Tag Archives: legal marketing

From DBusiness: Clark Hill Director of Marketing Roy Sexton Named to Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2024

26 November 2024

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Thank you, R.J. King, Tim Keenan, and DBusiness Magazine, for your consistent and kind support and for all you do for Southeast Michigan and Detroit.

Original article here.

Roy Sexton, director of marketing at Clark Hill and 2024 International Immediate Past President of the Legal Marketing Association, has been named to the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2024.

This is his second year in a row being recognized by the organization.

The Outstanding LGBTQ+ Role Model Lists supported by YouTube showcase LGBTQ+ business leaders and allies who are breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces across the world. They aim to represent the wide range of impactful and innovative work being done for inclusion across different countries, organizations and sectors, and celebrate the diverse range of inspiring individuals who have made it their personal mission to make a difference.null

“Roy Sexton leads Clark Hill PLC’s marketing, branding, and communications efforts. INvolve wrote. “In 2024, Roy was named one of Corp! Magazine’s ‘Most Valuable Professionals in Michigan.’ He was listed in Crain’s Detroit ‘Notable LGBTQ in Business’ in 2021 and ‘Notable Leaders in Marketing’ in 2023. In 2022, Clark Hill’s marketing campaign received Best Marketing Campaign from Managing Partners’ Forum in London, celebrating professional services organizations. The campaign was noted for its focus on values, diversity, inclusion.

“Roy hosts the monthly Expert Webcast series “All the World’s YOUR Stage: Authentic Culture Drives Authentic Growth,” discussing the importance of inclusion, allyship, authenticity, personal/professional branding with nationally recognized executives and thought leaders. Each episode has a monthly reach of at least 20,000 impressions. In 2023, Roy was the international president of the 4,000-member Legal Marketing Association. Throughout his tenure, Roy prioritized DEI issues, putting them front and center on all education and messaging efforts.”

INvolve is a consultancy and global network driving diversity and inclusion in business. Through the delivery of advisory solutions, awareness workshops, talent development programs, INvolve drives cultural change and create inclusive workplaces where all individuals can succeed. They publish annual role model lists recognizing and celebrating business leaders and future leaders who are breaking down barriers at work and inspiring the next generation of diverse talent.

“I’m thrilled to have been named amongst these incredible LGBTQIA+ leaders for the second year in a row,” Sexton says. “People often fail to realize the importance of visibility and representation. These awards aren’t about the momentary personal ‘sugar rush’ of recognition. Rather they demonstrate to the business community the essential value of celebrating those willing – and brave enough – to integrate the personal and professional sides of their lives. And more importantly, to talk about it. As a young gay man in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, such a list would have given me far greater confidence that there would be a place for me in this world. I’m grateful – and hopeful – that I in turn can serve some small role in helping send that message to the LGBTQIA+ community today.”

From The Sun Times News: “These awards aren’t about the momentary personal ‘sugar rush’ of recognition.” INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List 2024

16 November 2024

2 Comments

Thank you, Sun Times News!

Original article here.

Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill and 2024 International Immediate Past President of the Legal Marketing Association, has been named to the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2024. This is his second year in a row being recognized by the organization.

Other honorees include David Hynam, Chief Executive, LV=; Dame Julia Hoggett DBE, CEO, London Stock Exchange PLC; Jen Carter, Global Head of Technology at Google; David Furnish, CEO/Chair of Rocket Entertainment Group/Elton John AIDS Foundation; Emily Hamilton, Vice-President Change, RS Group; Suresh Raj, Chief Growth Officer, McCann New York; Eugenio Pirri, Chief Executive Officer, Dorchester Collection; Travis Torrence, U.S. Head of Legal, Shell; Josh Graff, Managing Director for EMEA/LATAM and VP Enterprise Solutions Group, LinkedIn; and Robyn Grew, CEO, Man Group.

The Outstanding LGBTQ+ Role Model Lists supported by YouTube showcase LGBTQ+ business leaders and allies who are breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces across the world. They aim to represent the wide range of impactful and innovative work being done for inclusion across different countries, organizations and sectors, and celebrate the diverse range of inspiring individuals who have made it their personal mission to make a difference.

