The Wichita Area Chapter of Legal Administrators was
formed in 1981. In February 1987, Wichita became the first chapter in Kansas to
receive Charter Affiliation with the International Association of Legal
Administrators. Since its inception in 1971, ALA has grown to over 9,000 members
and is represented by all fifty states and 20 countries.
Our Purpose
The professional responsibilities of the legal administrator continue to
expand along with the industry. Most legal administrators are now
required to demonstrate experience and expertise in a wide range of
functional areas, including: finance, personnel, technology, facilities,
office services, marketing and strategic planning. The ALA -- on
national, regional and local levels -- plays an essential role in
furnishing "networking" assistance for its members in terms of providing
information, training and support.
Our organization was formed (a) to promote the exchange of information
regarding the administration and management problems peculiar to legal
organizations ... to educate representatives of legal organizations
regarding the value and availability of professional administrators; and
to consider standards of qualifications for such administrators; (b)
develop and promote continuing education programs; (c) to make available
upon request, members who specialize in specific areas of administration
for consulting purposes within the membership; (d) to support the goals
and programs of the Association of Legal Administrators where consistent
with the goals and purposes of the Chapter; and (e) to participate in any
other way in the advancement of legal administration.
Membership
Individuals responsible for administrative management in the private law
firm, corporate legal department, governmental, judicial or legal
agencies are encouraged to join the Wichita Area Chapter of Legal
Administrators as regular members. Other individuals interested in legal
administration, but ineligible for regular membership, may join as an
associate member if certain guidelines are met. Criteria for both regular
and associate membership is specified on the local and international
membership applications.
Meetings
Regular monthly meetings are held which address current topics in legal
management, such as: employee and benefit management, expense control,
ethics, technology advancements, changes in the law, and various other
matters facing the legal administrator in today's changing environment.
Some meetings are spent in informal round-table discussions on key
issues, giving members the opportunity to share ideas and areas of
concern. An annual Managing Partner Luncheon is held to express ALA's
appreciation to the legal profession and to provide a forum to acquaint
partners and managers with our local organization.
Chapter Officers
Our Chapter has been very fortunate to be
consistently served by our Officers and
Committee Chairs. The service year
begins in April of each year and, as always we are served by a very
capable and creative group of individuals.
Chapter Committees
In order to serve the need of our members, we have
established the following Committees. We
invite our members to serve on one or more of these committees to enhance their
membership experience.
Bar Relations
Communications - (New Standing Committee as of 1/06)
Community Challenge
Historian
Membership
Newsletter
Nominating
Program/Education
Salary Survey
Vendor Event
Vendor Relations
Our History
The Wichita Area Chapter of the
Association of Legal Administrators has a long and interesting history.
Follow this link to share our past
experiences.
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