Saline’s Roy Sexton, the Director of Marketing at Clark Hill Law, has been recognized on the INvolve – The Inclusion People Outstanding LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2023.
The acknowledgment comes as a result of his contributions to the firm’s PRIDE affinity group, particularly in messaging and content creation. Sexton’s efforts have been integral in shaping the firm’s marketing strategies to embrace educational content through various channels such as video messages, social media, and panel discussions.
“Long ago and far away, I would have only dreamed to be acknowledged in this way … for who I am and what I’ve attempted to do in this life,” says Roy. “I still feel a bit like that sheltered only child growing up in a small town in Indiana, reading comic books and pretending I was Han Solo in the backyard. So, it’s nice to feel seen and hopefully model just a bit for others like me that we have value in this universe.”
Last year, Clark Hill’s marketing campaign, which Sexton played a key role in developing, received the 2022 Best Marketing Campaign award from the Managing Partners’ Forum in London, celebrating professional services organizations. The campaign was noted for its focus on values, diversity, and inclusion.
“I’ve been a Michigander now for nearly 25 years, and I’m incredibly grateful for this community, for my family and friends and colleagues, and, most of all, for my husband,” adds Roy. “They’ve all supported me as my authentic self and given me the grace and encouragement – and the wings – to help others.”
In addition to his role at Clark Hill, Sexton is serving as the 2023 international president of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA), which has a membership of 4,000. He has been part of the LMA leadership since 2021. Furthermore, he contributes to the arts and charity sectors, holding positions on the governance board committee of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and the marketing chair for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor.
Thank you, Gary Mitchell and Answering Legal! I really love the conversation we were able to have here about authenticity, brand (professional and personal), law firm positioning, random acts of #singing, sartorial splendor, community involvement, and #dogs on #linkedin. Love you, brother!
Episode 10 of The LawBiz Podcast™ With Gary Mitchell is now available!
Roy Sexton, the 2023 Legal Marketing Association International President and Director of Marketing at Clark Hill Law, joins the show to discuss creating the type of culture your clients are interested in, how lawyers should go about connecting with people and much more!
Shout outs to Legal Marketing Association – LMA International, Clark Hill Law, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor, Jay Harrington, John Mola, Gabby Confer, Lori Mola Compagner, Adopt A Pet of Fenton, Michigan, Dale Ross, Megan McKeon, Susan Ahern, Athena Dion.
Deeply honored to be included in this international list of 2023 Top 100 LGBTQ+ Executives. Alongside David Furnish no less (!) and so many incredible, accomplished professional leaders and role models. (I always knew I was two degrees from Elton John!) Thank you, INvolve People, for naming me among these wonderful souls. And thank you to NewsPRos’ Jaime Baum and my Clark Hill colleague Leslie Smithson for their support and facilitation here.
Long ago and far away, I would have only dreamed to be acknowledged in this way … for who I am and what I’ve attempted to do in this life. I still feel a bit like that sheltered only child growing up in a small town in Indiana, reading comic books and pretending I was Han Solo in the backyard. So it’s nice to feel seen and hopefully model just a bit for others like me that we have value in this universe.
“Roy Sexton is the Director of Marketing at Clark Hill PLC. He has actively contributed to the firm’s PRIDE affinity group in terms of messaging and content creation. He has helped align the firm’s marketing efforts to support educational content, both within and outside the firm, via video messaging, social media, Q&As, panel discussions, outside speakers. Last year, their marketing campaign – including their values, diversity and inclusion messaging – was named 2022 Best Marketing Campaign from the London-based Managing Partners’ Forum for a professional services organization. Roy is the 2023 international president of the 4,000-member Legal Marketing Association – LMA International (LMA) and has been a leadership member since 2021. He also serves on the governance board committee of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and was marketing chair for Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor’s board.”
About the recognition: “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.”
About the organization: “INvolve is a consultancy and global network driving diversity and inclusion in business. Through the delivery of advisory solutions, awareness workshops, talent development programmes, INvolve drives cultural change and create inclusive workplaces where all individuals can succeed. They publish annual role model lists recognising and celebrating business leaders and future leaders who are breaking down barriers at work and inspiring the next generation of diverse talent.”
“Hotter than July.” That’s not just a kickass Stevie Wonder album, but is a phrase that could also be used to describe all of YOU! LMA is en fuego this summer. I’m inspired by all of the amazing content you are generating these days: thought leadership, webinars, social media, in-person presentations, social outings, conference planning, on and on. I try like the Dickens to keep up with it all, and am happy to report that is humanly IMPOSSIBLE. So kudos to y’all!
I was fortunate enough to make a trip to Toronto in June to join one of the Canada Region’s summer socials. And it was off the chain. Eighty attendees, vibrant dialogue, so much connection and just great fun. Kudos to Jessica Horowitz and team for all the hard work and planning! Thank you to Canada President Hans Chang for extending the invite AND for treating me to an incredible lunch the next day. You may or may not know this, but Hans was tapped as president-elect this year, but stepped up to the prez role in quick fashion when this year’s original president left our wonderful industry for another great opportunity. (A testament to how in demand you all are BTW!) Hans pivoted like the champ he is and quickly immersed himself. Didn’t skip a beat. He has led with heart and authenticity, and he shared with me that he sees himself as a steward, adding to what has come before and simply hoping to leave things a bit better than he found them. I’d say he’s doing very well at that mission! That’s all we can ask of ourselves as leaders.
