Special
Event
Continental
Breakfast
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Vendor-Hosted
Workshop
Impact
of Smart MFPs and Integrated Document Capture and Handling Within a Legal
Infrastructure
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Omtool’s document
capture and routing solution, AccuRoute®, enhances the native capabilities of
“smart” MFP devices by capturing, profiling, and distributing documents into a
firm’s DMS/RMS/ECM system, and much more.
LI20
- Legal Industry
21st
Century Legal Trends and Issues in Law Firm Strategy
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
The 21st century has
brought with it unprecedented opportunities and threats for all law firms.
There is always the concern about economics, mergers, laterals, talent,
salaries and billing costs. Now, however, there are entirely new, high-level
issues in law firm strategy and management to contend with.
LI21
- Legal Industry
Heading
Off the Exodus: Associate Retention
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Firms continue to lose
talent to clients and other firms. What can the firm do to remain in the race
for talented lawyers? During this session, we will look at associate attrition
and identify what associates are looking for. You’ll also learn why in-house positions
might attract associates away from law firms and how to develop and implement
strategies that will make associates want to stay at your firm.
LFAIE
- Idea Exchange
Large
Firm Principal Administrators Idea Exchanges
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - Noon
These idea exchanges are
specifically for principal administrators in large firms having, in all
locations combined, 100 or more lawyers. (NOTE: There can be only one person in
a law firm who qualifies as its principal administrator.) Share questions,
concerns and solutions with your peers. You select the topics, which may
include technology and systems planning, financial management techniques and
enhancing your firm’s bottom line.
LFIE
- Idea Exchange
Large
Law Firm (100+ Lawyers) Idea Exchange
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
If you’re a manager in a
law firm with 100 or more lawyers and want a forum specifically designed to
discuss your issues, then don’t miss this session! Join other large firm
administrators to share best practices and pose questions on operational issues
and other matters critical to your firm. By networking with your peers, you
will take away a wealth of information and practical tips that you can
implement right away.
OMIE
- Idea Exchange
Technology
Idea Exchange
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
During this idea
exchange, attendees will share ideas, ask questions and offer solutions to
today’s technology challenges with other legal professionals. Learn what’s hot
and what’s not, what works and what doesn’t. Specific topics for discussion
include scanning and the paperless office, records retention in the age of
e-discovery, protecting your practice in the event of digital and natural
disasters, and issues related to remote and mobile computing.
OM20
- Office Operations Management
The
Disaster Experience: A Simulation Exercise
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - Noon
Chances are that while
you read this, an unexpected disaster is causing a law firm stress and
confusion and is affecting its long-term ability to provide services to its
clients. In this session, you will be put into the throes of a real-life
disaster situation—as it unfolds. You will make the critical decisions and deal
with the consequences of those decisions.
OM21
- Office Operations Management
Enabling
Clientside Self Service
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Technology is driving
significant change in legal practices and client expectations. Modern in-house
legal departments are managed just like other business functions, with an
emphasis on measurable performance increases coupled with ongoing cost
reductions. This session will focus on how one law department successfully
utilizes technology to simplify negotiation and contract processes, making the
client more self-sufficient.
FM20
- Financial Management
60
Financial Tips in 90 Minutes
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
A successful practice is
a profitable one. This session will offer tips to help you better understand
the financial health and status of your practice—and help you move beyond
thinking just about billable hours and receipts. You’ll gain an appreciation of
where the money is coming from, where it’s going and how you can bring in even
more.
FM21
- Financial Management
Optimizing
Profits with a Well-Built Budget
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Learn how to build a
budget—from the ground up—that can be used as a planning tool and a way to
gently force policy decisions. This session will focus on how to use the budget
to identify key information to manage cash flow and analyze how to optimize
profits through increasing revenue rather than cutting costs.
HR20
- Human Resources Management
Employment
Law Update
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Staying on top of
changes in employment law is sometimes the most critical yet challenging, part
of your job. This session will review the latest employment developments and
provide information to help minimize employee-related liability for your firm.
GM20
- Communications and General Management
Client
Service: Proven Ways to Improve Your Firm's Service
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Even the best firms can
lose up to half of their top clients every four years—without even realizing
it. Firms spend 80 percent of their marketing efforts trying to pour new
clients into the top of the firm’s bucket without plugging holes in the bottom.
Retaining top clients is among the best marketing strategies and often leads to
significantly increased profits.
GM21
- Communications and General Management
Communicating
and Interacting with Others: Presentation Skills
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
As you advance
professionally, you are increasingly asked to present at meetings. This may not
be your favorite task, but you can learn to present with panache and
confidence. In this energetic, skills-based session, you will discover a
five-step guide to developing presentations. You will also learn the skills to
relax and feel confident with every audience, establish rapport with listeners
and ensure that your message is delivered effectively.
