Legal marketer spotlight: A servant leadership approach to law firm marketing
Release Date: 04/09/2024
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In this episode, Michelle Calcote King sits down with Megan Senese, co-founder and principal at stage, a woman-owned legal marketing and business development consultancy, to discuss how newly minted partners can develop authentic networking approaches that generate business. Through her own journey from "networking-phobic" marketing professional to successful business developer, Megan demonstrates how connecting with people one-on-one transformed her career and led to connecting with 1,000 people in her first year of business. She identifies the two common mistakes lawyers make in business...
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"We didn't want to be somebody that just came in and it was about the bottom line and the revenue. It was about being a part of the community." In this episode, Michelle Calcote King sits down with Optima Engineering Director of Marketing & Growth Suzanne Epps to discuss why it is a mistake for AEC marketers to blindly transplant their existing strategies when entering new markets. Through Optima's recent launch in Greenville, South Carolina, Suzanne demonstrates how becoming a true community partner — not just a service provider — creates lasting relationships that...
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Law firms are often seen as slow to change, but diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be powerful drivers of innovation. In this episode, Michelle Calcote King speaks with Terra Davis, Chief Diversity and Talent Development Officer at Knobbe Martens, about the business benefits of embracing DEI in law firms. She discusses how effective DEI work goes beyond the surface to create more welcoming and innovative workplaces where legal professionals want to build long-term careers. Terra emphasizes that when DEI becomes embedded in firm culture rather than existing as a separate...
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Professional learning and growth can bloom from unexpected relationships — and these opportunities are abundant in technical industries like architecture, engineering and construction. In this episode of “Spill the Ink,” Michelle Calcote King sits down with Reagan Branham, Chief Marketing Officer at HERA laboratory planners, to discuss the benefits of embracing mentorship opportunities outside the marketing department’s traditional hierarchy. Reagan tells us about a turning point in her AEC marketing career that led her to view each colleague, regardless of discipline or department, as...
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In this episode, John Byrne, the Chief Marketing Officer at Gould & Ratner and the 2025 President of the Legal Marketing Association, disputes the idea that legal marketing is behind other professional services industries. He and Michelle Calcote King discuss how forward-thinking law firms are harnessing the power of content marketing and leveraging data analysis to bolster client retention. John emphasizes the vital role of relationship selling in legal marketing and explores how marketers can earn a seat at the table at their firms. John’s insights empower marketers to recognize their...
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Emily McKeown and Lindsay Tiffany have a standing meeting to collaborate and advise each other on legal marketing and business development issues. The twist? They work for separate law firms. Their firms serve different geographic markets, so they aren’t in direct competition, but Emily and Lindsay say their peer relationship is invaluable. In this episode, they share the benefits this type of relationship offers law firms, how it enhances their professional development, and why they encourage others to build similar connections. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn An introduction to...
info_outlineLaw firms are relationship-driven businesses — and not only in terms of attorney-client relationships. Aricia Gallaher’s recipe for success is to approach marketing with an understanding that nurturing connections is kingpin, both internally and externally.
Aricia is the marketing director at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, a full-service law firm in Chattanooga. In this episode, Aricia reflects on the lessons learned during a two-decade career and the role her servant leadership approach has played in the firm’s growth. Host Michelle Calcote King also talks with her about facilitating thought leadership, marketing technology, LinkedIn for attorneys, and maximizing industry networks like Meritas.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn
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Who Aricia Gallaher is
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About Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel
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How to capture a distinctive brand on your firm’s website
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Ideas to facilitate content development with attorneys
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How strategic partnerships can benefit a firm’s presence
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The benefits of thought leadership as a long-term strategy
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Why law firms need to prioritize marketing automation
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LinkedIn’s vital role in growing law firm business
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The ways industry networks like Meritas can bolster a marketing strategy
About our featured guest
With over two decades of experience in marketing operations, communications, public relations, event management, business development, and client relationship management, Aricia stands as a seasoned and versatile professional adept at navigating the intricacies of today's dynamic business landscape. Throughout her career, Aricia has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive impactful results and foster enduring connections. She has collaborated with a diverse range of clientele, including some of the nation’s largest health systems. She has leveraged her comprehensive knowledge to orchestrate successful marketing campaigns, spearhead innovative communication strategies and execute high-profile events that resonate with target audiences. As a visionary leader, Aricia has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth trajectories of numerous organizations, utilizing her strategic acumen to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Her keen understanding of market trends, coupled with her exceptional interpersonal skills, has enabled her to cultivate strong client relationships and foster long-term partnerships built on trust and mutual success.
Aricia's passion for innovation and process enhancement is evident as she diligently uncovers business opportunities, executes strategies with precision and champions customer service excellence. Her relentless pursuit of innovation and her ability to adapt to evolving industry landscapes make her a driving force in any team or organization she is a part of. Aricia consistently pushes boundaries and delivers unparalleled value in each project, showcasing her enthusiasm and commitment to excellence in marketing and business development. She holds a proven track record of achievement and a reputation for excellence, making her a trusted advisor and leader in her field. As she continues to make strides in her professional journey, she remains dedicated to driving positive change and shaping the future of marketing, communications, business development, and — most importantly — the client experience.
When offering advice to aspiring professionals, Aricia emphasizes the importance of seeking out strong mentors. She underscores the value of cultivating connections with individuals at various stages of their professional journey to gain invaluable insights and guidance.
Resources mentioned in this episode
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Check out Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel
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Connect with Aricia Gallaher on LinkedIn
Sponsor for this episode
This episode is brought to you by Reputation Ink.
Founded by Michelle Calcote King, Reputation Ink is a public relations and content marketing agency that serves professional services firms of all shapes and sizes across the United States, including corporate law firms and architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) firms.
Reputation Ink understands how sophisticated corporate buyers find and select professional services firms. For more than a decade, they have helped firms grow through thought leadership-fueled strategies, including public relations, content marketing, video marketing, social media, podcasting, marketing strategy services and more.
To learn more, visit www.rep-ink.com or email them at [email protected] today.