New Orleans is calling! Join us at #LMA26, April 20-22, where the Legal Marketing Association – LMA International will be sharing bold ideas, transformative insights and the power of storytelling. Let’s learn and connect!
Thrilled to be joining our moderator (and, yes, childhood neighbor!) Mo Bunnell of Bunnell Idea Group (BIG) alongside fellow panelists K&L Gates’ Craig Budner, Freshfields’ Bryonie Palmer Byers, Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP’s Julie Chodos, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG)’s Erin Carlson for “Elevate Your Impact: Innovative Strategies To Help Your Lawyers Win The Work They Want” on Tuesday, April 21 at 1:30 pm central.
The best BD and marketing professionals don’t just support their lawyers—they transform how those lawyers win work. But creating that transformation requires fresh thinking and proven strategies you won’t find in the usual playbook.
In this high-energy session, four successful leaders will compete to share their most effective ideas—the strategies that have genuinely elevated their own impact. The best part? This will be FUN. The leaders will be sharing their ideas in a game-show style format where the winner will get a special price!
You’ll walk away energized with 10+ new strategies you can implement immediately.
When you’re advising your lawyers proactively—not just taking orders—you become indispensable. And that’s when you can write your own ticket.
Learning Outcomes:
Discover new business development strategies from leading law firms that expand what’s possible for your lawyers and your impact.
Select from the 10+ approaches shared that will best fit the lawyers you support and the growth challenges you’re solving for.
Implement battle-tested ideas immediately to transform your role from order-taker to indispensable growth partner.
P.S. What a night celebrating what makes each and every one of us unique! Proud to be one of INvolve People’s Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives internationally, but even prouder to have been in the room the evening of March 20 for the #InvolveGala2026 with ALL of the incredible leaders recognized for their work in advocacy, allyship, equity, and representation.
Thank you, Suki Sandhu and team, for your vision and heart and tireless work. You make this world better indeed! Love you!
Thank you, St. John Neighbors’ publisher Diane Lee Jortner, writer Janet Woodward, and photographer Ginnie Wilsman Lange, for your kindness and for this cover story opportunity! You have been so lovely to work with, and we are incredibly honored to be featured in this way. Thank you for all you do for our community!
A Life of Authenticity and Performance: Meet Roy Sexton and John Mola
By Janet Woodward
For Roy Sexton and his husband, John Mola, life in St. John is a beautiful blend of professional achievement, artistic passion, and a deep-seated commitment to authentic living. After moving to the community exactly one year ago, the couple has found more than just a house; they’ve found a neighborhood where they can truly be themselves.
A New Chapter in St. John
Roy and John’s journey to Northwest Indiana was sparked by Roy’s career. In late 2024, Roy was recruited to join Vedder law firm in Chicago as their Chief Marketing Officer. Seeking a location that offered easy access to the city while remaining close to family—Roy’s father, Don, lives in the Fort Wayne area—the couple set their sights on St. John.
They fell in love with their new home here for a somewhat unique reason: the previous owners were avid Star Trek fans. While the memorabilia didn’t come with the house, the “die was cast,” and they knew they had found their place.
In August 2025, John’s father passed away and they helped John’s mother also move into their neighborhood nearby, so the family can be close.
“Our neighbors have been so welcoming,” Roy shares. “It’s a lovely community with people who are fun, genuinely care about each other, and aren’t afraid to be their authentic selves. That’s all we could want”.
From the Stage to the Boardroom
Roy’s professional path is as colorful as a Broadway playbill. A graduate of Wabash College with a double major in English and theatre, he also holds a master’s degree in theatre history and criticism from Ohio State. While he later earned an executive MBA from the University of Michigan, Roy credits his theatre background as the secret to his marketing success.
“My theatre background has been incredibly useful—from understanding an audience and landing a message to the finer points of production and project management,” he explains.
His career has spanned healthcare and law, leading to his current role as CMO at Vedder, where he recently oversaw a refreshed brand and website launch. Roy is also a respected leader in the Legal Marketing Association, serving as their international president in 2023.
A Commitment to Visibility
Roy’s leadership is deeply rooted in his lived experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up in Indiana as an only child, he didn’t always find meaningful acceptance. Today, he leads openly and authentically, believing that representation is “not symbolic—it is catalytic”.
