LMA26 offers exceptional Pre-Conference Programs to take a deep dive into key educational areas as part of the Annual Conference. Whether you're focused on data and intelligence, a department leader, newer to legal marketing or you're a solo marketer, the LMA26 Pre-Conference Programs offer that deeper dive into these areas of interest.
This year's Pre-Conference Programs include:
All Pre-Conference Programs are subject to change. Times for each program will run within the window of 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026. Separate registration is needed or choose the conference Bundle, which includes one Pre-Conference Program. Pre-Conference speakers and enhanced descriptions will be released with the full conference program in January. Visit the registration page for pricing and to register.
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Looking for CMO-Focused Content?
Double down on your CMO opportunities at LMA26. LMA is excited to bring back the CMO Experience, providing a unique opportunity to connect with fellow CMOs in a separate and exclusive area of the conference for a suite of exceptional education, networking and amenities and includes the CMO Pre-Conference Program. Gather with fellow CMOs to learn from industry experts, connect with each other and stay ahead of the curve in legal marketing and business development. LEARN MORE
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AI, BI, CI - The ABCs of Data and Law Firm Intelligence
This program is designed for business development and intelligence professionals, particularly mid-level managers, who are looking to leverage data-driven insights to enhance strategy, collaboration, and marketing effectiveness.
This pre-conference program offers a dynamic series of sessions designed to empower professionals across various roles in law firms. This deep-dive pre-conference program will explore how to harness competitive, market, and artificial intelligence to tell compelling stories that drive business development and marketing strategy. Participants will gain valuable insights into leveraging technology for strategic decision-making, enhancing collaboration, and anticipating future industry trends. Whether you're a BD professional, CI specialist, or firm leader, this pre-conference event promises to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to drive innovation and success in your firm.
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognize common pitfalls in data interpretation and apply ethical and compliance policies to ensure responsible data use across their firm.
- Understand how AI and business intelligence tools are transforming CI workflows and will gain practical skills through an interactive demonstration to integrate these technologies into their business development and marketing strategies.
- Identify frameworks to create sustainable partnerships between BD, CI, KM, and innovation teams, enhancing collaboration and strategic impact.
- Explore key macroeconomic and market trends, and learn how to interpret and apply these insights to position their firms for long-term success in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
View Sub-Sessions and Speakers
Co-Chairs:
Ashley Elliott is the Competitive Intelligence Manager at FBT Gibbons, bringing nearly two decades of experience in legal marketing with a particular focus on competitive intelligence for Am Law 100 firms. At FBT Gibbons, Ashley leverages her expertise to support the firm’s strategic business development, drawing on a record of launching and leading successful competitive intelligence programs across major national law firms.
Over her career, Ashley has served in key roles at several prominent firms, including several Am Law 100 firms, where she developed and managed CI initiatives and business development strategies. She is an active member of the Legal Marketing Association, holding leadership positions such as Secretary of the Virginias Local Chapter Steering Committee and Co-Chair of the Competitive Intelligence Shared Interest Group.
Ashley is recognized for her commitment to innovation, continuous learning, and empowering teams to deliver strategic insights in a competitive legal market. Her contributions help FBT Gibbons maintain its position as one of the nation's most innovative law firms.
Rafeedah Keys is a Senior Strategist focused on Privacy & Tech at Perkins Coie and a member of LMA's West Region Board. She is a former participant on LMA's Annual Conference Planning Committee, former co-chair of LMA's Diversity & Inclusion Special Interest Group, and was a member of LMA's inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Task Force. Rafeedah has an MBA from University of London focused on economic development and earned her B.A. from Pennsylvania State University. She also has several professional certificates, the most recent of which is a professional certification in Digital Transformation: AI, IoT, Cloud, Blockchain & Cybersecurity from MIT.
An innovative strategist with a passion for digital transformation, Michelle Woodyear brings over two decades of experience in legal marketing technology and business development to the Mount Insights consulting team. Prior to launching Mount Insights, Michelle worked in-house as Director of Digital Marketing at Covington and as Digital Marketing Manager at Orrick. She also worked on the vendor side at LexisNexis as a Client Advisor, where she helped much of the AM Law 200 firms deploy and maximize the value of their ERM and CRM systems. Michelle's expertise spans software development, data science, marketing technology, content strategy, and social selling. Michelle has a unique skill set that combines business acumen and a deep understanding of how to leverage technology to drive revenue growth. She excels at developing comprehensive digital transformation roadmaps and has in-house experience implementing cutting-edge MarTech stacks. A certified Six Sigma Black Belt and seasoned project manager, she combines analytical rigor with creative problem-solving to tackle the legal industry's most pressing challenges. Her track record includes building industry-leading digital marketing teams and developing innovative solutions that deliver measurable results. Michelle Woodyear has a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science and a M.B.A from The Pennsylvania State University.