Vendor-Hosted
Workshop
Tabs3/PracticeMaster
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Vendor-Hosted
Workshop
Competitive
Intelligence for the Modern Law Firm: Data Driven Decision Making
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
As the foundation of
law-firm competitive intelligence programs, West Monitor provides the fact base
and analytics for key client-development activities: market planning,
cross-selling and prioritizing client acquisition strategies.
Vendor-Hosted
Workshop
How
to Succeed at CRM
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
CRM (Client Relationship
Management) is powerful technology. Yet, statistics show it has a higher (50%+)
rate of failure unless implemented properly. Learn how a 90%+ success rate can
be achieved.
SFIE1
- Idea Exchange
Small
Firm Administrators Idea Exchange (1-15 Attorneys)
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
In your firm, you do it
all—operations, finance, HR, sometimes even IT. Take this opportunity to join
your colleagues, legal administrators in firms with one to 15 attorneys, where
you will determine the topics for discussion. Network with your peers and
discuss the issues relevant to the day-to-day aspects of running the business,
such as marketing, recruiting and small-firm overhead.
SFIE2
- Idea Exchange
Small
Firm Administrators Idea Exchange (16-35 Attorneys)
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
This idea exchange will
be your chance to meet with other legal administrators in firms with 16 to 35
attorneys. Developed to meet the needs of the administrator who wears every
management hat, you will determine the topics for discussion on issues such as
people resources, changing technology, managing the managing partners and more.
GM22
- Communications and General Management
Conflict
Resolution: Repairing Dysfunctional Firms
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Law firms everywhere are
facing faster growth, growing competition and ever-increasing pressure to
succeed. It’s no surprise that conflict is a common part of law firm life—among
groups and individuals, lawyers and staff alike. Learn the role that emotion
plays in workplace conflict and why this matters more in a law firm.
HR21
- Human Resources Management
How
to Say, "You're Fired"
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
The goal of any
termination should be two-fold: first, to leave the employee facing termination
with his or her dignity in place, and second, to avoid litigation. Can you fire
someone and effectively accomplish both of these goals? In this session participants
will explore the stages and components for conducting a legally defensible
termination and constructing termination messages that preserve the dignity of
the individual while avoiding litigation against the firm.<
HR22
- Human Resources Management
Coming
of Age: Retain and Utilize Experienced Employees
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
The workforce is aging
and skill shortages abound. What does this mean for law firms? Chances are,
these forces will require employers to rethink employment and develop new
strategies to retain their older workers, hire or rehire retirees and employ
other older adults. Be prepared to leave with new ideas about how these issues
will impact law firms, education and your own attitudes about aging and
retirement.
FM22
- Financial Management
Critical
Compliance Issues: How to Run Your Firm and Stay Out of Jail
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Join this fast-paced
session to learn—or review—some of the key compliance issues that require
action or must be avoided to keep your firm management out of trouble. The
speakers will cover what’s new in the area of financial compliance and provide
tips on avoiding mistakes. This session is geared toward small and mid-size
firm administrators or nonfinancial administrators that have oversight
responsibilities but do not have an in-house expert to guide them.
OM22
- Office Operations Management
Make
vs. Buy: When to Outsource?
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Outsourcing allows legal
organizations to concentrate on their core business of practicing law. When
does it make sense to outsource important services such as mailroom, photocopy,
benefits administration and human resources? Learn how to prepare a financial
analysis of the true cost of providing these services in-house as well as how
to evaluate outside vendors’ proposals.
OM23
- Office Operations Management
Office
Space: Planning and Construction Management
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
This how-to session will
focus on practical advice for both the veterans and novices of planning office
space and will apply to organizations of any size. Discover a team-oriented
process that matches the organization’s business objectives to space planning
principles. Identify techniques and processes that help maximize efficiencies,
avoid common mistakes and simplify the process of planning new office space or
managing a renovation.
This session is part of
a series which includes:
OM14 - Office Space:
Leasing
OM33 - Office Space:
Managing the Move
OM24
- Office Operations Management
Leveling
the Playing Field: Client Relationship Management Tools
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Success of client
relationship management (CRM) implementation has far less to do with the
technology product selection and far more to do with the attorney understanding
and buy-in. Firms of any size can greatly increase the chance for long-term CRM
success by determining the objectives and desired outcomes from the beginning.
Special
Event
Association
Luncheon
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
The Association Luncheon
marks the formal beginning of a new leadership year. At the luncheon, current
ALA President Patricia L. Groff, CLM, of Butz Dunn & DeSantis, passes the
leadership of the Association for 2008-2009 to Wendy Rice-Isaacs, of Vorys
Sater Seymour and Pease, LLP.
