Are You an Outlaw? Meet Miki Hanlen

Who has redefined what it means to think outside the law (aka OUTLAW) and is helping each of us in the process?

Meet Miki Hanlen. Miki focuses on identifying solutions that drive innovation and client service to enhance brand loyalty and increase profitability. She currently serves as Sr. Director of Marketing for Steptoe & Johnson LLP where she sets the direction and oversees the implementation of the firm’s marketing and communications strategies and oversees the firm’s marketing technology. Miki also advises and collaborates with firm leadership, its lawyers, and the business development team to increase market awareness and drive lead generation. With more than 20 years of experience in the legal industry, Miki aims to identify ways to improve efficiency to support the marketing operations program so it enhances the strategic marketing, communications, and business development initiatives. She is a results-oriented leader who takes great pride in developing the capabilities of her team and those with whom she works. Over the course of her career, Miki has held various leadership roles with the Legal Marketing Association (LMA).

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

Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: My grandmother. She was the most influential person in my life as a child. She taught to be intellectually curious, to work hard, to be strong yet empathetic, and to never forget to laugh with others and sometimes at myself.

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: It’s a toss-up between exploring a new corner of the world with my family or spending an evening with my Air Force family enjoying one another’s company, but in the end it is simply being with those in my life whom I love and adore.

Q: Your favorite virtue?
A: Honesty / Integrity.

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: Dumb luck? I had just moved to LA for my husband’s military career, and my main priority was to find a job with a “reasonable” commute. I landed a job at a small boutique firm as a marketing coordinator, and I found a home within the legal industry. At one point, I considered law school but ultimately decided on a Master’s degree in Communications so I could continue doing the work I enjoyed within the industry I had grown to love.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I won the lottery tomorrow I would…”
A: Pack a bag, buy an around-the-world airline ticket, and start exploring.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could have one super-power, it would be…”
A: Teleportation so I could eliminate the burden of relying on airports and airplanes!