As Axley Brynelson's Director of Client Relations, I oversee all client relations and marketing initiatives for the 50-plus attorney law firm. My responsibilities include strategic planning for the law firm, practice groups and individual attorney's client relations and marketing efforts, developing and implementing Axley Brynelson's advertising and public relations campaigns, planning special events, and providing business development training. I also manage Axley Brynelson's website, and administer the firm's social media and other web technology initiatives.

EDUCATION | I received my BA from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in Spring 2008, where I double majored in Journalism and English. I also received my Certificate in Business.

HOW TO GET STARTED | Know your industry, work hard, find a mentor and, once you're in, network internally. I interviewed for Axley Brynelson's Marketing Coordinator job a day after reading the job description. I didn't have a ton of time to prepare, but I could talk knowledgeably about marketing trends because I regularly read marketing related news, blogs, etc. Despite my lack of work experience, Axley Brynelson promoted me to Director of Client Relations because I already proved that I would do a great job. I also make a point to talk with several of the attorneys and other staff members on a regular basis, so that they could get to know and feel comfortable with me. My mentor (and boss!) constantly advocates for me - it helps to have someone on your side.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Patience. Everyone thinks that their needs are high priority. Flexibility. I write a five or less bullet point "to do" list every night before going home for the next day. Nine times out of ten, I don't even cross one item of that list. Other things constantly come up! Ability to prioritize. I could work 24/7 (until I burn out) and still not finish everything. Instead of aiming to cross things of one giant to do list, I break down my projects into smaller, manageable task. Enthusiasm. People are more willing to work with you if you have a smile.

how I got started | I never wanted to work in a law firm. My parents are both lawyers. My older brother is a soon-to-be lawyer. My dad heard of Axley Brynelson's open Marketing Coordinator position and, being a recent college graduate with no job, I looked into it. The job description included maintaining Axley Brynelson's website. Before then, I had this misconception that anything web-related was handled by companies' IT departments. I had very little website building experience but thought this would be a great opportunity to learn.

why this job?| I started at Axley Brynelson as the firm's Marketing Coordinator when I graduated from college. I worked closely with our Marketing Director at the time. She left the firm in May 2009, and I took over her position. I'm constantly inspired by the amount of opportunities I have in my job. We do almost everything related to marketing in house, so I get my hands on pretty much any type of project I want.

why I love this job!| The people I work with make my job entertaining and fun. One of my favorite things about working in house is that I work with every attorney and department in the firm. I also love meeting and collaborating with new people outside of the firm.

my typical day| My days constantly change. I typically answer and delete any new emails and voicemails, and check in with my intern and graphic designer when I get in. Four times a month, I attend practice group meetings. Our legal services are organized by practice area, and four of our main areas meet monthly to talk about any current issues going on in their practice areas. I usually do more project type work in the mornings, and pay bills (I manage the firm's marketing budget), go through sponsorship requests, check over details for any upcoming events we're planning, and follow up with co-workers on any questions they have for me in the afternoon. I also update Axley Brynelson's website, record and edit podcasts and video, and check out what's happening on the social and other news platforms we target. I try to meet different business leaders or other people I work with around Madison for lunch, or I attend professional associations - (like PRSA - Madison, AAF - Madison, and Madison MAGNET) lunch programs. I use some nights and weekends to catch up on other work and life.

what they are | Working with 54 attorneys at one time! Each attorney has his or her own law practice with different marketing needs. I need to figure out not only how to help each individual with his or her client relations efforts but also how to balance marketing these individual practices with marketing the larger practice group and the firm's brand.

all about growth | The marketing department is a relatively new concept for law firms. I think as my firm's lawyers and practice areas expand, marketing will become more institutionalized within the firm. Marketing will also become a core component of law firm management. I have so many career ambitions! I've always wanted to work in an agency-type environment, and I still plan to do that someday. I want to work in a Fortune 500-type environment, run a nonprofit organization, start my own business and write a book (a good book). I also want to travel, live life and love.

my website|