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Contains 16 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 09/08/2026 at 1:30 PM (CDT)
Do the complexities of financial information and analysis keep you up at night? This interactive online program will focus on the budgeting, financial reporting, analysis of cash flow, model building, and variance within a law firm. You will be guided to apply the skills gained in the course by interpreting financial statements, calculating and interpreting various financial ratios, conducting profit analyses, and analyzing comparative financial information across fiscal years. Case studies, lectures, videos, readings, and assessments will be used.
Session 2: Financial Management — Interpreting Financial Data & Decision-Making
Do the complexities of financial information and analysis keep you up at night? This interactive online program focuses on budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow analysis, model building, and variance analysis within a law firm.
You will apply the skills gained in the course by interpreting financial statements, calculating and analyzing financial ratios, conducting profit analyses, and comparing financial performance across fiscal years. Instructional methods include case studies, lectures, videos, readings, and assessments.
This session covers essential topics such as automated financial management systems, alternative fee arrangements, financial controls, client matter budgeting, and electronic billing.
In this second session of Financial Management: Law Firm Accounting, you will begin to decode the "Financial Story" and how to use the numbers to guide leadership decisions.
The following is an outline of the topics.
Week 1: The Financial Story
As a Law Firm leader, you must develop two essential skills: reading and effectively communicating financial data effectively.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Identify financial statements and the stories they tell.
- Communicate financial information to non-financial team members.
- Differentiate between the financial information partners need to know vs. what other staff members require.
Week 2: Managing the Firm Through KPIs
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide measurable insights into a firm’s financial health and operational success.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Explain what KPIs are.
- Create a framework for developing the right KPIs.
Week 3: Forecasting and Planning
Gaining insight into financial data allows firms to look ahead and make informed decisions.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Use the numbers to look forward.
- Model the behavior that impacts results.
- Create a baseline budget.
Week 4: Staffing, Compensation, and Capacity Planning
Compensation, productivity, and capacity planning are essential for a law firm’s long-term growth.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Describe staff and partner compensation plans, including bonus plans and options.
- Measure staff productivity and performance.
- Compute employee ROI calculations.
- Implement capacity planning strategies.
Week 5: Trade-offs and Tough Choices
Sometimes you have to make hard decisions. You can use financial data to provide objective insights when making difficult business decisions.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Identify financial factors in key business decisions
- Gather and analyze relevant financial data
- Apply data and your financial knowledge from this course to identify ways to identify and address financial concerns
Week 6: Tracking and Reporting
Accurate financial tracking and reporting ensure data integrity and informed decision-making.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Identify the roles and responsibilities for financial data integrity.
- Explain best practices for data review.
- Utilize practice management software for tracking financial performance.
- Identify tools for financial reporting and analysis.
Additional Information:
The live lessons will be held on Tuesdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Central Time. These lessons will also be recorded for on-demand access.
This course is offered at a cost of $549 for ALA members and $679 for nonmembers, and is available at a discounted rate as a part of a package.
Audience Level
Intermediate
Course Textbook
A textbook is NOT required for this course. All reading materials will be provided.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing and submitted via email to elearning@alanet.org. The following cancellation fee scales will apply:
- After registration but prior to 50% penalty date: $125 fee
- Four weeks before start of the course: 50% of fee paid
- Two weeks before the start of the course and thereafter: No refund
Completing both FM 1 and FM 2 courses gives you access to the Legal Management Finance Specialist Certificate Program.
CLM Credits
Meet minimum course requirements and earn 6 hours of CLM credit. This can take the following forms.
- CLM Application Credit: Organizational Development
- CLM Functional Specialist Credit: Financial Management
- CLM Recertification: Financial Management
Course Requirements
Each course has a start and end date. To receive the course completion certificate and CLM credits, all weekly assignments must be completed and quizzes passed with a score of 70% or higher.
Terrell A. Turner, CPA
Founder
TLTurner Group
Terrell A. Turner, CPA, is a 40 under 40 Black CPA, 40 under 40 Global Finance leader, and two-time Top 20 Global Finance Influencer. In 2020, he founded the TLTurner Group, which gained recognition from The New York Times for the bookkeeping and fractional chief financial officer work that they provide for law firms and small businesses. Outside of running a finance firm, Turner is dedicated to helping more leaders make finance less complicated by serving as the chair of the Law Firm Finance Committee with the LP division of the American Bar Association. He hosts multiple podcasts. including Law Firms+Finance, Stuff Your Accountant Isn’t Telling You and the Law Practice Today Podcast.
