Question

Topic: Career/Training

Possible To Find A Mentor In Law Firm Marketing?

Posted by Anonymous on 8/25/2008 at 3:01 AM ET 250 Points
I am a newly named director of marketing in a top 250 law firm. I have served as a marketing manager in other large firms (Wells Fargo Financial, Ameriquest Mortgage, Guidant medical device technology and Johnson & Johnson medical technology). I have also owned a small marketing services firm and have had some luck landing large clients for anywhere from one to five years. However, I feel I am in the biggest fight of my professional life.

Many here gave me advice when applying for this job. And the most useful information came from someone who pointed to an article that said the average director in a firm of this size lasts about 1.5 years. That has been the case in this firm in the past and there is rancor between partners and marketing.

I would like to know what it takes to find a mentor - in this case, specific to law firm and/or professional services marketing. However, I cannot imagine why anyone would serve in such a role since the gain in the relationship seems to be one sided. My question: how does one go about finding a mentor of this sort and what do I offer in exchange to someone who would be willing to mentor?

Since I am local to the state now, I will not be traveling as often and will be able to follow up to any responses in a timely manner. I am also in my first hundred days of the position and could use this advice as quickly as possible. The days are quickly passing away.

Thanks so much!

Laurie
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 8/25/2008 at 8:31 AM Accepted
    You could find someone who's done similar jobs to mentor you (ideally, lasting more than 1.5 years) or your get a mentor outside the system (perhaps a director of marketing of a Fortune 1000). By finding someone inside the system, you can learn about the "way things generally are" and gain some insight as to the forces at work. Finding someone "outside the system" will allow you to get a fresh insight, perhaps creating systems that will give you long-term solutions to the problems that affect others in your position.

    As to how you can pay back such a mentor, you help another person who needs what you've learned. It's a big karma circle. Being a mentor can be its own reward.
  • Posted by Frank Hurtte on 8/25/2008 at 9:03 AM Accepted
    Generally people who mentor are not concerned with payback per se. They often do it as a way of paying back for someone who was a mentor early in their life.

    It is a giving thing.
  • Posted by larrybodinenow on 8/25/2008 at 11:18 AM Accepted
    I saw your post seeking a mentor on the "Know-How Exchange." I operate the LawMarketing Portal and suggest you read "Pointers for a New Law Firm Marketer's Success" at https://www.lawmarketing.com/pages/articles.asp?Action=Article&ArticleCateg...

    Also, I was a marketing director at the law firm Sidley Austin in Chicago for 8 years and since 2000 have consulted with marketing directors and CMOs for the last 8 years.

    Give me a call and let me know if you'd to work together for your success.


    Larry Bodine, Esq.
    [Contact info deleted by staff. This information goes in the Member Profile, not a response.]
  • Posted by SteveByrneMarketing on 8/25/2008 at 4:39 PM Accepted
    Hi Laurie,

    Bruce Allen has been a mentor to many through his blog on legal marketing.

    https://www.marketingcatalyst.blogspot.com/

    Also, the Legal Marketing Association has chapters in Los Angeles and Orange County. Having spent 8 years as a legal marketer, I still occasionally attend the OC Chapter meeting.

    https://www.lmala.org/

    Best of luck,

    Steve
  • Posted on 8/29/2008 at 3:13 AM Author
    Thanks to everyone who responded.

    The Legal Marketing Reader is useful and good to see again. Thanks.

    I've never seen the marketing catalyst. This is new to me. So, thank you.

    I do plan to join the LMA but I am confused. Does the full membership really offer so much more that it's worth paying the additional money to upgrade from a limited membership? It looks as though only the salary survey is added. Also, I wonder, are the OC events useful to you? I don't know anyone local who has attended.

    Finally, I appreciate the offer to contact you Larry. I will do so ASAP. I am overwhelmed with the politics in this office.

    Again, thanks to all who responded!

    Laurie
BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Career/Training)