In their recognition, INvolve wrote, “Roy Sexton leads Clark Hill PLC’s marketing, branding and communications efforts. In 2024, Roy was named one of Corp! Magazine’s ‘Most Valuable Professionals in Michigan.’ He was listed in Crain’s Detroit ‘Notable LGBTQ in Business’ in 2021 and ‘Notable Leaders in Marketing’ in 2023. In 2022, Clark Hill’s marketing campaign received Best Marketing Campaign from Managing Partners’ Forum in London, celebrating professional services organizations. The campaign was noted for its focus on values, diversity, inclusion. Roy hosts the monthly Expert Webcast series All the World’s YOUR Stage: Authentic Culture Drives Authentic Growth, discussing the importance of inclusion, allyship, authenticity, personal/professional branding with nationally recognized executives and thought leaders. Each episode has a monthly reach of at least 20,000 impressions. In 2023, Roy was the international president of the 4,000-member Legal Marketing Association. Throughout his tenure, Roy prioritized DEI issues, putting them front and center on all education and messaging efforts.”

INvolve is a consultancy and global network driving diversity and inclusion in business. Through the delivery of advisory solutions, awareness workshops, talent development programs, INvolve drives cultural change and create inclusive workplaces where all individuals can succeed. They publish annual role model lists recognizing and celebrating business leaders and future leaders who are breaking down barriers at work and inspiring the next generation of diverse talent.

About the recognition, Sexton observed, “I’m thrilled to have been named amongst these incredible LGBTQIA+ leaders for the second year in a row. People often fail to realize the importance of visibility and representation. These awards aren’t about the momentary personal ‘sugar rush’ of recognition. Rather they demonstrate to the business community the essential value of celebrating those willing – and brave enough – to integrate the personal and professional sides of their lives. And more importantly, to talk about it. As a young gay man in the late 90s and early 00s, such a list would have given me far greater confidence that there would be a place for me in this world. I’m grateful – and hopeful – that I in turn can serve some small role in helping send that message to the LGBTQIA+ community today.”

From Detroit Legal News: “People often fail to realize the importance of visibility and representation.” INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List 2024

14 November 2024

3 Comments

Thank you, Detroit Legal News’ Sheila Pursglove, Brian Cox, Brad Thompson, Tom Kirvan, and team for all this support you show our professional community. It means a lot.

Original article here.

Roy Sexton, director of Marketing at Clark Hill and 2024 International Immediate Past President of the Legal Marketing Association, has been named to the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2024. This is his second year in a row that Sexton has been recognized by the organization. 

The Outstanding LGBTQ+ Role Model Lists supported by YouTube showcase LGBTQ+ business leaders and allies who are breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces across the world. They aim to represent the wide range of impactful and innovative work being done for inclusion across different countries, organizations and sectors, and celebrate the diverse range of inspiring individuals who have made it their personal mission to make a difference.

In their recognition, INvolve wrote, “Roy Sexton leads Clark Hill PLC’s marketing, branding and communications efforts. In 2024, Roy was named one of Corp! Magazine’s ‘Most Valuable Professionals in Michigan.’ He was listed in Crain’s Detroit’s ‘Notable LGBTQ in Business’ in 2021 and ‘Notable Leaders in Marketing’ in 2023. In 2022, Clark Hill’s marketing campaign received Best Marketing Campaign from Managing Partners’ Forum in London, celebrating professional services organizations. The campaign was noted for its focus on values, diversity, inclusion. Roy hosts the monthly Expert Webcast series All the World’s YOUR Stage: Authentic Culture Drives Authentic Growth, discussing the importance of inclusion, allyship, authenticity, personal/professional branding with nationally recognized executives and thought leaders. Each episode has a monthly reach of at least 20,000 impressions. In 2023, Roy was the international president of the 4,000-member Legal Marketing Association. Throughout his tenure, Roy prioritized DEI issues, putting them front and center on all education and messaging efforts.”

INvolve is a consultancy and global network driving diversity and inclusion in business. Through the delivery of advisory solutions, awareness workshops, talent development programs, INvolve drives cultural change and create inclusive workplaces where all individuals can succeed. 

About the recognition, Sexton said, “I’m thrilled to have been named amongst these incredible LGBTQIA+ leaders for the second year in a row. People often fail to realize the importance of visibility and representation. These awards aren’t about the momentary personal ‘sugar rush’ of recognition. Rather they demonstrate to the business community the essential value of celebrating those willing – and brave enough – to integrate the personal and professional sides of their lives. And more importantly, to talk about it. As a young gay man in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, such a list would have given me far greater confidence that there would be a place for me in this world. I’m grateful – and hopeful – that I in turn can serve some small role in helping send that message to the LGBTQIA+ community today.”