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Contains 33 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 08/27/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)
The second of this two-course series will provide additional Human Resources fundamentals for those workers touching the HR function without necessarily having an HR background. This course will cover more strategic HR initiatives, helping you directly and by extension your employee group, to deliver on strategic goals. We will pay special attention to Federal employment laws as they guide the functional areas addressed in the course. The objective of this course is to support the work you do in your role and build your knowledge of and confidence in making effective employment-related HR decisions.
The second of this two-course series will provide additional Human Resources fundamentals for those workers touching the HR function without necessarily having an HR background. This course will cover more strategic HR initiatives, helping you directly and by extension your employee group, to deliver on strategic goals. We will pay special attention to Federal employment laws as they guide the functional areas addressed in the course. The objective of this course is to support the work you do in your role and build your knowledge of and confidence in making effective employment-related HR decisions.
The topics include:
- Week One: Leadership — Being a great leader and building leaders throughout your organization (Key areas: Building your network, change management, leadership and motivation theories, strategic planning, and succession planning)
- Week Two: Compensation and Benefits — Identify and implement a successful philosophy to your total rewards (Key areas: Philosophy of compensation, benefits package for recruitment and retention)
- Week Three: Risk and Rewards — What to plan for, build towards, and mitigate within your organization (Key areas: Risk management and technology considerations)
- Week Four: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice — Be transformative in building your culture, with particular emphasis to DEI (Key areas: Understanding terms, execution of initiatives, and why it matters)
- Week Five: Federal Employment Laws 2 — Key laws that drive the employment experience (Key areas: Review of select Federal laws)
- Week Six: Where to Go from Here — Plotting your future from an HR perspective (Key areas: Certification opportunities and course review)
The live Zoom lessons will be held on Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Central Time. These lessons will also be recorded for on-demand access.
Audience Level
Intermediate
This class is $575 for members and $750 for nonmembers.
Registration ends
Completing both HR 1 and HR 2 courses gives you access to the Legal Management HR Specialist Certificate Program.
CLM Credits
Meet minimum course requirements and earn these credits toward your CLM application or recertification.
- Application: 5 hours of credit in Organizational Development
- Functional Specialist Credit: 5 hours of credit in Human Resources Management
- Recertification: 5 hours of credit in HR Management and 1 hour of credit in Substance Abuse
Continuing Education Credits
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) The Association of Legal Administrators is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. This program has been submitted for 6 PDCs.
Knowledge Domains: HR Expertise; Critical Evaluation; Relationship Management
HR Certification Institute (HRCI) The HR 2 Course has been pre-approved for 6 hours of recertification credits toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HR Certification Institute website at www.hrci.org. The use of this seal is not an endorsement by the HR Certification Institute of the quality of the activity. It means that this activity has met the HR Certification Institute’s criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit.
Functional Areas: Total Rewards; Talent Planning and Acquisition; Talent Development and Management
Course Requirements
Each course has a start and end date. To receive the course completion certificate and CLM, SHRM and HRCI credits, all weekly assignments must be completed and quizzes passed with a score of 70% or higher by the last day of the course.
John Newton, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
John Newton and Associates
John Newton, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is a Human Resources and Learning and Development professional. He is a coach, consultant, trainer, teacher and public speaker who specializes in helping people and organizations reach their ultimate potential. His company, John Newton and Associates (JNA), provides people-development services in higher education, government, non-profit and for-profit organizations within a diverse variety of industries. Newton’s philosophy is “Kindness is the bottom line.” Be kind to your employees and they will remain engaged and motivated — employees who know they matter will be more productive, positively impacting your company’s bottom line. Be kind to your customers and they will come back for more — customer loyalty builds business and your bottom line. He has been an instructor for DePaul University and Northern Illinois University for nearly 20 years.
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Contains 4 Component(s) Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 08/05/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)
ALA's Legal Operations Bootcamp for Administrative Professionals is a practical, career-building program designed to equip new and aspiring legal administrative assistants with the essential skills, tools and confidence needed to thrive in today’s modern legal workplace. Through four dynamic 90-minute sessions, participants will build a strong understanding of legal office operations, develop core administrative competencies and learn to work effectively with the technologies shaping the profession.
