Get involved in a fun, dynamic organization.  Check out these Wisconsin ALA committee opportunities available to all members.

BAR RELATIONS COMMITTEE: 

If you have participated in any committee on a national level, you will know how unique Wisconsin is to have the support from our state and local bar associations.  This is another way to solidify the bond between attorneys and administrators in all aspects of legal management.  Contact WALA’s VP of Bar Relations, Mark Bridgeman, CLM, at 312-377-7854 or via email.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: 

Even with today’s advanced technology we struggle to keep everyone informed of WALA events and decisions made at a Board level.  This position was created specifically with you our members in mind.  Help with the updating of our Management Resource Guide (MRG) which gives you information on everything WALA.  During 2010 we will continue to update the website which is a resource for legal and management topics as well as an information venue for upcoming events.  WALA’s award winning newsletter, Class Action is published four times a year.  Write an article, proofread a copy, help with the layout – we need your help.  Do you want to help make sure WALA continues to be known as the leader in legal management?  We need your help with publicity.  Contact WALA’s VP of Communications, Stephanie Dantinne, at 920-431-2233 or via email.

Chapter Awards Committee: 

Have you ever thought about wanting to get involved on a WALA committee but concerned about the time it will take and how much time you will be out of the office?  Do we have the committee for you!  WALA traditionally celebrates our various annual programs as a big award winner at the annual conference.  It takes thought out planning, tracking and gathering of program information and materials from our various chapter programs (such as ACE, Managing Partner Program, CCW event, PLMW, State Bar Programs, etc.),  in order to prepare the chapter awards to be sent to ALA headquarters for award consideration each year.  Once the information is gathered and the program chair has written the award nomination, it will take careful proofreading and ultimately accurate award assembly to make the difference in making award contention.  The beauty of this committee is that most of the materials and supporting documentation we would be responsible for gathering for our chapter programs, as well as any proofreading of the award write up and assembly can be done right in the comfort of your office.  Contact Mark Bridgeman, CLM, at 312-377-7854 or via email.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 

The continued education of our members is a high priority for WALA’s Board of Directors with luncheon meetings in both the Milwaukee and Madison area; free ALA teleseminars throughout the year; CLM study group meetings in both the Milwaukee and Madison areas; and our Annual Conference of Education (ACE) which brings national and local speakers to our members as well as a marketplace of legal products provided by WALA’s Vendor Partners.  Contact WALA’s VP of Education, Sandy McGee, at 262-754-1337 or via email.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: 

The success of any association is its members, and we need to continually market our association to prospective members, get new members involved in our organization and retain our current members.  This committee brings together a diverse group of managers from small, medium and large sized firms in order to meet the needs of our entire membership.  Contact WALA’s VP of Membership, Monica Hansen, at 608-282-1222 or via email.

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE: 

Have you come to rely on our Salary/Benefits Survey?  Do you want to know the average salary for specific positions?  By region?  What benefits other law firms are providing?  This committee has refined our survey over the years -- your ideas are needed to keep it fresh and up to date.  Are you concerned about your community or have a cause you are passionate about?  WALA is dedicated to helping our community.  Maybe you just want to be involved in an event that happens once a year and you’re done – the Managing Partner’s Event is for you.  Are you able to speak at schools, seminars and other events where WALA members are needed?  And finally, if you’re a social, out-going, fun-loving person, please help out with Social Events!  Contact WALA’s VP of Special Projects, Lisa Fox, at 608-251-0101 or via email.

VENDOR RELATIONS COMMITTEE: 

Do you appreciate that you have free luncheons, free teleseminars, an award winning newsletter and national speakers at our annual conference?  Well, we couldn’t do it all without the support of our vendor partners.  Once a year we seek monetary donations from our vendor partners and then partner with them at social events and our annual conference.  Through our vendor partnering, we are able to offer several scholarships each year to local, regional and national conferences.  This committee needs help recruiting new vendors, coordinating benefits and planning events.  Contact WALA’s VP of Vendor Relations, Laurie Dey-Canales, at 414-271-3400 or via email.