Unsung: Tricia Charnell

Posted: 5:54 pm Fri, September 14, 2012
By Marisa Helms

Marketing Services Coordinator, Barnes & Thornburg

Though Tricia Charnell has worked at Barnes & Thornburg for just one year, she has mightily impressed her co-workers, who call her an “invaluable resource” and say she is invested in everything she does.

“My approach, my No. 1 thing, is to be detail-oriented and flexible,” says Charnell, who is the firm’s local marketing services coordinator. “I’m a taskmaster, too. I like to get a project and do it to the next level and see where it takes us.”

Charnell says that every day is different at work and that she enjoys the wide-ranging responsibilities of her job. Whether it’s producing the day-to-day marketing bios, pitches, and brochures for the firm, or hosting Barnes & Thornburg’s legal seminars and workshops, Charnell seems to revel in the minutiae.

“It’s so dynamic and so much fun,” says Charnell.

When it comes to event planning, Charnell is on top of all the details, including designing and sending out the invitations, booking and setting up the venue, and creating name tags and signage. On the day of the event, be it a working lunch for 30 or a golf tournament for 130, Charnell makes sure everyone feels welcome.

“I feel strongly about this,” says Charnell. “I make sure I greet them when they arrive and thank them for coming before they go. It builds the relationship. People want to work with people they like.”

Charnell’s achievements this year also include championing the firm’s pro bono work with the Children’s Law Center, a nonprofit representing children in the foster care system. Charnell works closely with the organization to help recruit and train Barnes & Thornburg lawyers who use their skills on behalf of the state’s vulnerable children. She also volunteers her time outside the office to help with the center’s fundraising efforts.