I am grateful for this opportunity to serve as the chapter’s President for the 2024 – 2026 term. Our new Board of Directors features some new faces as well as the return of many loyal leaders. All are proud and committed to serve the Philadelphia Chapter and join me in our dedication to our membership.
The Philadelphia Chapter was founded in 1975 with a handful of Legal Administrators who wanted to create an organization through which they could share industry knowledge as well as offer a peer network to exchange advice, guidance and friendship. Now, our Chapter consists not only of approximately 200 members from small, mid-size, large firms and in-house legal departments from the Greater Philadelphia and surrounding areas, but we also have over 30 Business Partners who offer industry insight and keep us on task with new trends. Quite an accomplishment!
Over the years, our Chapter has received many accolades and awards including the National Idea Award and most recently the 2024 National Presidents’ Award of Excellence. We have increased our visibility in the community by chairing toy drives for The Salvation Army of Philadelphia, organizing a holiday drive for The Bethesda Project and making monetary donations to the Foundation of ALA. The new Board and I will continue to strive to further our accomplishments and continue our involvement in the community.
Since the pandemic, we have seen significant changes in the legal industry with how we operate and function as a whole. The legal industry is continuously evolving as well as the role of legal management. As we navigate through these challenging times, Phila-ALA will continue to stay committed to thinking outside the box, keeping up with the latest trends as it impacts the legal community, and serve as a resource for member’s needs.
Education Committee: We will strive to develop and deliver top-notch educational programs and resources that empower our members to grow, adapt, and excel in the ever-evolving legal landscape. Knowledge is power, and we will equip our community with the tools they need to thrive.
Communications Committee: Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful organization. We will focus on improving the flow of information, ensuring our members are well-informed and connected.
Business Partner Committee: Our Business Partners play a crucial role in our success. We will nurture strong, mutually beneficial relationships, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all.
Membership Committee: We aim to expand our reach, bringing in diverse perspectives and experiences, ensuring our community reflects the rich tapestry of the legal management team.
Diversity Committee: Diversity is not just a buzzword; it is a fundamental principle. We will work to promote diversity, both within our chapter and throughout the legal management community.
In addition to our community listserv and National ALA’s website, Phila-ALA has partnered with over 30 business partners who are experts in their field and are happy to share their expertise with you.
Please make sure to visit out Business Partners Page and Business Partners Corner on our website.
We have an exciting journey ahead of us in the coming year, and I encourage each and every one of you to stay actively engaged in our chapter's activities and initiatives. We will continue to provide monthly education and round-table sessions on various topics, always striving to make them as accessible as possible. There will also be plenty of social events for networking and reconnecting with old and new friends.
It is a proven fact that members who become involved in their chapter derive the most value and satisfaction from their membership and have fun while doing so. If you have any questions about how to get involved, please feel free to contact any Board member or me. Please visit our website and calendar of events often. Share your news with us so we can share on our website and LinkedIn page.
In closing, let us commit to a future where the Philadelphia-ALA continues to be a beacon of excellence in legal management. Let us inspire one another to reach new heights, challenge the status quo, and foster a sense of belonging within our community.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your President.