His advocacy has not gone unnoticed. Roy was named a Notable LGBTQ+ Leader by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2021 and has been recognized on the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for three consecutive years. In 2024, he even hosted a digital interview series, All the World’s YOUR Stage, which focused on how embracing identity strengthens both performance and culture.
Life at Home: Pups, Cars, and Boy Bands
The Sexton-Mola household is shared with three beloved rescue dogs: 13-year-old black lab Duncan and two spunky Chihuahua-mixes, Hudson and Henry J. Roy notes the hilarious dynamic of the 7-pound Hudson lining up to howl alongside the 60-pound Duncan. Hudson is particularly attached to a “filthy and patched” stuffed mummy toy that he prizes above all else.
When they aren’t managing the “chorus” of rescue pups, Roy and John enjoy a few quirky hobbies. They are surprisingly dedicated fans of 98 Degrees, having attended so many concerts that the band members now recognize them by name.
John is the family’s resident car enthusiast. He once claimed to have the fastest PT Cruiser in North America and has recently restored Roy’s late mother’s 1994 forest green Pontiac Grand Am GT—affectionately known in the family as the “Dead Mother Car”. Roy’s mother, Susie Sexton, was a well-regarded columnist, and both she and Roy have published books of their work.
A Heart for the Neighborhood
Through the years they spent many summers making memories at DisneyWorld with John’s sister Lori and her children Gabby and Andrew. Since Roy and John had never visited the resort when they were children, they insisted on taking the kids on every ride and attraction, even when the kids weren’t interested. Roy says they nearly missed an important dinner reservation at Crystal Palace by watching Carousel of Progress for 45 minutes.
They also traveled to St. Augustine for a great vacation that they would like to repeat.
Roy and John are now focused on creating new traditions in St. John. From exploring local favorites in Crown Point and Valparaiso to simply chatting with neighbors, they feel they “won the lottery” with their new community.
“Thank you for your kindness and for welcoming us with such open arms,” Roy says to his neighbors. “Pulling up stakes and moving to a completely new area made us nervous, but everyone being so genuinely invested in getting to know us has meant more than I can properly express”.
Neighborly Note: Roy is still looking for his “theatre home” in the area. If any local theatre groups are looking for a “slightly over the hill singing actor,” be sure to give him a call!
Thank you for having me, Rachel Clar, Esq.! I enjoyed that conversation on the power of authenticity very much, and I found the engagement from our wonderful attendees so affirming. Thank you for being you.
The more you try to fit in, the easier it is to be undervalued.
You sit in silence as he mispronounces your name again, because correcting him feels riskier than letting it slide.
This is the invisible tax so many women in BigLaw still pay.
Not because they lack skill.
Because they were taught to shrink to stay safe.
Rachel coaches BigLaw women across the AmLaw 200.
Roy leads marketing inside a global firm and has lived this firsthand.
On Wednesday, December 10 at 1 pm ET/noon CT, join Rachel Clar, Esq. and Roy Sexton for:
Coming Out as Yourself in BigLaw: Strategy Over Sanitizing
We will unpack how your identity can support your strategy in the rooms that decide your future.
This Live is for attorneys who want to:
→ Speak directly without being labeled difficult → Ask for resources in ways that raise your status → Decline misaligned work without whispers about your lack of dedication
This session sets the stage for a deeper dive in winter 2026, where you can learn to use your voice in ways that shift outcomes inside your firm.
All registrants get The BigLaw Power Moves Cheat Sheet, which includes ten strategic cues to get yourself heard in high-stakes moments.
P.S. Which moment feels most familiar: Being talked over. Being labeled “too direct.” Being the default note taker. Being the token woman in the room. Or saying yes because no feels dangerous?
Screenshot
P.S. I received this lovely note froman attendee …
I completely loved your and Rachel’s session — and found SO MUCH of it to resonate deeply within me. Here are just a few of the MIC-DROP statements you made that I wrote down! 🎤💥
–the importance of *earning* the right to express more and more of one’s unique authenticity through work quality and reliability
–how you used compassion, humbleness and humor in response to someone butchering your name to convert that challenging moment into a critical bonding/trust moment with him
–don’t look to the company who is paying you to define who you are (boom!!)
–the hidden cost of sanitizing oneself and the profound effects of doing so on mental health, anxiety and overall thriving
–WTF happens in law school such that it spits out people who are in a frantic race to be the first to be second?!? LOL!! #truth
–one can have an abundant mindset in a world/environment of scarcity through authenticity (can I add another BOOM!!??)
