Client Testimonials

Heather can be relied upon to provide creative, yet practical solutions to the business of law.

J. William Rowley QC, International Arbitrator, 20 Essex Street Chambers and Arbitration Place; Chairman Emeritus and Special Counsel, McMillan LLP

Every piece of advice and content that Heather generates is first-rate in analyzing the future direction of the legal market. She’s professional, insightful, and one of the few experts I always go to for expert advice. You’d be wise to reach out to her for your business development and strategic needs. She knows how to grow the bottom line.

Cole Silver, Esq., Chief Client Officer, Blank Rome LLP

It’s hard to find a better testament to wise counsel than someone who has successfully stood the test of time. For over a decade, I have had the pleasure of growing up with Heather in the business of law profession. She deserves to be where she is now … an undisputed expert who really knows her stuff.

Alison Jeffrey LL. B., Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives & Client Development Coaching, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Heather has provided invaluable service to our Firm for the last seven years. Her leadership and strategic prowess has helped lead us through a dynamic change in our Firm. Her skill and knowledge of the legal marketplace has proven to be the key to our growing success.

Ronald A. Pink, Q. C., Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Pink Larkin

Heather is a talented consultant and strategist. Her keen insight into the legal industry and lawyering, and her top-notch communication skills produce excellent outcomes for the lawyers and law firms with whom she works. She has a personable style that makes dealing with difficult questions easy and leads to actionable results.

John F. Clifford, Partner and Chief Operating Officer, McMillan LLP

Keynote Presentation: Growth in the Legal Market — September 24, 2024 — Alberta Civil Lawyers Association’s Masterclass in Calgary

“I was impressed by the personal and purposeful approach Heather took in both her presentation and one-on-one interactions with lawyers at our recent Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association Masterclass. She is diligent and kind.”

R. Travis Bissett, BSc LLB, Partner, Stringam LLP

Heather helps lawyers understand that they are running a business; and through her direct support and public writing helps them develop the tools they need to make those businesses successful.

Colin Lachance, Principal at PGYA Consulting, Innovator in Residence at Ontario Bar Association

Heather stepped in to provide an interim leadership role in our marketing and communications area nationally for several months. She was an absolute lifesaver! Not only did we benefit from her bigger picture objective observations, based on significant experience in a variety of settings, she was able to take charge and keep day-to-day functions moving effectively despite being new to the organization and team. Thank you, Heather!

Stephanie Willson B.A., LL.B, CHRL, Chief Client Relations and Marketing Officer, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Heather brings a unique combination of marketing and business development by focusing exclusively on the legal profession and the challenges of private practice. Having honed this specialty for many years, she is able to provide keen insight, real-world experience, and sensible pragmatism to help craft customized solutions tailored to our needs as both a firm and as individuals.

Ian S. Scarlett M.B.A., J.D., Partner and Former Managing Partner, Loopstra Nixon LLP

What Heather doesn’t know about the legal profession – and, in particular, strategic marketing and business development – hasn’t been invented yet.

John Chisholm B.Juris LLB, John Chisholm Consulting, Melbourne, Australia

Heather has been retained for a number of key projects over the years. The most influential was the management of a high-profile advertising campaign in Canada, the United States, and South America to build brand awareness for Norton Rose’s entrance to these markets through mergers with Ogilvy Renault and Macleod Dixon. The dramatic market-changing effect helped propel Norton Rose to become one of the largest global legal practices and one of the top legal brands in Canada.

Lise Monette, Chief Markets Officer, Miller Thomson LLP; Former Global Head, Client Programs and Chief Marketing Officer, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Heather’s marketing skill, her Firm design skill, and her ability to see the bigger picture has helped the partnership view the future with a much clearer vision. In fact, we don’t do a thing ourselves without speaking to her and then, following her lead. Need I say more…I am a real fan!!!

Ronald A. Pink, Q. C., Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Pink Larkin

Heather has terrific insights into the Canadian legal market. From the first time you speak with her you’ll understand how much she genuinely cares about her clients’ success. I can say, based on experience, that Heather is an all-around pleasure to partner with.

Paul Rand, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer-Canada, Omni Bridgeway

Heather brings enthusiasm and value wherever she is involved.

