The Art of Communication: How Parenting Skills Translate to Building Influence in Your Firm
 

The Art of Communication: How Parenting Skills Translate to Building Influence in Your Firm

By Danielle Smith
May 06, 2026 | 5-minute read
Communications Written and Oral Communication Skills Message and Strategy Planning Management of Individual Personnel Department Management and Motivation Content Type Infographic Additional Options Content Level: Essential Firm Size: Small Firm Size: Medium Firm Size: Large
Marketing Management and Leadership
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Admittedly, I did not realize the true value of consistent and concise communication until I became the mom of a spunky, opinionated, and curious toddler. While raising a three-year old and one-year old over the past year has taught me many life lessons, it’s also forced me to sharpen my own communication tactics, as there is no harsher critic and skeptic than my three-year old, Jillian.

The following “arts” are not only tactics I’ve lived at home through parenting, but they are also helpful tips that translate to how we as business professionals can successfully (and productively) communicate and build influence within our firms.  

 

Learn More About Communications With the Third Edition of the LMA Body of Knowledge

The content in this feature correlates with the Communications domain in the LMA Body of Knowledge (BoK). Dive deeper and access the latest edition of the BoK online.

The Third Edition of the LMA BoK showcases enhanced expertise across every domain, introduces new competencies in Client Services, Communications, and Technology Management, features more advanced skills across all domains and broadens coverage of competitive and business intelligence skills. Plus, it emphasizes a stronger commitment to nurturing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entirety of the BoK. Learn more.

Danielle Smith
Baker Donelson

After several years in health care marketing, Danielle first entered the legal world as the marketing manager for the law firm of Burr & Forman in 2012. In her nine years at Burr & Forman, Danielle oversaw the marketing and communication strategies for the entire firm, which included two mergers, many office expansions and moves, and a footprint of 21 offices and more than 350 attorneys. She was quickly promoted to director of marketing for the firm and, in 2018, in addition to her marketing role, she was asked to serve as the firm’s Diversity Committee administrator.

Today, Danielle serves as the Baker Women Director for Baker Donelson, working across department lines to create programs and resources that help advance attorneys and provide support for working parents at the firm. Over her five-year tenure at Baker Donelson, she has created industry-leading programs that help attorneys choose their own path to success, achieve equity status, grow their book of business, innovative mentoring support, and help develop future leaders.

Danielle has also held many leadership roles across legal professional organizations including PDC, NAWL, and LMA, where she currently serves on the International Board of Directors.