Join Us In Seattle
Why The Conference Planning Committee Attends
Get To Know The #ALAConf23 Speakers
Who You Will Meet

Join Us in Seattle

On behalf of the 2023 Annual Conference Planning Committee, I invite you to join us May 7–10 in the Emerald City — Seattle, Washington. Celebrated as an environmentally conscious, nature-lovers’ oasis, the city is also known for its lively culture, vibrant music and art scene, excellent food (and coffee!), bold architecture, and dozens of must-see attractions and activities. Of course, a city appealing to such diverse interests is going to make the perfect backdrop for our annual gathering that celebrates various perspectives, experiences and knowledge.

So, what’s new this year? This year’s program is your opportunity for BIG personal and professional growth.

Following a long tradition of continuous improvements, this year’s Committee delved into feedback from past attendees, considered our own experiences, and sought feedback from our colleagues and industry experts around the country to discover what legal management professionals are really looking for.

The resulting intensive, four-day program has a careful focus on helping you to create BALANCE, IMPACT and GROWTH — not only for your firm and your day-to-day responsibilities, but within your overall career and personal development. By attending, you will discover your next big success and:

• Find new ways to improve work-life balance.
• Leave with tools and tips to truly make an impact in your daily work.
• Grow both personally and professionally while extending your network of peers and business partners.

And there’s so much more! No other conference offers as much high-quality and diverse educational content, opportunities for continuing education credits and the ability to make connections among our amazing collaborative ALA community.

Make plans now to join us in Seattle.

The Committee looks forward to welcoming you!

Katie J. Bryant, CLM
Conference Committee Chair

Why the Conference Planning Committee Attends

“I attend the Annual Conference not just to network and meet people, but also to invest in myself and build my own intellectual capital away from the constant pressures of my day-to-day job. I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am extremely fortunate to work in the legal management industry. The number one reason I enjoy the legal management industry, by far, is the other legal management professionals I meet and network with at the Annual Conference. The legal management industry has such amazing people working in it, many of whom I am lucky enough to call good friends.”

Katie J. Bryant, CLM
Executive Director
Udall Shumway PLC

“The speakers at the Annual Conference are always top-notch. Consistently for me, one of the most valuable sessions I attend is the small firm roundtable. It’s always great to hear what other firms’ challenges and opportunities are and how they are dealing with their challenges. I’ve been able to bring some great ideas and solutions back to my firm, as a result.”
 
 
 

Daniel P. Atcheson
Firm Administrator
Jenkins Wilson Taylor & Hunt, PA
Representing the Professional Development Advisory Committee

“Networking is probably one of my favorite things at Annual Conference. I have met so many people over the years and have made life-long career friendships because of it. These connections have been terrific resources, professionally and personally, and. I look forward to seeing them each year.”

Stacey J. Ransleben, CLM
Director of Office Operations
Thompson & Horton, LLP
Representing the Membership Development Committee

“Attending ALA’s Annual Conferences has made such a huge impact in my career and personal life. The programming always has the most up-to-date educational sessions, forthcoming industry trends and inspirational keynote speakers who motivate you and make you want to go to the next level in your professional life.”

Stephanie Rose Ransom, CLM
Assistant Office Manager
Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin, P.C.
Representing the Certification Committee

“I was fortunate enough many years ago to take part in some immersive sessions at ALA’s Annual Conference that really got into the nitty gritty of understanding the basics of conducting a SWAT analysis. Then, using this analysis, we, the audience, delved into how to move beyond just talking about strategic planning and into strategic doing.”
 

Teresa Walker, CLM
Tennessee Private Trust Services Director
Holland & Knight LLP
Representing the Large Firm Administrators Caucus Steering Committee

“Attending the Annual Conference has not only helped improve my networking skills, but I’ve also made so many positive professional relationships that are now genuine friendships. I have had the pleasure of asking a CFO of the Year to help me with restructuring partner compensation and kept in touch with a now retired ALA friend for many years — we still meet for dinner whenever I am in her area.”

Lisa V. Fox
Director of Operations and Finance
Pines Bach LLP
Representing the Product and Service Review Committee

Get to Know the #ALAConf23 Speakers

“This is my first time presenting at ALA’s Annual Conference, and I am thrilled to participate! I am most looking forward to connecting with attendees face-to-face! It is always so wonderful to speak in-person and spend time networking with others in the legal space. As an ALA speaker, I’m pleased to be part of such a close community that supports each other, regardless of firm, all while leading the way in many innovative areas of business.”
- AshLea Allberry, Chief Operating Officer, Maptician

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to network with and learn from some of the top legal minds in the country at ALA’s Annual Conference & Expo. How businesses attract and retain top talent is rapidly changing. I am excited to share how the Kolbe Theory^® can provide a powerful and effective solution and transform a challenge into a strength.”
- Ben Bina, Kolbe-Certified Business Consultant, Command Clarity, LCC

“I can’t wait to reconnect with old friends and make new connections. Plus, I’m excited to speak and provide attendees with tools to thrive personally and professionally. This is my passion and my joy! Having worked for 20 years in the legal profession, I have so many friends and colleagues who have benefited from ALA. ALA’s members do tremendous work in their organizations, and as a speaker I am excited to support them (and, through them, their organizations).”
- Kendra Brodin, Esq., MSW, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, EsquireWell

