Thomas C. Helm

Chief Marketing Officer

As Chief Marketing Officer, Tom is responsible for driving the marketing and business development strategy for the firm. His leadership style combines strategic vision and a deep commitment to fostering a high-performing, collaborative team. Tom’s contributions to the firm are rooted in his passion for helping others unlock their potential, transforming obstacles into opportunities, and creating an environment where people flourish. He is known for his ability to connect with people at all levels and emphasizes the importance of building trust, communication, and leading with empathy.

Tom has worked in-house at commercial law firms for over 20 years. Prior to joining SGR, he held senior marketing and business development roles for an Am Law 100 firm and two regional law firms. Throughout his career, Tom has launched integrated marketing and communications campaigns, instituted business development coaching and training programs for lawyers and marketing professionals and played an integral role in a global law firm merger.

Prior to working in the legal industry, Tom worked for a national nonprofit health agency where he led fundraising and client service education programs.

Tom is an alumnus of Leadership Jacksonville and was recognized as a “Volunteer of the Year” by the Woodruff Arts Center.

Thought Leadership

“Forward Thinking Strategies in Team Hiring & Retention” – Panelist, Legal Marketing Association Annual Conference, April 24, 2025
Tom Helm of Smith Gambrell Russell on Leading with Intent: A CMO’s Journey to Growth, Passle CMO Series (Episode 119), November 1, 2023
“Collaborative Planning with Clients: Ideas From General Counsel” – Co-author, Legal Marketing Association Strategies & Voices, September 24, 2021
“The Intersection of Marketing/Business Development and Practice Management” – Moderator, Legal Marketing Association Southeastern Conference, September 13-15, 2017

Press

Professional Associations

Tom is an active member of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA), having previously served as Chapter President of the Southeast Region, co-chair of the LMA Education Advisory Council, co-chair of the LMA Client Value Shared Interest Group, and is co-chair of the LMA 2026 Annual Conference Advisory Committee.

Education

University of North Florida