–distinguishing between non-negotiables in one’s identity and “gravy” — and how this directly dictates one’s energy and passion
–how you were using your gayness as a lens to signal to everyone else who is feeling othered to be themselves
–the right people will COME TO YOU when you are in your authentic self
🥹🥹🥹
P.P.S. Rachel’s summary …
You don’t have to be all things to all people. Because then you’re nothing to no one.
Thank you, Roy Sexton, for sharing so many pearls on yesterday’s Live, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗟𝗮𝘄: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴.
Ever wonder why some marketers thrive in law firms while others crash and burn?
In this episode of Educated Spaghetti: Marketing Ideas That Stick, Lise Anne Schwartz and Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder Price, dish up ideas on building consensus for professional services marketing projects. They discuss the biggest mistakes of would-be consensus leaders, why Roy loves the word “pilot,” and his surprising take on creating lasting agreement. Plus, Roy shares his favorite resource and secret sauce for getting people to support a new project.
In this episode:
(00:00) The number one thing holding companies back
(05:05) Childhood experiences that shaped a consensus builder
(10:26) Pilot strategy that turns law firm skeptics into advocates
(17:41) When to proceed without consensus (and how to do it safely)
(23:54) Why trying to leave a legacy guarantees you won’t
(32:06) Roy’s secret sauce: listen more than you talk
About the Host
Lise Anne Schwartz is an experienced brand strategist and writer known for creating authentic, original work that audiences remember. With 20 years in professional services marketing, she brings a unique blend of perspectives as a former lawyer, journalist, copywriter, and pastry chef. Her strong focus on storytelling and user-driven communications, combined with skills in surfacing key insights from stakeholder and audience interviews, makes her exceptional at bringing complex ideas to life. Having conducted over 100 buyer interviews and earned degrees from Northwestern University and Columbia Law School, Lise Anne regularly writes on professional marketing topics.
About Right Hat
Right Hat is a marketing and design partner driven by curiosity, courage, and optimism to help clients take their communications to new heights. Specializing in communicating the value of complex, intangible offerings like professional services, education, and tech solutions, they serve as brand strategists, website designers, creators of sales tools, and extensions of in-house teams. Through deep industry knowledge and determination to push past the ordinary, Right Hat combines design, content, and digital strategies to bring powerful brands to life with fresh ideas that help clients stand out in crowded markets.
A year ago this week I gave a speech at LMA Southeast Region’s conference. (Yes, I explain the zany suit if you watch.) I’d honestly forgotten about this. Dear friend Nancy Leyes Myrland had a reminder pop up today and sent this video she had captured. I might’ve watched this at the time – but I honestly can’t recall. And I only watched a few minutes of it just now. Like many people, I don’t like the sound of my own voice and I really don’t like watching myself. C’est la vie.
But moreover, I had a lot going on existentially last year. That may be why this was lost to the ether of my addled mind. I do know I wasn’t really happy. (I am now.) I felt a bit lost, misunderstood, possibly angry. I felt I’d done my best to give what I could to this world, but was receiving too many signals that it wasn’t enough, that there should be “less of me out there,” that I had somehow disappointed people I had admired and honored. Like all things, much of that was probably in my own head.
But this speech was born of that moment, in which I did my best to lay bare – with humor and gratitude – how I saw myself and how I believed so fully in the differentiating power of authenticity. (And still do.) Was this my ego showing? Probably. Was it a form of self-indulgent group therapy? Indubitably. Was it an effort to try to help others avoid the pain I was feeling then? That was my prayer.
What a difference twelve months makes. I’ve had a LOT of change this year. I hope I’ve grown. Jury is out on that. But for this moment I feel like the bet I placed on myself – as expressed in this video – was the right one.
I’m so unbelievably grateful for the opportunities that have come my way in this time. The me in this video had no idea a remarkable, transformational, literally life changing offer was just around the corner. This new role and new adventure in a new city with a lovely new team and colleagues have meant the world to me.
The video isn’t the complete speech – some of the intro and conclusion is missing – and, honestly, I like it like that. There are few discrete beginnings and endings in life. With an open heart and a healthy sense of humor, serendipity can serve one nicely.
Thank you again to Nancy for this and for always helping me remember I matter. That we ALL matter. And that our stories make a difference. Also, grateful to Toni Toomer Wells and Matthew Gallagher, co-chairs of last year’s event, for believing in me and giving me the chance to share these thoughts with the universe. I hope they can continue to be helpful to whomever is kind enough to give this a watch.
