Welcome to the Atlanta Association of Legal Administrators newsletter of upcoming events, articles and more from our membership. In this edition you will find helpful articles on CLM certification, carpet care, avoiding malpractice suits and much more. Take a look at the new member activation game, Capture the Magic, and check out what the chapter has been up to during the past three months.
Thank you for the support you give our chapter which allows us to provide this newsletter, multiple educational opportunities and much, much more for our members. Just a reminder that this will be the final electronic newsletter our 2009 Business Partner sponsors will receive. Our 2010 Business Partner sponsors will continue to receive AALA Connections and will be able to take advantage of the upgraded recognition possibilities through our new website. Registration for the 2010 program will end on January 15th. If you haven't decided yet whether to continue sponsorship with the AALA, you may want to look at the upgraded opportunities the chapter is providing such as the Appreciation Event and the Meet & Greet meetings. Click here to review the 2010 program or contact Jeff Hamrick with any questions.
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I know we all probably say this every year, but I really mean it this year. Where did the time go? Now that December is here, it seems like it’s all gone by so fast. Yet, some of the individual days seemed awfully long at the time. Fortunately, I have had the pleasure of spending the last 9 months as President of this wonderful organization and had the pleasure of working with a collective board made up of some of the hardest working and most creative... [More Info]
Worthy Waypoints: How Life's Adventures Led One AALA Member Forward Author: Elizabeth Sprouse
When the peach drops December 31, it will signify different things for everyone; however, for one legal administrator, it will represent an opportunity to give back to an association that has supported him since he moved here more than 14 years ago. For 2010, Jack Huddleston, director of operations for Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP, has been nominated to proudly serve on the AALA's... [More Info]
Ritz Carlton Buckhead on December 9 A magnificent room on the crisp December day at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead set the stage for the 2009 AALA Holiday Luncheon. This yearly event has proven to be a favorite among chapter members and business partners alike. At the luncheon our Chapter sponsored the annual Toys for Tots. Lance Corporal Reece was in attendance to tell members a little bit about what Toys for Tots does for children throughout our country. ... [More Info]
Every year, the Spirit of AALA trophy is awarded to the person or organization that exemplifies the characteristics necessary to help our organization achieve its mission… to promote and enhance the competence and professionalism of legal administrators and all members of the management team; to improve the quality of management in law firms and other legal service organizations; and to represent professional legal management and managers to the legal... [More Info]
There's a reason continuing education and professional development look good on a resume. It reveals one's resolve to never stop learning and strengthening their skill-set, regardless of their years of experience. Volunteer positions within a professional organization, such as the AALA, indicate a person's ability to lead and work with leaders in their own profession. These qualities make us invaluable to our employers because they make us great at what we do! Now, more than ever,... [More Info]
Author: Patti Lane, CLM, Michael Stephens, PHR, Marshall Fletcher and Lisa Nietzel, CLM
Evidence is everywhere throughout the Association of Legal Administrators that the dynamics of the vendor/administrator relationship have changed and matured. Far from being the “enemy,” vendors are our business partners. We need them and they need us, and it is in all of our best interests to change our thinking and our paradigms. Through the efforts of the Vendor Relations Committee (VRC)... [More Info]
Author: Stephen Lewis, Technical Director, MilliCare
An introductory look at what it takes to maintain your facility Choosing a Sustainable Maintenance Plan Equals Financial and Environmental Savings Carpet is an important investment for any organization; it is both a costly asset and, visually, makes a big impression on visitors and clients. As an investment, protecting and extending the life of carpeting should be considered a top priority. Being proactive and removing dirt and soil... [More Info]
Author: Anthony Greene, CRM, CIC, Jamison Insurance Group
As we come to the end of 2009 most insurance companies have seen an increase in reports of actual and/or potential lawyers’ professional liability claims. This is no surprise since historically claims against law firms and other professional advisors have increased after every major economic downturn. In many instances billings, collections and fee dispute related issues put administrators and other staff in the middle... [More Info]
“’Magic” is all around us, just waiting to be captured! Welcome to 2010! Our theme for the year is ‘Capture the Magic of AALA!’ The Magic of AALA can be captured in the camaraderie of its members, the endless educational opportunities, the hard work of its committees and the resources of its website and newsletters. Enjoying the Magic of AALA is even more rewarding than ever. Not only do you benefit from using these tools, you also gain the chance to win... [More Info]
Did you play along in our year-long virtual adventure to Beantown? In 2009, the AALA played The Great Beantown Adventure where the goal was to find hints and figure out clues to determine a ‘final destination’ in Boston. The final destination was the Boston Athenaeum! Congratulations to Amy Hutcheson for winning the 2010 Scholarship to the ALA National Conference in Boston, MA which will be held in early May. It is our hope to host a social and/or tour of the Athenaeum... [More Info]
In today’s rapidly changing economy, it might help to know that certification is one commodity whose value is increasing. From personal satisfaction to savings on liability insurance, the Association of Legal Administrators’ (ALA) Certified Legal Manager (CLM)SM* designation is today helping in ways not imagined when many CLMs first made the decision to seek certification. Consider its advantage in the... [More Info]
Characteristics of Today’s Most Successful Law Firms: How Does Your Firm Measure Up? Day: Wednesday 20-Jan-10 0:00 AM Location: Maggiano's Little Italy - Buckhead 3368 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326 Speaker's Name: John Remsen, Jr., President, TheRemsenGroup Summary: The legal profession has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Some law firms are thriving, while others are falling apart. ...
Multi/Branch-Office Study Group Day: Thursday 4-Feb-10 12:00 PM Location: Fish & Richardson 1180 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Summary: Round Table
Communicating With Difficult and Challenging People During Difficult and Challenging Times Day: Wednesday 17-Feb-10 12:00 PM Location: Hotel Palomar 866 West Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30308 Speaker's Name: Byron G. Sabel, Consultant Summary: MENU: Caesar Salad Chicken Cannelloni ~ Chicken and Ricotta Cheese, Golden Raisins, Parmesan and Cheese Toasted Walnuts Tiramisu If you register and do not attend or cancel by the registration deadline, you will be responsible for a $25 cancellation fee. Vegetarian menu available u...
In attending the recent Region 1&2 Conference in host city Savannah, GA, I learned that regional conferences truly are mini national conferences. As a small firm Administrator, I was thrilled to have so many educational sessions to select from; the ones I attended on budgeting and collections trends provided valuable information during these difficult economic times. Of course, value also lies in the chance to... [More Info]
If there is enough interest in any given ALA Webinar in 2010, and it does not conflict with an AALA Speaker Series, they will be hosted at Constangy, Brooks & Smith. There will be a $25 participant charge to cover the cost of the webinar.
March 17, 2010
Law Firm Innovation: Will You Lead or Follow?
April 21, 2010
The Administrator’s Role as Coach in a Multi-Generational Workplace
May 19, 2010
The Social Networking Revolution
June 16, 2010
The Keys to Develop and Implement the Firm’s Dreaded Strategic Plan
July 21, 2010
Legal Risks to Assessing Candidates by Social Network Sites
August 18, 2010
Law Firm Profitability Enhancement
September 15, 2010
Electronic Records Management: How to Manage your ESI in the 21st Century
As this year comes to a close, we have all been impacted by the economic downturn either personally or professionally. I don’t know if our industry has ever felt this much pain. Our chapter, like many others, came together to assist our colleagues who have been affected by the economy. One task was an online job bank, where we post job vacancies and resumes. Many members and business partners have volunteered to help and to that end, we will remain focused on... [More Info]