A quarterly newletter by the Boston Chapter of
the Association of Legal Administrators
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ONE MORE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION?
As law firm administrators, not only do we wear many hats and face many challenges in managing our firms, but for the most part must meet these challenges somewhat alone. It can be tough - making deadlines, striving for success in each and every project, fostering healthy morale and promoting teamwork while meeting the expectations of our firms’ partners - it becomes critical in our positions to always be informed, educated and open-minded while striving to maintain perspective. We are fortunate in that we have the huge benefit of membership in Boston Chapter ALA. Many of us take full advantage of what the Chapter has to offer by networking with other members, by becoming involved in the Chapter and/or by attending as many member and vendor events as can be afforded with our demanding schedules.
The mission of the Boston Chapter, which mirrors that of the Association of Legal Administrators, is "... to promote the exchange of information regarding the administration and management problems peculiar to legal organizations … to develop and promote continuing education programs …” With that intent, the Program Committee yearly devotes much time, energy and resources in bringing the Boston Chapter Members quality programs. Annual surveys are distributed to each member requesting feedback on past programs and ideas and suggestions for future programs. Additional surveys are distributed to members after each monthly program luncheon. These surveys are reviewed by both the Program Committee and the Board and are taken into consideration in planning future programs. Sometimes we fail to meet member expectations; but more often than not our programs are enlightening, educational and certainly worth attending.
You may find it difficult to attend Boston Chapter events due to scheduling conflicts and time constraints. You may feel the topics don’t apply. You may be a new member, not yet convinced that your attendance will make a difference. . When I first became a member, as is common, I rarely attended luncheons for all of these reasons. To my surprise, once I began attending events on a regular basis, I came to realize what I had overlooked -- a great opportunity to expand my knowledge, together with the ability to exchange ideas and “how-to’s” with other administrators. I learned a great deal from those with a different strategy, attitude or skill set. I learned from the more experienced, and I learned from the more knowledgeable -- whether it was a speaker, the person sitting next to me at lunch or the vendor sponsoring the luncheon. I also realized that although some topics discussed did not apply to the duties and responsibilities within my own firm, I did glean bits of information and became knowledgeable on subjects that became very useful as changes were made within my firm.
We have had some great informal luncheons covering a wide range of topics at both the Small Firm Luncheons and the HR Roundtable. We have had fantastic reviews and feedback on our monthly educational programs over the years, with topics ranging from the latest in the legal industry to the best ways of dealing with human resource issues. We’ve had nationally-known speakers, such as Keith Lockhart, who spoke eloquently on leadership to members and their managing partners and Loretta LaRoche who taught us how to manage stress and laugh at ourselves. Last year a few of our members led a lively and informative exchange on marketing and branding. This year some of our members sat on a panel and shared their own experiences and knowledge on managing and delegation. We have much to look forward to in learning about labor law, diversity, generational differences, problem-solving, teamwork, communication skills and the ever-changing ideas about technology. So ... one more resolution - set a couple of hours a month aside to benefit both you and your firm - attend a program - it may be a Small Firm Luncheon, HR Roundtable or the Monthly Educational Program. Check the website -- those who attend regularly - keep attending!! Those who rarely attend - take advantage of your membership! And lastly, if you have suggestions or ideas, please respond to our surveys -- we won’t know if you’re getting the benefit of your membership unless you tell us! Hope to see you soon!!
Janice Hayes, VP Programs