Other honorees include David Hynam, Chief Executive, LV=; Dame Julia Hoggett, DBE, CEO, London Stock Exchange PLC; Jen Carter, Global Head of Technology at Google; David Furnish, CEO/Chair of Rocket Entertainment Group/Elton John AIDS Foundation; Emily Hamilton, Vice-President Change, RS Group; Suresh Raj, Chief Growth Officer, McCann New York; Eugenio Pirri, Chief Executive Officer, Dorchester Collection; Travis Torrence, U.S. Head of Legal, Shell; Josh Graff, Managing Director for EMEA/LATAM and VP Enterprise Solutions Group, LinkedIn; and Robyn Grew, CEO, Man Group.

“Marketers need to own their journey …” 9Sail Webinar Recap – Budget Season: Plan Your Law Firm’s Marketing Budget with Data

27 September 2024

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From 9Sail: Did you miss our recent webinar on planning your law firm’s marketing budget with data?

Click here to view.

Joe Giovannoli was joined by Roy Sexton, Director of Marketing at Clark Hill, and Jack Prince, Business Profitability Consultant at CRI Simple Numbers, for an insightful discussion on data-driven marketing budget decisions for law firms.

In our latest recap, we dive into the essential tips shared during the session, focusing on how to craft a marketing budget that ensures impactful and measurable results.

The conversation focused on key performance metrics, effective allocation of marketing spend, and aligning those investments with firm goals.

Webinar Recap – Budget Season: Plan Your Law Firm’s Marketing Budget with Data

Key Takeaways: 

  • Marketers need to own their journey and be proactive in demonstrating ROI to firm leadership. This may involve collecting your own data and metrics to show the impact of marketing initiatives.
  • Benchmarking marketing budgets and spending against industry standards and peer firms can help make the case for increased investment. Reaching out to marketing peers can provide valuable data points.
  • Aligning marketing goals and spending with the firm’s overall growth strategy is crucial. Understanding the firm’s plans for adding attorneys or expanding practice areas can inform the marketing approach.
  • Developing a multi-year marketing strategy with a mix of branding, calls-to-action, and experimental initiatives can help demonstrate a thoughtful, data-driven approach to leadership.

“Well, that’s your problem. You’re marketing.” Law.com’s How Senior Marketing Professionals Can Transition to the Legal World

26 September 2024

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Thank you, Erika Ratner Steinberg, for including me in this excellent and revelatory piece. Honored to be featured here alongside such brilliant minds as Andrea (Andi) Benjamin, Susan Kurz, and Cynthia A. McCollough.

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EXCERPT: Roy Sexton is immediate past president of the Legal Marketing Association – LMA International Board of Directors. LMA is the single largest trade group for legal marketing professionals, with nearly 4,000 members. In his “day job” as Director of Marketing for international law firm Clark Hill Law out of Detroit, Sexton has been able to integrate deftly his experiences from a prior career in consumer-facing healthcare marketing with those from two prior smaller firms.

“I came from a large hospital system and my first law job was at a small mortgage foreclosure firm in 2011, and they seemed very marketing-savvy there. At the time, I thought healthcare had a lot to learn, but a basic tool—the customer survey—was commonly used.”

But Sexton says that when he came to that mortgage foreclosure law firm, a logical, basic notion like regularly surveying clients was still an alien concept.

“I worked out a survey of clients with the managing partner and sent it out. The executive committee first heard about it when it was complete, and I came into their meeting to report the results. They were shocked, and they had a few questions:

‘On what authority I had decided to send this client survey? Who had reviewed these questions?’

I candidly pointed to the managing partner, who conveniently, was not in the room.

‘Why didn’t you include us?’

I noted that even though it seemed I had inadvertently missed out on some protocol, it had produced some valuable client feedback.

Answer: ‘We won’t be doing anything with it because we didn’t know about it and we don’t like the way you wrote the survey.’

I replied that we had created client expectations to hear back from us—after all, we had asked them their opinions. And the committee said, ‘Well, that’s your problem. You’re marketing.’

To me, the survey represented valuable data. To them, it was a perilous risk, laced with criticism. They weren’t having any. I learned about buy-in that day; I haven’t forgotten. Everyone needs to feel like they are in the driver’s seat until they don’t feel like driving the car anymore. I’m grateful for those early learnings which have served me well as I’ve progressed to larger firms.”

