Volunteer with ALA
Learn More About Our Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are vital to the success of ALA. In addition to involvement at your local chapter, have you considered a volunteer role at the international level? Not only do you get to have a voice within the Association you love, but you'll develop leadership skills while building experience for your resume. Not to mention the fun you'll have collaborating with other ALA members and HQ staff!
From leadership roles to micro volunteer opportunities, we've got something for everyone!
Click the link to learn more about ALA's Volunteer Structure.
Ready to Start Your Volunteer Journey?
We're excited to hear from you! With the exception of the Nominating Committee, we welcome ALA members, business partners or other industry experts to serve on ALA committees. Committee applications should be submitted by mid-October every year. (Note: The deadline to apply for the Nominating Committee is August 1.)
Nominate Someone
Know someone who would be perfect for one of these volunteer opportunities but need a little nudge or vote of confidence. We've got you. You can nominate someone and ALA HQ will reach out to them.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Send an email to [email protected] so we can answer any questions you have about our volunteer opportunities or the application process.
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Leadership Opportunities
Looking to serve on the Board of Directors, Foundation of ALA Board of Trustees or Chapter Resource team? Start the application process.
Term: 3 years, nonrenewable
Appointments per year: Varies
Term Commencement: The term of a Director officially begins at the Annual Meeting following the candidate’s selection. In order to provide effective orientation, continuity of initiatives and an overall smooth transition, the Director begins participating in meetings four to five months before the official term begins.
In-Person Meetings/Expectations: The meetings include attendance at all Board meetings (first one held in January), the Association Leadership Institute (typically held in February or March) and possible travel to assist in conferences not related to the Annual Conference. The majority of expenses relating to attendance at these meetings are paid by ALA. During the period before the official start of the term, the Director may be asked to participate in conference calls with committees, project teams, task forces and/or special interest groups.
Expectations: Individuals who commit to serve at this level of the Association are held to high standards of public decorum, dependability and service to the members. Directors are expected to attend all Board meetings, events and functions that occur during their term.
The Director participates fully in strategic planning, policy setting decisions and is expected to do so with the best interests of all members and the Association in mind. Directors must be concerned with developing policies that serve the entire membership. All Directors serve as trustees for the Association and must discharge those responsibilities with the highest regard for member needs, a commitment to the enhancement of the profession and a high personal sense of ethics and trustworthiness.
Directors, like all leaders in the Association, are relied upon to advance creative strategies that promote the mission of ALA and inform members of the policies, programs and initiatives of ALA. All Directors shall exhibit and hone the attributes deemed important to leadership in ALA. Those attributes are: courage, vision, communication, passion, reliability, inclusiveness, balance, respect, professionalism, collaboration and integrity.
It is required that each Director support and abide by the Bylaws, Governance Practice Statements, Code of Ethics, Policies, Strategic Direction and Plan of Work of the Association.
Summary of Position: A Director is charged with an array of diverse responsibilities. However, there are core guidelines, responsibilities and duties that are essential in this role. As members of the ALA Board of Directors, Directors have policy-making responsibilities that affect all aspects of the Association. All Directors shall actively participate in assigned responsibilities as specified by the President or Board of Directors depending on any given year’s Plan of Work, including but not limited to participation in task forces and working with various stakeholders both within and outside the organization. Directors will communicate ALA services to all members, potential members and other industry-related persons or groups; visit chapters as needed or requested; support strategic and administrative functions of chapters; promote ALA and convey the mission and goals of the Association; and encourage chapters and all members to adhere to the Association Bylaws, Policies, Chapter Performance Objectives and the ALA Code of Ethics.
Responsibilities Include:
- Prepare for, attend and actively participate in all Board meetings as a voting member of the Board.
- Work with ALA staff and others on financial and legal matters that may arise and when assigned.
- Ensure proper due diligence is conducted on potential Association volunteer candidates.
- Review, monitor and ensure compliance with ALA Bylaws, Code of Ethics, Policies and Governance Practice Statements.
- Serve on and/or chair assigned task forces or other committees and be accountable to the Board for the work product of those groups, as requested, ensuring alignment with the Board’s stated strategic objectives and ALA’s mission.
- Serve as Board liaison to a committee or project team as assigned by the President.
- Identify and encourage qualified members to apply for volunteer opportunities (i.e., Committees, Project Teams, Chapter Resource Team, Director, Nominating Committee) and recognize and mentor current and potential Association leaders.
The individual selected for this position shall:
- Have successfully served in a leadership position within ALA and have demonstrated a commitment to the mission and goals of ALA.
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong ability to prepare and conduct presentations for chapter events, Association Leadership Institute, Essentials of Chapter Leadership, Chapter Leadership Institute and all other Association events.
- Have the willingness and ability to provide necessary time and energy to the responsibilities and duties described with a positive and professional attitude.
- Have a commitment to professional development and advancing the education mission of ALA; show understanding of the issues relevant to the education of legal management professionals.
- Have the ability to collaborate and fully engage with team members.
