Legal Management
January/February 2008
Volume 27, Number 1

THIS ISSUE’S THEME: GENERAL LAW FIRM MANAGEMENT
To read any of the articles featured in this issue of ALA’s journal,
Legal Management, simply click on the hyperlinked headline for a downloadable PDF.
Table of Contents
COVER STORY
Your Firm in Five Years: Taking Charge of Long-Term Strategic Planning 
Strategic planning efforts are essential for any law firm wanting to grow its staff, client base, and revenue. Are you ready to face the future?
BY ERIN BRERETON
Coming Together: Strategies for Effective Law Firm Mergers 
Legal administrators often play key roles when two law firms decide to join forces.
BY ED WESEMANN
Handle With Care: Auditable and Cost-Effective Records Management and Data Destruction 
Proper data storage and disposal strategies provide essential protection for law firms and their clients.
BY DANIEL F. BAYHA
CASE STUDY
New Matter? No Matter. An Innovative Workflow Solution to a Common Challenge 
California-based Best Best & Krieger LLP automates its new business intake operations, reducing processing time to only a few hours.
BY SUSAN PLUMMER
To the Point
I Mean It: No More French Fries! 
BY JOHN DELAVAN
Up Front
Practical News & Perspectives 
Think Tank
A Healthy Approach: Understanding the Costs of Benefits Programs 
COMPILED BY AMY DVORAK
Best Practices
Illuminating the Path: Succession Planning as a Strategic Initiative 
BY PAUL BURTON
LawBiz Coach
Looking Ahead: Make Planning Part of Your Firm’s Culture 
BY ED POLL
Big Ideas
The Power of Paper: Printed Matter Still Plays Key Role 
BY JAMES KENNEY
Off the Shelf:
New Products for Law Firms 
COMPILED BY AMY DVORAK
ALA Update
News from Your Association 
Quick Connect
Legal Management Advertiser Information 
Final Thoughts
Commas, Clauses, and Verbs (Oh, My!) 
BY AMY DVORAK
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