🎧 NEW EPISODE: Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder Price, just dropped some serious wisdom about marketing in the legal world – and honestly, his insights apply way beyond law firms.
Roy works in the one of the only industries that still questions whether marketing is even necessary (wild, right?). But here’s how he’s mastering it:
📌 Start with relationships, not strategies — Roy’s approach to his new role as CMO involves walking around, meeting people, understanding their pain points, and looking for patterns before implementing any major initiatives.
📌 Lean into specialization — Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, focus on your distinctive expertise areas and create compelling, specific content that positions you as the authority in your niche.
📌 Use AI as your co-editor — Treat AI tools as collaborative partners that polish and enhance your work, allowing your team to “level up” and think strategically rather than just execute tasks.
📌 Build sidewalks, not fences — Drawing from Walt Disney’s philosophy, successful marketing means removing barriers and making it easier for prospects to engage with your content and expertise.
🔗 Want to turn relationship data into strategic growth?
Join us at the 2025 LMA Midwest Regional Conference for “The Power of Connection: Turning Relationship Data into Growth Strategy”—a forward-thinking session moderated by Adam Stewart of Introhive, and panelists Dave Southern of Mayer Brown, and Roy Sexton of Vedder Price.
You’ll learn how to:
🔍 Use connected data to uncover whitespace and guide priorities
🤝 Strengthen collaboration and client engagement through relationship insights
🧑💼Drive smarter, human-centered growth across your firm
Walk away with a roadmap to elevate your data strategy and deliver impact where it matters most.
From InsidePractice: Ahead of November’s Law Firm Client Intelligence conference (Chicago Nov 5) – Join us for a dynamic virtual discussion on The State of Client Intelligence in today’s legal profession.
Join Pamela Cone, and guest speakers Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder Price, and Aubrey Bishai, Chief Innovation Officer at Vinson & Elkins to unpack the meaning of “Client Intelligence” and explore:
The competitive advantages it can unlock
The cultural and historical barriers holding firms back
The current state of maturity within the profession
DATE: Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 TIME: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CENTRAL US TIME LOCATION: Inside Practice Community
Baby’s first keynote (sort of … at least one focused on such a substantive topic and not requiring costume changes, sequins, or showtunes). Thank you, Pamela Cone, ISSP-SA, Daniel Smallwood, Tim Hart, and Inside Practice. I hope you don’t live in regret of this decision. I truly am honored and looking forward to this dynamic program. November 5 in Chicago – see you there: https://www.insidelegalai.com/law-firm-client-intelligence
Me: “Beyond the Algorithm: The Human Side of Client Intelligence … Exploring how law firms can balance technology with the human factors that drive success; from fostering cultural change and building strong teams to setting shared values and cultivating critical thinking. Learn how accurate data, strong relationships, and people-centered strategies can amplify the value of AI-powered client intelligence.”
Join us for The Hidden Growth Killer: From Content Mayhem to Marketing Momentum, where we’ll explore how legal marketing teams are overcoming fragmented workflows and content chaos. Attendees can expect a dynamic panel discussion featuring real-world strategies, smart automation tools, and centralized content solutions that help firms reduce risk, improve efficiency, and focus more on strategy.
The true cost of disorganized content on employee efficiency and sales cycles
How brand compliance tools reduce risk and reclaim your team’s time
Real stories from firms modernizing their marketing materials and proposal processes
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how to streamline your content workflows and boost your marketing momentum. Special thanks to our sponsor, Astute Review, for their generous support of this event. And thank you to Baker McKenzie for hosting. Register now!
Roy has a passion for solving problems, improving culture, facilitating business growth, and collaborating on long-term strategy. He has been a marketing, communications, and strategic planning professional for over 25 years in consulting, healthcare, legal, and college advancement. He is a longtime member of LMA and served as LMA International President in 2023.
Sarah McHugh Consultant and Fractional Chief Marketing Officer
Sarah is a strategic marketing and communications executive with a track record of driving growth through disruptive go-to-market programs. She has helped a wide range of industries develop strategies and create compelling content to connect with customers.
Our Moderator: James Hirchak President and Co-founder, Astute
Time: 11:30 a.m. – Noon: Registration and Networking Noon – 1 p.m.: Program
Location: Baker McKenzie 300 East Randolph Street, Suite 5000 Chicago, IL 60601
