Putting the “Competitive” into Legal CI

Date: June 9th
Time: 11:00 AM CT
Sponsored by: LMA CI SIG
Domain: Business Development, Marketing Management and Leadership
BoK Competency: Competitive Intelligence, Firm and Practice Strategy and Planning

Join LMA’s CI SIG as we explore two core building blocks of an effective competitive intelligence program. First, the discussion will focus on how firms can develop and refine a practical, credible list of competitor law firms. Panelists will examine the factors that should shape that list - including size, geography, industry focus and practice strengths. The panel will then turn to the critical question of what comes next: how to activate that competitor list to support a go-to-market strategy. Speakers will share ways competitive intelligence can help firms sharpen market positioning, identify areas of differentiation, support cross-selling, guide client team planning, and improve pursuit strategy in key sectors and practices. The session is designed for professionals who want to move beyond gathering information and toward using competitive intelligence as a practical tool for growth. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss how legal CI can support overall firm strategy
• Understand using a competitor list as part of a Go-To-Market Framework
• Identify a list Key Competitors for your firm
  
  

Presenters:

Neil Barbieri, Senior Manager, Research & Competitive Intelligence, Venable LLP. Neil Barbieri is the Senior Manager of Research & Competitive Intelligence at Venable LLP, where he leads the firm’s client intelligence and client data analytics programs aimed at developing and executing key strategic priorities and driving growth. Neil is an experienced strategist, business analyst, and dot-connector, with 15+ years of experience generating actionable insights for data-driven strategies to grow business and strengthen client relationships. 

Benjamin Brighoff, Senior Manager of Competitive Intelligence, Foley & Lardner LLP. Ben Brighoff oversees business development research and believes that strong analysis is the foundation of good strategy. Prior to joining Foley & Lardner, Brighoff oversaw competitive intelligence at Jenner & Block LLP.

Angela Gonzalez-Curci, Competitive Intelligence Program Manager, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Angela Gonzalez-Curci is Competitive Intelligence Program Manager at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, previously serving as a Senior Competitive Intelligence Analyst at Fenwick & West.  In recognition of her leadership and impact, Angela was named the 2024 recipient of the Private Law Librarians & Information Professionals Emerging Leader Award.

Steven Medley, Senior Market Intelligence Manager, Sidley Austin LLP. Steven Medley is a Senior Market Intelligence Manager at Sidley Austin LLP, where he leads a cross-functional team of researchers and data analysts supporting one of the world’s leading law firms. With more than 20 years of experience in professional services, Steven specializes in transforming complex market, financial, and competitive data into actionable insight for business development, client targeting, and firmwide strategic planning. 

Price: 
Members: Complimentary
Prospective Members: $79