Our Legal Management Talk podcast keeps you in the know while you’re on the go. Most episodes are less than 30 minutes long so you can learn about a specific legal management topic as you make your way throughout your day.
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Managing change at a law firm is never easy, especially when people have different comfort levels with change. Dave Collins, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oak and Reeds, joins the show (in-person!) to discuss how to meet people where they're at when introducing change so you can maximize buy-in. We also talk about the latest innovations in workplace communication, including how AI is being used.
Catch Dave's session at ALA's 2025 Level Up: Legal Management Fundamentals on Friday, September 12 at 12:15 p.m.
Register now for Dave's ALA webinar — Difficult Conversations: Collaborative Conflict — on September 24 at 2 p.m. Central. Visit alanet.org/webinars.
Published Sep 8, 2025
In this episode, Rita Nielsen, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP, Office Administrator at Locke Lord LLP and ALA Chicago’s CLM Director, talks about what ALA’s Certified Legal Manager (CLM)® program is, the benefits it offers and what the process is to achieve it. Nielsen also offers suggestions on how best to study for the exam, including joining chapter study groups. Tune in if you’re looking to start your CLM journey!
For more on the CLM, visit alanet.org/clm.
Published Jan 6, 2023
In this episode, Heidi Gardner, PhD, Distinguished Fellow at Harvard Law School, talks about what qualities make a good leader in the post-pandemic era. She also discusses how collaboration can help managers work through many of the issues law firms face today, as well as how a compassionate approach toward your employees can boost productivity.
Published Dec 14, 2022
In this episode, Dan Atcheson of Jenkins Wilson Taylor and Hunt, PA, discusses the growing use of the metaverse in the legal industry. Learn about how some firms are already renting space in the virtual world to meet with clients and how the metaverse is becoming more conducive for firm operations. Atcheson also offers his thoughts on how government regulation will be required to prevent crimes such as assault and battery from occurring in the metaverse. (Yes, it can happen there, too!)
Published Dec 1, 2022
In this special episode, hear from Eryn Carter, CAE — ALA’s new Executive Director — about her impressions of ALA so far, her vision for the future of the Association and what she’s most looking forward to heading into 2023 and beyond. And just in time for the holidays, we discuss Carter’s favorite Thanksgiving food and her favorite gift she’s ever received.
Published Nov 21, 2022
In this episode, Michael Cohen of Duane Morris discusses how firms are promoting mental health awareness and how the legal industry can do more to make sure its employees are sufficiently supported. Cohen also talks about managers’ responsibilities when it comes to handling implicit bias, microaggressions and workplace harassment.
Published Nov 17, 2022
In this episode, Allison Worley of Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal previews her upcoming presentation at ALA’s Legal Management Fundamentals Conference, where she will teach early-career administrators about legal trends and operations management. Plus, Worley reminisces about her time attending the LMF Conference and offers advice to new administrators about how to keep up with all the knowledge they need to do their jobs.
Published Nov 3, 2022