Association of Legal Administrators Announces 2013-14 Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2013 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) At its recent Conference & Expo in National Harbor, Maryland, the Association of
Legal Administrators inducted its board of directors for 2013-14. Leading the association and serving as President for 2013-14 is
Paul Farnsworth of Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP in Rochester, NY. Steven D. Wingert, CLM of Marshall Gerstein & Borun, LLP in Chicago,
Illinois continues his service as chair of the board.
The Board includes the following individuals:
Paul A. Farnsworth - President
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
Rochester, NY
Paula K. Barnes - President-Elect
Burr & Forman, LLP
Nashville, TN
Steven D. Wingert, CLM - Past President
Marshall Gerstein & Borun LLP
Chicago, IL
Janine D. Book - Region 1 Director
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Pittsburgh, PA
Gary T. Swisher II, CLM - Region 2 Director
Sarasota, FL
Cheryl A. Nelson, CLM, PHR - Region 3 Director
Robins Kaplan Miller & Ciresi, LLP
Minneapolis, MN
Greg Madden - Region 4 Director
Rhodes Hieronymus Jones Tucker & Gable
Tulsa, OK
Dawna R. Mason, CLM - Region 5 Director
Farleigh Wada Witt
Portland, OR
Linda E. Quindt, CLM - Region 6 Director
Marks Finch Thornton & Baird, LLP
San Diego, CA
Stephen G. Dempsey, CLM - At-Large Director
Sidley Austin, LLP
Washington, D.C.
Teresa J. Walker - At-Large Director
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP
Nashville, TN
Laura J. Broomell, CLM - At-Large Director
Greene Espel P.L.L.P.
Minneapolis, MN
ALA Joins Legal Association Ideas Exchange Summit
"Take the LEAD" Summit Engages Association Leadership in Collaborative Planning
For Immediate Release
June 15, 2012, Lincolnshire, Illinois — In early June, ALA President Steve Wingert, CLM, incoming Executive Director Oliver Yandle, J.D.,
CAE, and Director of Marketing and Communications Gwen Biasi, CAE attended an invitation-only legal association summit meeting. The summit, called
"Take the LEAD," focused on bringing together legal management-related associations to share challenges and exchange ideas, in order to deliver better
membership experiences to participants' members.
Aside from ALA, participating associations included:
Outcomes of the first summit meeting included the identification of several areas in which the participating organizations could explore collaboration.
While ALA participates in several alliances with similar industry organizations, this was the first formal meeting of a conglomeration of legal management
associations.
Wingert, Yandle and Biasi volunteered for task forces to further the idea exchange and explore more concrete ideas for collaboration, including the
creation of a C-Level Round Table, expanded conference attendance and content sharing, and the management of the “Take the Lead” Summit in the future.
Look for future information in Your ALA News and on the ALA website as these ideas take shape.
We'd like to extend thanks to the LSSO for its hospitality in hosting the inaugural summit.
Chicago Area Legal Association Names New Executive Director
For Immediate Release
May 24, 2012 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) — After a nationwide search, the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), an international association based in Lincolnshire, Illinois, has tapped a local candidate to be its new executive director. Oliver P. Yandle, JD, CAE, of Chicago, Illinois has been announced as the next Executive Director of ALA. Yandle comes to ALA from the Commercial Law League of America in Chicago, Illinois where he serves as executive vice president.
"The Board and Search Committee undertook an extensive national recruitment process to ensure we were bringing in the leadership talent necessary to lead us through the next phase of our strategic plan," said ALA President Steve Wingert, CLM. "Oliver brings a wealth of association and law related knowledge and experience to ALA. We are confident his approach to strategic planning, creative thinking, analytical ability and passion for association work will provide a good fit with ALA's approach and needs."
Yandle's law association experience includes holding the executive director position at the International Association of Defense Counsel, in Chicago, Illinois and he served as an adjunct instructor of legal analysis and writing at the Washington College of Law at American University.
In addition to his legal experience, Yandle has had a long-standing career in association work, most recently having held the position of Executive Vice President for Commercial Law League of America. Chicago, Illinois. He has held senior directors positions at SmithBucklin in Chicago, Illinois, at the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Washington, D.C. and at the Intelligent Transportation Society of America in Washington D.C.
He is active in both the Society of Association Executives (ASAE) where he holds the Certified Association Executive designation, and the Association Forum of Chicagoland, where he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors.