ALA's Legal Operations Bootcamp for Administrative Professionals is a practical, career-building program designed to equip new and aspiring legal administrative assistants with the essential skills, tools and confidence needed to thrive in today’s modern legal workplace. Through four dynamic 90-minute sessions, participants will build a strong understanding of legal office operations, develop core administrative competencies and learn to work effectively with the technologies shaping the profession.
Across the program, attendees will explore how legal offices function, learn to navigate foundational legal terminology and document types, and understand how organizational structures and court systems impact daily workflows. The curriculum emphasizes real-world administrative excellence — from calendaring and deadline management to meeting preparation, billing basics, document formatting and professional communication.
Recognizing the rapid digital evolution of the field, the Legal Operations Bootcamp also introduces participants to essential legal technologies, including e-filing processes, digital file management and cybersecurity best practices. Ethical considerations and early responsible use of AI in legal settings are highlighted throughout to ensure participants build a strong professional and ethical foundation.
The program concludes with a forward-looking session on career development, confidentiality and ethics, communication, conflict navigation, and the many pathways available for long-term success in the profession.
Participants will leave the bootcamp with practical, job-ready skills they can apply immediately — along with the knowledge and confidence to support their teams effectively and advance within the legal field.
This boot camp is $250 for ALA members and $350 for non-members. If you are interested in a group rate (5 or more participants), please email elearning@alanet.org.
Course Syllabus:
Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Central Time
Session 1: Understanding the Legal Workplace (90 minutes)
- Understand legal office roles and workflows
- Build foundational legal terminology
- Distinguish legal document types
- Recognize basic court structures and how they affect administrative work
- Recognize administrative processes unique to each organization
- Understand workplace professionalism, office etiquette and communication expectations
- Identify foundational ethical boundaries in early AI and technology use
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Central Time
Session 2: Essential Administrative Functions (90 minutes)
- Master calendaring and deadline management
- Learn organizational prioritization skills
- Understand timekeeping and billing
- Format and proofread legal correspondence
- Manage meetings, agendas and action items, and follow-up professionally
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Central Time
Session 3: Working Smarter with Legal Tech (90 minutes)
- Navigate essential legal software
- Apply e-filing procedures
- Strengthen cybersecurity awareness
- Manage digital files effectively
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Central Time
Session 4: Thriving in Your Legal Career (90 minutes)
- Implement confidentiality and ethics standards
- Strengthen communication and teamwork
- Navigate workplace conflict
- Explore certification and career pathways
CLM Application Credit: 6 hours of Organizational Development.
CLM Functional Specialist Credit: 6 hours of Legal Industry/Business Management.
CLM Recertification Credit: 6 hours of Legal Industry/Business Management.
Whitney Harvey
Founder and Principal
The Self Coached Lawyer
Whitney M. Harvey, Esq., is the founder and principal of The Self Coached Lawyer, a coaching and consulting practice that focuses on helping legal professionals achieve life-work balance and reconnect with their passion for their work. For the past 15 years, she has honed her legal expertise through successful litigation while also devoting herself to assisting fellow legal professionals in achieving personal and professional growth. Her coaching also addresses time and stress management, along with the integration of mindful law approaches into legal practices to foster creative problem-solving. Harvey is currently pursuing a PhD in general psychology, specializing in industrial and organizational psychology. She holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence and ethics. Recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, she has also been named one of Phoenix’s “40 Under 40” for her outstanding contributions to her profession and community.
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Contains 2 Product(s)
Enroll in HR 1 & 2: Facilitated, online classes to deepen your understanding of law firm human resources. Pass the final exam to earn a Legal Management Specialist Certificate.
This package provides access to HR 1 & HR 2. Completing the HR 1 and HR 2 courses and passing the certificate exam will help you deepen your knowledge about law firm human resource management, ensure your achievement of the learning objectives, and give you a credential that sets you apart. Learn more about the Legal Management Specialist Certificate that you can earn here.
$1,100 for members and $1,400 for nonmembers
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Contains 19 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 07/09/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)
The first of this two-course series will provide key Human Resources fundamentals for those workers touching the HR function without necessarily having an HR background. You’ll get tips and guidance towards building and maintaining an engaged workforce, helping to contribute to your organization’s strategic goals. Special attention will be paid to the federal employment laws from an HR -- rather than lawyer -- perspective. The objective of this course is to support the work you do in your role and provide consultation on effective employment-related decision-making.