Norm Keith LL.M, Partner, KPMG Law LLP

There are not many people in today’s hectic business world that still take time to handwrite a Season’s Greetings card. There are not many people in today’s competitive marketplace that will take time to help a colleague with a question or problem. There are not many people that take time to regularly write, publish and share their industry insight and expertise for others to benefit. Heather Suttie does – with remarkable ease and experience.

Laurie Hause, Chief Information Officer and Director of Marketing, McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP; Former Director of Technology and Marketing, Siskinds LLP

Heather’s skills, along with her ability to listen carefully to lawyers and ask thought-provoking questions, combined with approachability, fairness and an engaging disposition, makes her a valuable contributor to our business.

Ian S. Scarlett M.B.A., J.D., Partner and Former Managing Partner, Loopstra Nixon LLP

Heather deserves to be where she is now … an undisputed expert who really knows her stuff. From strategic thinker and visionary leader to fearless advocate of clients’ best interests, Heather is the trusted “go-to” advisor in the legal services profession.

Alison Jeffrey LL. B., Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives & Client Development Coaching, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Session Chairing

Heather has collaborated with The Legal Innovation Forum on a number of key initiatives. As an industry thought leader she’s knowledgeable, dynamic, and an absolute pleasure to work with.

Andrew Bowyer, Founder + CEO, ADB Insights Inc.

Anyone familiar with legal innovation, law firm structures, the changing legal industry, or overall legal business growth is aware of Heather Suttie.

Sean Bernstein, Co-Founder, MinuteBox

When I launched my solo estate litigation practice. Heather was my first call. She helped me develop a firm brand and a marketing plan. In just a few months, the value of this planning has become obvious. Heather’s insight into the business of law is indispensable for launching a new firm in a competitive market.

‪Benjamin Arkin, Partner at Arkin Furrow Estate Law‬ LLP

Heather is recognized across Canada as a leading expert on law firm business strategy — both in terms of design and implementation.

Andrew Bowyer, Founder + CEO, ADB Insights Inc.

Heather understands our needs as well as those of our clients and is a consummate professional along with being creative, smart, sensible and fun to work with. We continue to work with Heather and highly value her ongoing guidance as we grow Pink Larkin.

Gail L. Gatchalian, Q.C., Judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (former Partner, Pink Larkin) and Ronald E. Pizzo, Partner, Pink Larkin

Heather helped with clarifying our value proposition, with the redevelopment of our website, and with preparations for meetings with potential clients. Heather’s enthusiastic and friendly manner makes her a pleasure to work with. Her keen understanding of the market we are targeting and the environment in which we work was very valuable.

Miriam Paton, Co-founder and Principal, Integral IP

Closing Plenary Presentation: Where Do We Go From Here? Thriving Within a Rapidly Changing Legal Market — June 10, 2021 — 15^th Solo and Small Law Firm Conference, Law Society of Ontario

“Heather Suttie, wow!” “Loved the last session with Heather Suttie.” “Very informative and helpful. “Heather Suttie. Very practical advice.” “As a speaker, Heather Suttie was the most effective.” “The marketing speaker at the end, Heather Suttie, was the best.”

Closing Plenary Speaker Reviews

Heather has had her finger on the pulse on the legal market for decades, and has helped leading law firms succeed in bull and bear markets.

Steven Pulver, Co-Founder, MinuteBox

Heather is the trusted “go-to” advisor in the legal services profession. She is insightful, gutsy, tactical, with a great sense of humour (a trait that can come in handy!), and a wise choice when you need a strategic consultant.

Alison Jeffrey LL. B., Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives & Client Development Coaching, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Simply put, Heather is a valuable resource of our Firm and the distance between us—although far in actual miles—she is really very close. Always a phone call away. Always acting proactively on our behalf to help us build our practice and helping us to vision our needs, and to make us more successful.

Ronald A. Pink, Q. C., Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Pink Larkin

Heather’s insight and experience allowed her to easily recognize and adapt her approach to meet the business objectives for each project as well as the marketing and business development needs that fit our Firm’s culture. Heather is simply delightful and a pleasure to work with.

Laurie Hause, Chief Information Officer and Director of Marketing, McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP; Former Director of Technology and Marketing, Siskinds LLP

Keynote Presentation: Digital Legal Marketing: Websites and Social Media — March 8, 2022 — General Practice, Solo & Small Firm section of Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia

“Few legal marketers understand the realities of practice. You get it.” 

