Lessons Navigating Legal BD Evolution | Dave Harvey, Founder and Principal of Harvey Global Consulting.

J. David Harvey is a seasoned marketing, communications, and business development professional with more than 25 years experience, including 20 in the legal marketing field with top global law firms as well as government, PR agency, and public-sector economic development experience.

In a recent podcast episode of the This Legal Life podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with, Dave Harvey, who shares his deep legal career experiences and insights into the evolving nature of legal industry, specifically business development over the last 20 years. In our conversation, we discuss:

• An overview of the Dave's career in legal marketing starting in 2000.
• The changing landscape of the legal industry over the past 20 years.
• Transitioning from a D.C. area government position to the law firm private sector.
• Dave's personal anecdotes about his journeys through Tokyo and what it taught him about adaptability.
• The significance of targeted market strategies and sector-focused approaches.
• The importance of collaboration, his work with Heidi Gardner, and thought leadership in the industry.

Some Takeaways from Dave

1. Value of Thought Leadership: Dave emphasized the importance of thought leadership, roundtable discussions, and collaboration among legal professionals, work he facilitates in his consulting practice. Dave highlights how these elements are crucial for driving innovation and sharing knowledge within the industry.
2. Career Reflections: Dave's journey from a government role to the law firm private sector, highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the legal industry, and underscoring the need for adaptability and strategic thinking to drive a career forward.
3. Role of Smart Collaboration: How working with industry leaders like Heidi Gardner has been instrumental in shaping the Dave's approach to market strategies. The emphasis on smart collaboration and sector-focused strategies has proven essential for navigating the competitiveness of the legal market.

Breakdown by Time of Topics

• 00:00 - 03:00: Introduction and the speaker's background into legal marketing.
• 03:00 - 10:00: Discussion on the transition within his time in legal and law firms.
• 10:00 - 20:00: Personal experiences and anecdotes, including Japan travels and cultural insights.
• 20:00 - 30:00: The transition from government to private law firm roles.
• 30:00 - 40:00: Strategic market approaches and the importance of defined sectors in business.
• 40:00 - 50:00: Working with thought leaders like Heidi Gardner and the impact of collaboration on industry practices.
• 50:00 - End: Final reflections and future outlook on the legal industry.

People, Places, Companies, and Ideas Referenced

1. People: Heidi K. Gardner : An influential figure in the legal industry known for her work on smart collaboration.
2. Places: Tokyo, New York, DC: Cities mentioned in personal anecdotes highlighting cultural and professional experiences.
3. Companies: 奥睿 , Morrison Foerster , Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP , Baker Botts , Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
4. Ideas: Collaboration, Sector-Focused Market Strategies: Discussion on the importance of sector-focused strategies and their implementation in legal firms.