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Melissa
Hoff

Senior Advisor

Melissa Hoff brings more than two decades of in-house and consulting experience to her role as Senior Advisor at PipelinePlus. A trusted coach and strategist to law firm leaders, Melissa partners with lawyers and practice groups to design and implement business development programs that drive performance and align with firmwide goals. 

Before joining PipelinePlus, Melissa was a partner at the Zeughauser Group, where she advised AmLaw 100 firms on marketing, branding, and client development strategies. She previously led marketing efforts at Garvey Schubert Barer (now Foster Garvey) and held a director role at Preston Gates & Ellis (now K&L Gates). Her in-house experience also includes time on the marketing team at Cooley. 

Melissa has worked with national, mid-sized, and boutique law firms to develop strategic business development plans, client retention programs, and branding initiatives. Her creative approach and deep industry insight have earned recognition, including a first-place Legal Marketing Association Your Honor Award for branding. 

A longtime leader in the legal marketing community, Melissa was a founding member of the Legal Marketing Association’s Seattle Chapter and served as its President twice. She was also President of LMA’s West Region Board in 2019. She holds a B.A. from Boston University and is a frequent speaker on law firm coaching and business development. 

Get to Know Melissa

  • I love working one-on-one or in groups to help lawyers find their BD groove. Everyone’s at a different starting point—some are eager, others hesitant—so I focus on understanding who you are and what you want. My job is to nudge you just beyond your comfort zone with strategies that feel like you, whether it’s expanding your network, raising your profile, or tapping into internal opportunities at your firm. It’s about building a practice you’re proud of, one authentic step at a time.

  • Be yourself—it’s the key to effective, enjoyable BD. I help you identify the gap between where you are and where you want to go, whether that’s growing your book, shifting your client base, or making the most of limited time. There’s no one-size-fits-all; it’s about customized strategies that play to your strengths while supporting your firm’s broader goals. Authenticity makes BD not just effective but sustainable.

  • Third-party client interviews are gold. Clients are often more candid with an outside perspective, sharing what’s working, what’s not, and where opportunities lie—like expanding services or adjusting rates. I’ve seen these conversations uncover trends and needs that firms didn’t even know existed, leading to stronger relationships and more work. It keeps you top of mind and opens doors you might not find otherwise.

  • One lawyer I coached was struggling to follow through on outreach. We worked on small, manageable steps, and over time, he landed two six-figure matters just by staying consistent. Another client, newer to BD, embraced our PipelinePlus videos and coaching, stepping out of her comfort zone to network in ways she hadn’t before. A year later, she was thrilled with her progress. It’s those incremental wins that add up to big growth.

  • Coaching is like being a trainer and a confidant rolled into one. I love getting to know clients as people, not just professionals, and helping them build a practice that’s busy and satisfying. Seeing them stretch, grow, and hit their goals—whether it’s a new client or a stronger network—keeps me energized. I’m invested in their journey, and they feel that commitment in our work together.

  • Being a mom to my young adult daughter has taught me patience, compassion, and the art of listening deeply—skills I bring to every coaching session. My love for travel also shapes me; meeting people across cultures reminds me that connection starts with finding common ground. That perspective helps me build trust and tailor my approach to each client’s unique personality and goals.

  • I’m always planning my next adventure with my husband and family—travel is my passion. I also love yoga, Peloton, and long walks; exercise is a great parallel to BD. Both require consistent, incremental effort, and the results build over time. It’s a reminder that small steps, done with intention, lead to big outcomes.

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What Clients Say

Coaching That Drives Measurable Growth

Melissa partners with professionals at every level to clarify goals, prioritize relationships, and maintain strong momentum.

Let us know what you’d like to explore, and we’ll connect you with the next step.