As the legal services industry becomes more diverse and competitive, the need for capable managers has never been greater. That’s why earning the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)® credential — regardless of the stage in your career — shows your commitment to staying on top of the legal management profession.
It’s not an easy credential to earn — but that’s the point. The CLM credential demonstrates to your firm that you’ve mastered the knowledge, skills and abilities to operate at a high level of expertise in the field of legal management.
ALA is the exclusive credentialing body of the CLM program, and CLM Certification is offered twice a year — in the Spring and the Fall. (See below for important 2024 dates.)
Looking for more information? Check out Certify Your Career in the January 2022 issue of Legal Management. CLMs discuss their certification journey and how sitting for the exam boosted their legal management careers. Also, check out the ALA-hosted webinar Your Pathway to Certification and get all the info on how to achieve the certification. Or, listen to this episode of Legal Management Talk, as Rita Nielsen talks about what ALA’s Certified Legal Manager (CLM)® program is, the benefits it offers and what the process is to achieve it. Bonus: She gives some study tips!
If you’re looking to connect with someone who has earned this credential, visit our Certified Legal Manager Directory. (You must be a member to view this.)
Application deadline: September 5
Test dates: November 4-30
Application deadline: March 6
Test dates: May 5-30
Application deadline: September 4
Test dates: November 3-28
Test dates: May 4-29
Test dates: November 2-27
The following tables outline the cost for taking the CLM Exam — and then maintaining it.
Exam | Exam Retake | Exam Reschedule | |
ALA Member | $529 | $259 | $159 |
Nonmember | $629 | $259 | $159 |
CLM Maintenance | CLM Recertification | |
ALA Member and Nonmember | $59 due annually by spring or fall of the recertification date — except for in the year you recertify. | $189 due every three years or on your spring or fall certification date. |
CLM Retired Status | 1 x fee of $99 |
Danielle Cerny, CLM | Lydecker LLP | Miami, Florida |
Summer S. Jurrells, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP | Husch Blackwell LLP | Austin, Texas |
Michelle Howe, CLM, PHR | Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP | Chicago, Illinois |
Laura Holler, CLM | Harris Hunt & Derr PA | Tampa, Florida |
Thomas Nicolas Tyszka, CLM | Handler Thayer, LLC | Hinsdale, Illinois |
Ray Hanna, CLM | Frantz Ward, LLP | Cleveland, Ohio |
Kathryn S. Walton, CLM | Epstein Becker & Green, PC | New York, New York |
Terah J. Drent, CLM | Bezaire & Leathers | San Clemente, California |
We’re Here to Walk You Through the Steps to Certification
Should you have questions at any time, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].