Yandle is a native of Louisiana and holds a BA in journalism from Loyola University of the South in New Orleans, and a JD from Washington College of Law at The American University in Washington, D.C.
ALA Announces Its 2012-2013 Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 21, 2012 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) — The yearly changeover of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) Board of Directors took place last month at the ALA Annual Conference & Exposition in Honolulu. Leading the Association and serving as President for 2012-2013 is Steven D. Wingert, CLM, of Marshall, Gerstein & Borun, LLP in Chicago. The full ALA Board includes the following individuals:
President:
Steven D. Wingert, CLM
Marshall, Gerstein & Borun, LLP
Chicago, Illinois
President-Elect:
Paul A. Farnsworth
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
Rochester, New York
Past President:
Karen D. Griggs, CLM
Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, LLC
Kansas City, Missouri
Region 1 Director:
Janine D. Book
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Region 2 Director:
Paula K. Barnes
Burr & Forman, LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
Region 3 Director:
Cheryl A. Nelson, PHR
Bingham McHale, LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Region 4 Director:
Greg M. Madden
Rhodes Hieronymus Jones Tucker & Gable
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Region 5 Director:
Dawna R. Mason, CLM
Farleigh Wada Witt
Portland, Oregon
Region 6 Director:
Steven M. Morris, CLM
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, LLP
San Francisco, California
At-Large Director:
Toni R. Beasley, CLM
Andrews Kurth LLP
Austin, Texas
At-Large Director:
Steven G. Dempsey, CLM
Sidley Austin, LLP
Washington, D.C.
At-Large Director:
Teresa J. Walker
Walker Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
Groff Receives Prestigious "Spirit of ALA" Award
For Immediate Release
May 21, 2012 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) - The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) recently presented the "Spirit of ALA" award to its long-time member, Patricia L. Groff, CLM, Director of Administration, Butz, Dunn & DeSantis, APC in San Diego.
The "Spirit of ALA" award is the Association’s highest honor and is presented to those whose commitment to professionalism, dedication to the advancement of law firm administration and record of long-term service to ALA sets the standard for all who aspire to achievement, excellence and success.
Groff has been a member of ALA since 1991 and held held multiple leadership roles at the ALA chapter, regional and international levels. As a member of the ALA San Diego Chapter she has held various officer positions, including Chapter President. On the regional and international level, she served as Regional Officer, an Association Nominating Committee member and also a Trustee for the Foundation of ALA. In addition, she served four years on the Annual Conference Committee and was Chair in 2004. Soon thereafter she was elected to ALA’s Board of Directors where she completed two years as an At-Large Director, one year as a Regional Director and also served as ALA's President-Elect (2006-2007), President (2007-2008) and Immediate Past President (2008-2009). Currently, she is serving as Chair of the ALA International Relations Committee.
"Patti embodies the true meaning of this award." said Karen D. Griggs, ALA Past President. "She is a true professional her commitment and dedication to ALA are hard to match. She is widely respected within and outside of ALA circles, and she has been a tireless worker on behalf of our Association. She is very deserving of this honor."
2012 Burton/ALA Awards Winners Announced
For Immediate Release
May 16, 2012 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – The annual Burton Awards for Legal Achievement — presented in association with the Law Library of Congress — recently announced the winning entries in the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) Awards categories. Sponsored by ALA, these awards were open only its members and their firms or legal departments and are awarded for outstanding achievements in legal writing. The ceremony will be held at The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on June 11, 2012.
The categories represent:
Best Law Firm Encyclopedic Handbook - for the best encyclopedic handbook written during the preceding year. The handbook discusses from the most basic of elements to the most detailed and complex, of virtually every subject area pertinent to a particular practice of law.
Best Law Firm Advertisement - for the best law firm advertisement which appeared in a publication during the preceding year. The advertisement may be devoted to publicizing the firm, a cause supported by the firm, or an effort worked on by the firm or its member.
Best Law Firm Compendium - for the best book or compilation published by or on behalf of a law firm devoted to analyzing either a single areas or multiple subject areas in law.
Best Law Firm Newsletter - for the best newsletter which presents either the ongoing work and efforts of the firm, or analysis of current issues in the law, or both.
Best Law Firm Profile - for the best presentation of a law firm. These materials or single publication must be prepared to showcase the firm and its benefits and capabilities.
