In recent years, I have seen more Directors of Marketing & Business Development make the leap to Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer. Either by promotion or moving to another firm.

If you are a Director and have your sights set on attaining C-level, here are some tips to achieve your goal:

• Gain exposure to multiple practice areas and industry sectors so that you understand positioning for legal services from many perspectives.
• Be the right-hand to a CMBDO and soak in the experience. Observing an experienced CMBDO helps you develop a meaningful understanding of how law firms work and how marketing and business development intersect with all disciplines within a firm.
• Embrace and learn about technologies that support the business of law.
• Master the art of strategic planning.
• Learn how to build trust and rapport with firm leadership.
• Develop a strong understanding of the many disciplines in the CMBDO’s purview such as communications, PR, branding, creative, and business development.
• Stay relevant in the legal marketing industry by continually educating yourself, building strong networks, and pursuing new skills.
• Be a leader: support your team, understand their roles, identify any hurdles or boundaries, and act as a first line of defense on their behalf.
• Develop trust across the entire firm by being transparent, strategic, and resourceful.

The jump from Director to Chief is a big one. Following these guidelines can help you be ready when the time comes.

-Jason Caramanico, Senior Managing Director