“As a former law firm administrator and ALA member, I enjoy reconnecting with my colleagues at ALA’s Annual Conference & Expo. Now as a consultant, I am also excited to share the untapped resources that helped me to be successful and significantly impacted me on how to be more effective at attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent.”
- Kim Brown Goodwin, Kolbe-Certified Business Consultant and Founder, Harmony Business Advisors, LLC

“I’m most excited by the networking opportunities ALA’s Annual Conference & Expo provides, as well as the opportunity to learn from the many outstanding speakers that the organization lined up this year. ALA consistently hosts terrific events and provides meaningful networking opportunities and resources to its members. Every time I engage with ALA, I see the important role the organization serves for legal administrators.”
- Jocelyn Brumbaugh, Founder, Builden Partners

“I’m excited to experience the connection, engagement and networking at ALA’s Annual Conference & Expo! I also look forward to sharing strategies professionals can use to respond to individuals living with mental health challenges.”
- Erin Callinan, MSW, Consultant, Author, Speaker and Founder, Beneath The Brave

“I LOVE the ALA! I am most looking forward to reuniting with ALA colleagues at the Annual Conference & Expo. I don’t know that I’ve ever been around a more dedicated and intellectually curious group of leaders. It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to speak before them.”
- Michael S. Cohen, JD, Partner, Duane Morris LLP

“Speaking at this event is an amazing opportunity to help hundreds of legal administrators at the same time. I look forward to connecting with so many people — some who I only get to see in-person at the ALA Annual Conference.”
- Danielle DavisRoe, Esq., Senior Consultant, Affinity Consulting Group

“As a first time speaker at ALA’s Annual Conference & Expo, I am very much looking forward to meeting new people and empowering others with potentially life-saving knowledge.”
- Brink Fidler, Founder and President, Defend Systems

“I’m excited to attend my first ALA Annual Conference and look forward to the rich programming and networking opportunities while visiting Seattle for the first time! Having worked in the professional services industry for more than 15 years, I know legal administrators are often asked to wear many hats. I’m excited to share the experience I’ve gained from using LinkedIn since its inception with ALA members. The platform is a sophisticated tool with many uses, and I look forward to sharing tips, tricks and answers to common questions about the tool.”
- Abby Moriarty, Marketing & Public Relations Director, Builden Partners

“I haven't attended an Annual Conference in person since 2017 in Denver, so I am chomping at the bit to soak up the great energy that they always generate!”
 - Alice N. O'Hearn, Legal Administrator, Bailey Kennedy, LLP

“More than anything else at ALA’s Annual Conference & Expo, I enjoy the interaction with and the questions from, the audience. This year, the two sessions I am presenting will provide practical, concrete ideas that attendees can immediately apply to their law firm.”
- Blane R. Prescott, Managing Shareholder, MesaFive, LLC

“I’m eager to help law firms level the playing field in their negotiations with legal research vendors by providing them an insider’s view of the negotiation process. I am looking forward to providing information about the legal research renewal process that should immediately benefit ALA members.”
- Ken Purce, Principal and Founder, Research Contract Consultants

“I enjoyed speaking at ALA’s 2022 Annual Conference because the attendees were highly engaged, asked great questions, shared experiences and provided feedback. This all contributed to a high caliber learning environment. I am most looking forward to reconnecting with ALA members from across the country, attending interesting learning sessions and visiting great restaurants in Seattle. ”
- David B. Sarnoff, Esq., ACC, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Loeb Leadership

“I've attended ALA’s Annual Conference & Expo since 2015 and have also been a session facilitator. Over the years, I have greatly enjoyed discussing key topics with colleagues from around the country, from all different types of firms. I’m looking forward to learning new approaches in law firm management, reconnecting with colleagues and making new connections. It’s my go-to conference to gain new skills and information to enhance my contributions to my firm.”
- Suzanne L. Schwartz, Senior Office Administrator/ Paralegal Coordinator, Ogletree Deakins

“I believe that ALA’s community, is open to having discussions and learning about the subject matter that is my passion — allyship. I’m excited to have the opportunity to deliver this message, and to see Seattle. (I’ve never been!)”
- Joy Stephens, MBA, Senior Consultant, Loeb Leadership

Who You Will Meet

*based on attendance at ALA’s 2022 Annual Conference & Expo.

ALA’s Annual Conference provides the opportunity to network with over 1,000 legal management professionals and hundreds of your peers — all in one room. Connect with decision-makers in the Exhibit Hall! There will be ample opportunities to engage with current — and future — clients throughout the four days of programming and designated Exhibit Hall times and activities.
 

Explore Exhibitor Opportunities

Spread the Word

Make connections before arriving in Seattle by networking with your legal management peers with #ALAConf23. Don’t forget to tag us!

@ALABuzz #ALAConf23
Association of Legal Administrators (ALA)
Association of Legal Administrators (ALA)
@ALA_Buzz #ALAConf23

Coming soon! Download the ALA Annual Conference App to chat with your peers before the conference.