Collaborate to Elevate: Enhancing Client Service Through Cross-Firm Relationships

Rebecca Hnatowski, founder of Edwards Advisory, LLC, brings nearly 20 years of legal marketing expertise to help lawyers strengthen client relationships and drive business growth. Her guidance is shaped by her experience across firms of all sizes and is tailored to each client’s unique strengths and needs. A dedicated leader in the Legal Marketing Association, Hnatowski has served as co-chair of Strategies & Voices, on the Mid-Atlantic Region Board of Directors and chair of The Virginias Local Group.

Sophie Curdts Mohrmann is the director of attorney development and inclusion in Williams Mullen’s talent management department. She has almost 15 years of experience helping attorneys and practice groups enhance their legal practices and capabilities. Curdts Mohrmann directs the firm’s professional development program for attorneys and provides administrative leadership for firm-wide diversity and inclusion efforts.

Debbie Leitner has 15 years’ experience of global law firm management experience in AmLaw 100 firms. Leitner pivoted from marketing and business development to help launch the practice management function at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where she serves as director of practice management. She acts as a chief of staff to firm leadership, collaborating with other administrative functions to drive the profitable growth of Katten’s legal departments. Prior to entering the legal industry, Leitner led the marketing and investor relations function for a London-based Climate Change Investment Bank. Leitner has a Master’s degree from the University of Westminster in London, UK, and a Bachelor’s degree from American University in Washington, DC.

Rachel Shields Williams is a seasoned legal business professional with nearly two decades of experience spanning business development, marketing, sales, knowledge management and legal technology. Currently serving a director of knowledge management at Sidley Austin, Shields Williams thrives on assessing and anticipating both internal and external customer needs, while leveraging her cross-industry expertise to bring fresh insights to every project. With a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset cultivated from her family-run business background, Shields Williams is committed to service excellence and takes ownership of every endeavor she undertakes.