Beth Huffman | Holiday Gifting for Law Firms: Avoiding Pitfalls and Making It Personal

Beth Huffman has more than 40 years of experience in communications, media, and marketing. After two decades as a reporter, she spent the next 20 years helping major law firms, legal organizations, and global clients create strategic narratives that elevated their reputations and work.

She served more than a decade at Dechert and later as head of marketing at Nelson Mullins before returning to Pennsylvania to join Poston Communications as Vice President. Today, Beth works with firms across the country to strengthen visibility, reputation, and client relationships through thoughtful communications strategies.

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LAW FIRM HOLIDAY GIFTING

Holiday gift giving isn’t something we usually talk about here, but it comes up every year for firms of every size. You want to show clients and friends of the firm that you appreciate them, and you want to stay connected in a meaningful way. The challenge is that what seems simple at first can raise questions about timing, budget, logistics, and even ethics.

Cards and gifts can be a great opportunity to build relationships, but they can also backfire if they’re rushed or impersonal. From digital vs. paper cards to whether a bottle of wine is really the best idea, small decisions can make a big difference.

In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge, Elise Holtzman talks with Beth Huffman about how law firms can get holiday gifting right. They cover why planning ahead matters, how to choose thoughtful options that reflect your clients, and what to do to avoid common missteps while keeping the process simple and impactful.

2:52 - The surprising headaches of holiday cards and how to avoid them

4:23 - Why one-size-fits-all gifts don’t work (and what to do instead)

5:46 - Navigating hybrid and remote client addresses during the holidays

7:28 - Logistics gone wrong: shipping delays, customs, and alcohol restrictions

11:09 - How firm size shapes the gifting process (and who usually gets stuck with it)

12:33 - Digital vs. paper cards: what works best for different clients

13:47 - Creative alternatives to traditional gifts, from Thanksgiving pies to team lunches

16:55 - Making gifts personal without crossing professional lines

18:45 - Common pitfalls with branded items and how to avoid conflicts

19:48 - Why gifts don’t have to wait until the holidays to make an impact

21:18 - Setting budgets and expectations around client gifts

23:13 - Using CRMs and simple systems to track client preferences year after year

25:19 - Regional and repeatable gift ideas that clients actually remember

27:06 - The most obvious - but most overlooked - tip for client appreciation

MENTIONED IN HOLIDAY GIFTING FOR LAW FIRMS: AVOIDING PITFALLS AND MAKING IT PERSONAL

Poston Communications 

Beth Huffman on LinkedIn

“The Holiday Gifting Dilemma: How Law Firms Can Get Gratitude Right,” The Legal Intelligencer

PR: Building a Firm Store for Swag, Gifts and Giveaways

Get connected with the coaching team: [e-mail]

The Lawyer’s Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.