David Ackert, M.A., is the President of Ackert and a mentor to high-achieving professionals in the legal, corporate, finance, and accounting sectors. David has advised thousands of lawyers, CEOs and professional-services executives on overcoming business development and marketing challenges. He has developed and implemented business development programs for countless firms, from AmLaw 100s to local boutiques.

Kathleen Flynn has specialized expertise in building and managing the business development and marketing programs of major professional service firms, and for thirty years she has helped professionals achieve success in their business development efforts. Prior to her position as Senior Advisor with Ackert, Kathleen served as Chief Marketing and Business Developer officer for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner where she was responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the firm’s global marketing and business development program. She has significant experience in the areas of general management, business development, strategic planning, brand management, sales, and marketing.

Judith Gordon, JD, has been helping law firms achieve their business and professional development objectives since 2006. Judith is the founder of LeaderEsQ, a consultancy that provides emotional intelligence and wellness tools needed to execute stellar management, leadership, and client service. Judith is also on faculty at UCLA School of Law and is certified in mediation by the Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law. Previously, Judith practiced law and was director of marketing & professional development at Buchalter Nemer.

Melissa Hoff brings nearly 20 years of in-house and consulting experience to her role as Senior Advisor at Ackert. Prior to her work with us, Melissa was a partner at the Zeughauser Group, a consultancy that specializes in marketing and business management for AmLaw 100 firms.

Carmelo is a certified coach with 20 years of business development and marketing experience. He has been part of the Ackert team for several years and has worked with clients across North America. He previously served as a senior leader at Norton Rose Fulbright, a global law firm, where he spearheaded their Voice of the Client program. In this role, he was responsible for client feedback, among many other strategic initiatives. Carmelo regularly integrates the client perspective into his coaching work.

Rebecca Nassi, JD, MA, is a Senior Advisor on our faculty and facilitates at both the associate and partner levels. Because her background includes the practice of law, the entrepreneurship of two companies, and a Masters in psychology, she brings a unique perspective to the nuances of legal business development. Prior to her coaching work, Rebecca practiced law in the private sector, most recently as a Partner at Libertas Law Group.

Robina Royer, JD, has more than 20 years of experience guiding attorneys and senior executives at professional service firms in developing and executing their business development goals and raising their profiles. She excels in coaching professionals to develop actionable business development plans that deliver results.

has nearly 20 years of experience in constructing and advancing successful business development initiatives and critical marketing strategies for law firms and other professional services firms. Kim facilitates business development programs at all levels. She is a frequent speaker, facilitator and author on business development topics. Her work has appeared in Above the Law, ALM, Attorney at Law Magazine, and various other publications.