AI is transforming every industry, raising complex legal and business questions that leaders can’t afford to ignore. I don’t usually get FOMO over conferences, but Goodwin’s pre-conference event at HumanX on March 9 from 2pm to 6pm is one I don’t want to miss. HumanX is the top AI conference for business leaders, and Goodwin is covering the legal and commercial issues that matter most to them.

The 2025 ACC Chief Legal Officers Survey shines a spotlight on the evolving challenges and priorities of chief legal officers. For legal marketers, it’s a wake-up call to finetune strategies and better align with client needs. This year’s findings highlight how chief legal officers are taking on broader responsibilities, facing mounting pressure to control costs, and dealing with increasingly complex legal and business issues. These trends are more than just data points – they’re a roadmap for how legal marketers can sharpen their strategies, build stronger relationships and win more business for their firms.

Law firms balance a lot – client work, industry developments and business growth, But when marketing and business development take a back seat, firms risk stagnation. A reactive approach only goes so far. The firms that thrive prioritize strategic marketing, proactive client outreach, and relationship-building. Here’s how to make that shift.

For many law firms, thought leadership content is driven primarily by marketing. The goal? Stay visible, stay relevant and ensure the firm is top of mind. While this approach serves a purpose, it often sacrifices long-term value for short-term visibility. A thought leadership strategy driven by business development, on the other hand, offers a more targeted, strategic and lasting approach.

Here’s the truth: if you’ve been invited to pitch, they already know you’re qualified. Instead of spending your time proving your worth, you need to focus on building a relationship, understanding their needs and showing how you can provide solutions.

While pitch materials, like bios, decks or brochures, are nice to have, they’re often skimmed at best. The real opportunity lies in the conversation and connection you build with the potential client. So, how do you shift your approach to make a lasting impact?

If you’re a legal business development or marketing professional, you’ve probably felt the frustration of not having direct access to the existing clients you’re trying to engage or the prospects you’re aiming to secure as new clients. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. How do you create the perfect pitch when you don’t know exactly what the client needs? How do you build relationships when you can’t even get in the same room? These are real challenges but they’re not impossible to overcome.