Topics for Discussion: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT

1. Client Relationships; Client Relationship Management; Client Development; Role of COO

• Reimagining Growth: Where Should Firms Expand? Global markets are shifting, and so are client expectations. Diversifying client bases.  Entering adjacent or emerging markets? Identifying new client prospects—from startups to sovereign wealth funds. Key client programs are an important tool to keep the firm message in front of clients.

• The COOs Role in Overseeing Client Relationships has Increased in Importance. Business development and marketing perspectives need to be taken into account by client relationship partners and firm business professionals.  Effective thought leadership enhances visibility. Strategic goals need to be set with business professionals at the table.

• The Importance of Strategic Relationships in Marketing Success.  In a world of live and hybrid firms, alumni programs, niche consultants, and global networks, relationship-building is more critical than ever. We'll discuss the evolving value of external and internal partnerships—how CMOs, CKMOs and other partners and professionals are deepening trust and influence with lawyers, clients, recruiters, and peers.

• Managing Crises; Reputation and Brand

2. Business Development and Marketing Communications

• There is strategic value for firms to cultivate visibility and engagement with clients through communications.  Thought leadership lends itself to communications partnerships.  Examples include how firms get out the word of successful victories, new laterals, and new practice groups.

• The biggest marketing and business development challenges for your firm include

  • Differentiating your firm and articulating value

  • Managing crisis communications

  • Enabling partners to drive business development

  • Managing external marketing resources (agencies, PR, etc.)

  • Increasing need and pace to deliver content/thought leadership to clients

  • Proving ROI of marketing spend 

• Effective business development activities include:

  • Firm branding

  • Thought leadership content

  • Partner speaking engagements and conference participation

  • PR and media placemen

  • Website and Partner profiles

  • Social Media

  • RFP responses and pitches

3. Knowledge Management and AI

• How Is AI Reshaping the Marketing Team? The transformative and disruptive impact of AI on legal marketing is taking hold.  AI is here, and it's not just changing how firms market, but what they market. From content generation to client insights to legal service delivery, this discussion will delve into how AI is redefining roles, creating new efficiencies, and forcing marketing leaders to rethink team structures and capabilities.

• Knowledge Management: The leadership role of firm KM professionals and content from databases and other firm data sources make KM an area of greater importance than ever.  Many firms have KM professionals in charge of AI strategy, marketing communications and social media. What is your firms’ KM strategy?

• Tools and Systems: Understand how to work with vendors to maximize the usefulness of tools, data and systems. Structuring data to give clients what they need.