Summary

With the expanding role of the law firm administrator, including specialized financial responsibilities, you may find yourself unprepared for the challenges that remain ahead. The ALA Law Firm Financial Management Conference & Exposition, which took place on October 25–27, 2007, at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, was specifically designed to teach you the financial skills needed for today’s law firms. Leaders in the industry of law firm financial management were brought together to share their expertise with you. Presentations were given by consultants, financial professionals, ALA members and professional speakers, all providing practical worksheets, templates and information to enhance your skills.

The ALA Law Firm Financial Conference & Exposition is the premier financial conference of its kind. It is specifically designed for principal administrators, controllers, accounting managers, and branch office managers from small- to medium-size firms, including managers relatively new to the industry. Seasoned administrators needing to brush up on specific financial skills and attorneys responsible for the financial management of their firms are also encouraged to attend.

Many new programs are slated this year. In addition to the traditional concurrent sessions, this year there were two Sessions in Series features: Implementing Effective Financial Management Practices for the principal administrator relatively new to the responsibilities of financial management and Honing Advanced Financial Management Practices for experienced financial managers. There was also a Mini-Series entitled “Insuring” Business Continuity.

There were many opportunities for peer networking, attending roundtable discussion groups, and learning about all the new products and services for the legal industry at the Exhibit Hall.