Top 5 Actions to Build Client Teams That Actually Drive Growth
 

Top 5 Actions to Build Client Teams That Actually Drive Growth

By Stacey McReynolds
October 17, 2025 | 3-minute read
Business Development Infographic
Marketing Management and Leadership
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Client teams are one of those buzzwords firms say they have… but in practice? It’s often a team of lawyers playing defense, turf protection, or a “plan” of one-off lunches and email outreach hiding in a spreadsheet that no one has looked at since it was created. This is assuming your firm is thinking about client teams at all.

If we want client teams to work, they need structure, a purpose that aligns with strategy and execution. That’s where marketing and business development comes in — we’re the engine that keeps it all moving.

Here are five actions to build client teams that drive growth.

For legal marketers and business development pros who are ready to move from ad hoc to high impact.|1. Start With the Right Clients• Focus on high-value, high-opportunity clients• Pull top 25 clients by revenue or growth potential • Prioritize those with cross-sell potential or retention risk • Avoid internal blockers, start with clients you can move Pro Tip: Early wins build momentum. Don't start with the toughest nut to crack. |2. Get Specific About Your Goals• Define what success looks like and plan for it• Write down clear, measurable objectives• Include timeframes and owners for each action• Ditch generalizations like 'strengthen the relationship' in favor of specifics Pro Tip: If you can't track it, it's not a real goal. |3. Build a Real Team (Not Just a List)• Assemble the right people for your plan• Include relationship partners (even if they're hands-off, it's a must)• Look beyond top-tier partners to junior partners and senior associates• Build around who will engage and act Pro Tip: Title matters less than action. Pick people who will show up. |4. Set the Cadence (And Stick to It)• Make the meeting schedule sacred• Lock in a regular rhythm (monthly/quarterly) • Use tight, focused agendas tied to strategic goals• Keep meetings short, productive and purposeful Pro Tip: Momentum dies in unfocused meetings. Respect everyone's time. | 5. Drive Follow-Through• Close the loop after every meeting• Assign owners and deadlines for each next step• Send quick recaps to reinforce accountability• Follow up between meetings to keep things moving Pro Tip: No follow-up means no progress. Be the driver, not just the planner.| Great client teams don't just happen. They are structured, align with strategy and require someone to drive execution. Marketing and business development are integral to the success of client teams that drive growth.

 

Learn More About Business Development with the Third Edition of the LMA Body of Knowledge

The content in this feature correlates with the Business Development 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.

 

Stacey McReynolds
Fractional Law Firm CMO LLC

With nearly 20 years of experience leading business development efforts for law firms ranging from AmLaw 20 to boutique firms, she brings a deep understanding of what drives legal market success.

Known for turning ideas into action, McReynolds partners with clients to create tailored plans that elevate their visibility, strengthen client relationships and fuel growth. Her expertise spans practice group strategy, client team development and lateral partner integration, making her a go-to resource for firms looking to evolve and expand.

Before joining Fractional Law Firm CMO, McReynolds served in leadership roles for marketing, business development and recruiting at Clyde & Co. She also held marketing and business development roles at Jones Day and Fisher Phillips.