Best Law Firm Publication - The award is given to publications which are not newsletters, not compendiums on law, and not books. It is a catch-all category.
Outstanding Authoritative Book by a Partner in a Law Firm - given to a member of a law firm whose book is an important contribution to the legal profession, and its content is comprehensive in scope, informative, incisive, and is an important reference and informational tool.
2012 winners are:
Best Law Firm Encyclopedic Handbook:
Bailey Cavalieri LLC, Columbus, Ohio
Submitted by: Randall P. Headley, CLM
Outstanding Authoritative Book by a Partner in a Law Firm:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York
Submitted by: Michael Hersch
Best Law Firm Advertisement:
Morrison & Foerster, New York, New York
Submitted by: Joe Calve
Best Law Firm Compendium:
Kaye Scholer LLP, New York, New York
Submitted by: Karen A. Dogonniuck
Best Law Firm Newsletter:
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Los Angeles, California
Submitted by: Susan Seales
Best Law Firm Profile:
Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP, Washington, D.C.
Submitted by: Laura Raphael
Best Law Firm Publication:
Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, Washington, D.C.
Submitted by: Steven B. Pfeiffer
The submissions were judged by an Academic Board led by Virginia Wise, a renowned teacher at Harvard Law School; Anne E. Kringel, a widely recognized expert in legal writing and senior lecturer in law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School; Grace Tonner, a prominent dean from the University of California Law School at Irvine; Judge Ed Forstenzer, a distinguished judge from California's Superior Court (retired); and William Ryan, a direct descendant of Noah Webster and former Chair of the White House Plain Language Committee.
About the Burton Awards
The Burton Awards is supported by the Burton Foundation, a volunteer, not-for-profit, academic organization concentrating on legal writing. The awards program was established in 1999 and is dedicated principally to rewarding effective legal writing. The program honors partners and managers in law firms, as well as law school students who use plain, clear and concise language and avoid archaic, stilted legalese. For more information, visit www.burtonawards.com.
Larry Smith Stepping Down as ALA Executive Director
For Immediate Release
January 17, 2012 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) announced today that Executive Director Larry Smith will be leaving the organization to pursue other opportunities in association management. His departure will take place in the coming weeks, and ALA President Karen D. Griggs, CLM, will lead the search for a new executive director.
"ALA has benefited from Larry's dedication and his valuable contributions to our success during the past two years," said Griggs, who chairs ALA's Board of Directors. "We wish him much success in his future endeavors."
During his tenure as Executive Director, ALA expanded member benefits, maintained high member retention levels and strengthened the Association's financial reserves.
"It has been a privilege to serve such a talented and committed group of professionals in our field," said Smith, whose career has spanned law and association management. "I look forward to seeing the Association continue its growth in the future."
Smith joined ALA in late 2009, after serving for seven years as a director at the American Bar Association.
Association of Legal Administrators Announces Its 2011-2012 Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – The yearly changeover of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) Board of Directors took place today at the ALA Annual Conference & Exposition in Orlando. Leading the Association and serving as President for 2011-2012 is Karen D. Griggs, CLM, of Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, LLC in Kansas City, Missouri. The Board includes the following individuals:
President: Karen D. Griggs, CLM
Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, LLC
Kansas City, Missouri
President-Elect: Steven D. Wingert, CLM
Marshall, Gerstein & Borun, LLP
Chicago, Illinois
Past President: Rita M. Alli
Stoel Rives LLP
Seattle, Washington
Region 1 Director: Janine D. Book
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Pittsburgh, PA
Region 2 Director: Paula K. Barnes
Burr & Forman, LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
Region 3 Director: Roselyn S. Hazzard
Bingham McHale, LLP
Indianapolis, IN
Region 4 Director: Toni R. Beasley, CLM
Andrews Kurth LLP
Austin, Texas
Region 5 Director: Dawna R. Mason, CLM
Farleigh Wada Witt
Portland, OR
Region 6 Director: Steven M. Morris, CLM
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, LLP
San Francisco, California
At-Large Director: Sabine S. Curto
Jenner & Block, LLP
Washington, D.C.
At-Large Director: Steven G. Dempsey, CLM
Sidley Austin, LLP
Washington, D.C.
