Are You an Outlaw? Meet Monica Ulzheimer

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

Meet Monica Ulzheimer, Senior Litigation Marketing Specialist at Alston & Bird. Monica leads business development, marketing, client service, and other initiatives of the 300-attorney Litigation practice area firm-wide. She is known for being dependable and creative in helping the organization provide outstanding service to clients and drive growth for the firm. Monica has more than 25 years of experience in the professional services industry including law firms, Big 4 accounting, and technology and management consulting firms.  She has been trained as a business development coach and works with attorneys across practice groups to lead client service efforts.  She received her B.S. degree (summa cum laude) in International Business from Auburn University and her M.B.A from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

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

Q: Who is your real life hero?
A: My parents were my heroes. My father came from an immigrant family and my mother came from generations of blue-collar workers. They were both the first in their families to graduate from college and both earned master’s degrees on top of that. When my father had to retire for medical reasons at the peak of his career, my mother stepped up and went to work full time, with two children still in grammar school. They set an amazing example for my three sisters and two brothers (I’m the youngest) with their dedication to each other, strong work ethic, and deep faith. They are no longer alive, however not a day goes by that I am not reminded of something that I learned to handle because of them.

Q: What is your motto?
A: I have a few mottos: Follow the rules (most of the time). Get it right the first time (so you don’t waste time doing it over.) And when all else fails, channel your “inner Elsa” and “Let it GO!” Maybe there’s one more motto—there’s no crying in legal marketing. That’s where the “inner Elsa” persona fits best.

Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Driving off a bridge and landing in the water and not being able to get out of the car before it fills up with water. That’s why I always drive with one of those glass-break devices in my car. Or maybe why I live in a land-locked city.

Q: To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
A: It’s okay to be a little selfish sometimes, as long as it’s not to the detriment of others. It’s important to be nice to yourself and treat yourself the way you deserve. Say “no” if that’s the answer you really want to give, and don’t feel compelled to provide an explanation. Go for a walk, get that pedicure, read trashy magazines or watch trashy reality shows, or just sit and do nothing for a while if that’s what you want!

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: I got into the legal industry by accident through an introduction from a former neighbor. I had already been working in professional services for several years, and in other business-to-business roles before that, so the transition to legal wasn’t a great leap. Interestingly, I found that the legal industry was a bit behind other professional services firms such as technology consulting and even accounting firms in its approach to business development, so bringing what was seen as a new idea to the table was very rewarding. I have stayed in this field because no two days are ever the same and I find the content of what our lawyers do to be intellectually stimulating. 

Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Optimistic, but a little pandemic-weary, to be honest. 

Q: Who would you have liked to be?
A: At this point in my life, I’m very comfortable with who I am and what I’ve accomplished so far personally and professionally. There may be a few past decisions I might rethink, or made different choices, but overall, I am happy with who I am. And to be honest, being a world-class athlete or Grammy-winning singer was never in the cards or in the genes for me!