NYLMA chapter's 20th anniversary gala recap.

• Author: Marrone, Stefanie
• Position: DICTA

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Milestones deserve to be celebrated, so it was fitting that the New York Chapter of the Legal Marketing Association had a birthday party when it turned 20 years old. The event, held at the Grand Hyatt in New York City on Feb. 28, was attended by more than 200 LMA members and friends of LMA not only from New York, but from all over the country who came together to reconnect with industry friends and former colleagues. Jeff Scalzi, New York Chapter president, said, "I was honored to stand before and represent the NYLMA that night, and I am moved yet again by the strong sense of community we have in the NY Chapter. A special thanks goes to the generous sponsors and dedicated committee members that worked tirelessly to pull together such an amazing event."

The evening paid special tribute to Susan Benjamin, the NYLMA's first chapter president in 1992. Susan bravely battled illness and, unfortunately, lost her fight in December 2011. The evening also marked the bestowing of the first Annual Metropolitan New York LMA Awards, which honored individuals and groups of members who have achieved distinction through service to the New York chapter over the course of the previous year. According to Scalzi, each of the recipients, "embody the volunteerism, commitment and dedication that makes our chapter so unique."

We asked attendees to tell us what the event meant to them in their own words:

"It was a great night to reconnect with close friends and colleagues, while celebrating the organization that brought us all together and has contributed so much to our professional lives."--Wendy Bernero, Chief Marketing Officer, Fried Frank LLP

"The anniversary showcased what an amazing community NYLMA has become in just 20 short years. Such a display of talent, intelligence, enthusiasm and selflessness--it was breathtaking. As I gazed around the room, I shook my head at my good fortune to be a part of such a wonderful (and well-coifed!) group."--Joe Calve, Chief Marketing Officer, Morrison & Forester LLP

"It was a great night to recall and honor notable NYLMA chapter members from the past and to meet newer members. It's rewarding to note the chapter has been active and vibrant for so long, yet has so much potential for future growth."--Timothy Corcoran, Principal, Corcoran Consulting Group, LLC

"I attended the event because my friend Deborah Farone...