- Have the ability to develop and maintain positive partnerships with ALA Members at all levels of the organization and encourage Business Partner participation.
- Have the ability to develop and maintain positive relations with ALA Executive Director and Headquarters Staff.
In-Person Meetings/Expectations: At least 7 per year (Association Leadership Institute, Annual Conference, Chapter Leadership Institute, stand-alone board meetings). Serving on the Board of Directors requires an average weekly commitment of approximately five hours as well as required attendance at quarterly Board meetings (typically a Friday-Saturday schedule). Board service also requires attendance at the weeklong Annual Conference & Expo including pre- and post-conference meetings (held in April or May). Additional travel commitments are occasionally required.
Call for nominations: Summer
Selections made: Fall
ALA Headquarters Liaison: Nicole Larson, CAE
Board Size: 8
Term: 4 years
Appointments per year: 1-3
Description: The Foundation of the Association of Legal Administrators is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees. The Trustees develop fundraising campaigns and manage the Foundation’s assets, including the Susan L. French Emerging Leader Fellowship Program, develop career fairs and scholarships to focus on students as the future of the profession, and find and fund speakers for the Brezina Session for the Annual Conference & Expo.
Expectations/In-Person Meetings: Two per year (Annual Conference, fall or winter).
Eligibility: The ideal candidate has served on a non-profit board and has time to commit to monthly conference calls and two in-person meetings each year, one of which is held in conjunction with the ALA Annual Conference & Expo.
Call for volunteers: Summer
Selections made: Winter
ALA Headquarters Liaison: Christea Parent
Description: Members of the Chapter Resource Team (CRT) assist in the development of creative strategies that promote and educate chapter leaders on the policies, programs and initiatives of ALA, including providing support and resources to chapters. In addition to serving as mentors to chapters, team members serve as subject matter experts and are interested in the further development of their own leadership skills.
Term: 2 years, eligible to be considered for renewal once
Appointments per year: Varies
Term Commencement: The term of each team member officially begins the day after the conclusion of the Annual Meeting or July 1 (whichever shall occur first) following the candidate’s selection. In order to provide effective orientation, continuity of initiatives and an overall smooth transition, team members begin participating in meetings three to four months before the official term begins. The meetings include regular conference calls as well as attendance at the Association Leadership Institute (typically held in February or March).
In-Person Meetings/Expectations: A commitment of approximately 2 to 5 hours per week as well as attendance at the following meetings each year: Association Leadership Institute (February or March) and Chapter Leadership Institute (June or July). On an as needed basis, team members may also participate in chapter meetings either physically or virtually depending on the nature of their role in the meeting.
Expectations:
Individuals who commit to serve at this level of ALA are held to high standards of public decorum, dependability and service to the members.
Firm support is important to be successful in this role, especially as it relates to required attendance at the above mentioned meetings.
Team members are required to attend the Association Leadership Institute (ALI) and Chapter Leadership Institute (CLI). Most expenses relating to attendance at these events are paid by ALA.
All team members shall exhibit and hone the attributes deemed important to leadership in ALA. Those attributes are: courage, vision, communication, passion, reliability, inclusiveness, balance, respect, professionalism, collaboration and integrity.
It is expected that each team member support and abide by the Bylaws, Policies, Code of Ethics, Strategic Direction and Plan of Work of ALA.
Team members must be capable and willing to prepare and conduct presentations for chapter events, and lead training activities as part of the Essentials of Chapter Leadership, Chapter Leadership Institute and the Chapter Leader Educational Series program.
Participation in regular conference calls, maintaining communication with assigned focus chapters and preparation of requested reports regarding assigned chapters are requirements.
Qualifications
It is preferred that individuals selected for this position shall:
- Demonstrate a commitment to the mission and goals of ALA.
- Demonstrate proficient written and verbal communication skills.
- Have the enthusiasm and willingness and ability to provide necessary time and energy to the responsibilities and duties described with a positive and professional attitude.
- Have a continued commitment to professional development and advancing the education mission of ALA; have an understanding of the issues relevant to the education of legal management professionals.
- Have the ability to collaborate and fully engage with fellow team members.
- Have the ability to develop and maintain positive and supportive relationships with chapter leaders, ALA members and Business Partners.
- Have the ability to develop and maintain positive relations with ALA Headquarters Staff.
General Responsibilities
- Serve as liaison to assigned chapters. Engage chapter leaders and members using appropriate and effective communication methods (e.g., phone, e-mail, social media) and strive to make personal connections at ALA events.
- Ensure all assigned chapters are in continual compliance with ALA Bylaws, Policies and Chapter Performance Objectives.
- Assist chapters with the development of high-quality educational programs in accordance with the ALA standards for core competencies, as well as the needs and interests of the members.
- Work with chapters to encourage visible and credible activities on a local level, including community service, certification, media and public relations, internships, scholarships, career fairs, advisory panels, bar and law-related exhibitions, diversity and inclusion awareness, etc.