LI22
- Legal Industry
Killed
By Culture: How Focusing on the Past Can Destroy the Future
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Has your firm ever had a
retreat and agreed on a plan to change—several times? Everyone knows that
he/she needs to change, but no one actually wants to change because of fear of
destroying the firm’s “culture.” This session will examine some common cultural
issues that destroy law firms—such as lifestyle lawyers, comfortable incomes,
part-time lawyers, the aging law firm and the size of clients served—and offer
tools for changing firm culture and moving forward.
HRIE - Idea Exchange
Human
Resources Idea Exchange
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Join firm administrators
and human resource specialists for a lively discussion of key issues
surrounding law firm day-to-day HR operations as well as how HR managers and
other department heads are thinking strategically to prepare for the future.
This forum offers the chance to ask questions and share your ideas about many
HR functions including recruiting and retention, diversity initiatives,
benefits, attendance policies, legal regulations and managing problem
employees.
LI23
- Legal Industry
Professional
Liability and Risk Management
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
The first part of this
mini-workshop will address what keeps you up at night—the landmines common in
risk management—and offer insights and information to help you sleep. In the
second part of this mini-workshop, the speaker will examine ways to use the
insurance application process to positively position the firm and ensure that
you get the best rates possible.
OM25
- Office Operations Management
There's
More to Microsoft Office Than Documents
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
With a little
creativity, you can use little-known or often unused features of Microsoft®
Office to improve your entire workflow. In this session, we will look at
creative ways to get the most out of Microsoft® Office and your workday.
OM26
- Office Operations Management
The
Disaster Experience
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
This session is a
modified, shorter version of the scenario from the earlier workshop, but in a
rapid-fire incident/discussion format. The storyline will be the same, but
interaction will change. During this traditional tabletop exercise, you will be
put in the throes of a real-life disaster situation—making critical decisions
and dealing with the consequences!
OM27
- Office Operations Management
On
the Cutting Edge: The Sustainable Law Office
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Sustainability is more
than a buzzword in legal circles. The ABA itself has challenged law firms to
adopt more sustainable practices. As ecological resources continue to diminish,
how can law firms implement strategies for using renewable resources in
socially responsible ways? Dick and Jeanne Roy, recognized leaders in the national
sustainability movement, have developed four tools for the sustainable law
office for Oregon Lawyers for a Sustainable Future.
FM23
- Financial Management
HR
for Financial Folks: It's Not All About Money
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
You say you’re the
financial guru of your firm? Congratulations! However, you need some
fundamental information about issues and processes involved in the human
resources part of your job, including interview techniques, dealing with
problem employees, leave laws and more. A good understanding of the HR side of
your work will strengthen your firm—and your career.
FM24
- Financial Management
Using
Financial Reports to Understand and Improve Your Firm
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Financial reports should
be used for purposes other than just determining earnings or losses during a
specified period of time. Proper analysis allows you to understand why your
firm is profitable and how to make it more profitable. This session will focus
on tools that effectively communicate the relevant financial data to firm
owners and managers.
EXPIE
- Idea Exchange
Experienced
Administrators (10+ years) Idea Exchange
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
The world is changing
right under your feet. Even with more than 10 years of experience as a legal
administrator, you continue to find new challenges and issues. Join other
experienced administrators to discuss the issues that are keeping you up at
night—losing experienced staff and/or attorneys, handling the new generation of
employees, clients’ demands and more.
GM23
- Communications and General Management
Better
Business Writing
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Excellent written
communication inspires action, accountability and positive business
relationships. In this session, you’ll discover practical ways to enhance your
e-mail and other written pieces immediately
GM24
- Communications and General Management
Feast
on Feedback: How to Rev Up Two-Way Capability in Internal Communications
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Effective communication
is the lifeline of any organization. Gone are the days of one-way, top-down
practices for sharing ideas and information. Today’s employees want access to
managers, and they want their voices heard. Through the use of face-to-face and
two-way communication practices, successful organizations get team members on
the same page about goals, initiatives and encourage everyone to contribute.
Special
Event
ENCORE
Reception: ALA Place Market
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 4:15 PM - 6:15 PM
The ENCORE Reception:
ALA Place Market is an opportunity to relax and have fun with your colleagues
and the exhibitors that provide essential products and services to the legal
industry and support to ALA. Use this special time to meet, converse with and
learn from the exhibitors, and to build valuable business relationships, solve
problems and gain vital resources.
Vendor-Hosted
Workshop
Capture
More Billable Hours with Zero Clicks
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Time capture is not time
entry. Element55 offers the Legal55 Time Capture System. Passive Time Capture
helps firms capture more billable hours with zero clicks. Legal55 has helped
firms of all sizes capture an additional six billable hours per month per
billable timekeeper since 2003.
Vendor-Hosted
Workshop
EMS:
Your Complete Scheduling Solution
Tuesday,
May 06, 2008 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Effective utilization of resources (rooms, equipment, people) is key in the legal industry. Discover how EMS software can efficiently manage anything from your in-office gatherings to global video conferences to shared workspace management.