Resources for Students
What Is ALA?
The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) is the premier professional association connecting leaders and managers within the legal industry. Since 1971, ALA has been helping members succeed through professional development collaborative peer communities, strategic operational solutions and business partner connections — even as the industry continues to experience dramatic change.
What Does a Legal Management Professional Do?
Legal management professionals are responsible for supporting the activities of attorneys, paralegals and others who focus on the practice of law and the business side of law. They work at all levels within law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, nonprofits and other organizations. Their duties can include operations, financial management, human resources, personnel management, recruiting, professional development, marketing, information technology, vendor management and more.
Legal management professionals come from all backgrounds. Early in ALA’s history, many legal management professionals advanced from administrative assistant roles and other support positions. That still is the path for some, but many have obtained legal degrees before turning to law firm management in lieu of legal practice. Some are specialists in HR, accounting, marketing and other disciplines.
Learn more about a career in the business of law.
Foundation of ALA Initiatives
The Foundation of the Association of Legal Administrators is the charitable affiliate of ALA. It supports efforts both within the Association and our communities to improve the credibility and visibility of legal management.
Beginning in 2019, the Foundation focused on students as the future of our profession. This initiative focuses on the following:
- Scholarships for juniors and seniors enrolled in an accredited college/university, or those in a master's degree program, with an interest in pursuing a non-attorney career in the legal industry, including legal management, paralegal studies or other legal support roles
- A presence at college career fairs
- Seed money for chapters formulating law firm, legal organization or business partner internships
Student Membership in ALA
Student membership at a reduced dues level is offered to provide an accessible opportunity to take advantage of the benefits offered through ALA membership to individuals who may be considering a career in a legal environment or who are currently in the legal field and seeking to advance their careers. Student members may be enrolled full- or part-time in any degree program. A current transcript or other proof of enrollment may be required; eligible applicants may receive up to four student membership terms.
Career Center
ALA operates a Career Center with educational resources and a job board. Employers throughout North America advertise positions to an audience they know has the requisite interests and experience to succeed. The Job Bank, which offers everything from entry-level positions to top-ranking roles, is free to browse for job seekers.
Learn More About Legal Management
If you become an ALA member, you’ll have access to all of ALA’s many resources and benefits. As a nonmember, though, you can always read the current issue of Legal Management magazine and listen to every episode of the Legal Management Talk podcast.