- Work closely with chapters and individual members to increase awareness of and participation in, all ALA programs and assist in identifying additional programs that would be of interest and benefit to members and that are in alignment with ALA’s Strategic Direction.
- Assist with projects, analysis and evaluations of member needs and ALA policies and procedures as requested by the Board of Directors or other ALA leadership, including gathering information, soliciting feedback and making recommendations.
- Identify and encourage qualified potential ALA leaders to apply for volunteer opportunities (i.e., Committees, Project Teams, Special Interest Groups, Chapter Resource Team, Director, and Nominating Committee).
Call for nominations: Summer
Selections made: Fall
ALA Headquarters Liaison: Nicole Larson, CAE
Standing Committees
Read more about our Standing Committees below. Or, you can start the application process.
Committee Size: 9
Term: 4 years
Appointments per year: Varies
Description: The Committee serves to review, revise, and manage the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)® program. Its primary responsibilities include revising test items, writing new test items, working with the testing contractor to evaluate and improve the assessment process, working with the professional staff in overseeing the administration of the program and recommending needed changes in prerequisite and recertification requirements, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
In-Person Meetings/Expectations: One in-person
Meetings: The Certification Committee generally meets three times per year. One is a full-day meeting in person at the Annual Conference & Expo to orient new committee members, conduct item-writer training and give assignments. The virtual fall meeting typically focuses on item review and revision and the one-day late winter/early spring virtual meeting is devoted to finalizing a new test form. There is a teleconference involving the Certification Committee chair, the ALA program director, a certification consultant, and new committee members to introduce the new members to the committee prior to the first committee meeting in the spring.
Assignments. Participation on the Certification Committee requires members to devote their own time between meetings researching and writing test items. Identifying source materials is as much a part of the process as the creation of new test items. Item writing can require a significant time commitment.
Confidentiality: In all respects, confidentiality must be maintained by each committee member. This refers specifically, but not exclusively to the test items. Furthermore, members of the committee are not permitted to know the identity of any candidate for the exam. Only the names of successful CLM candidates will be revealed to the committee.
Participation in study activities and products: Because of their unique knowledge of the contents of the CLM examination, committee members are not permitted to be actively involved in study groups or in developing study products (e.g., commercial study guides). This moratorium continues for at least three years after a member rotates off the committee.
Eligibility: New members are solicited from ALA members who have passed the CLM examination and have completed at least one recertification cycle. Interested individuals complete an application form. Among the considerations in
Call for volunteers: Summer
Selections made: Fall
ALA Headquarters Liaison: Nicole Larson, CAE
Committee size: 9
Term: 3 years
Appointments per year: Varies
Description: The ALA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee (the Committee) serves as an inclusion and diversity resource for the advancement and expansion of underrepresented groups in the Association, legal practice environments and ALA constituent organizations. The Committee supports the organization’s members and legal industry stakeholders by providing tools that assist with leading and increasing diversity and inclusion awareness in the Association, in the legal management community and in all legal service organizations.
In-Person Meetings/Expectations: Attendance is expected at one in-person meeting per year held in conjunction with ALA's Annual Conference & Expo. Committee members will be in good standing with the Association and possess a keen interest in advancing and developing goals, objectives, education and resources related to diversity and inclusion. Committee members participate in monthly scheduled conference calls and communicate regularly within the ALA Online Community and by email. Each committee member is assigned and/or volunteers to lead and/or contribute to one or more Committee projects, and it is expected that Committee members volunteer for assignments equally. Support of the candidacy by the employer is highly recommended as there is a time and travel commitment expected. Previous committee or leadership service with ALA or chapter is helpful but not required.
Eligibility: Service on the Committee is open to any member, business partner, consultant or other interested party whose knowledge, skills and expertise is deemed useful to the work of the committee. Only regular members may serve as chair or chair-elect of committees. knowledge of or experience with diversity and inclusion is helpful, but not required.
Call for volunteers: Summer
Selections made: Fall
ALA Headquarters Liaison: Maria Arroyo
Committee Size: 2–4 volunteers will be appointed each year.
Appointments per year: 2-4
Term: 2-Year staggered term
Description: This committee will recruit, onboard, assign, and evaluate the Ambassador program.
Expectations and Responsibilities:
- Quarterly video roundtables to exchange ideas.
- Regular video training of new Ambassadors.
- Plan in-person gatherings for volunteers in the program.
- Follow up on assignments to ensure connections are made.
- Conduct annual surveys of Ambassadors and Mentees to continually improve the program.
- Assist staff with exploring, defining, and creating a database to manage assignments and commitments.
- Train ambassadors and assist ALA-designated staff with pairing experienced members with new members. In addition, ALA staff will be responsible for introducing, connecting, and maintaining the ambassador program.
- Engaged in ALA and understands the value of ALA.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Positive attitude.
- Professional and collaborative.
- Deliver twice-yearly reports noting trends and recommendations.
Description: This committee will be strategic with ongoing work to improve the member experience for engagement, recruitment and retention.
Expectations and Responsibilities:
- Attend regular meetings via video conference.
