Second Chair Roundtable: The Invisible Load: Leading with Presence Under Pressure

Date: July 10
Time: 11:00 AM CT
Sponsored by: LMA Education Advisory Council
Domain: Marketing Management and Leadership
BoK Competency: Firm Organizational Structure and Dynamics, Change Management

Note: This program is designed for in-house senior managers and directors with 10-15+ years of experience who report to the C-suite. This session will not be recorded to allow for open and honest dialogue.

For LMA’s 2026 Second Chair virtual Roundtable* Series, The Invisible Load: Managing Pressure, Priorities & Capacity, this session explores a core challenge of the Second Chair role: sustaining impact amid increasing demands. Designed and led by LMA’s Education Advisory Council (EAC), this interactive roundtable connects peers to examine the often unseen pressures of balancing strategy, execution, and evolving expectations.

Through candid conversation, participants will explore practical approaches to strengthening executive presence, managing capacity, and navigating ambiguity while building visibility, contributing effectively, and advocating for themselves in complex organizational environments. This roundtable will highlight how to invest in yourself, articulate your path, and navigate firm politics with integrity.

By the end of this session, participants will be more equipped to:

Presenters:

Host: Matt Plavnick, Chief Inspiration Officer, Axis. Matt Plavnick helps marketing and business development professionals to lead and serve lawyers through knowledge, empathy, and confidence. Since 2010, Matt has brought marketing and BD inspiration to clients ranging from nationally recognized boutiques to Am Law 10 firms.

Carman Akins, Senior Director, BD & Marketing - Disputes, DLA Piper. Carman Akins is a senior marketing and business development leader with more than 15 years of experience driving growth strategies for leading law firms. She currently serves as Senior Director of Business Development & Marketing for the Disputes practices at DLA Piper, where she oversees strategy, client development, brand enhancement, and market positioning across a portfolio that includes litigation, intellectual property and technology, employment, and regulatory and government affairs.

Katherine Hutchinson, Director, International Business Development & Client Engagement, Bennett Jones. Katherine is a strategic partner to the lawyers and advisors of Bennett Jones LLP, helping identify and pursue opportunities for lead generation and brand awareness in key international markets. She raises the firm's profile through creative and compelling events, targeted sponsorships, and managing participation in global conferences and conventions. 

Patricia Isaac, Director, Client Strategy, BCF Business Law. Patricia Isaac is a strategic leader specializing in client development and business intelligence. In her role, Patricia designs and drives firm-wide initiatives to strengthen client relationships, foster cross-selling opportunities, and enhance market positioning. With a dual background in law and business, she combines analytical rigor with a client-centric approach to deliver measurable growth.

Andrea Wilt, Director of Client Services, Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Andrea Wilt leads strategic initiatives focused on strengthening client relationships, enhancing client experience, and driving long-term client growth. With more than 25 years of experience in legal marketing, business development, client service, and professional services leadership, Andrea is recognized for building collaborative, client-centric programs that create measurable value for both clients and the firm.