Are You an Outlaw? Meet Nikki G. sherrill

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

Meet Nikki Girard Sherrill, Chief Business Development Officer at Parker Hudson. At the firm, Nikki is responsible for developing and implementing the strategy for firmwide business development, marketing and communications. Working as a trusted advisor to the firm’s leadership, her top priority is supporting Parker Hudson to go beyond in all their client service efforts.

Nikki has spent nearly 15 years in the legal marketing profession working at large and mid-size law firms helping lawyers strengthen and develop existing client relationships. She enjoys helping to craft and execute strategy around key client relationships and supporting client service initiatives.

An active participant of the 3,500-member Legal Marketing Association, Nikki currently serves as a Member-at-Large on the International Board of Directors.

Below is an excerpt of a recent interview we conducted with Nikki. Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
A: Not really being able to see my family during the pandemic. My dad was diagnosed with leukemia in February 2020 (great timing, right?), and the pandemic has proven a constant battle of weighing the pros and cons to get to see him in person and give him hugs. Also, I went more than 18 months without seeing my close family in Chicago and that was pure torture.

Q: Where would you like to live?

A: I’d love to live in Chicago or Italy, but ultimately I just want to live near my family.

Q: Who are your real life heroes?

A: My mom and my dad, but for different reasons. Growing up, my mom had a really demanding job and was great at it. She showed me how to be a completely amazing working mom, which I now appreciate so much as I try to emulate that myself. My dad, on the other hand, has had a really rough health journey over the last two years, but he just keeps on pushing through and coming out better on the other side. It’s even inspired me to get involved again with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training Program as their Georgia Executive Committee Chair for next year. After watching him fight, it’s my turn to do my part to help find cures and better treatment for blood cancers.

Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Failure, definitely failure. It’s held me back from trying for so many things in my life, but when I look back, every perceived failure set me up for a new opportunity. I also am proud of myself for overcoming that deep fear earlier this year when I applied for my current job.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could have one super-power, it would be…

A: Teleportation! I would love to snap my fingers and be anywhere in the world. I think this comes from my hatred of sitting in traffic… But I would love to be able to travel across the world without the actual time it takes to get there. I love seeing news places and traveling.

Q: To what faults do you feel most indulgent?

A: I have a hard time saying “no”…

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could have one superpower, it would be…”

A: Telekinesis!

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?

A: In graduate school, I interned at UGA’s School of Law in the Communications Department. I had the pleasure of getting to know one of the Associate Deans, Dean Kurtz, and he opened my eyes to the world of legal. He encouraged me to look at law firm marketing/BD departments for an entry-level position, and I’m so glad he did! I never would have thought to apply to a law firm right out of college.

Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

A: Maya Angelou. She was graceful and poised. Her versatility at various points in her life showed just how important it is to keep rising despite the many obstacles you will encounter. She showed that opportunities for black women – all women - are boundless – just keep going.

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?

A: I literally fell into it. I randomly connected with the Communications Director, at the time, at Fulbright & Jaworski. She and the Marketing Director asked if I would be interested in an interview and gave me a chance, even when I told them I had no idea what legal marketing was! The rest is history.

Q: What is your current state of mind?

A: Hopeful. I’m fresh off of my firm’s partners’ retreat, and I’m feeling so hopeful for the direction my firm is going, among other things. Also, we recently had LMA’s Annual Conference, and while I wasn’t able to attend in person this year, I was so happy to connect virtually with my fellow International board members and other LMA members during the Virtual Extension.

Q: Your favorite virtue?

A: Patience, because it’s not something I possess.