- Prepare plan of work and midyear report on progress for Board approval.
- Collaborate with Member Ambassador Committee with relevant materials, findings, and reports.
Qualifications and General Responsibilities:
- Engaged in ALA and understands the value of ALA.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Positive attitude.
- Professional and collaborative.
- Analyze member demographics.
- Deliver quarterly reports noting trends.
- Identify member needs and recommend benefits, educational and professional development, and programs to engage and increase member value.
- Determine nonmember needs in order to attract and recruit new members.
- Assist in recommending opportunities in the legal industry for recruiting subject matter experts and growing ALA’s general membership.
Term: 2-year staggered term
ALA Headquarters Liaison: ALA's Membership Team
Committee size: 7-9 volunteers
Term: 2-year staggered term
Description: This committee will be strategic with ongoing work to improve the member experience for engagement, recruitment, and retention.
- Attend regular meetings via video conference.
- Prepare plan of work and mid-year report on progress for Board approval.
- Collaborate with Member Ambassador Committee with relevant materials, findings, and reports.
Qualifications and General Responsibilities:
- Engaged in ALA and understands the value of ALA.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Positive attitude.
- Professional and collaborative.
- Analyze member demographics.
- Deliver quarterly reports noting trends.
- Identify member needs and recommend benefits, educational and professional development, and programs to engage and increase member value.
- Determine nonmember needs in order to attract and recruit new members.
- Assist in recommending opportunities in the legal industry for recruiting subject matter experts and growing ALA’s general membership.
ALA Headquarters Liaison: ALA’s Membership Team
Description: This committee is responsible for reviewing ALA’s current inventory of products and services as well as any prospective products or services using a strategic process to ensure timely, necessary and valuable tools are being provided to the membership.
Committee Size: Up to 10 individuals (must include at least one Business Partner representative)
Term: With the exception of the ALA Executive Director and Headquarters Staff, committee members serve three-year staggered terms.
Eligibility/Qualifications: Service on this committee is open to any regular member, associate member, business partner, consultant or other interested party whose knowledge, skills and expertise is deemed useful to the work of the committee. Ideal candidates are those who have insight into the membership and its needs, business acumen, strategic and critical thinking, creativity and people skills.
In-Person Meetings/Expectations: The committee meets in-person annually in conjunction with the ALA Annual Conference & Expo. Additional meetings are conducted throughout the year via conference call or other electronic media as appropriate.
Call for Volunteers: Summer
Selections Made: Fall
Staff Liaison: Theresa R. Wojtalewicz
Description: The Professional Development Advisory Committee (PDAC), in alignment with ALA’s Strategic Direction, provides recommendations for a broad range of professional development activities/initiatives, topics and educational content for ALA’s evolving membership, based on current and emerging trends in the legal industry. The PDAC collaborates with ALA staff and other Standing Committees, as needed, to ensure that members ’ educational and professional development needs are being met through ALA ’s various resources and publications. Though PDAC guides the educational strategy, it is not directly responsible for developing content or identifying instructors or speakers for courses or conferences.
Committee Size: 7-9
Term: Members of this committee serve three-year staggered terms.
Appointments per year: Varies
Committee Member Qualifications: Among the considerations in selecting new members are educational background, experience level and areas of expertise. Consideration is also given to an applicant's experience with education or training, and career development.
Committee Member Selection Process: ALA members, business partners and other individuals who have demonstrated thought leadership are eligible for this committee.
In-Person Meetings/Expectations: The committee meets in-person annually in conjunction with the ALA Annual Conference & Expo. Additional meetings are conducted throughout the year via conference call or other electronic media as appropriate.
Call for volunteers: Summer
Selections made: Fall
ALA Headquarters Liaison: Valerie A. Danner
Description: The Nominating Committee is charged with selecting individuals to fill upcoming vacancies on the ALA Board of Directors in accordance with Article V of the Association bylaws. The Committee is also charged with selecting individuals to fill upcoming vacancies on the Chapter Resource Team. These roles include:
- 2024–2025 ALA President-Elect
- Directors
- Chapter Resource Team Members
This committee will also identify alternates for each role should the need arise.
Composition: The Nominating Committee is comprised of the President-Elect (non-voting member), President, Immediate Past President, Executive Director (non-voting member), and up to 12 members at large for a total of up to 16 committee members. Per Article VI, Section VI.2 of the Association Bylaws the President serves as Chair of the committee. Under no circumstances will the committee be comprised of fewer than seven individuals.
Term: Terms of two years are staggered to allow for continuity, excluding the members of the Executive Committee. Terms are nonrenewable and members cannot have served on the Nominating Committee in the two years prior to appointment.
In-Person Meetings/Expectations: Committee members are responsible for reviewing volunteer applications, conducting due diligence calls and actively participating in a face-to-face meeting scheduled for November 5–6, 2023, in Chicago, as well as any necessary conference calls leading up to that meeting. The work of this committee will begin in late September and culminate with the meeting in November.