At-Large Director: Kara Jordan, MBA
Portland, Oregon
Seattle Legal Administrator Continues Service on the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors as Past President
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. The changes include the installation of Rita M. Alli, director of business and professional development at Stoel Rives, LLP in Seattle, as its immediate Past President (2010-2011).
Alli joined ALA in 1995 and has since served in numerous ALA leadership positions, including
President and At-Large Director supporting the Regions 2, 3, 4 and 5 Management Teams. At the chapter level, she served as President and has been a member of various committees and FALA grant project teams, including the chapter’s Business Skills Training Program. She is a frequent speaker who has presented at ALA Annual, Regional and Extraordinary Law Firm Conferences, Webinars and many chapter events. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and possesses trainer and facilitator certifications. Alli is affiliated with the Puget Sound Chapter.
Nashville Legal Administrator to Continue Service on the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. This includes the continuation of Paula K. Barnes, legal administrator at Burr & Forman LLP in Nashville, as ALA Region 2 Director.
Barnes is entering her second year as Director and is responsible for the overall management of ALA Region 2, which consists of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
An administrator for 10 years, and an ALA member since 2002, Barnes previously served as Projects Officer for Region 2. She also has served on the 2007 Regions 2 & 3 Conference Planning Committee and as a member of the 2006 Region 2 Nominating Committee. At the Chapter level, Barnes has served as Community Service Chair, Secretary, Vice President and President (twice).
Austin Legal Administrator Continues Service on the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. This includes the continuation of Toni R. Beasley, CLM, office administrator at Andrews Kurth, LLP in Austin, Texas, as ALA Region 4 Director.
Beasley is entering her second year as Director and is responsible for the overall management of ALA Region 4, which consists of Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah.
An ALA member since 2003, Beasley previously served as Region 4 Projects Officer. On the Chapter level, she currently serves on the Compensation and Benefits Committee and was Past President, President-Elect and Chair of the Membership Committee. She is affiliated with the Austin Chapter and earned her Certified Legal Manager (CLM)SM designation in 2008.
Pittsburgh Legal Administrator to Serve on the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. This includes the installment of Janine D. Book, office administrator at Pepper Hamilton LLP in Pittsburgh, as ALA Region 1 Director.
As Director, she will be responsible for the overall management of ALA Region 1, which consists of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ontario and Québec.
Since joining ALA in 1996, Book has served a two-year stint as Region 1 Communications Officer. She also served as Chair and the previous year as a member of the Region 1 Nominating Committee. She is currently past president of the Pittsburgh Chapter and serves on the Chapter’s Past Presidents’ Council. In the past she was chair of the Pittsburgh Chapter’s (PLAA) Annual Education Conference and PLAA Business Partner Relations Committee. More recently, she has been a member of the PLAA Education Conference Committee.
Washington, D.C. Legal Administrator Continues Service on the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. This includes the continuation of Sabine S. Curto, director of administration at Jenner & Block, LLP in Washington, D.C., as At-Large Director.
Curto is entering her second year as At-Large Director and provides policy-making and operational responsibilities in support of the Regional Management Teams for ALA Region 1 and Region 5.
Curto joined ALA in 1994 and previously served on the 2009-2010 Board of Directors as Region 2 Director. Additionally, on the national level, she has served as Region 2 Education Officer, Chair (and three-time member) of the Regional Nominating Committee and a member of the Regional Conference Committee. Curto is Past President of the Capital Chapter and its Foundation. She serves on the D.C. Bar Board of Governors.
Washington, D.C. Legal Administrator Continues to Serve on the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. This includes the installation of Stephen G. Dempsey, director of administration at Sidley Austin, LLP in Washington, D.C., as At-Large Director.
As At-Large Director, he provides policy-making and operational responsibilities in support of the Regional Management Teams for ALA Region 4 and Region 6.
Since joining ALA in 1994, Dempsey has served as Chair of both the ALA Diversity Task Force and its successor, the Committee on Diversity & Inclusion. Dempsey also served on the Webinar Advisory Committee, Region 2 Nominating Committee and 2009 Annual Conference Committee (New Orleans). He is currently President of the Capital Chapter and was Treasurer in 2008. Dempsey also served in a number of positions for the Dallas Chapter, including President and Treasurer. He has given presentations at numerous ALA Annual and Regional Conferences on the topic of diversity.