The first of this two-course series will provide key Human Resources fundamentals for those workers touching the HR function without necessarily having an HR background. You’ll get tips and guidance towards building and maintaining an engaged workforce, helping to contribute to your organization’s strategic goals. Special attention will be paid to the federal employment laws from an HR -- rather than lawyer -- perspective. The objective of this course is to support the work you do in your role and provide consultation on effective employment-related decision-making.
The following is an outline of the topics:
- Week 1: Human Resources Overview — A big-picture look at what people serving some or all of the HR function should know (Key areas: What is HR?, Employee Lifecycle, and knowledge, skills, and abilities that will help you thrive in your role)
- Week 2: Talent Acquisition and Planning — Finding and securing rock star talent that fits your organization (Key areas: Job analysis, recruiting in today’s environment, interviewing, and onboarding)
- Week 3: Engaging and Retaining Your Workforce — Making your organization a great place to work and maintaining it (Key areas: Employee satisfaction, employee engagement, and retention tips)
- Week 4: Performance Management — From coaching to termination (Key areas: Performance management, disciplinary process, employee relations, and labor relations)
- Week 5: What Do Employees Need from You — Designing your role and approach to serve employee needs (Key areas: Core competencies, employee development)
- Week 6: Employment Laws (Federal) Part One — Key laws that drive the employment experience (Key areas: Review of select Federal laws, course review)
The live Zoom lessons will be held on Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Central Time. These lessons will also be recorded for on-demand access.
Audience Level
Intermediate
This class is $575 for members and $750 for non-members.
Registration closes on July 23, 2026.
Completing both HR 1 and HR 2 courses gives you access to the Legal Management HR Specialist Certificate Program.
CLM Credits
Meet minimum course requirements and earn the following credit towards your CLM application or recertification.
- Application: 6 hours of credit in Organizational Development
- Functional Specialist Credit: 6 hours of credit in Human Resources Management
- Recertification: 6 hours of credit in Human Resources Management
Continuing Education Credits
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
The Association of Legal Administrators is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. This program has been submitted for 6 PDCs.Knowledge Domains: HR Expertise; Critical Evaluation
HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
The HR 1 Course has been submitted for 6 hours of recertification credits toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HR Certification Institute website at www.hrci.org. The use of this seal is not an endorsement by the HR Certification Institute of the quality of the activity. It means that this activity has met the HR Certification Institute’s criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit.Functional Areas: Employee Relations and Risk Management; Talent Planning and Acquisition; Business Management
Course Requirements
Each course has a start and end date. To receive the course completion certificate and CLM, SHRM and HRCI credits, all weekly assignments must be completed and quizzes passed with a score of 70% or higher by the last day of the course.
John Newton, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
John Newton and Associates
John Newton, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is a Human Resources and Learning and Development professional. He is a coach, consultant, trainer, teacher and public speaker who specializes in helping people and organizations reach their ultimate potential. His company, John Newton and Associates (JNA), provides people-development services in higher education, government, non-profit and for-profit organizations within a diverse variety of industries. Newton’s philosophy is “Kindness is the bottom line.” Be kind to your employees and they will remain engaged and motivated — employees who know they matter will be more productive, positively impacting your company’s bottom line. Be kind to your customers and they will come back for more — customer loyalty builds business and your bottom line. He has been an instructor for DePaul University and Northern Illinois University for nearly 20 years.
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Contains 2 Product(s)
Enroll in FM 1 & 2: facilitated, online classes to deepen your understanding of law firm financial management. Pass the final exam to earn a Legal Management Specialist Certificate.
This package provides access to FM 1 & FM 2. Completing the FM 1 and FM 2 courses and passing the certificate exam will help you deepen your knowledge about law firm finances, ensure your achievement of the learning objectives, and give you a credential that sets you apart. Learn more about the Legal Management Specialist Certificate which you can earn here.
$1,100 for members and $1,400 for nonmembers
Registration closes on July 21, 2026.