Watch a sneak peek of this program!
Leading With Impact: A Deep Dive Into Leadership Development for Senior Legal Marketers
**UPDATE: Leading with Impact program is currently sold out.
This program is designed for in-house senior managers and directors with 10-15+ years of experience who report to the C-suite. Included in your pre-conference registration, you gain access to two exclusive, second-chair networking roundtable discussions (optional) throughout the conference. More information to come closer to the event.
Join us for a full-day, high-impact leadership development experience designed specifically for senior managers and directors who are ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and influence. This interactive session is structured into three dynamic parts:
- Self-Assessment: Included with your registration is a complimentary Insights assessment that you should complete in advance of the conference. From these results, and with a moderated discussion with a certified Insights trainer, you'll discover more about your personal leadership style, learn how it affects your team, and find ways to lead more effectively.
- Skill Development: This segment is focused on essential communication skills. We'll cover everything from building self-awareness and executive presence to developing high-performers, managing underperformance and handling resistance to change.
- Workshop: In this hands-on session, you'll put what you've learned into practice through guided exercises and problem-solving scenarios. You'll leave with at least one concrete action plan to apply to your work.
Connect, collaborate, and grow—this session will allow you to learn alongside peers, challenge your thinking, and leave with actionable next steps to help take you to the next level in your legal marketing career.
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze your personal leadership style using the Insights assessment and understand its impact on team dynamics and communication.
- Acquire and apply a range of communication frameworks and soft skills, including executive presence, active listening, and strategies for managing resistance to change.
- Develop a concrete action plan to implement new leadership techniques in their professional role, applying program insights to real-world scenarios.
View Sub-Sessions and Speakers
Co-Chairs:
Jennifer Bonesteel is a Director of Business Development at Littler, where she co-leads a team of Business Development Managers in proactive client development efforts, including BD coaching, revenue generation and developing strategic plans to drive client engagement and support firm-wide growth. She also leads the firm's Customer Success team in efforts to enhance client satisfaction and retention. With over 15 years of experience in legal marketing and client success, Jennifer has a proven track record of aligning business development strategies with evolving client needs. Jennifer is known for her collaborative approach, deep industry insight, and ability to translate complex legal services into compelling client value.
Deb Ruffins is a seasoned professional services marketing and business development leader with over 35 years of experience driving revenue growth. As former Chief Marketing Officer at Perkins Coie, she led strategy development as well as implementation of key strategic initiatives including client growth and sector go-to-market programs. Deb was also responsible for implementing and refining the marketing planning process, launching a new brand and website, tying marketing spend to de-sired outcomes and leading several operational excellence initiatives. A respected people leader, Deb led a team of communications, marketing and sales professionals who strengthened the firm’s revenue generation capabilities, drove sustained brand equity growth, and fueled client acquisition and growth.
LMA QuickStart ™ LIVE! – Transforming Tradition, Building Your Foundation for the Future
Presentations will tie to LMA core competencies within the Body of Knowledge – a foundational resource for professional development in marketing – and will provide practical skills and tools participants can immediately put to use at their own firm. As a bonus, all QuickStart Pre-Conference attendees will receive a complimentary copy of LMA's Body of Knowledge (valued at $179!).
Legal marketing is changing fast—and new professionals are in a prime position to shape what comes next. The LMA Quick Start Pre-Conference is designed for those with five years or less experience who want to build confidence, sharpen skills, network with their peers, and get energized about the impact they can make.
This interactive program offers a front-row seat to how law firms run and grow, and a chance to learn directly from leaders and peers about what drives success. Through candid conversations, hands-on exercises, and practical takeaways, you’ll see where you can add value today and how you can grow into tomorrow’s opportunities.
You’ll leave with fresh insights, new connections, and a personalized playbook—a roadmap to help you transform your role, accelerate your career, and get excited about what’s possible in this profession. PLUS, attendees will have a jump start on networking before the conference kicks off!
Learning Outcomes:
- Hear directly from firm leaders how law firms make money and how legal marketing and business development are essential to growth.
- Break down the anatomy of a business development pursuit to better understand the marketer’s role at every stage.
- Explore practical strategies for delivering exceptional client service and positioning marketing as a driver of client loyalty.
- Apply the art of effective communications to set yourself up for success.
- Leverage AI tools to gain a competitive advantage in communications and content development, even in change-adverse environments.
- Leave with a personal 30-60-90 day playbook to apply lessons immediately and accelerate professional growth.
- Connect with peers and develop new relationships that can support you throughout your career.
