In 1971, the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) was formed to provide support to professionals involved in the management of law firms, corporate legal departments, and government legal agencies. The mission of the ALA is to improve the quality of management in legal services organizations; promote and enhance the competence and professionalism of legal administrators as well as members of the management team; and, represent professional legal management and managers to the legal community and to the community at large. To find out more about the association click here.

In 1973, The Dallas Chapter Association of Legal Administrators was created to localize programming. Today the Dallas Chapter is a dynamic voice in the community on matters relating to all aspects of legal administration.

Legal administrators are specialists and generalists in technology, human resources, facilities, finance, business, and accounting. Administrators run the business aspect of a law practice so that lawyers may focus on the practice of law.

Driven by constant innovations in technology, finance and the law, the role of the legal administrator has expanded to include a host of new administrative and managerial responsibilities placing renewed emphasis on groups, like the ALA, that offer continuing education, training, and support.

Since its formation, the Dallas Chapter has published newsletters, directories and surveys, as well as facilitated seminars on important issues for the Chapter members. Many of the Chapter's founding members remain active participants and/or consultants in the organization. Since by definition, the role of the legal administrator is multifaceted, so, too, are the programs and services offered by the ALA.

Benefits of membership in the Dallas Chapter?

	Stipends to international and regional educational conferences;
	Specialized monthly educational programs (human resources, finance, technology, facilities management, and general office management);
	Support for legal management certification program;
	Annual compensation and benefits survey;
	Access to online membership directory;
	Electronic newsletter, comprehensive website, job bank, and email forum;
	Networking opportunities with peers; and,
	Network of Business Partners.

What is The Dallas Chapter Association of Legal Administrators?

The Dallas Chapter is the local chapter of the ALA that places an emphasis on education, networking, and community service. The Dallas Chapter

	Was established in 1973;
	Has over 180 members that represent private practice firms as well as in-house legal departments in the Dallas area. Membership is made up of firms of varying sizes, from sole practitioners to large local, national, and international firms;
	Encourages education. The Dallas Chapter provides educational opportunities to Chapter Members. At the bi-monthly general meeting as well as at the section meetings, members are given an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas in an informal setting. Guest speaker topics range from finance and technology to human resource issues, facilities management, and personal growth;
	Meets bi-monthly as well as offering special-interest groups that meet either monthly or bi-monthly including the human resources, financial, technology, multi-office, principal administrators, and facilities sections;
	Sponsors an annual managing partners' luncheon that contracts with a speaker of local or national recognition;
	Compiles an annual salary and benefits survey for Chapter members. The survey offers local data on administrative and legal salaries, benefit programs, and personnel policies;
	Publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, The Lonestar Administrator. The newsletter is written and edited by Chapter members and includes feature articles outlining trends in office technology, developments in governmental and legislative regulations, classified ads, and a calendar of upcoming ALA events;
	Is involved with community service projects. In conjunction with international ALA, the Dallas Chapter participates in an annual community service challenge one weekend in October. The ALA encourages members, firms, vendors, relatives, and friends, to come together to contribute time, energy and resources to participate in a special project. By participating as a group, ALA works outside the business environment to make a difference in the community. Recent projects for the Dallas Chapter have been Support Our Troops Care Packages and USO, Susan B. Komen Run, Support Schools Affected by Hurricane Katrina and Rita, Ronald McDonald House, and Channel 13 Pledge Drive.
	Publishes a directory of its members. The directory provides member information to facilitate communication between Chapter members and their respective law firms.

Applying for Membership

To be eligible for membership in The Dallas Chapter Association of Legal Administrators, membership in the international Association of Legal Administrators is required. An international membership application form is available for download or you may apply online for faster service. Eligibility criteria is stated on the application. When membership in International is accepted, membership for The Dallas Chapter Association of Legal Administrators will be considered. For additional information on the Dallas Chapter email its President hstorey@hhdulaw.com.

The application form in Microsoft Word format for new (first-time) members can be downloaded here. Renewing members can download the appropriate form here, again in Microsoft Word format.

The Dallas Chapter Association of Legal Administrators provides an array of educational and professional services to Chapter members. Through better management and support, administrators and attorneys work together to provide quality service while maximizing profit.