Ideal committee members will possess the following traits:
- The ability to provide thoughtful input/feedback in a timely respectful manner
- Exceptional interviewing, communication and due diligence skills
- The ability to remain focused, objective and supportive while building consensus
- A basic understanding of ALA’s governance structure
- Respect for the importance of confidentiality throughout the process
Committee members will also be required to familiarize themselves with various ALA policies and procedures as well as position descriptions for the roles. Service on the committee is open to any ALA member.
Eligibility: Except for the currently seated President, President-Elect and Immediate Past President, committee members cannot be currently serving on the Board of Directors or the Chapter Resource Team, nor can they be considered candidates for President-Elect, the Board of Directors or Chapter Resource Team positions during their term on the committee. The Executive Director will serve as a non-voting member of the committee as stipulated in Article VII of the Association Bylaws.
Except for the currently seated President, President-Elect and Immediate Past President, committee members shall not have served on the Board of Directors during the four years prior to appointment to the committee.
The ALA headquarters staff liaison to the Nominating Committee is determined by and reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for ensuring all applicants meet the eligibility requirements and are current members of ALA in good standing prior to forwarding candidate applications to the committee for review.
Committee Selection Process: Apart from the currently seated President, President-Elect and Immediate Past President, all committee vacancies are filled by appointment. Appointments are made by the returning members of the Nominating Committee(exclusive of the Executive Committee).
All ALA members are invited to submit an application to serve on the Nominating Committee annually, usually in July. Applications are reviewed by the committee members returning from the prior year. Among the factors considered during the review process with an objective of achieving a diverse representation are:
- Years as a legal management professional and ALA member
- Member’s geographical location
- The size of the applicant’s legal organization
- The size of the applicant’s primary Chapter (if applicable)
- Prior ALA volunteer service (at either the chapter and/or association level)
Applicant interviews are conducted by members of the Nominating Committee, after which individuals are appointed to fill the vacancies and alternates are identified.
Notification of Committee Appointment: Within seven business days of appointment, the Chair shall confirm that all applicants have been notified of their status either by phone or in writing. Upon completion of the notifications, the Chair shall provide the Board of Directors with a full committee roster to publish for viewing by the full membership no later than September 1. All committee members will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement upon appointment.
Committee Member Responsibilities: Committee members are responsible for ensuring the selection of individuals for each vacant position on the Board of Directors and Chapter Resource Team in the coming year. In doing so, committee members should thoroughly review and familiarize themselves with the following information:
- The governance methods utilized by the ALA Board of Directors
- Job descriptions for Directors and Chapter Resource Team members.
- Each candidate’s application.
- Each candidate’s response to questions posed.
- The Association’s current Strategic Direction.
In addition to attending the initial conference call and performing due diligence on candidates to whom they are assigned, committee members are responsible for attending the in-person meeting in November, providing oral due diligence reports about candidates whom they are assigned to research, and interviewing President-Elect applicants.
Committee members must also review and sign the ALA Nominating Committee Confidentiality Agreement.
Executive Director Responsibilities: The Executive Director represents the continuity of leadership within ALA as committee members change each year. The Executive Director will attend all committee meetings and will serve as a resource to the Nominating Committee members as they execute their responsibilities as defined in these procedures and as the conduit through which the results of the Nominating Committee’s decisions are communicated.
ALA Headquarters Liaison: Nicole Larson, CAE
Description: This committee is primarily responsible for the maintenance, expansion, interpretation and promotion of the Uniform Process Based Management System (UPBMS) Code Set. It is also charged with monitoring and when appropriate supporting or participating in similar efforts across the legal industry.
Specifically, the committee will:
- Maintain a universally applicable set of standards.
- Educate our members and others about the use and understanding of how standards can be used to improve operations.
- Support and foster efforts by others to develop and promote the use of legal industry standards.
Committee Size: Up to 7
Term: 3 years
Eligibility: Membership on the committee is open to anyone in the legal management community with a stake or interest in the development of industry standards, including representatives from law firms, corporate legal departments, legal management consultants, and business partners. Knowledge of or experience with standards is helpful, but not required. A general interest or expertise in process improvement methodologies is desirable.
In-Person Meetings/Expectations: The committee will meet in-person once a year during the ALA Annual Conference & Expo. The committee will hold regular conference calls, in addition to other calls, as needed for sub-committee projects.
Call for Volunteers: Summer
Selections Made: Fall
ALA Headquarters Liaison: Bert Saper
Conferences and Retreats
Learn more about committees who help plan our events. Or, start the application process.
Description: The Annual Conference Committee (ACC) will work with ALA staff and the contracted event management company to advise on the educational content and attendee experience for this premier event, as well as provide perspectives on potential marketing efforts.
