Legal Management

May 2009
Volume 28, Number 4

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

Feature Articles

COVER STORY
Committed to Inclusion: Examining Innovative Law Firm Diversity Programs 
Administrators can learn a great deal from three law firms that are recognized often for their successful diversity initiatives.
By Laura Finckle, SPHR, and Mark A. Bridgeman, CLM

Positive Partnerships: Cultivating Strong Business Relationships with Legal Vendors 
Administrators can lead the way – one handshake at a time – in building solid strategic value in their firms’ relationships with legal vendors.
BY JOBST ELSTER

An Abundance of Anxiety: Addressing High Stress Levels in the Workplace
Tough economic times are creating heightened levels of tension among attorneys and staff, creating a new challenge for already-stressed law firm administrators.
By PHILLIP M. PERRY

Common Pitfalls of the Conflicts Process: Embracing the Undeniable Duty of Loyalty to Clients
Law firms must educate their attorneys and staff members about conflicts and protecting client interests as part of their organization-wide risk management strategies. 
BY NANCY BEAUCHEMIN

CASE STUDY
Safe and Sound: Facing the Challenge of Asset Protection
By PENNY COLEMAN
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP enlists Kastle Systems to ensure comprehensive asset protection and security across the firm’s offices.

Columns and Departments

To the Point
What’s Next?
BY JOHN DELAVAN

Up Front
Practical News & Perspectives

Think Tank
Ditch the Lists? Administrators Discuss Value of Paid Legal Listings

Best Practices
Stay Connected for Less: Does Your Firm Need a Telecommunications Audit? 
BY TAMI WANKOFF-BIGNESS

LawBiz Coach®
The Personal Touch: Meeting and Travel Cutbacks May Have Dire Consequences 
BY ED POLL

Big Ideas
Just-in-Time Training: On-Demand Learning Platform Drives Firm’s Success 
By LARRY BROWN

Off the Shelf
New Products for Law Firms

ALA Update
News from Your Association

Quick Connect
Legal Management Advertiser Information 

Final Thoughts
Brains and Courage 
By GRETCHEN NEELS

The articles posted here and throughout www.alanet.org are for reference only and are copyrighted 2009, All Rights Reserved, by the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). Reuse or redistribution of articles without ALA’s permission is strictly prohibited. Request Permission to reprint or redistribute content from this publication.