A new day for LMA.

• Author: Darling, Nathan
• Position: PRESIDENT'S PODIUM - Legal Marketing Association

In 2009, LMA invested significant "down payments" on a new management model, a revised approach to our annual conference and the implementation of our strategic plan. In 2010, these investments are beginning to pay off--to the benefit of all members.

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It's a new day for LMA. In 2009, under the steadfast leadership of President Jennifer Manton, we not only weathered the legal industry downturn but also implemented the thoughtful recommendations of our Transition Task Force with respect to our management company. Likewise, we reinvented our annual conference planning with the help of the American Conference Institute and its original market research (see "Transition Task Force" sidebar).

Six months after making a smooth management company transition, I am pleased to report that our new staff at SmithBucklin has made significant progress toward becoming seamlessly integrated into LMA's program of work--in service to individual members, chapters, committees and the LMA Board of Directors. We ask for members' continued patience as our staff gets a full year under their belts.

With respect to LMA's Strategic Plan, the Board of Directors recently adopted a series of recommended initiatives to implement in 2010 and 2011. These initiatives align with LMA's four strategic goals. The goals can be summarized as:

1: Implementing more effective association governance practices,

2: Demonstrating thought leadership,

3: Building a cohesive global community, and

4: Providing leading edge learning opportunities.

Highlights of specific major initiatives--some already under way and some in early discussion or planning stages--supporting these goals include:

* Task force in response to ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20 and another on member...