpected doors. Speakers: Deb Feder, Founder and CEO, Feder Development Joy Sperling, Retired Law Partner, Day Pitney Chantal Williams, BD and Marketing Senior Manager, White & Case

Join host Natalia Villanueva and digital marketing expert Amanda Sexton for a focused discussion on how generative AI is transforming SEO and content strategy in the legal industry. From the pitfalls of AI-generated content to the power of storytelling and performance metrics that matter, this episode equips legal marketers with practical ways to stay visible and credible in a rapidly changing digital environment. Speakers: Amanda Sexton, Founder and Principal, FocusWorks Marketing Natalia Villanueva, Partner, KermaPartners | UpWyse Series Description: The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

What strategies can legal marketers use to coach attorneys to adopt a client-centric mindset and offer actionable advice that nurtures long-term relationships? During this episode of the LMA Podcast, our guests dive into effective techniques for business development coaching both new and skeptical attorneys, while sharing their personal experiences and the lessons they've learned along the way. They’ll discuss how they integrate key business development trust points into their daily routines, enhancing their ability to guide lawyers towards successful business development practices. Tune in to learn how these strategies can be implemented to transform the attorney-client relationship and drive sustained growth. Speakers: Jennifer Ramsey, Co-founder and Principal, stage Megan Senese, Co-founder and Principal, stage Shannon Tatro, Associate Director of Business Development, Munger, Tolles & Olson

Join PR SIG Co-Chair Corrina Wright, director of marketing communications at Benesch, for an interview that explores the evolution of legal public relations with Ross Fishman of Fishman Marketing and Michelle Calcote King of Reputation Ink. In addition to exploring how we got here, the trio will take a look at the latest best practices for maximizing your firm’s communications investment. Speakers: Ross Fishman, CEO, Fishman Marketing Michelle Calcote King, President, Reputation Ink Corrina Wright, Director of Marketing Communications, Benesch Series Description: The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

How can the legal industry benefit from the "star reporter" talent model? In this episode of the LMA Podcast, guests explore how actionable insights, exclusivity and access can elevate legal content. They also discuss the power of multi-platform storytelling — especially on LinkedIn — and why consistency and strategy are key. Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting out, this conversation will inspire you to share your perspective and strengthen your digital presence. Speakers: Cheryl Bame, Principal, Bame Public Relations Brian Kiefer, Director of Public Relations, Taft Alexandra McCartha, Senior Communications Coordinator, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP Series Description: The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

This episode of the LMA Podcast features Ben Chiriboga (Nexl) and Jonathan Hawkins (LawFirm CG) as they discuss mergers and acquisitions, the importance of understanding cost structures and return on investment in business development, and the significance of client retention and marketing. Their conversation also highlights the market dynamics of law firms, particularly lateral movements and the influence of individual partners' books of business. Speakers: Ben Chiriboga, Chief Growth Officer, Nexl Jonathan Hawkins, Founder, LawFirm GC Series Description: The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals.

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.

Ever wonder what managing partners wish you knew about business development? Lauren Resnick, chief practice partner at BakerHostetler, shares insights on how business development teams can provide value and support marketing efforts. Speakers: Heidi Horn, Senior Business Development Manager, Vorys (Host) Lauren Resnick, Chief Practice Partner, BakerHostetler Series Description: The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals. Thank you to IHG Hotels & Resorts for sponsoring this episode.

In this SIG Share-Out episode, LMA Client Value SIG Co-Chair Jennifer Griffin Scotton is joined by Tony DeSimone, president of You're the Expert Now, LLC, to discuss the revolutionary capabilities of ChatGPT and how legal marketers can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver value to their clients. Tune into this discussion about the revolutionary impact of ChatGPT on the legal marketplace, ways to leverage the tool beyond content generation, current use cases in the legal sector and ethical considerations to keep top of mind. Speakers: Tony DeSimone, President, You're the Expert Now Jennifer Griffin Scotton, Chief Marketing Officer, Constangy Series Description: The LMA SIG Share-Out series spotlights episodes from one or more of LMA’s 10 Shared Interest Groups. This series features best practices, education and more on the hottest topics in legal marketing. Thank you to IHG Hotels & Resorts for sponsoring this episode.

Episode: 109 Episode Description: In this episode of the Strategies LIVE! podcast, we delve into the realm of competitive intelligence (CI) and its pivotal role in shaping legal marketing strategies. Join us as we explore how CI empowers legal professionals to gain a competitive edge, refine their messaging and strategically position their services in the ever-evolving landscape of legal marketing. Speakers: Ben Brighoff, Senior Manager of Competitive Intelligence, Foley & Lardner LLP Diana Lauritson, Senior Manager of Marketing and Business Development, Hogan Lovells

Episode: 108 Episode Description: On the face of it, law firm profitability sounds simple enough: revenue - expenses = profit. And yet, profitability can be a dicey topic for lawyers and legal professionals alike. Drawing on PLI’s Improving Profitability course (now available to LMA members as a complimentary member benefit), this episode demystifies profitability basics and provides legal marketers and business developers with practical strategies for better understanding and supporting law firms in their strategic growth efforts. Speakers: Debra Baker, Managing Director, GrowthPlay Randy Staggers, CPA, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Baker Donelson Relevant Links: To optimize the learning experience, LMA Members are encouraged to log in to their member profile to take the PLI course Improving Law Firm Profitability (https://legalmarketing.org/PLI) 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.