Are You an Outlaw? Meet Kelly Klopotek

Who has redefined what it means to think outside the law (aka OUTLAW) and is helping each of us in the process? Meet Kelly Klopotek. Kelly has 20 years of experience as a law firm business development and marketing professional and currently serves as the Chief Business Development Officer at Gray Plant Mooty. As CBDO, she focuses her efforts on institutionalizing the business development function within the firm, and is also responsible for client service and feedback initiatives, business development training and coaching programs, communications and media relations, and marketing technology systems. In 2016, the firm celebrated its 150th Anniversary which encompassed an extensive media plan and several communication pieces, along with an anniversary website, history timeline and videos. Kelly currently serves on the Legal Marketing Association Midwest Regional Board. She has a White Belt certification in Legal Lean Sigma and Project Management from the Legal Lean Sigma Institute. Prior to her legal marketing career, she held sales and executive account management positions at global companies such as AT&T, NCR and Hallmark Cards.

We asked Kelly a few questions and her answers can be found below. Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: Where would you like to live? A: I would love to live near the ocean and have always wanted to move to California. The Minnesota winters get longer every year.

Q: What is your motto? A: Be kind and make good choices.

Q: Finish this sentence: "If I could have one super-power, it would be..." A: ...to read minds. Some of the attorneys I work with believe I already possess this ability.

Q: Who are your favorite authors/what are your favorite books? A: I don’t have a favorite author but I’m currently in a minimalism phase and trying to reduce the clutter that’s consuming our house. Right now I’m reading The More of Less by Joshua Becker which I recommend to anyone trying to simplify their life.

Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? A: Definitely my mom. She passed away ten years ago and I miss her so much.

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry? A: Like most people I fell into legal marketing by chance and joined my first law firm when I moved to Chicago. Over the years I have met some amazing colleagues through the Legal Marketing Association and love the diversity of work and endless opportunities to make an impact.

Q: Your favorite musician or band? A: I like a variety of music but currently I’ve been listening to P!nk since I’m taking my 12 year old daughter to the concert and we can’t wait!

Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement? A: Definitely my kids, it’s amazing to see them grow. With Katarina, I was put on strict bedrest at 21 weeks and couldn’t be out of bed more than four hours a day and was in and out of the hospital. We made it to 35 weeks (truly an achievement and miracle baby) and she’s an incredible 12 year old (going on 18).