Are your client seminars building meaningful relationships, or are they just another presentation to sit through? Andrew White, a former partner at a leading global law firm and seasoned expert in client seminars, explains why traditional client trainings often fall short and how tailored experiences can help law firms better engage clients, demonstrate their expertise, and build lasting trust. As Andrew puts it: “Don't tell them what you do. Show them how you do it.”

In this episode, Val and Andrew discuss how to make client seminars more relevant, encourage meaningful interaction, and turn educational events into business development opportunities. They also explore how firms can implement personalized seminars as part of their BD strategy and create value for both clients and legal teams.

Key Takeaways

• 06:06 – Building trust through client seminars

• 08:24 – Why traditional seminars fall short

• 12:37 – The value of personalized seminars

• 17:52 – Using storytelling to encourage engagement

• 19:09 – Showing clients what you can do

• 21:23 – Making seminars part of firm strategy

• 28:29 – Practical steps to get started

Connect with Andrew White:

• LinkedIn

• Download the minibook: Wavelength, Insight, Connection: Law Firm Strategies for Deepening Human Touch and Engagement

Your event post shouldn’t just announce the event. It should give the right people a reason to care.

This week, Val sits down with former Big Law and in-house tax lawyer turned personal branding consultant Sunny Kim to explore how both planners and attorneys can use LinkedIn to promote their events, build visibility, and get the right people in the room.

Key Takeaways:

• 05:16 – Why lawyers should put more effort into promoting their events

• 07:08 – Why posting directly can outperform simply reposting a firm announcement

• 08:18 – How to create a stronger LinkedIn hook

• 12:52 – Using AI without losing your authentic voice

• 22:14 – Making LinkedIn feel less performative

• 26:12 – Why being good at your job is only the baseline

• 28:20 – How visibility can lead to relationships and client opportunities

Connect with Sunny:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnyyoojinkim/

• Website: https://www.resonance-guide.com/

Connect with Val:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vmadamba/

• Website: https://valeriemadamba.com/

Are your event sponsorships building new business or just getting your firm’s logo in the room?

Sponsoring an event is just the beginning. The real value comes from having a strategy for who you want to meet, how you’ll stand out, and what happens after the event ends.

In this episode of Gathering Legal, Val talks with sponsorship expert Bob Silvy about how law firms can get the most from their event partnerships. Bob explains why firms often default to autopilot mode, how to identify the right people to attend and connect with, and how to turn sponsorship benefits into meaningful business development opportunities.

We also discuss how marketing and business development teams can help attorneys approach sponsorships more strategically, ask better questions before committing funds, and create touchpoints that strengthen relationships over time.

Key moments:

• 01:30 — Why sponsorship activation matters more than simply purchasing a package.

• 02:17 — How filling a table with available attendees can undermine sponsorship results.

• 04:12 — How to set clear networking goals and identify the right people to meet.

• 05:53 — How to choose attendees who understand the industry and feel comfortable building connections.

• 07:29 — How a targeted follow-up event helped a sponsor connect with its intended audience.

• 10:16 — Why adding more benefits to a sponsorship package doesn’t automatically create more value.

• 11:30 — The key questions firms should ask when planning sponsorship activation.

• 15:57 — How law firm marketing and business development teams can ask better questions without creating internal resistance.

• 17:37 — Why every sponsorship needs a clear owner for follow-up.

• 19:56 — What to evaluate when choosing events, including organizer experience, costs, and audience quality.

• 22:12 — How multiple touchpoints before and after an event can strengthen business relationships.

• 24:07 — Bob’s practical advice: identify the people you want to meet before you walk into the room.

• 25:34 — How to turn a brief event conversation into a follow-up meeting.

How to connect with Bob:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobsilvy/

• Website: https://www.level4consulting.com/

References mentioned:

• https://accountingmarketing.org/meet-a-member-bob-silvy/?utm_sourc

• https://www.level4consulting.com/blog

Welcome to Gathering Legal, a podcast that reimagines how the legal profession comes together to learn, connect, and create new opportunities.

Hosted by Val Madamba, a former practicing lawyer turned legal events strategist and speaker coach, the show explores how law firms can use events to build trust, strengthen relationships, and drive growth. Each episode features practical insights from industry experts on designing events that are both meaningful and measurable: filling seats with the right people, creating real engagement, and proving the value of every event you plan.

Whether you're a law-firm event, marketing, or business development professional—or an attorney who uses speaking and training to grow your practice—Gathering Legal brings you ideas you can put to work at your next event.

Subscribe now and join the conversation!