Dear LMA Northeast Members,
It is an honor to step into the role of president of the Legal Marketing Association’s Northeast Region for 2026. As I begin this year of service, I am inspired not only by the strength of our 1,000-member community but also by the unique character of the region we call home – one that spans New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and vibrant communities in between.
These cities are diverse and distinct, yet all are linked by a shared commitment to innovation, resilience and professional excellence. That is why my theme for this year is “Be A Bridge.”
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh – a city known around the world for its bridges. Pittsburgh’s 446 bridges represent more than feats of engineering. They are symbols of connection, access and possibility. They shorten the distance between neighborhoods, make ideas and resources easier to share, and strengthen the fabric of the community.
In many ways, the LMA Northeast Region has its own network of bridges. Every one of us – whether working in a global firm, regional practice, boutique agency or an in-house legal department – has the ability to connect, support and elevate one another. When we build strong relationships, we create pathways for career growth, collaboration and collective success.
“Be A Bridge,” for us, means three things:
1. Building Bridges to Each Other
A region of 1,000 members is rich in knowledge, talent and experience. This year, we will focus on creating more opportunities to meet one another, exchange perspectives and deepen the sense of community that makes LMA so valuable. Whether you’ve been a member for 20 years or joined last week, you belong here and someone in this region can help you take your next step.
2. Building Bridges Within Our Firms and Organizations
Legal marketers are essential connectors within the business of law. By fostering relationships inside our firms and departments, we help strengthen cultures, drive strategic initiatives and elevate the voices of colleagues across disciplines. This year, we’ll provide tools and programming to support that work, ensuring you are equipped to influence, collaborate and lead.
3. Building Bridges Across the Legal Industry.
Our work has a profound impact on the clients we serve. By supporting one another, sharing best practices, exploring new technologies and learning from diverse viewpoints, we contribute to a stronger and more resilient legal industry. As our region continues to evolve, we will build connections that benefit not only our members, but the firms, organizations and communities we support.
As we embark on 2026 together, I encourage each of you to take part in this bridge-building effort. Attend a program. Mentor a colleague. Volunteer for a committee. Introduce yourself to someone new. The strength of this region lies not in the number of its members, but in the connections among us.
Thank you for trusting me to lead this extraordinary community. I am grateful for your energy, partnership and dedication to our profession. I look forward to building bridges with you in the year ahead and to seeing where those connections will take us.
Warmly,
Matthew Goffe
President, 2026
Legal Marketing Association – Northeast Region