At the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), our goal is to support the successful LGBT-owned businesses that we certify. To strengthen our network of Certified LGBTBE® companies further in the legal sector, we developed the National Legal Industry Council.
The NLIC promotes supplier diversity efforts within the legal profession. They increase business opportunities for certified LGBT-owned law firms and legal service providers by opening channels to work with NGLCC Corporate Partners, and have also established a referral network of legal services in the LGBT business community.
Nancy Mertzel, the Founder of Mertzel Law PLLC, recently pitched her business among other NGLCC Certified LGBTBE® companies and National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) at the New York Life Insurance headquarters. Mertzel showed us how powerful pitch presentations can be!
Mertzel Law PLLC is a NYC based intellectual property law firm, focusing on technology, copyright and trademark litigation and counseling.
(Nancy Mertzel, the Founder of Mertzel Law PLLC)
“Participating in a mock pitch presentation for my intellectual property legal practice was an invaluable experience, from the preparation through the pitch itself,” Mertzel said. “In the end, I got validation of the value proposition of my firm, concrete advice that will ensure my next pitch is even better, and an invitation to follow up with one of the in-house attorneys about possibly working together.”
Mertzel explained that the biggest value of the presentation was learning from fellow Certified LGBTBE® companies on what makes a strong presentation, such as presentation style and tone of voice.
Overall, Mertzel was very proud of her presentation, and came away from the event inspired to improve.
“It felt like I had hit a home run. The general counsel said ‘A+++, one of the best.’ Another in-house lawyer recognized how I addressed all the concerns they had raised with the others, and checked all the boxes. The lawyers also gave me constructive feedback and specific suggestions that will ensure my next pitch is even better,” she said.
Mertzel has had many benefits since the mock pitch presentation, as well.
“The results were the best I could possibly imagine. In addition to the feedback, I was invited to follow up with one of the in-house attorneys to explore whether I might be able to do some work for the company. One of the other law firm presenters said his firm might be able to send me work since they don’t practice in my field. And one of the supplier diversity people expressed interest in learning more about an organization of women attorneys I’m involved with,” she said.
For more information about Nancy Mertzel or her practice, visit her website!
Do you want to be a part of our National Legal Industry Council? Visit our website to learn more!