Patrick J. March, Barrister and Solicitor, Goodwin & Mark LLP

Heather is a great professional to have in your corner and a wonderful person to work with. Heather brings a high degree of enthusiasm to every project.

Daniel Levine, Co-Founder, MinuteBox

There are not many people that law firm leaders can drop inside a firm, and let them hit the ground running because they understand the business and practice of law. There are not many people who really understand and respect the personalities and nuances that make law firms so unique. Heather Suttie does — with remarkable ease and experience.

Laurie Hause, Chief Information Officer and Director of Marketing, McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP; Former Director of Technology and Marketing, Siskinds LLP

Heather possesses excellent business development and marketing skills, and is a delight to work with. Lawyers and marketing professionals enjoy working with her.

Lise Monette, Chief Markets Officer, Miller Thomson LLP; Former Global Head, Client Programs and Chief Marketing Officer, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Keynote Presentation: Where Do We Go From Here: Thriving in a Post-Pandemic Legal Market — April 21, 2021 — General Practice, Solo & Small Firm section of Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia

Since your presentation, I received two emails saying how much attendees enjoyed your session. This has never happened before.

Angela Cao, Principal Lawyer, Queenstone Law Corporation and Chair, Solo & Small Firm section of CBA-BC

Pink Larkin engaged Heather to work with us to rebrand our firm. This included a new website and social media platforms, creating our digital advertising campaign, and contributing business development tactics. Since then, we’ve worked with Heather to build an ancillary website and various pieces of marketing collateral.

Gail L. Gatchalian, Q.C., Judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (former Partner, Pink Larkin) and Ronald E. Pizzo, Partner, Pink Larkin

We have been working with Heather on a number of marketing and business development initiatives over the years. She has played a critical role as project-manager of our new website, has helped us be short-listed for Canadian Lawyer’s survey of Ontario’s Top 10 firms, created our advertising campaign, conducted a client analysis of our Top 100 corporate clients to determine the firm’s corporate strengths by industry, and now we’re forging a business development program for our newly formed industry teams.

Ian S. Scarlett M.B.A., J.D., Partner and Former Managing Partner, Loopstra Nixon LLP

Heather was retained by Siskinds for two projects: a successful business development training pilot program for junior associates; and, the reorganization and drafting of our primary website content, including practice descriptions for our recent site redesign.

Laurie Hause, Chief Information Officer and Director of Marketing, McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP; Former Director of Technology and Marketing, Siskinds LLP

I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Heather on the development and launch of our new Ogilvy Renault website. She is a logical thinker, yet still very creative; a diplomatic negotiater; strong listener; great writer; and truly invests in all projects she undertakes. She is a pleasure to work with and brings energy and enthusiasm to any room she walks into.

Lisa Azzuolo, Former Chief Marketing Officer, Bennett Jones SLP; Former National Director of Marketing, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP (formerly Ogilvy Renault LLP)

I first met Heather in Toronto several years ago now. I continue to learn so much from Heather’s regular updates.

John Chisholm B.Juris LLB, John Chisholm Consulting, Melbourne, Australia

Heather was retained to manage the complete overhaul of the Ogilvy Renault website and student micro site. The primary site was named Best Law Firm Website in Canada by National magazine. She was also retained to create our modular proposal templates, pitch strategies and collaterals, numerous client pitches and RFPs, development of ads, internal newsletter and annual reports.

Lise Monette, Chief Markets Officer, Miller Thomson LLP; Former Global Head, Client Programs and Chief Marketing Officer, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Keynote Presentation: Where Do We Go From Here: Thriving in a Post-Pandemic Legal Market — April 21, 2021 — General Practice, Solo & Small Firm section of Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia

Just attended the webinar and wanted to let you know it was so refreshing and helpful. Young lawyers and small firm practitioners are often at a loss, and it was great to hear your insight.

Patrick J. March, Barrister and Solicitor, Goodwin & Mark LLP

LexisNexis was fortunate to commission Heather to write expert Marketing and Business Development content for Lexis Practice Advisor, Canada. Heather drew on her years of experience, providing real practical insight on how small law firms can build their book of business and increase revenues. Heather’s content is an essential part of what makes the Skills Centre in Lexis Practice Advisor so useful.

Danann Hawes, Senior Publisher, Practice and Professional Licensing, Emond Publishing; Former Director, Content Development and Acquisitions, LexisNexis Canada Inc.