Legal Lessons: A Child's Tale

Law firm authors children's book, donates copies to charity

April 7, 2006

In addition to solving complex legal problems, Kegler Brown is now authoring children's books. In a progressive approach to marketing, the firm recently published the children's book, Well done, Ollie. Created as a way for the law firm to communicate its values, the book tells the story of a youngster who learns about doing the right thing. Several copies have already been donated to children's causes including the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Ohio.

"This type of marketing is incredibly refreshing for a corporate law firm, as these firms are typically conservative in their approach," explained Michael E. Zatezalo, Kegler Brown's managing director. Publishing a children's book is a first for Kegler Brown and for a law firm in the Columbus market. "With marketing being a relatively new concept to law firms (its existence spans about 20 years), tactics such as the Ollie book are relatively unheard of and extremely unique for this type of business."

On April 7, the Make-A-Wish Foundation will auction a copy of the book during their "Blue Night '06" gala. Additional copies have been donated to the organization's toy closet, from which volunteers pull gifts for the families they serve. "We are delighted Kegler Brown has decided to give back through the Make-A-Wish Foundation by donating Well done, Ollie. books to the office toy closet and Blue Night '06, our annual auction event. Our wish children, like the book's main character, Ollie, are admirable and very deserving young people. Thank you for showing how much they are loved by the community," said Susan McConnell, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Kegler Brown's Ollie book is an outgrowth of a new advertising campaign recently launched by the firm, designed to promote the personality of Kegler Brown to clients, recruits and the general public. Zatezalo says the book "gives the firm an opportunity to connect with our clients and the community on a different level." Throughout the book, Ollie's actions mirror many of the traits embodied by Columbus-based Kegler Brown.

In addition to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Kegler Brown will be distributing the book to clients and will also be partnering with several local non-profits, by donating the books to benefit children's causes, including reading and tutoring programs.

The Ollie character is becoming somewhat iconic for Kegler Brown as "a face to endorse" for the medium-sized law firm. Kegler Brown hopes the book will resonate with its clients and help increase perception of the firm's marketing strategy, which focuses on the delivery of legal services.

For more information about Well done, Ollie, contact Kegler Brown Marketing. Visit www.keglerbrown.com/welldoneollie to read Well done, Ollie., or to request a copy of the book.