We invite you to showcase your recent successes, inspire your peers, and gain recognition at the 2024 LMA Ignite, Inspire, Achieve: Going Beyond the YHA event in Chicago, IL on October 15.
The LMA Your Honor Awards (YHA) program celebrates excellence in legal marketing, recognizing creativity, execution, achievement, and overall excellence across various categories aligned with LMA’s updated Body of Knowledge (BoK).
This first of its kind awards celebration will include an opportunity to learn about trends and best practices across these categories, as it will be paired with some fantastic programming.
Please review the award categories outlined below, along with the FAQs regarding eligibility requirements. We eagerly anticipate learning about your achievements and look forward to celebrating them together. Even if you do not submit for an award, join us in Chicago in October for the celebration and education! Register for the 2024 Midwest YHA Event Now.
Firm Submission Categories
Beginning in 2024, firms will be recognized based on the following project categories:
- Business Development: Encompasses driving new business, market share and profitable revenue for the law firm — directly and indirectly — through client and prospect outreach, lawyer coaching and mentoring, and market intelligence.
- Communications—Internal or External Marketing Communications Initiatives: Entails developing internal and external strategies to articulate a firm's value proposition, create plans to protect reputation and implement those strategies through various communications disciplines.
- Technology: Includes strategic analysis, needs assessment, identification, implementation, and effective management of the technologies that enable marketing and business development initiatives.
Individual Submission Category
LMA Midwest members are encouraged to submit nominations for deserving peers who have distinguished themselves through service in our region and embody the values and standards of the LMA community in the following individual-based award category:
- Midwest Member of the Year Award: Celebrating an individual member who exemplifies excellence in leadership, service, and dedication to the Midwest region and its members. This award acknowledges outstanding efforts and achievements in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession, as well as remarkable contributions to the legal community through dedication, advocacy, and service. The recipient drives progress towards greater representation and equality, positively influencing and enriching the legal landscape through innovative initiatives and unwavering commitment. Nominations will give specific examples of the member’s past and current involvement in LMA Midwest, in their Local Steering Committee, in recruiting, sponsoring, or mentoring those new to the association, or with programming and thought leadership.
Submission Deadline:
All entries must be received by September 19, 2024.
All winners will be notified in advance and offered a chance to create a 5-minute video talking about the submission and accepting the award. The video will be promoted online and within various email campaigns.
Entry Criteria and Rules:
Please use the online ballot to enter this year’s Midwest YHA. All LMA members in good standing are eligible to submit nominations and are encouraged to participate. Current LMA Board members at the international or regional level and/or members of the judging panel are not eligible. Past recipients of the Member of the Year Award, Rising Star Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award may not be recognized more than once. Self-nominations are allowed, provided a letter of recommendation is included.
Programming
The 2024 LMA Midwest Your Honor Awards will include a short series of programming topics related to business development, communications, and technology, focusing on innovative practices and throughout the legal marketing industry. Attendees will explore key strategies in business development, the impact of AI in communications, and the latest technical applications of AI in legal technology. This event promises actionable insights from industry experts, offering practical examples and fresh ideas.
Ignite, Inspire, Achieve: Going Beyond the YHA
Ignite Growth: New Frontiers in Business Development
Discover how to transform your business development approach with insights from DCM’s study and practical advice from industry experts. Learn about the "Activator" role and how it can drive growth through commitment, connection, and creation. Hint – it’s more about habits and activities, than personalities. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring successful practitioners who will share real-world examples of what’s working. Walk away with actionable strategies to elevate your business development efforts.
Based on a DCM Insights article and internal research, this session will explore:
- The Activator role and its impact on firm growth.
- Strategies to foster commitment, connection, and creation
- Case studies of successful business development initiatives
Inspire Innovation: Tech Trends Transforming Law Firms
Unleash the power of technology and AI to revolutionize your law firm. This session delves into practical applications of artificial intelligence, showcasing how leading firms are leveraging AI to enhance client experiences and boost efficiency. From AI-driven website features to innovative tools for marketing and operations, discover how to harness the latest technology to gain a competitive edge. Learn about AI-powered tools for tasks – small and large, and leave this session inspired to integrate AI into your firm's workflow.
This session will cover:
- Real-world examples of AI integration on law firm
- Practical AI tools for quick implementation and impact
- How AI is transforming legal services
Achieve Excellence: Mastering Effective Communication in the Legal Realm
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, effective communication is more critical than ever. This session will explore how AI is reshaping content strategy and the implications for law firms. Learn how to navigate the shift from SEO to AI-driven content creation, identifying content formats that excel in the new search environment. Discover practical strategies to optimize content for maximum impact and ensure it reaches the right audience. This session will also delve into the role of human connection in an AI-driven world, emphasizing the importance of short-form video and personalized communication. Leave this session equipped with the tools and knowledge to create compelling content that drives results.
This session will cover:
- The impact of AI on content strategy and SEO
- Identifying content formats that thrive in the AI era
- Effective content distribution strategies in a digital age
Agenda
12:00 PM – Registration + Lunch session + YHA Finalist Educational Presentation
1:30 PM – Ignite Program + Awards Presentation (Business Development)
2:30 PM – Inspire Program + Awards Presentation (Technology)
3:30 PM – Achieve Program + Awards Presentation (Communication)
4:30 PM - Happy Hour Networking
6:00 PM – Event Concludes
FAQs:
Who is eligible to enter?
Law firms and individual LMA members, except those currently serving as a member of the Midwest Region Board of Directors. Law firm partners, such as service providers, consultants, and vendors, must provide written approval from the law firm to enter.
How long will it take to complete a submission?
On average, a submission will take approximately 30-45 minutes.
How much does it cost to enter?
$100 for first submission
$50 for each subsequent submission
(max of 5 submissions per firm)
What timeframe is eligible for submission?
Any work produced to promote or market the services of a law firm between June 2023 and June 2024 is eligible to enter.
What is the deadline?
September 19, 2024.
Can I send in a hard copy to enhance my submission?
No. Unfortunately, we cannot accept hard-copy submissions.
Still have questions?
Please contact Amie Allison (aallison@taftlaw.com) or Lexie Blaner (lexie.blaner@btlaw.com), LMA Midwest Board of Directors and Co-Chairs of the 2024 Your Honor Awards.
Submit Proposals Now