Foley Receives ALA Outstanding Association Volunteer Award
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) — The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) recently presented its “Outstanding Association Volunteer Award” to Barbara A. Foley, CLM, chief operating officer at RatnerPrestia in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
The “Outstanding Association Volunteer Award” recognizes an ALA member for his/her exceptional and continued service with the Association. The award was presented at the 2011 Annual Conference in Orlando.
Foley joined ALA 20 years ago. She was a charter member of the Independence Chapter, served as its President from 1996 to 1998, and is still an active member today. She served two years on the Intellectual Property Retreat Planning Committee, with one year of that service as Committee Chair. Shortly thereafter she was named ALA Region 1 Education Officer, a position she held from 2005 to 2007, after which she was elected to the Region 1 Director position from 2007 to 2009. Today, she serves as a member of the newly-formed International Relations Committee.
Gould Receives ALA Outstanding Association Volunteer Award
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) — The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) recently presented its “2011 Outstanding Association Volunteer Award” to Frank Gould of Henderson, Nevada.
The “Outstanding Association Volunteer Award” recognizes an ALA member for his/her exceptional and continued service with the Association. The award was presented at the 2011 Annual Conference in Orlando.
Gould joined ALA 27 years ago. In the early 1990’s he was the President of the former ALA Beverly Hills Chapter, and over the years he has held a number of officer positions in the Cyber Chapter, where he is still an active member today. He also served on the Association Nominating Committee in 2005. Gould has served as the moderator of two of ALA’s three discussion forums—a responsibility that requires frequent and ongoing attention.
Kansas City, Missouri Legal Administrators Takes Office as 37th President of the Association of Legal Administrators
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. The changes include the installation of Karen D. Griggs, executive director, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, as 2011-2012 ALA President.
As President, Griggs will guide the Association’s strategic planning and will oversee all Board, inter-association and media spokesperson activities.
Griggs has been a member of ALA since 1984 and has held various leadership positions at the ALA Regional and Chapter levels. She has served as Region 3 Director, Chapter President and on numerous Chapter committees. At the Regional level, she served as Nominating Committee Chair and as the Region 3 Conference liaison. She was also on the Region 3 Management Team and held the positions of Communications Officer and Education Officer. She was honored in the Inaugural Group of Kansas City’s Top Ten Legal Leaders, and in 2006 she received ALA’s Outstanding Association Volunteer Award.
She is a member of the Greater Kansas City Chapter and she earned the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)SM designation in 1999.
Indianapolis Legal Administrator to Serve on the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. This includes the installment of Roselyn (Roz) Hazzard, human resources director at Bingham McHale LLP in Indianapolis, as ALA Region 3 Director.
As Director, she will be responsible for the overall management of ALA Region 3, which consists of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Hazzard joined ALA in 1993 and has served on the 2010 Annual Conference Committee. Prior to that, she co-moderated a Conference week Idea Exchange for mid-size law firms. From 2007 to 2008 she served as Education Officer on the Region 3 Management Team, and in 2006 and 2007 she was a chapter awards program judge. Hazzard also held the positions of president-elect and then president of the Indiana Chapter. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington.
Kara Jordan, MBA, Continues Service on the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. This includes the continuation of Kara Jordan, MBA of Portland, Oregon, as At-Large Director.
Jordan is entering her second year as At-Large Director and provides policy-making and operational responsibilities in support of the Regional Management Teams for ALA Region 2 and ALA Region 3.
Jordan has been an active member of ALA since 2002 and previously served as Region 5 Education Office. She has also served on several ALA committees including the Association Nominating, Regional Nominating and 2007, 2008 and 2009 Region 5 Conference Planning Committees. She has held the chapter leadership positions of Past President, President, President-Elect, Education Director and Newsletter Editor.
John S. Kirk, CLM, Receives Prestigious “Spirit of ALA Award”
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) — The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) recently presented the “Spirit of ALA Award” to its long-time member, John S. Kirk, CLM, director of administration at Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox, LLP in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
The “Spirit of ALA Award” is the Association’s highest honor and is presented to those whose commitment to professionalism, dedication to the advancement of law firm administration and record of long-term service to ALA sets the standard for all who aspire to achievement, excellence and success.
