Tell us a bit about yourself – where do you work and what do you do?
My name is Lexie Blaner, and I am a Business Development Coordinator with McGuireWoods LLP. I have been with the firm for over 2 ½ years supporting the corporate department groups such as Mergers & Acquisition and Corporate Transactions, Securities & Capital Markets, and Tax & Employee Benefits. I assist the corporate attorneys with their daily needs such as drafting press releases and internal portal stories, tracking our transactions in our deal database systems, Chambers submissions, assisting in updating PowerPoint presentations and templates, as well as providing guidance on future events and programs the groups hold throughout the year, and much more.
What’s your role in LMA?
I am currently a Program Director on the Chicago Local Steering Committee. In this role, I am able to work with my colleague Ashley Defay on organizing and developing continued education programs and opportunities in the Chicago area. I also am the main point of contact for anything On24 webinar related for our committee in case anyone has any questions!
What do you enjoy about volunteering for LMA?
I love being in LMA because I am able to expand my network and connect with other legal marketers around the Chicago area. It’s always great to bounce ideas off of other folks in this field so you can take them back to your firm and do the same thing.
I am also grateful to say that I have made great friendships from LMA just from our local steering committee. These marketers are the type of people that you will have as friends for the rest of your career.
What hobbies do you have?
I love to workout – so I am super grateful that Orangetheory has opened its doors back up to the public. I love staying active and healthy and going to Orangetheory 3 to 4 times a week helps me achieve that goal.
What vacation are you planning post-pandemic?
I am hoping that I can go somewhere warm like Florida eventually. But I would be super excited if the travel ban to Europe was lifted! I was supposed to travel to Europe this year in May with my older brother to see Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium, but unfortunately, it has now been rescheduled. So I am hoping that I am able to travel abroad next year once the pandemic is (hopefully) over by that time. 🙂
Are you a winter or summer person? Tell us why.
I like both, to be honest! I like the winter because of the holidays; I enjoy all the lights and festivities that Chicago has to offer. But I also enjoy the summer – rooftop bars and all the different festivals around the city with my friends. Chicago is beautiful all year round!
Are you a dog or cat (or other!) person?
I am a dog person! I do not have a dog in Chicago, but my family has an 80-pound golden retriever named Bella back in Pittsburgh, PA. She is only 3 ½ years old and one of my all-time-favorite goldens we have had. She loves being outside with two tennis balls in her mouth at all times. She is also an avid swimmer in our pool in the backyard, so it makes summer days back at home a lot more fun!
