MONICA SMITH, President

Monica Smith oversees the media relations and content client teams, blending her commitment to details with a strategic perspective to ensure that our clients’ business development needs are met. In this role, Monica works closely with our talented team to set sound PR and content goals to achieve bottom-line focused results. She serves as senior-level counsel to our clients and guides our team leaders in helping to cultivate and teach all members of our agency. Throughout her 20-year career in legal marketing, she has worked with attorneys across nearly every practice area in matters related to crisis and media relations, and with law firms of all sizes to address internal and leadership communications.

Additionally, Monica advises CEOs and company / firm management on issues related to leadership, succession planning and communications. She helps them connect with their constituents – partners, employees and clients – on matters related to change, growth and crisis. Her clients have included law and accounting firms, financial services organizations and nonprofits, among others. She welcomes the opportunity to guide organizations in a positive direction, even when the issue at hand is stressful.

As part of Poston’s initiative to recruit, retain and develop top-level talent, Monica authored a formal program, PRecision Curriculum, a bridge between school and work life. Structured lessons include the skillsets and background knowledge needed to be effective in public relations – from how to talk to clients and media sources to pitching journalists to building a professional wardrobe. The course is taught by senior employees, as well as outside experts, and has resulted in Poston being able to build a roster from the ground up where employees embrace the Poston Way, which centers on servant leadership, gratitude and laser-focused attention to detail.

Monica began her career in an Orlando-based public relations agency, working with a global law firm client. She then moved into an in-house role at that law firm, working with national industry groups, the Women’s Initiative and all of the firm’s Florida offices. She also worked in-house as marketing director of an Atlanta accounting firm before becoming a consultant.

Monica serves on the statewide board of directors for United Against Poverty and on the Orlando community board. The organization helps lift the working poor and low-income families to self-sufficiency. Its most notable program is its member-share grocery store, where anyone needing the service can shop for quality, healthy foods at a fraction of traditional prices.

In 2018, the Orlando Business Journal named Monica on its annual list of 40 Under 40, recognizing up and coming leaders in Central Florida.

In her hometown, Central Florida community, Monica regularly provides pro bono crisis counsel and leadership communications guidance to nonprofit organizations. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the PRSA Member of Counselor’s Academy, which is made up of public relations agency leaders around the world. She also serves as our agency representation on PR Council.

Monica is a former president of the Legal Marketing Association’s Southeastern Chapter (LMASE), where she had the privilege of serving an 18-member board of directors and 80 volunteer leaders throughout the region. She also has chaired LMASE’s Orlando Local Steering Committee and served on the LMASE Regional Nominating Committee twice. She currently serves on the organization’s Education Advisory Council.

Monica earned her undergraduate degree from Stetson University in Deland, Fla.

Outside of the office, Monica and her husband are the proud parents of their elementary-school aged son. All three are aspiring golfers.

LinkedIn

 

Publications

The Legal Intelligencer

“Battle Tested in 2020: Crisis Communication Trends for 2021”

 

Speaking Engagements, Presentations and Webinars

Houston Bar Association

“Media Relations as Part of Your Professional Responsibility as Counsel”

Webinar

November 10, 2020

 

Orange County Bar Association

“Mastering Your On-Camera Presence for Successful Virtual Communication”

Webinar

September 15, 2020

 

Numerous Private Law Firm Presentations

“Media Relations as Part of Your Business Development Toolkit”

“Successful Virtual Communications: Mastering Your On-Camera Presence”

“Media Relations as Part of Your Professional Responsibility as Counsel”