- How long has ALA been in existence?
The Association of Legal Administrators was founded in 1971.
- How many members does ALA have?
ALA has nearly 10,000 members worldwide, representing more than 30 countries.
- Does ALA have a mission statement?
Yes:
- ALA is the undisputed leader for the business of law, focused on the delivery of cutting-edge management and leadership products and services to the global legal community.
- We identify and provide solutions to the most strategic and operational challenges our members and customers face today, while we prepare them for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.
- What are ALA's official goals?
ALA's goals are:
- Develop and deliver programs and products that will provide high-quality, competency-based education to members of the legal management team;
- Improve and strengthen the flow of information to and from the members;
- Enhance the services and benefits available to members;
- Increase the visibility and credibility of the Association of Legal Administrators and its members in the legal community through effective marketing and communications, and through partnering efforts with the bar and other law-related associations;
- Retain and recruit members from all components of the legal management team;
- Maintain the Association's strong economic base;
- Increase diversity in the Association, in the legal management community and in all legal service organizations;
- Promote and continue an organizational structure which clearly and effectively allocates the policy and operational roles and responsibilities of volunteers and staff through Governance Policies that ensure that organizational resources are best-used to achieve the Association's Mission and Goals.
- What are the dates for future annual conferences?
- When will the ALA Annual Conference brochure be sent to members?
The detailed brochure for the Annual Educational Conference and Exposition is mailed in January each year. See the Annual Conference and Exposition area the Web site for continued up-to-date information about the Annual Conference.
- Can nonmembers attend Regional and Annual Conferences?
Yes, individuals who are not currently members of ALA but who do meet the eligibility requirements for ALA membership are welcome to attend and participate in these events.ALA members enjoy discounts on registration fees. See individual Conference brochures for specific registration fees.
- Can I get continuing education credit for attending ALA Conferences and programs?
- I've prepaid the registration fees for a Conference. Can I get a refund if I have to cancel?
Yes, ALA does allow for cancellations. The deadline dates to receive a refund vary from Conference to Conference. For specific cancellation terms, refer to the individual Conference brochure.
- Can I attend a Regional Conference outside my region?
Yes. Regional Conferences are open to all members and eligible non-members, regardless of location.
- Could you tell me about ALA's Webinars?
ALA sponsors Webinars throughout the year. They are similar to a conference call, where participants phone in to register and listen to the presenter on a given topic. Typically, the Webinar concludes with a question-and-answer period. For more information and a detailed schedule, see ALA Webinars.
- Where can I find my membership identification number?
Your membership number appears on your ALA membership card. If you cannot find your membership card, contact ALA Headquarters by telephone 847.267.1252 or email our membership department.
- Do member benefits extend to my immediate family? To employees of my firm?
- Does ALA have any kind of placement service or job postings for administrators?
ALA Management ConnectionsSM is a nationwide job bank program for legal administrators and non-lawyer support staff. In addition, ads are posted for positions in professional service organizations (such as consulting and accounting firms) that require skills similar to those of a legal administrator or functional specialist. You may view ads or post your résumé by accessing the Career Center/Job Bank also.
- What's the fastest way to receive materials ALA sells?
ALA can provide next-day delivery on rush orders for products. To guarantee next-day delivery (except Weekends), fax your order form to ALA HQ at 847.267.1329. ALA's Products and Bookstore area is the fastest way to receive materials.
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- Does ALA offer a certification program?
Yes. The Certified Legal Manager (CLM) SM
certification program identifies qualifed practitioners, ensures recognition of their expertise, and assists in their development and self-improvement by
identifying a body of knowledge and establishing professional standards. Based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of Legal Administrators Study
conducted in 1995 and 2000, the certification program allows qualified legal administrators to demonstrate, through an examination process, a mastery of
core areas of knowledge identified as essential to the effective performance of a principal administrator. See the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)SMProgram
on this Web site for details about the program including exam dates.
- Will ALA's certification be mandatory for membership?
No. Certification is not required for ALA membership. Participation in the certification is strictly voluntary.
- Can nonmembers become certified through ALA's certification program?
- What does a member receive for their membership dues?
