There’s a national conference in June for a well-established bar association where I serve on the board at the local level. It’s a well-attended event with strong business development and networking opportunities within my practice area. I would be starting at my new firm a month before the conference.
I’d like to ask the firm to sponsor or cover my attendance, but I’m mindful that I’ll be brand new and don’t want to come off the wrong way. The total cost (registration, hotel, travel) will be a bit over $2,000, so I also want to be thoughtful about how I approach the ask. I also don’t mind covering a portion of the cost myself.
For those who’ve been in a similar position:
-When is the right time to raise this after starting?
-Who should I ask (partner, practice group leader, etc.)?
-How do you frame the ask so it’s seen as a benefit to the firm rather than a personal perk?
Would appreciate any tips or examples of how you approached this or whether I should wait until next year to ask for sponsorship.