Justin Portaz, Chief Marketing Officer at Jenner & Block, is leading his team with a key focus in mind – trust. In the latest episode of the Passle’s CMO Series Podcast, Portaz discusses the importance of establishing a culture of trust within a marketing function, and across the wider firm.
Coming from one of the leading law firms, Portaz’s insights reflect an important dynamic within legal houses. Emphasizing on the role of a legal CMO, he shares that fostering a trust-based culture is one of the most critical roles they undertake. He has championed this approach at Jenner & Block, where he has built a strong marketing team over the past three years.
In the podcast, Portaz discusses his journey and how he’s building an agile marketing team that can effectively negotiate today’s landscape. This includes the challenges that the legal profession currently navigates such as the change in client expectations, technology adoption, and regulatory pressures.
Trust, in this context, embodies more than just the integrity of interactions. It extends to faith in the collective skills of the team, belief in the strategic vision, and confidence in the ability to collaboratively solve problems.
The learnings from Portaz’s experience could potentially inform legal professionals, helping them understand and incorporate trust as a strategic tool in their firms. His insights also highlight the changing roles of legal professionals where the modern CMO must now be adept at combining the traditional marketing aspects with the increased demand for technological adaptation and leadership guidance.
Overall, the discourse on trust within the firm reflects the changing dynamics in the legal market as law firms strive to reinvent themselves in the face of evolving client demands. Trust, indeed, is not only a vital component of the internal workings of a law firm but is also a crucial ingredient in its relationship with clients and partners.