Career Development

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Michele Bonds is a New York-based Principal at Heidrick & Struggles and a member of the global Legal, Risk, Compliance & Government Affairs practice. Michele’s primary focus is on law firm infrastructure/business professionals, and law firm culture and acceleration advisory work. She has over 20 years of financial services and legal industry experience.

Prior to joining Heidrick & Struggles, Michele was longstanding Chief of Staff to the Senior Chairman of Sullivan & Cromwell. She worked with firm leaders in navigating clients through numerous complex events including the financial crisis.

Michele received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University in political science and her Masters of Business Administration at Babson College. I worked with Michele at S&C and always admired her work ethic, poise and creativity.

Learn more about her in this profile.

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I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t like to find more happiness in their daily lives.

Self care is so important, especially now. A wise friend of mine told me that sometimes happiness is a choice you need to make and that it won’t always come easy. We still need to try. Here are some ideas that I hope inspire you on adding more happiness to your life.

Thank you to the New York Law Journal and Mid-Market Report for publishing my new article, “20 Ways Small- and Mid-Size Firms Can Appropriately Market Themselves During the Pandemic.”

Your most important job right now is to lay the foundation for when we return to “normal” and also to be ready, willing and able to assist your clients during this time of great change, confusion and stress. Empathy is the single most important characteristic you can have right now to build stronger relationships.

In case you are looking for some “homework” in the marketing and business development area, here are a few ideas to keep you busy during this period. 

Business Development Tips

It’s a challenging time for everyone in terms of generating new business right now. Some clients are reluctant to engage with outside counsel and certain matters have been put on hold with the world being in such flux.

If you are a senior associate or junior partner who has lost momentum on building your book of business and/or brand due to the pandemic, or you’re just starting to think about developing new business, I have a few ideas. Consider doing these now to lay the groundwork, put yourself in a strong position in the future when it comes to lead generation.

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It’s a challenging time for everyone in terms of generating new business.

Some clients are reluctant to engage with outside counsel and certain matters have been put on hold with…

Stefanie Marrone Headshot by Barry Benton Gittings

It’s never been more important to have a strong online presence than it is today.

Social media offers a powerful platform to strategically and authentically present yourself, your capabilities, your…

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My super smart friend Jamie Mulholland published an article on Law.com with some terrific advice for those business professionals who are finding themselves with extra free time on their hands…