Eligibility: This diverse committee will be representative of the thought leadership in the Association. The ACC will be comprised of a Chair and one representative from each of the following committees (identified as historically being involved with planning necessities):
- Certification Committee
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee
- Member Ambassador Committee
- Member Experience Committee
- Product and Service Review Committee
- Professional Development Advisory Committee
The Board of Directors may also include those who have the perspective of the NextGen/First Five community (individuals with five or fewer years in the legal management profession), the local legal community and/or a representative from the Large Firm Administrator community (those from a firm with 100 or more attorneys) if not already represented in the above.
Committee Size: 7–8
Term: 1 year
Appointments per year: 7–8 (6 or 7 from other committees)
Expectations/In-Person Meetings: The Annual Conference & Expo Planning Committee may meet in-person on-site at the prior Annual Conference and/or at ALA Headquarters before the end of the third quarter of the year before the event. The committee may also meet virtually at any time. Service involves on-site duties at the event, participation in calls when planning education (typically bi-weekly until the conference agenda is set and monthly thereafter), and individual committee member assignments. Applicants should have attended at least one previous Annual Conference & Expo.
Call for volunteers: February 2024
Selections made: April 2024
Board Liaison: Jerry McPeake, MSLA
ALA Headquarters Liaison: Nicole Larson, CAE
Description: The committee will work with ALA staff and any contracted third-party vendor(s) to plan the agenda and secure speakers for this two-day event. The target audience for the Legal Management Fundamentals event includes those in the first five years of their legal management career as well as anyone interested in exploring or advancing their career in a management role within a law firm, corporate legal department or government legal agency.
The event will feature subject matter experts who will present a comprehensive program focused on the core competencies and best practices of legal management, divided into five distinct modules:
- Financial Management
- Human Resources Management
- Leadership
- Legal Trends and Operations Management
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Composition: The volunteer positions will include a Chair, plus two to three individuals each having at least five years of experience in legal management. A board and staff liaison will also be assigned to the committee.
Term: The term runs from September 2023 through the post-event report submission (approximately 30 to 45 days after the event).
Note: The event dates have not yet been confirmed but it is expected to take place in September or October 2024. The location is also TBD.
Expectations and Responsibilities: This committee will begin its planning immediately upon appointment and meet virtually as necessary until the conclusion of the event, including the submission of the post-event report. Committee members are expected to attend and participate in the event and share observations and experiences — including any concerns, successes, future considerations and recommendations — with the Board of Directors.
Qualifications and General Responsibilities:
- Must have attended at least one ALA conference.
- Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to representing the values, mission and strategic direction of ALA.
- Commitment to adhering to the ALA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Statement.
- Continued commitment to professional development and advancing the mission of ALA.
- Commitment to identifying innovative, engaging, real-world business content that appeals to those adult learners and professionals in the first five years of their legal management career.
- Commitment to ensuring that CLM® and other continuing education credits are offered, whenever possible.
- Commitment to delivering creative networking opportunities.
Description: ALA’s Intellectual Property Conference for Legal Management Professionals is the premier IP-focused forum for administrators working in a legal practice setting. The committee will work with ALA staff and any contracted third-party vendor to plan the agenda and secure speakers for this two-day event.
Composition: The volunteer positions will include a Chair, plus two to three individuals each having experience working in a legal practice setting focused on intellectual property. A board and staff liaison will also be assigned to the committee.
Term: The term runs from September 2023 through the post-event report submission (approximately 30 to 45 days after the event).
Note: The event dates have not yet been confirmed but it is expected to take place in September or October 2024. The location is also TBD.
Expectations and Responsibilities: This committee will begin its planning in October 2023 and meet virtually as necessary until the conclusion of the event, including the submission of the post-event report. Committee members are expected to attend and participate in the event and share observations and experiences — including any concerns, successes, future considerations and recommendations — with the Board of Directors.
- Must have attended at least one ALA conference, ideally a prior Intellectual Property Conference for Legal Management Professionals.
- Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to representing the values, mission and strategic direction of ALA.
- Commitment to adhering to the ALA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Statement.
- Continued commitment to professional development and advancing the mission of ALA.
- Commitment to identifying innovative, engaging, real-world business content that appeals to those adult learners and professionals working in a legal practice setting focused on intellectual property.
- Commitment to ensuring that CLM® and other continuing education credits are offered, whenever possible.
- Commitment to delivering creative networking opportunities.
Description: The committee will work with ALA staff and any contracted third-party vendor to plan the agenda and secure speakers for this two-day event. The event format is to include a limited number of experts who will present visionary concepts and trends followed by facilitated conversations where practical applications and peer sharing occur. In addition, exhibitors and sponsors delivering products or services relative to the needs of the targeted audience — senior executives — will be limited and by invitation only.
Composition: The volunteer positions will include a Chair, plus two to three individuals representing the highest leadership levels in their organizations, with at least one member from a firm with more than 100 attorneys. A board and staff liaison will also be assigned to the committee.
Term: The term runs from September 2023 through the post-event report submission (approximately 30 to 45 days after the event).
Note: The event dates have not yet been confirmed but it is expected to take place in September or October 2024. The location is also TBD.
