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, Ben Paul and The BD Ladder, for including my thoughts in this video, and for compiling these great insights from others. Honored to be included alongside these wonderful voices! And I stand by my answer that one of the best things we can do as marketing and business development leaders is to focus on our teams and make sure they have the right guidance, support, encouragement, and resources to flourish.
Ben writes …
What is the one BD or marketing trend professional services firms should focus on this year?
I asked a group of BD and marketing leaders from around the world to answer just that one question.
Simon Munro, Duncan Cotterill; Naomi Lynn, BDO in Australia; Zach Shaw, Halim Hong & Quek, a member firm of Andersen Global; and Roy Sexton, Vedder, recorded short responses, and I’ve stitched their insights into a single video.
The result is a collection of perspectives from across the global professional services community on where firms should focus their business development and marketing efforts in 2026.
Thank you, Diana Lauritson and Bree Metherall, for being so kind as to include my thoughts on innovation in legal in the second installment of JD Supra’s “Law 2.5 Strategic Insight” series.
EXCERPT: And as Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder, cautions, innovation must be intentional: “Innovation for innovation’s sake is just chasing the shiny object. Solve for the immediate problem you are facing in a creative way that delivers results—then rinse and repeat.” …
“Any innovation has to solve for presence, awareness, and revenue. Solve for the immediate problem you are facing in a creative way that delivers results. And never be afraid to call it a pilot program. That will get you a lot of grace.”
Thank you, Jennifer Gutman and Oktopost, for having me as a guest on this episode of “Radically Transparent” (love that name!) … VIEW HERE.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Radically Transparent, host Jennifer Gutman sits down with Roy Sexton, the CMO of Vedder, to pull back the curtain on the complex world of legal marketing leadership. Roy brings over a decade of experience to an insightful conversation about the unique “lawyer psychology” that shapes innovation, exploring the delicate balance law firms navigate as they strive to stand out while maintaining credibility within their peer groups.
Roy also discusses how he navigates the high-pressure, risk-averse environment of a major law firm and dives deep into his “work with the willing” philosophy, exploring how he reconciles the tension between individual attorney brands and the firm’s collective identity.
From his viral “pandemic dog posts” that triggered competitor jealousy to his strategy for turning evergreen content into a self-sustaining business engine, Roy provides a masterclass in the art of the “corporate politic.”
This thoughtful episode is a must-listen for legal marketers and firm leaders ready to move from safe to standout.
Hot topics
The paradox of standing out: How to help law firm leadership and attorneys overcome the fear of peer judgment and embrace marketing that actually differentiates the firm.
Specialization vs. strategy: Why the modern legal marketer must balance deep technical expertise with a broad-based understanding of the entire firm ecosystem.
Navigating the urgent culture: Roy’s practical advice on picking up the phone to negotiate deadlines and aligning fire drill requests with long-term strategic goals.
The power of humanization: Lessons from a viral LinkedIn experiment involving four-legged coworkers and why personal connection often outperforms professional polish, even in legal marketing.
Jen writes …
It is not every day you get to interview a mastermind in legal marketing.
“Work with the willing.”
That idea really stayed with me after my conversation with Roy Sexton, CMO at Vedder, on Radically Transparent.
Roy shared how his “work with the willing” philosophy helps move a traditional law firm from safe to standout.
Instead of pushing hesitant stakeholders in a naturally risk-aware environment, he partners with attorneys who are ready to lean in, build their personal brands, and differentiate the firm.
What struck me just as much as his strategy was his empathy.
Roy leads with emotional intelligence. He understands “lawyer psychology”.
He respects the pressure attorneys are under. And he creates space for people to feel safe before asking them to stretch.
That kind of leadership is rare.
You could feel it throughout the interview.
The clarity. The calm. The genuine care for the people he works with.
It is a gift to be able to work with Roy and to learn from him, and I’m lucky that he joined me for an episode. Thanks, Roy!
If you lead marketing at a law firm, or you are trying to drive change in a cautious environment, this conversation will resonate, I promise.
Meet Roy
Roy Sexton is the Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder. He is responsible for developing and implementing the firm’s overall marketing strategy and overseeing all projects and personnel in the marketing department.
Roy brings over 25 years of experience in various industries with nearly 15 years of experience in the legal marketing field at prominent global firms. His career knowledge includes public relations and marketing planning, business development strategy, digital and social media outreach, attorney onboarding and practice development.
Beginning in 2020, he served as an active international board member of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) and was elected as the organization’s International President from 2023 to 2024.
Roy has also been recognized by a number of legal publications and organizations including Crain’s, INvolve People and Corp! Magazine for his leadership capabilities, particularly as an executive within the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout his career, he has served as a board member for a number of Michigan-based charitable organizations, such as the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Want to connect with Roy? Be sure to follow him on LinkedIn or check out his work on LinkTree.
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.
Thank you, Chandler Quintin and Video Brothers! This was such an enjoyable conversation, and I’m a BIG believer in having fun while ALSO having substantive discussion (which this was/is). While I didn’t win the contents of the “silver briefcase,” I won a new friend and had a great time along the way!
EPISODE DESCRIPTION: 🪨📄✂️ It’s time to go down the funnel with Roy Sexton, CMO at Vedder Price, in this episode of Video Brothers’ #RockPaperFunnel.
Roy’s proof that “boring” industries are only boring when the people leading them are. He took an English & theatre background, walked into Deloitte “a thousand years ago,” and somehow turned it into a career building brands for some of the sharpest lawyers in the world.
From reimagining three different law firm brands to walking on stage in rainbow sequins with a drag queen at a legal marketing conference, Roy doesn’t just talk about inclusion and humanity in business… he performs it.
And now at Vedder Price, he’s helping attorneys show the world what actually sets them apart: substance, empathy, and real business understanding (not just another “world-class service” tagline).
Stay sharp. Stay weird. And above all… stay memorable.
Thank you, Emily Neal 👩🏻💻 and DSMN8 – The Employee Advocacy Platform, for including my thoughts here.
“For Roy Sexton, this authenticity comes down to empathy and intention: ‘Authenticity is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot these days, often by people who don’t exemplify it. But what this report shows us is that people who engage on these platforms from a genuine place of empathy and intellectual curiosity make a huge difference in brand building. Organizations would be wise to embrace these techniques and tools to leverage genuine voices across their communities.’”
Truly honored to have been interviewed by my dear pal Deborah Farone for her upcoming book through Practising Law Institute (PLI) – Breaking Ground: How Successful Women Lawyers Build Thriving Practices, to be released January 2026.
(The quote in the graphic – taken from the book – references my, er, obsession with social media. 😅)
About the book: “Breaking Ground: How Successful Women Lawyers Build Thriving Practices is based on more than 60 in-depth interviews with leading women rainmaking lawyers, law firm chairs, business development experts, and academics from across the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia. The book explores how women at the top of their profession cultivate client relationships, develop new business, and build sustainable practices—while navigating the particular challenges of the legal world. Through personal stories, candid advice, and actionable strategies, the book offers a roadmap for lawyers at every stage of their careers who want to grow their practices and build trusted relationships with clients.”
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.
