“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
The world is changing. Again. Challenges to the legal industry that legal management professionals must overcome have emerged. Again. And the ALA community is here to help. Again.
Whether it is the infusion of transformative technology, another economic downturn, a pandemic, changes to workplace culture, or a host of other challenges over the years, one thing has been consistent: Our peers and colleagues, ALA staff and our business partners have offered innovative solutions, proactive and responsive resources, and a bedrock community of ideas and support. This occurs even though many of our firms compete for the same business, are opponents in the courtroom or compete for the same talent. The bonds forged in the ALA community transcend the things that separate us.
I found that everyone has a place in ALA — even me. When I joined, I was new to the legal management profession. Suddenly, I was swimming with the sharks, so to speak. I needed access to someone who understood my unique position as a legal management professional working with multiple firm owner-operators who needed to focus on the practice of law, learn how to run a business with seemingly odd profitability models and office practices, absorb what it means to operate within a large set of unique rules and ethics guidelines, and manage a staff and legal teams while streamlining operations during an economic recession.
“You are a part of a network of people with great ideas, deep experience, sharp acumen, credentialed professionals, trailblazers, strategists, leaders and friends. We come from all walks of life and have unique stories. But, we all belong in ALA.”
That meant I needed information and education to sharpen my skills. I needed a network of experienced peers to ask questions and gain feedback for my ideas. I needed to know how to identify and align product and service solutions to the challenges I faced. To my delight, I found ALA, where information was given freely and my network of similarly situated peers became suddenly vast — all as a benefit of my membership. Regardless of where I was from, my background or how much experience I lacked, I found a home in the ALA community. They armed me with what I needed to manage one of the most unique business operations in America: a law firm. In short, I was not alone.
As we evolve in a world with ChatGPT, the metaverse, bank closures, expanding firm ownership models, an uncertain economy, and a world full of exponential change and an uncertain future, remember — you are not alone. You are a part of a network of people with great ideas, deep experience, sharp acumen, credentialed professionals, trailblazers, strategists, leaders and friends. We come from all walks of life and have unique stories. But we all belong in ALA.
I encourage you to invest in yourself by attending one or more of our in-person conferences, joining webinars or getting involved in a chapter or two. When you do, be sure to ask others to share their ALA stories. And be sure to share yours, too.
According to data analytics company CauseIQ, there are over 46,200 trade and professional service Associations. Many share common roles and attributes such as industry focus, standards compliance or political influence. In the legal industry, ALA is the preeminent organization of legal management professionals focused on the business of law. As members, we have access to resources, provide and share thought leadership and knowledge, and enjoy networking opportunities.
But one thing that makes ALA uniquely valuable is our community of members, staff and business partners. We, all of us, are ALA. And that includes you.