Expectations and Responsibilities: This committee will begin its planning in September 2023 and meet virtually as necessary until the conclusion of the event, including the submission of the post-event report. Committee members are expected to attend and participate in the event and share observations and experiences — including any concerns, successes and future considerations — with the Board of Directors.
Qualifications and General Responsibilities:
- Must have attended at least one ALA conference.
- Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to the mission and strategic direction of ALA.
- Commitment to adhering to the ALA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Statement.
- Continued commitment to professional development and advancing the mission of ALA.
- Commitment to offering high-level, real-world business situations that appeal to experienced, executive-level members, including those with C-suite titles and other principal administrators using “director of” titles.
- Commitment to providing CLM® and other continuing education credits, if and when possible.
- Commitment to delivering creative networking opportunities.
ALA Headquarters Liaison: Nicole Larson, CAE
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Here you’ll find a list of volunteer opportunities that require less of a time commitment. If you’re interested in any of these opportunities, email [email protected].
Description: The ALA Hangouts Chat is an informal, virtual discussion with no fixed agenda, covering any timely topic participants identify to address. Like the Online Community, the content is not provided by ALA but is an opportunity for 25-60 participating individuals—almost all of whom are ALA members— to connect around specific areas of interest and share ideas, resources and solutions. The Hangouts chat moderator will actively facilitate the virtual weekly one-hour discussion which is conducted on the Zoom platform. The moderator’s primary responsibility is to keep the conversation going, followed by maintaining awareness of those who desire/attempt to speak and ensure they have an opportunity to do so. We also ask the moderator to be aware of the time and let participants know when 5-10 minutes remain.
Topic suggestions are gathered at participant registration, and these are passed on to the moderator on the day of the chat, along with a list of current registrants. Staff may supplement the topic list with suggested ideas, and it is very helpful when the moderator prepares a list of current topics to support conversation flow. ALA staff are on the call and can be reached by private chat if any questions arise during the call.
The weekly moderator will be recognized in registration material and scheduling information, as available.
Expectations: The time commitment for this volunteer activity is roughly 1 hour for each weekly chat on Tuesday, beginning at 1 p.m. Central
If scheduled and confirmed, and availability changes, at least two weeks’ notification is requested.
Moderators may volunteer for any Tuesday on which there is availability by both moderator and ALA.
No opportunity will be provided to market the moderator’s products or services, if such an interest exists.
Eligibility: Anyone with an interest in moderating may volunteer to do so. Membership is not required.
Description: In May 2021, ALA’s International Relations Committee (IRC) was dissolved and replaced with the International Shared Interest Group (SIG). Similar to the IRC, the International SIG is intended to make connections with international legal management professionals and organizations to learn their needs and realities and to position ALA globally as the leader in the business of law. The International SIG helps ALA promote the importance of legal management to the future of law firms, corporations and government organizations world-wide. The International SIG has replaced the IRC as advisers to the Board of Directors in matters related to international initiatives, cooperation and affiliations.
Eligibility: Any ALA member can be a member of the International SIG! Join us in the International Online Community.
Mission Statement: The goals for the ALA Membership Ambassador Program are to welcome new members to ALA, develop a relationship with new members and provide them with an immediate peer connection, ensure new members understand how to access and utilize ALA member benefits and potentially increase consumption of ALA products and services and ALA member retention rates.
Description: The Ambassador is an enthusiastic and welcoming member of ALA who helps new members feel comfortable, enjoys sharing and gaining knowledge and understands, embraces and articulates the value of belonging to ALA. The Ambassador is also well-versed in the Association’s products, services and opportunities available to members so they can provide guidance and direction to address new members’ needs. This volunteer opportunity does not require in-person meetings, though the Ambassadors are encouraged to work together to support the needs of new members. There is a formal evaluation process for Ambassadors to ensure consistent mentorship of new members.
Introductory Telephone Calls
- Within the first thirty (30) days of a new member joining ALA or opting into the Program, an Ambassador has a brief telephone call with this individual.
- Within the first sixty (60) days of a new member joining ALA or opting into the Program, the same Ambassador will have a second telephone call with the new member.
- Within the first ninety (90) days of a new member joining ALA or opting into the Program, the same Ambassador will have a second telephone call with the new member.
- After the third telephone call has taken place, the Ambassador and new member will choose how often (but not less than quarterly) and by what means future communications occur.
Engagement at in-person ALA events
- The Ambassador will distribute a list of resources (to be developed by the ALA Membership Development Committee) for new members/first-time attendees.
- The Ambassador will help review session offerings, where applicable, to assist participating Program members to better plan their new member/first-time attendee experience.
- When an Ambassador is able to attend an in-person event, he/she will arrange to meet with Program participants (inclusive of peer Ambassadors) immediately before and/or during the event to further connect with and provide guidance, assistance and engagement to new members/first-time attendees, e.g., exploring the Expo Hall together. If an Ambassador is unable to attend an in-person event, he/she will advise the ALA Membership Development Committee members managing the Program so another Ambassador can provide the in-person connections, etc. in his/her place.