The tangible benefits are oftentimes the first benefits that come to mind -
- Legal Management
- Your ALA News
- ALA Currents
- Membership and Resource Directory
- Compensation and Benefits Survey
In addition, members enjoy special rates and/or opportunities to participate in conferences, retreats and other educational programs,
in the ALA Management Connections SM job bank, resources available through the Members Only area of the ALA Web site, and in a series of
member benefit programs.
Of equal value are the intangibles such as
- networking,
- resource information,
- leadership development,
- personal and professional growth, and
- ideas that can reduce the bottom line.
Members also benefit indirectly from the many ways ALA supports its chapters. For more information, see Benefits of Membership and Member Services.
- Does changing jobs affect my ALA membership?
As long as you meet the criteria for membership, your membership goes with you to your new employer organization.
- I just lost my job. Can I continue my membership?
Yes, if you become unemployed during a year of paid membership, you are eligible to continue your ALA membership for 180 days as a regular member, provided you aren't serving as a consultant or business partner and are not otherwise employed. After 180 days, you are eligible to continue as an Associate member. The 180 day period is calculated based on the last day you worked regardless of when you received your last check or the terms of a severance package.
- What happens if I no longer qualify for membership, yet my annual dues were recently paid?
As with many associations, dues are not refundable. If you have any questions, please contact the membership department.
- I am retiring. Can I continue my ALA membership?
Yes. If you are not otherwise employed and your dues are paid, you can retain an Associate membership. Contact the Membership Department to see if you qualify for reduced dues.
- How often is Legal Management published?
Legal Management is published eight times per year, with editions dated January/February, March, April/May, June, July/August, September, October/November and December.
- What is the employment profile of ALA members?
A majority of ALA members are principal administrators in private law offices. For more detailed information, see ALA Demographics.
- What is an ALA chapter?
An ALA chapter consists of a group of ALA members organized and chartered on a state, provincial, or local basis to advance ALA's Mission and Goals in a manner consistent with the policies of the international Association, and which is established and operated in accordance with ALA's bylaws and its guidelines, standards, and objectives for chapters. Once you become an ALA member, you may join one of our chapters. Additional application and dues may be required by some chapters.
- Is membership transferable?
ALA membership is issued to individuals, not to organizations. Membership is not transferable from one person to another.
- Do you accept credit card payments for membership fees, products and services?
Yes. ALA accepts MasterCard, Visa and American Express as a means of payment. ALA also accepts checks/cheques and money orders. Purchase orders are not accepted.
- Are membership dues deductible?
Contributions or dues to ALA are not deductible as charitable contributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, dues payments are deductible by U.S. members as an ordinary and necessary business expense. Member dues are not used for lobbying expenses.
- Does ALA offer an Associate membership?
Yes, Associate membership is available to individuals who are interested in legal administration, who are not eligible for Regular membership and who are either
- practicing lawyers with the principal management responsibility in their firm;
- individuals who are engaged in an ongoing employment-type relationship which involves providing continuing management services as outlined in the
Association's bylaws;
- retired legal administrators;
- unemployed legal administrators;
- teachers of business, management or law-related disciplines at institutions of higher learning;
- students in business, management or law-related studies at institutions of higher learning;
- bar association executives; or
- other individuals not specifically excluded from membership who have and demonstrate an interest in the management of law firms and other legal organizations, and who do not qualify for Regular Membership in the Association.
- Can a legal administrator belong to a local chapter without also being a member of the international Association?
According to the ALA bylaws, all members of local chapters must also be members of the international Association.
- If I have left ALA or the profession in general, can I rejoin later?
Yes, you can rejoin if you again qualify for membership. A new joined date is assigned when you reapply. If, however, you are now serving as a business partner or consultant, you are no longer eligible for membership.
- Can I join more than one chapter?
Yes, with the permission of each participating chapter.
- For membership eligibility purposes, how does ALA define the terms business partner and consultant?
Consultant: An individual whose primary service generally involves the sale of intellectual property or expert advice to legal organizations, and who engages with multiple and changing clients. A consultant provides expertise on specific issues or projects but does not perform ongoing day-to-day administrative functions.
Business Partner: An individual (or member of an organization) whose primary function is to market or sell products and/or services to members of the legal community.
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