Welcome from the Conference Committee

By Philip Ross
LFA Retreat Planning Committee Chair

On behalf of the LFA Retreat Planning Committee, I would like to invite you to attend this year’s Large Firm Principal Administrators Retreat, August 3-5 at the Westin Boston Waterfront in historic Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Waterfront has been dramatically revitalized in recent years, and the area now offers incredible opportunities for walking, running, shopping, dining and enjoying the incredible Boston Harbor! The Planning Committee is very excited about the educational program this year.

The retreat will begin on Thursday, August 4, with an afternoon of golf for those who wish to play, or the chance to experience an historic tour of the city. These activities will be followed by dinner for all attendees back at the hotel.

On Friday, we will begin the day with an idea exchange focused on legal project management that will include the participation of LegalBizDev Chairman Jim Hassett, one of the industry leaders in this area, and our own Michelle Weber, whose firm has spent years on the implementation of LPM to significant success. We expect a lively discussion that will include practical ideas for implementing LPM at your firm.

Next up, we plan to take advantage of the conference’s proximity to Harvard University and will be joined by Heidi Gardner, PhD and Harvard Law School professor. Heidi’s work on fostering collaboration in the legal industry is garnering significant attention, particularly her research that demonstrates organizations with greater levels of collaboration are also more profitable, have more satisfied clients, and are better able to retain their key people.

Saturday morning will begin with another idea exchange focused on the areas of your business that are most important to you. The idea exchange will be followed by a session on listening skills led by Richard Mullender. Richard’s experience as one of the world’s leading hostage negotiators and the lead trainer for Scotland Yard’s National Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit. His experiences have taught him the importance of listening in becoming a great negotiator. This session promises to be both educational and entertaining, with practical applications for work and home.

As usual, we have taken care to ensure that the agenda will allow significant time for you to network with your colleagues. This is always one of the best parts of the retreat, and we have a few special venues lined up that you are sure to enjoy. We are grateful for your interest in this year’s retreat, and we look forward to personally welcoming you to Boston this summer.

Your LFA Conference Committee

Philip Ross, LFA Retreat Planning Committee Chair
Kimberly Cannon
Michael DeLargy
Jim Nichols
Michelle Weber