Term: 2 years
Appointments per year: Varies
In-Person Meetings / Expectations: The Ambassador will first participate in video and/or telephonic training conducted by a member of the ALA Membership Development Committee. The Ambassador will then be assigned approximately five (5) to ten (10) new members and shall “check in” periodically with each assigned new member during the next twelve (12) months by following the new member communication timeline. The Ambassador may conduct group meetings and can utilize whatever form of communication works best for the Ambassador and new member. The Ambassador will be responsible for logging all interactions with assigned new members on a provided spreadsheet/template and submitting the same to managing ALA Membership Development Committee members monthly. The Ambassador is also encouraged to attend the ALA Annual Conference & Exposition whenever possible and participate in all new member and/or first-time attendee events held therein. (Attendance at additional in-person ALA events is encouraged, as well.) In instances where Ambassadors are not able to attend the ALA Annual Conference & Exposition, managing ALA Membership Development Committee members will work with at-home Ambassadors to create opportunities to connect with new members also not attending the ALA Annual Conference & Exposition.
Eligibility: An Ambassador must have at least three (3) years of consecutive ALA membership experience. Active members of the ALA Membership Development Committee are excluded from volunteering to serve as Ambassadors while serving on the Committee.
Call for volunteers: Ongoing
Selections made: Ongoing
Description: The ALA New Member Welcome Notecard Program was created to welcome and thank new members and provide them with an introduction to a membership organization that provides deep connections and builds relationships. The purpose of sending a handwritten notecard to new members serves to:
- Introduce another component of personal touch to new member welcome communications.
- Foster member awareness and engagement in member retention.
- Promote a welcoming environment and member-to-member connections.
- Promote new member engagement.
This microvolunteer opportunity requires the ongoing creation of handwritten “welcome and thank you” notecards to new members. The notecard writer’s primary responsibility is to write several brief, handwritten welcome messages and return a completed group to ALA headquarters periodically by mail.
Here are the details you’ll need to get started:
- We provide what you need! ALA will send volunteers a supply of cards for you to use. Need some writing inspiration? We’ll also provide you with some scripted content you can use verbatim or as a starting point for your own, personalized message.
- Sending it back to ALA HQ is easy. Once welcome messages have been written, groups of 25 notecards will be returned to ALA headquarters. (We’ll provide you with prepaid, addressed envelopes.) Once ALA staff receives them, each card will be individually addressed and mailed to the new member. The card writer may include a business card and/or an email address in each card to encourage a member-to-member connection.
- Running low on cards? ALA has you covered. We’ll supply blank notecards as needed.
Expectations: The time commitment for this volunteer activity varies based on the number of monthly cards written. It’s estimated each card may take 3 to 5 minutes to write, so 50 cards is equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 hours per month.
Please note: This is not an opportunity to sell a product or service. It’s merely a chance to welcome new members into the ALA fold.
Eligibility: You must be an ALA member to participate in this program. If you have an interest in reaching new members — and can provide a consistent, monthly commitment to this — we encourage you to volunteer.
Term: One year, renewable
Appointments per year: Open
Description: ALA offers several Online Community forums for members that are based on the individual’s involvement and interests in the association. Focus areas include Special Interest topics and General forums. Opportunities are available to moderate an individual group, for example, HR Issues or Financial Issues.
Three of the most important activities of community moderators:
- It is of utmost importance to ensure discussions are not violating antitrust laws. Moderators educate community members and edit posts if needed. More information on antitrust guidelines is here.
- Help to ensure posts receive responses and encourage general discussion. Sometimes this may involve responding yourself or reminding/asking others.
- Ensure the discussion is respectful and supports the ALA Code of Ethics.
The moderator is authorized to edit and/or delete posts if required by antitrust regulations and works with ALA staff to determine the course of action in ambiguous circumstances.
Expectations: The time commitment for this volunteer activity is dependent on the volume of posts. Estimated time is approximately 3-5 hours per month.
Eligibility: Anyone with an interest in moderating may volunteer to do so. If a community is restricted to assigned members only, the moderator must be part of the authorized group(s). Membership is required for access to the ALA Online Community.
Description: This volunteer opportunity is to facilitate one ALA Roundtable via the Zoom videoconferencing platform on the third Friday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. Central. The roundtables focus on our rapidly changing environment with predetermined topics that are driven by member need and include facilitator input. The facilitator can select a cofacilitator to assist them if they like.
Expectations: One of the responsibilities for the role includes providing potential discussion questions for that month’s roundtable topic. ALA will provide the facilitator with the information needed to lead the meeting. ALA staff will be available before and during the call to assist and can be reached by private chat if any questions arise during the roundtable.
The facilitator’s primary responsibility is to keep the conversation going. They also must maintain awareness of participants who desire/attempt to speak, ensuring they have an opportunity to do so.
No opportunity will be provided to market the facilitator’s products or services, if such an interest exists.
Eligibility: The individual needs to be a member of ALA. They must be comfortable facilitating a call and engaging attendees to share experiences and questions they may have for discussion.