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Co-Chairs:
Debra Baker is a growth strategist who helps drive profitable growth through business development strategies that elevate client loyalty and talent engagement. As Managing Director at GrowthPlay, she has coached and trained more than 1,000 lawyers, equipping them with the tools to grow client relationships and build profitable practices. A former journalist turned lawyer, Debra brings 25+ years of experience across law, business, and sales effectiveness. Her work spans strategic growth planning, business development curriculum design, and coaching. She is a frequent keynote speaker and retreat facilitator, known for translating complex ideas into actionable insights. Debra has served on the LMA Education Advisory Council and the board of Northwestern Law’s Center for Practice Engagement & Innovation, as well as having served as an instructor for the Lex Mundi Institute. Prior to GrowthPlay, she founded Law Leaders Lab and served in marketing and business development leadership roles at an AmLaw 100 firm and legal technology company.
Megan Senese is the co-founder and principal of stage, a women-owned business development and marketing consultancy for law firms and lawyers. A former Big Law professional with 17 years of experience across three Am Law 100 firms, Megan has built client teams, launched firmwide BD strategies, and coached lawyers at every level. She knows what works, and what doesn’t, because she’s done it herself and for her clients. Known for her speed, candor, and brand instinct, Megan helps clients turn ideas into action and strategy into growth. She’s a trusted partner to lawyers, marketing teams, and firm leadership navigating everything from lateral integration to market positioning. She co-hosts So Much to Say: A Legal Podcast for People, co-chairs the LMA Small Firm SIG, and was a 2024 nominee for the Women in Content Awards. Her work has been featured in Bloomberg, Law360, PLI, and leading legal industry podcasts.
William Sleight is a Senior Business Development Manager at Jones Day and most recently served as Treasurer on the LMA Northeast Regional Board. With more than a decade of experience in the legal industry, he currently supports all U.S. offices on the East Coast as well as Mexico City. He enjoys assisting office and firm leadership develop high-level strategy around all business development activities and events within his region and beyond. William is an experienced contributor to building global client teams across a wide variety of industries and practices. Prior to joining Jones Day, he spent three years as a solo marketer for a boutique labor and employment law firm in Boston learning all aspects of legal marketing. William has been an active member of LMA since 2012 and has served in multiple leadership and volunteer roles. He received his B.S. in Communications from Ithaca College.
Multiply Your Impact: How to Scale Your Strategy, Influence, and Innovation as a Solo/Small Firm Marketer
This program is designed for in-house marketers at firms of fewer than 100 attorneys or with two or fewer marketing personnel, as well as anyone who may have to work with limited resources.
Solo and small team marketers know the grind. Our firms rely on us to be a strategist, content creator, event planner, technologist, and coach with limited time and even fewer resources. But with the right tools, mindset, and community, we don’t have to do it alone.
This year’s Pre-Conference focuses on how lean marketing teams can multiply their impact across the firm by activating the right levers. We’ll dive into practical and strategic ways to leverage generative AI, build influence with firm leadership, expand your support network beyond your firm, and make smart tech decisions that actually move the needle.
You’ll learn from marketers who are redefining what “small but mighty” really looks like. You’ll leave with a concrete plan to work smarter and grow your visibility as a strategic leader.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand how generative AI can extend your capacity for content creation, data analysis, workflow automation, and more.
- Gain strategies to secure buy-in from leadership by translating marketing needs into business value
- Create a “personal board of directors” to support your career growth and strategic decision-making
- Use data to identify high-potential opportunities for client growth, service expansion, and collaboration within existing client accounts
- Leave with practical frameworks and real-world examples from peer marketers who are doing more with less, while winning firm-wide influence
View Sub-Sessions and Speakers
Co-Chairs:
Brie Leung is a strategic consultant to law firms, specializing in strategic planning, business development, and organizational change. As the founder of Red Bird Strategy, she partners with firm leaders to align people, processes, and purpose for lasting success. With two decades of experience advising firms of all sizes—from solo practices to Am Law 100—Brie brings deep insight into the unique challenges and opportunities facing legal marketers. She’s known for her practical, people-first approach to strategy and change—helping marketers lead with confidence in evolving firm environments. A longtime LMA member, Brie is especially passionate about supporting the small firm and solo community and is proud to serve as co-chair of the 2026 pre-conference program.
Juliana Son is a legal marketing and business development professional with nearly two decades of experience helping law firms and legal tech firms enhance visibility, deepen client relationships, and drive revenue. She currently leads business development and marketing at Glenn Agre Bergman & Fuentes, where she works closely with firm leadership to shape business development strategy and support client acquisition across the firm’s litigation and restructuring practices. Juliana also manages branding and marketing strategy, including communications, media, and public relations. Juliana has built her career working with midsize firms and lean marketing teams, where adaptability, creativity, and cross-functional collaboration are key. She is a champion for leveraging technology for operational efficiency and driving measurable business growth.