Paper presented by Gavin Hume, QC, at the September 2009 LMA Vancouver event introducing the Law Society of B.C.s new rules for marketing.

As the final leaves fall from the trees, my memory of all those gorgeous days of summer are also fading. The season instead is one of trying to do a lot more with less and I know it?s been a busy, if not a challenging, year for most of you.

Final message from LMA Vancouver President, Susan Van Dyke

The LMA Vancouver Chapter is currently seeking nominations for the Board of Directors. Elections are scheduled to be held at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2009.

LMA Vancouvers AGM is now scheduled for Thursday, November 26, 2009.

We are listening... Based on your valuable feedback from the LMA Member Survey, we have developed a series of programs that will continue to ?educate, elevate and inspire the Vancouver legal marketing community?.

We did it! Following our recommendations for change, the Law Society of BC (LSBC) has recently amended their marketing rules. The changes are now posted on their website.

What a spectacular fall weve had! I hope youve soaked up some of the final few warm rays of sunshine. Speaking of sunshine, the Board took a hiatus over the summer, but not before tackling a new three-year strategic plan, hosting a summer party, lining up a new programming year and presenting our position statement to the Law Society of BC. Phew. Ok, it was busier than I remember. The update below is brimming with news and event teasers, so whip through it now and remember to circulate the event information within your firm. These events are not to be missed!

As I step into the role of President, I find it astonishing to see how weve grown as a profession. Back in 1996, I had the distinct pleasure of gathering together the few legal marketers for the first time. I think there were six of us around a massive boardroom table. Fast forward 12 years and we now have our own LMA chapter that supports almost 70 members. Incredible.

Serving my second term as President, its my pleasure to update you on our chapter highlights once again. The Presidents Message is distributed three times per year, winter, spring and fall, but the best communication is two-way, so reach out to any of your board members at any time. We want to hear from you!

Were ready for sun. I bet you are too. The board has had a long and productive winter and spring, so were ready for a watermelon cocktail and a hammock. But, before the board heads into a summer hiatus, well end the season on a high note - our strategic planning session.

Join us for our members-only Annual Conference Debrief to discuss many of the issues we all face in an environment filled with change.

When: 
Thursday, March 25, 2010
11:30am - 1:00pm

Where:
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

The Vancouver Chapter of the Legal Marketing Association welcomes Erin McConnell, President, Wilcox Group as the presenter of the next Core Skills Development Training Program session on Public Relations and the Effect of Social Media.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn - is your Firm ready for this? Through this session, you will learn about managing public perception, securing your brand, online reputation management, which tools to use and more.

When:
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
12:00 PM  -1:30 PM
Lunch will be provided

Where:
Watson Goepel Maledy LLP
1700 - 1075 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver

Get an inside look at factors that influence In-House Counsel on their choice of lawyers in this popular LMA panel discussion sponsored by Optinet.

When:
Thursday, April 22, 2010

Where:
Four Seasons Hotel

From emails to letters and proposals, effective business writing is critical for success. Learn the tools to enhance your written communication skills in this session with industry experts.

When:
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
12:00 PM  - 1:30 PM
Lunch will be provided

Where:
Watson Goepel Maledy LLP
1700 - 1075 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver

Members-only Summer Social.

When: 
Thursday, June 17, 2010

Where: 
TBD