Erin Hawk is the Director of Development and Marketing at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, a national law firm with six offices and more than 120 attorneys.. With nearly 25 years of communications, marketing and business development experience in the legal industry, Erin leads her firm’s development and marketing efforts, focusing on initiatives to grow client relationships and increase revenue.
Learn more about her in this Women Who Wow profile.
Why did you choose your profession?
It was a bit by chance that I ended up in the legal marketing field back in 1995. I was working at a PR firm and was approached by one of my mentors who knew of a position at a law firm and I threw my hat in the ring. I found that I loved working in this field and over the last 26 years, have continued to grow and learn as the industry has evolved.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love working with my team and helping them grow in their roles. I also love the variety of projects that we work on and that no two days are the same. I also enjoy celebrating the development successes of our attorneys as they look to grow their client relationships.
Tell us about a woman you look up to and why.
I have so many women that I look up to – including Nathalie Daum, Cynthia Voth, Jill Huse, Kelly McKinnon, Kristen Bateman and Michelle Friends. These women inspire me every day. They have built their success through their ability to help and inspire the best in others.
Any advice to women about succeeding in the workplace?
Be willing to put the work in. Approach your role with both confidence and humility and look for opportunities to learn and grow. Do not be afraid to use your voice. Look for mentors and advocates who will help you build your path. Set goals for yourself and focus on the follow through and follow up.
What do you think is the key for success in a role like yours?
I think it is important to be able to prioritize your time effectively and delegate projects to other members of your team. You also need to set goals and measure your progress, be flexible and adjust course as things may shift, and to always continue to learn and bring new ideas to the table.
How has the pandemic changed you?
Like it has for so many, going through what we have all gone through during the pandemic has reminded me to count my blessings and to refocus on what is most important to me – my family. It has put things in perspective and has taught me to be more flexible and understanding of others. It has also helped me learn to bring my whole self to my job and to appreciate it when others are able to do the same.
What is a challenge you have you faced that you would like to share?
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to share that three years ago I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, which is a very aggressive type of cancer that is often resistant to treatment. I went through five months of chemo in addition to surgery and radiation. That experience taught me several things.
First, that we are all stronger than we think.
Second, the importance of having a positive attitude and the devastating impact that stress can have on our health.
Also, it showed me the amazing support system that I have and how important it is to reach out and show your support to those who need it.
It also taught me so much about myself – that I am more than my reflection and who I appeared to be on paper.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. during their lifetime. Join us in supporting Susan G. Komen in finding a cure.
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