The question.

• Jurisdiction: United States
• Author: Hirsch, Stewart
• Date: 01 May 2012

"I've just missed the LMA Annual Conference in Dallas because my firm would only pay for one attendee each year and there are four of us. How can I be the one next year?"

RESPONSES:

Jeanne Hammerstrom

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Perfect timing. Sit down with any of your department members who did attend in March, get their insights on what educational and networking value it provided to them and create your request around these benefits. I suggest reviewing the content and outlining which types of programs would assist in your professional development and create a plan, with a budget, that specifically outlines your personal interests and the value it will bring to the firm.

If budgets are tight and you really feel you need to attend, perhaps suggest sharing in some of the expenses--maybe pick up the flight or one night hotel cost. Sometimes it's not only your supervisor's decision but that of a managing partner or COO. They may see this as positive indication that you want to attend for all the right reasons.

Finally, some LMA chapters...