While I was there, Canada Board Member Sara Short (communications) said these magical words: “I love your playlists! I’m going to miss those!” So you can blame her for this…another playlist to round out your summer fun. Hopefully as good for a glass of wine on the patio as a raging house party. You’re welcome! Here on iTunesand Spotify 🎵. And, yes, my beloved theater peeps Idina Menzel and Billy Porter are well-represented…but these ain’t no show tunes. You’ll see!
Shout out to the Midwest Region who is killing it with a series of meet-ups across the region. I was able to join the Michigan Architecture tour here in Detroit – thanks to John Reed and Andrea Oleszczak and team for planning such a thoughtful, inspiring, engaging afternoon. And I see you Kate Shipham, Amie Allison, Jason Klika, Rich Marsolais, Jennifer Shankleton, Tanya Riggan and other Midwest Board members getting your miles (and steps) in touring our Midwest LSCs.
The photos of these meet-ups are such great fun to see!
Kudos to our Northeast Region and Mid-Atlantic Region for following a similar model on socials AND launching some incredible educational content this summer. I know a recent client-service education event in the Northeast had over 115 attendees! Way to go, Northeast President Jay Linder, Mid-Atlantic President Kathryn Burke and respective teams!
(Sidenote: I worry when I start going down this path of shout-outs that I’m leaving someone out. Please know that this is all offered just in the spirit of celebration and that we are grateful for ALL of the efforts at play this summer!)
Speaking of the Midwest – thank you to Ashley Defay, Kate Harry Shipham, Lauren McNee, Sara Pierson and Rob Kates for this opportunity to reflect on being a gay man in this industry, my mid-year reflections on this wonderful role I get to carry, leadership lessons generally, and…The Little Mermaid. If you missed the interview, you can catch it here. It’s a pretty candid chat and all comes from the heart.
Kudos to Jennifer Forester, Jacob Eidinger, Erika Galarneau and the Social and Digital Media SIG team for their exceptional work on June’s “21-Day Social Media Challenge,” (login to view) in its second year.
I didn’t think they could top themselves from last year…but they did. The conversations were robust and provocative and actionable. If you missed it this year, do NOT miss it in the future. It exemplifies what is so incredible about LMA: community: sharing knowledge and insight and connecting through learning.
And as robust as our LMA community is, I must admit that we had a “shoot for the moon” goal of 4,500 members in 2023 as an International Board. Truth be told, the eddies of a shifting economy among other issues have conspired and we’re more likely to hit 4,100. Still growth from last year, but not as big as we’d hoped. And that’s ok. (For those ready to hit the “I told you so” button, I’m pre-empting you!) That said, the International Board is hard at work in a series of sub-teams looking at membership, regional growth, education and revenue diversification toward the end of yielding nuanced, achievable goals for next year. More to come on that. But that’s the job we signed up and we’re happy to support the continued evolution of this marvelous association. (Know someone who should be a member? Invite them to join LMA with our special Mid-Year Membership Offer!)
We’re halfway through this year and already we’ve had so many great events and impactful educational offerings. To date across HQ and regions, we have offered 100+ educational opportunities with thousands of attendees — in addition to the 1,100+ attendees at the 2023 Annual Conference (recordings available here)! And there are many more events happening now and planned for this year.
As you have likely seen on social media and beyond, we have a number of great regional conference offerings in the queue for this fall. Check out the schedule for your region and make sure to join one (or more!) to continue your growth and development as professionals. One last shout-out to our Southeast Region and President Laura Hudson. Not only are they planning a fab conference for THIS fall, but they are also already ahead of the curve, securing NEXT YEAR’S dates with a very thoughtful approach. Love seeing that collaboration, hard work and embracing of best practices. Go, team!
And while you may have a little downtime, consider sharing your expertise and submitting an educational session idea for the LMA 2024 Annual ConferenceCall for Content which is open only through July 17. You can alternately submit your name for consideration as a possible speaker or panelist.
Keep taking time for you where you can – and keep connecting meaningfully with each other! That’s why we joined this LMA club and what makes it all worthwhile!
Love you,
Roy
President, 2023 LMA International Board of Directors
Accelerating Your Business Development and Marketing Skills
Speakers:
– Angelica Crisi (Moderator) (Coston Consulting LLC) – Marla Butler (Thompson Hine LLP) – Kate Eisenberg (Mintz) – Michael Francis (Severance Burko Spalter Masone & Laurette) – Khue Hoang (Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP) – Roy Sexton (Clark Hill)
The ongoing disruption in the legal industry has created new opportunities and challenges for lawyers from underrepresented groups. With a potential economic downturn looming, it’s even more critical and timely for diverse lawyers to focus on sharpening their client development and marketing skills.
This interactive panel will provide tips and best practices to help you take your career to the next level as it explores everything from engaging your network to crafting value propositions that differentiate your services and cultivate a powerful brand.
