About Our Founder
Melissa McClenaghan Martin began her professional career as a securities and commercial litigator at Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson, an AmLaw 100 firm in NYC. As an attorney, Melissa represented Fortune 500 companies, investment banks and international corporations before federal and state courts and agencies, and advised C-level employees and boards of directors on litigation and dispute resolution.
In 2006, Melissa left the practice of law and founded CWI Advisory Services, a consultancy that advises professional services firms on how to create business development, leadership and women’s initiative opportunities that align with the strategic objectives of the firm. As president of CWI, now M3 Strategic Alliances, Melissa has been dedicated to helping firms and individuals build their books of business and increase their visibility, reach and revenue.
As a former lawyer, Melissa has a deep understanding of the professional services world, the demands on professionals’ time and the potential of untapped opportunities. She also excels in business development and execution, aligning programs with the firm’s strategic goals and core business objectives and maximizing ROI.
Through M3 Strategic Alliances, Melissa blends her expertise in the professional services world with her passion for helping professionals become trusted advisors developing new, and deepening existing, in-house and cross-industry relationships, and helping position individuals and firms as industry leaders. Clients have described Melissa as a catalyst, champion and connector with a keen ability to see connections, opportunities and synergies that others don’t, whether in-house or cross-industry.
Melissa is a former New York Law Journal columnist on business development, women’s initiatives and professional development best practices. Her articles have been published in the National Law Journal, Law.com, New York Law Journal, New Jersey Law Journal, NYLawyer.com, and the Legal Recruiters Directory. Melissa is also a sought-after speaker on the topics of business development, leadership and women’s initiatives.
Melissa received her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and her B.A. in English Literature and American Government from Georgetown University.
Affiliations
- New York City Bar Association, Career Advancement and Management Committee Member
- 85 Broads – New York Chapter Leadership Team
- Hispanic National Bar Association, Development Advisor
- Girl Scout Council of Greater New York, Board Member, Nominating Committee Member and Leadership Advisory Board Co-Chair
- Read Alliance, Co-Chair, Leadership Council
- Melissa is also involved with various other industry associations, organizations and non-profits.
Publications
Melissa’s articles have been published in the National Law Journal, Law.com, New York Law Journal, New Jersey Law Journal, NYLawyer.com, and the Legal Recruiters Directory.
- “Hedging Your Bets in Uncertain Times.” New York Law Journal, January 30, 2009
- “Making Rain in a Dry Economy.” New York Law Journal, November 28, 2008
- “New Models for Diversity.” New York Law Journal, July 25, 2008
- “Working Toward Partnership Parity.” New York Law Journal, March 28, 2008
- “Make Yourself a Priority.” New York Law Journal, November 30, 2007
- “Getting Ahead of the Curve.” New York Law Journal, September 28, 2007
- “The Real Opt-Out Story.” New York Law Journal, July 27, 2007
- “Making It Rain.” New York Law Journal, May 25, 2007
- “Secrets of Their Success.” New York Law Journal, March 30, 2007
- “The New Networkers.” New York Law Journal, January 26, 2007
- “Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling?” New York Law Journal, December 29, 2006
- “The Goldilocks Problem.” New York Law Journal, September 29, 2006
- “Don’t Climb the Ladder Alone.” New York Law Journal, June 30, 2006
- “Is There a Way to Have It All?” New York Law Journal, May 19, 2006
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M3 Strategic Alliances LLC