Debra Baker is a journalist turned lawyer focused on helping law firms grow revenue and deepen client relationships in a profession undergoing dramatic change.
With more than 25 years of experience working in the legal market, she focuses her efforts on enabling lawyers to develop and implement strategic growth plans and adapt to change. The goal: to build better law businesses, better understand and respond to client needs and make the practice of law more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Prior to her current role, Debra founded Law Leaders Lab, which was acquired by GrowthPlay in January of 2016. At GrowthPlay, she oversees the Professional Services Team’s Strategic Growth & Innovation Initiatives. Her past experience includes working as the head of business development for an AmLaw 100 firm, a product marketing director for a legal technology company, as well as a senior writer for the ABA Journal, where she received numerous awards for her coverage of issues related to law practice management, women in the law, and business ethics. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois and is based in San Diego.
She serves on the board of directors for the Northwestern Law School Center for Practice Engagement & Innovation and is a frequent speaker on the topic of law innovation and growth effectiveness, including the 2018 Summit on Legal Innovation & Disruption (Do you have what it takes to survive in the Innovation Economy), LMA Southwest (Great Law & Innovation: An actionable Roadmap), LMA West (Future Casting the Role of Lead Marketer) and the Chicago, the Midwest Legal Technology Tech Show (Big Data and the Law) and Law Exchange International (5 Models of Innovation). She recently co-authored an ABA Journal Legal Rebels article, “From Good Law to Great Law.”