Happy anniversary to my dear hubby – love you very much, John, and proud of our life together. #loveislove

From 9Sail: Budget Season – Plan Your Law Firm’s Marketing Budget with Data … Webinar, September 25, noon eastern

23 September 2024

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From 9Sail: As budget season approaches, law firms must make informed decisions about their marketing investments to stay competitive in a crowded marketplace. In this exclusive webinar, we’ll explore how law firms can leverage data-driven strategies to plan their marketing budgets more effectively. From identifying key metrics that matter to forecasting ROI, you’ll gain insights into how to allocate resources that maximize your online visibility, attract new clients, and drive growth.Join us and prepare to make data-driven decisions that set your firm up for success in the coming year!

View/register here.

“We saw the brand beautifully enhance the collaboration and connection across all of our offices and our professionals.” Trendsetting.io shares my thoughts on the powerful impact of values in branding

29 August 2024

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Thank you, Trendsetting.io, for including my thoughts on the importance of incorporating values into branding. EXCERPT:

“When we developed our rebrand at Clark Hill, internal and external input was key. We engaged in a robust process of surveys and focus groups of both clients and internal stakeholders. But even so, as we neared launch, it felt like something was still missing. We had heard from our clients that our culture was a key differentiator for them, so we leaned into our internal stakeholders within our incredible HR team.

“We realized that we needed to put our firm’s values and mission front and center. Some organizations view those as more internally facing, but we found that once we incorporated those elements into our brand narrative via video features, Q&As, media profiles, and other communications mechanisms, our brand became incredibly engaging (and award-winning!). Our brand videos had hundreds of thousands of views, and we saw the brand beautifully enhance the collaboration and connection across all of our offices and our professionals.”

Read more.

Legal marketing can be tough, but does it have to be? Green Cardigan Marketing’s Ashley Robinson interviews yours truly for “Legal Conversations”

28 August 2024

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Legal marketing can be tough, but does it have to be? Want to uncover the secrets to thriving in this challenging field? Curious about successful legal marketing strategies?

VIEW HERE.

Thrilled to have been interviewed recently by Ashley Robinson, Owner of Green Cardigan Marketing. In this interview we discuss tips on how to shine in the legal marketing field.

Watch the full interview where Ashley and I dive into the dos and don’ts of legal marketing!

And thank you, Ashley Mejido, for all your lovely support here!

“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” – Dalai Lama … National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s #LavenderLaw conference ’24 + Legal Marketing Association ’25 international board slate #lmamkt #lma24

11 August 2024

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I had a remarkable couple of days in our nation’s capital, visiting our Clark Hill Washington D.C. office and presenting at the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s LavenderLaw conference on client value and personal/professional branding. Caught up with some old friends and made some new ones. Grateful for this profession and industry and firm, celebrating our diversity, encouraging our voices, and honoring us all.

More pics here.

Thank you to my Clark Hill colleagues Maram Salaheldin, Mark Ludwikowski, Sally Alghazali, Kelsey Christensen, Kendall Smardzewski, Taylor Tremont, Jennifer Cook, and more for their hospitality and kindness, excellent conversation and commiseration.

Kudos to my dear friend Angelica Crisi of Coston Consulting for organizing such a remarkable panel, facilitating so beautifully, and treating us to an epic Italian dinner. She is a true gem. And not just because she titled our panel after one of my favorite Janet Jackson songs “What have you done for me lately?”

Catching up with my Wabash College Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity brother Marc Nichols in person for the first time in 30+ years (I think?) will be a memory I will treasure a very, very long time. His panel on board governance was required viewing for anybody in this space. Exceptionally well done.

Running into the ever fabulous Lee Ashby Rogers on the career fair floor was an unexpected and delightful surprise. She means the world to me.

And lovely seeing former colleague Elizabeth C. Jeffries who is really lighting the world on fire not to mention meeting her original gay (OG!) “uncle”/mentor Michael R. Komo, Esq. Truly a delightful individual, and I’m sorry he and I didn’t get more time to chat.

Feeling so grateful. ✈️🌈💕

Kudos to these remarkable leaders on their continued journey – Legal Marketing Association – LMA International members please take a moment to review and ratify this slate here: President-Elect Rachel Shields Williams, Treasurer Elect Jessica Haarsgaard, Secretary Diana Lauritson, RLC Chair Morgan MacLeod, Member-at-Large Jessica Aries, and Member-at-Large Amber Bollman. Collectively, these humans have already had such an incredible and positive impact on our profession and industry, and I, for one, can’t wait to see where they take things next!