Kirk has been a member of ALA since 1987. He is a past president of the ALA Philadelphia Chapter and past chair of the ALA Certification Committee. He is also a fellow in the College of Law Practice Management. Additionally, John has been active with ALA in many other capacities, including serving as the chair of the 1994 Annual Education Conference, and as a member of its Board of Directors. He recently completed his term as Chair of ALA’s Business Partner Relations Committee and serves on the Education Committee for the Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program.
“John embodies the true meaning of this award.” said Rita Alli, ALA Past President. “He is a true professional and has demonstrated successful leadership and long-standing service to the legal community as a whole. He is very deserving of this honor.”
Portland Legal Administrator to Serve on the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. This includes the installment of Dawna R. Mason, CLM, administrator at Farleigh Wada Witt LLP in Portland, Oregon, as ALA Region 5 Director.
As Director, she will be responsible for the overall management of ALA Region 5, which consists of Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories
She served as an At-Large Director on ALA’s Board from 2004 to 2006, and she has held both Communications Officer and Education Officer positions for Region 5. She has served on an Annual Conference Committee and many Regional Conference Committees. She spent two years on the Business Partner Relations Committee and was a Chapter Awards judge. Mason has served on ALA’s Certification Committee the past four years and on the Association Nominating Committee. She has also held many positions within her chapter, including At-Large Director, President, Membership Director, Vendor Partnership Director and President-Elect. She earned her CLM designation in 2002. She was also highly
involved with the Oregon State Bar from 2003 through 2010.
San Francisco Legal Administrator Continues Service on the Association of Legal Administrators Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of its Board of Directors. This includes the continuation of Steven M. Morris, CLM, office administrator at Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, LLP in San Francisco, as ALA Region 6 Director.
Morris is entering his second year as Director and is responsible for the oversight of ALA Region 6, which consists of Arizona, California, Nevada and New Zealand.
Morris has been a legal administrator and ALA member since 1995. While a member of the Orange County Chapter, he served as Secretary, Director of Membership, President and Past President. He is currently associated with the Golden Gate Chapter. Morris earned his Certified Legal Manager (CLM)SM designation in 2002.
Scourby Receives ALA Outstanding Association Volunteer Award
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) — The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) recently presented its “2011 Outstanding Association Volunteer Award” to Kathy Scourby, business continuity manager at Hunton & Williams in Richmond, Virginia.
The “Outstanding Association Volunteer Award” recognizes an individual for his/her exceptional and continued service with the Association. The award was presented at the 2011 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando.
Scourby joined the ALA in 1995, and immediately became actively involved in the Knoxville Chapter. She has served in various chapter positions, including a stint as Chapter President just two years into her membership. Scourby was selected to be the Region 2 Communications Officer, a position she held from 2001 to 2003, after which she was elected to the ALA Board of Directors, where she served as Region 2 Director for four years. She is currently serving as a Trustee for the Foundation of the Association of Legal Administrators.
Chicago Legal Administrator is 2012-2013 President-Elect of the Association of Legal Administrators
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2011 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – New leadership for the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) began today at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando with the yearly changeover of the ALA Board of Directors. The changes include the installation of Steven D. Wingert, CLM, executive director at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun, LLP, in Chicago, as 2012-2013 ALA President-Elect.
Upon becoming President in 2012, he will guide the Association’s strategic planning and will oversee all Board, inter-association and media spokesperson activities.
An ALA member since 1995, Wingert has previously served on the ALA Board of Directors as Region 3 Director and as an At-Large Director. Additionally, on the national level, he served as Region 3 Communications Officer, and in 2008 he served as Chair of the Annual Conference Committee after serving as member of that Committee in 2006 and 2007. He is a Past President of the Wisconsin Chapter, for which he held a variety of officer positions since 2002. Wingert earned his Certified Legal Manager (CLM)SM designation in 2005. He also received the ALA Outstanding Association Volunteer Award in 2008 and the Wisconsin Chapter Award of Excellence in 2009.
About the Association of Legal Administrators
ALA is the largest international association providing support, high-quality education and services to professionals
involved in the management of law firms, corporate legal departments and government legal agencies. With nearly 10,000 members in 30 countries, ALA represents legal administrators who are leaders and industry experts on legal management issues such as
finance, human resources, systems and technology, facilities, marketing and practice management. For more information on the Association, visit About ALA.
Contact:
Gwen Biasi, CAE
Director of Marketing and Communications
847.267.1377
or
Steve Carasso
Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
847.267.1378
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