Program participants will hear from legal marketing experts and experienced law firm partners as they share their insights and explore best practices to help you hone your business development and marketing skills. Panel moderators will take a deep dive into the following questions: How do you stand out in a crowded and competitive market? How do build strong connections in your company/firm? How do you unlock and grow your network? What are the keys to growing your business and expanding client relationships? How do you position yourself for success?
Thank you, Gina, for this lovely shout out. I’VE now got chills. 😅🌈✨ Thank you for your friendship and consummate allyship. And tremendous kudos to your guest here – Angela Giampolo – for the leadership, courage, heart, and moxie to do what she’s doing with Caravan of Hope. Utterly inspiring – and so essential.
Gina Rubel: I’m so happy to hear that. Now I got chills. I mean literally just made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. It’s all I can wish for you. I was thinking when you mentioned Florida, I’m a member of an organization called the Legal Marketing Association. And our president, Roy Sexton, is an out member of the LGBTQ community. It was really hard having our conference there and being an inclusive organization with everything that’s been going on. Roy opened the conference. He’s also a thespian, so he’s a phenomenal singer and actor.
This is how we opened our Legal Marketing Association International Conference. To see that level of inclusion and spirit and love, and not just equality, but a sense of belonging. ‘Cause we always talk about creating that sense of belonging. It was just amazing. I was in tears, I just was in tears.
Angela Giampolo: I got chills when you were describing it. We’re just going back and forth on chill-worthy moments. To your point, everybody talks about inclusion and the history of DEI, right? Diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s like a moment where it’s more than about being included. You include someone, wonderful, thank you. It used to be back in the day, it was like, we should play music for all when you’re having an inviting party. But it’s like music that the person can dance to, wants to dance to.
And that’s a moment like that where everybody’s standing up. It was not just for the performance itself, but for his courage. There’s so much happening in that moment that everybody is feeling. It’s honoring and acknowledging his courage, honoring and acknowledging who he is and loving him for it. The stance, honoring and acknowledging the statement that he’s making for the entire LGBTQ community, the political statement that he’s making doing it in Florida, knowingly. There’s so many layers there in him having done that. I feel like everyone’s standing up in tears and all of the things, it’s like all of those nuances were hitting you.
“Get to know our 2023 Legal Marketing Association – LMA International President, Roy Sexton in a special edition of the LMA Midwest Region Pride spotlight where he talks about reactions from the LMA 2023 conference, what allyship means to him personally, and how LMA members can stay energized in their careers post conference.”
Thank you for this opportunity – incredibly grateful for this community and for the candid conversations we get to have. Thank you, Ashley Defay, for your exceptional talents, for your heart, and for your thoughtful moderation of this chat. Thank you, Rob Kates, for your generosity and your wonderful video support and counsel. Thank you, Kate Harry Shipham, Lauren McNee Doherty, Sara Pierson, for your friendship and leadership and grace.
So in the surreal ebb and flow that is my life, I find myself on the Target website modeling my #takepride gear. I’m #instagram famous. 😅 Thanks, Laura Toledo, for spotting this and sending the last screen grab. Made my day!
We had a fun pre-birthday Saturday adventure for John in Toledo. Beyond phenomenal lunch at Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar. And then lovely, educational behind the scenes tour at The Toledo Zoo (pics prohibited alas). And it was 8000 degrees so we were wiped. Nap time 😴
And thank you to Robert Duncan McNeill – Star Trek Voyager’s Lieutenant Tom Paris – for this lovely birthday video message to my hubby. #livelongandprosper #doit
Incredibly proud (pun intended) of this on so many levels. …
My incredible teammates Alexandra France and Gloria Pak and the collaborative and creative support they offered Clark Hill’s #PRIDE leaders Ray Koenig and Toby Smith – as well as our HR colleague Lauren Sager – being featured here.
The reach, depth, and profound impact of this campaign.
The love shown by my other “work family” – the Legal Marketing Association – LMA International and the team there, including Kaitlin Heininger , Kat Seiffert , Danielle Holland.
But most of all that we’ve evolved to a moment where we in the #lgbtqiaplus community are seen, valued, appreciated so authentically. Thank you, allies and friends. Means more than I can say.
“Personally, Pride is really meaningful to me because it gives an opportunity to pause and reflect on the progress our community has made, as well as celebrate with our friends and family,” says Ray Koenig, member, in the firm’s kickoff video. “It’s also exciting to celebrate with a firm that supports us for being our authentic selves and in everything we do.” …
“The activities included a video compilation of perspectives from the firm, educational content and resources, and an interview hosted by one of our attorneys with two trailblazing women in the LGBTQ+ community,” Pak and France share.
But the conversation doesn’t end here for Clark Hill. “While the month of June hosts visibility for Pride, we are committed to continually supporting the LGBTQ+ community and other diverse groups through our sponsorships with partner organizations and early planning of resources for the calendar year,” Pak and France say. “We view the various heritage months and special commemorative days not only as occasions to optimize successes and improve campaign strategies, but also as opportunities to honor and amplify the voices that enrich our perspectives and celebrate what makes us unique.”