As immediate past international president of LMA, it has been one of my great honors to help shepherd the nominations process this year, and I want to give special thanks to our 2024 LMA International Nominating Committee for all of their hard work, dedication, insight, and heart: David Ackert, Terra Davis, Emily Schweitzer Hillman, Brenda Plowman, Kate Shipham, and Arthur Uratani. And kudos to LMA CEO Ashley Stenger and LMA Client Operations and Project Management Senior Coordinator Jennifer Weigand for their exceptional support throughout this process. You all should be so proud of the work you’ve done here.

And last but not least, thank you to EVERYONE who expressed interest in these roles and who took time (they likely didn’t have!) to complete the application and interview process. Your commitment and your contributions to LMA are appreciated greatly, and I am personally thankful for all you’ve done and continue to do.

“Filling out questionnaires where I say something too revealing, stupid, or misspelled.” Society 54 features yours truly as one of their “Outlaws.”

27 July 2024

3 Comments

Thank you, Society 54! Honored to be one of your Outlaws! This intro tho (blushing!) … wow!

“Discover the extraordinary leadership of Roy Sexton, the driving force behind Clark Hill Law’s marketing, branding, and communications triumphs. With over 25 years of rich experience in the fields of marketing, communications, business development, and strategic planning, he’s a true mastermind. His crowning achievement? Serving as the 2023 International President of the Legal Marketing Association – LMA International. Together with his exceptional team, Roy is forging a new path in professional services marketing. Meet the man steering the ship to success.”

Read my cheeky responses to their interview here.

Roy is a highly accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in marketing, branding, communications, and business development. He has spent more than 25 years in the industry, honing his skills and expertise to become one of the most sought-after experts in his field.

Throughout his career, Roy has worked with numerous organizations across different industries, helping them develop and implement effective marketing strategies that drive growth and success. He is known for his exceptional abilities in strategic planning, identifying new opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and improve their bottom line.

Enjoy getting to know the Outlaw, Roy Sexton!

Q: What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
A: Being in a particularly boisterous crowd who won’t let me finish one story.

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: Narnia, Wonderland, or Oz … my hubby would like to move one day to Portland or Seattle (but we probably should visit there first!)

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Having a quiet, slightly rainy day with zero requests from anyone, my husband on the couch napping with our dogs Henry J and Hudson, and me in my chair with a big pile of comic books.


Q: Who is your real-life hero?
A: My husband is one of the most generous, selfless people I know with a deep commitment to his friends. I aspire to be more like him as I fear I’m a mile wide and an inch deep where relationships are concerned.


Q: What is your motto?
A: “Tell people what they mean to you in the moment when it will mean something to them.” – Susie Sexton … also, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde


Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Filling out questionnaires where I say something too revealing, stupid, or misspelled.


Q: To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
A: Is there a word count limit here? Talking too much, co-opting others’ stories with my own, overstaying my welcome, buying too many action figures, wearing costumes when other people simply wear clothing, eating too much fried food, wishing to rescue every homeless animal …


Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could have one super-power, it would be…”
A: To make sure people never act like smart alecks with each other, never tease each other, never act snide, and always simply support one another


Q: Who are your favorite authors or what are your favorite books?
A: Kurt Vonnegut, Ray Bradbury, Eugene O’Neill, Toni Morrison, Tennessee Williams, Alice Walker, Tony Kushner, Susie Duncan Sexton


Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: Jennifer Garner. She just seems like a deeply decent human being who doesn’t take herself too seriously but would still have wicked stories to share.


Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: Serendipity. I had been in health care strategic planning and marketing for over a decade. And I’d grown tired of that bureaucracy. I threw my resume out there in 2011 and was hired by my first firm. That said, I also joined the Legal Marketing Association then as well, and that’s when I knew I’d found my calling.


Q: Your favorite musician or band?
A: Madonna. Janet. Kylie. Britney. Beyonce. Gaga. Do you really need to ask?


Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Loopy. I think I’m generally loopy. But when I embrace it, magic happens.


Q: Your favorite virtue?
A: Decency. It takes so little to simply be decent. It takes so much more energy to act like a jerk.


Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement?
A: My relationship – 25 years strong. My professional network – 32,000 and counting on LinkedIn. And serving as the 2023 International President of the Legal Marketing Association – including singing with a drag queen in Florida at the height of their governor’s homophobia.


Q: Finish this sentence: “If I won the lottery tomorrow I would…”
A: Build the biggest animal rescue the world had ever seen.


Q: Who would you have liked to be?
A: Ryan Reynolds, Ryan Gosling, or Hugh Jackman.