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Contains 14 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 07/07/2026 at 1:30 PM (CDT)
Expand your knowledge of the basic functions of accounting and financial management in this facilitated online program where you will objectively approach and address financial problems. Through case studies, lectures, videos, readings, and exams, you will be guided to evaluate presented resources in relation to your professional experiences and apply effective financial decision-making skills. Topics include types of accounts, federal payroll and employee benefit procedures, tax and reporting requirements, and general accounting procedures, laws, and regulations.
Course Summary and Learning Objectives
Week 1: Law Firm Finance: Roles and Responsibilities
Expand your knowledge of the basic functions of accounting and financial management in this facilitated online program. This course will help you gain an objective approach in addressing financial challenges in Law Firms. Through case studies, lectures, videos, readings, and assessments, you will evaluate resources in relation to your professional experience and apply effective financial decision-making skills.
Managing a Law Firm’s financial operations requires a clear grasp of key roles and responsibilities. Many legal administrators feel overwhelmed because they take on financial responsibilities without fully knowing what they entail.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Identify key roles in Law Firm Accounting and Finance.
- Distinguish the responsibilities associated with each role.
- Apply best practices for each function.
- Develop a plan to manage financial responsibilities as your practice grows.
Week 2: Understanding Financial Statements
When it comes to accounting and finance, the financial statements are basically the primary output of all the work performed. Think of them as the ultimate "book report", summarizing everything that has happened in the business. However, it does take some skill to comprehend what the summary is trying to communicate.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Describe your practice’s accounting system.
- Identify key financial statements.
- Recognize the essential financial reports that require your attention.
Week 3: The Compliance Blueprint — Trust Accounting and Compliance
Ensuring compliance with state bar regulations, payroll requirements, and tax laws is a critical function of law firm accounting.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Explain Trust Accounting and its related state bar regulations.
- Ensure compliance in Payroll Accounting.
- Ensure compliance in Taxation and Filings.
Week 4: Lock the Vault: Financial Security Practices Every Firm Needs
The accounting and finance team ensures that there are rules in place to properly safeguard the financial resources of the firm.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Implement cash controls.
- Conduct vendor reviews and approvals.
- Perform client/customer reviews and approvals.
Week 5: Pricing and Billing
Proper pricing and billing practices impact a law firm’s profitability and operational efficiency.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Describe law firm pricing strategies.
- Implement billing best practices, including electronic billing.
- Outline collection procedures.
Week 6: Introduction to Advanced Reporting
Interpreting financial reports and effectively communicating results are essential skills for firm leadership.
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
- Analyze the relationship between cash flow and cash timing.
- Define law firm productivity metrics.
- Communicate financial results to leadership.
Additional Information
The live lessons will be held on Tuesdays from 1:30–2:30 p.m. Central Time. These lessons will also be recorded for on-demand access.
The course is offered at $575 for ALA members and $750 for nonmembers, and is available at a discounted rate as a part of a package.
Registration closes on July 21, 2026.
Audience Level
Basic-Intermediate
Course Textbook
A textbook is NOT required for this course. All reading materials will be provided.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing and submitted via email to elearning@alanet.org. The following cancellation fee scales will apply:
- After registration but prior to 50% penalty date: $125 fee
- Four weeks before start of the course: 50% of fee paid
- Two weeks before the start of the course and thereafter: No refund
Completing both FM 1 and FM 2 courses gives you access to the Legal Management Finance Specialist Certificate Program.
CLM Credits
Meet minimum course requirements and earn 6 hours of CLM credit. This can take the following forms.
- CLM Application Credit: Organizational Development
- CLM Functional Specialist Credit: Financial Management
- CLM Recertification: Financial Management
Course Requirements
Each course has a start and end date. To receive the course completion certificate and CLM credits, all weekly assignments must be completed and quizzes passed with a score of 70% or higher by the last day of the course.
Terrell A. Turner, CPA (Moderator)
Founder
TLTurner Group
Terrell A. Turner, CPA, is a 40 under 40 Black CPA, 40 under 40 Global Finance leader, and two-time Top 20 Global Finance Influencer. In 2020, he founded the TLTurner Group, which gained recognition from The New York Times for the bookkeeping and fractional chief financial officer work that they provide for law firms and small businesses. Outside of running a finance firm, Turner is dedicated to helping more leaders make finance less complicated by serving as the chair of the Law Firm Finance Committee with the LP division of the American Bar Association. He hosts multiple podcasts. including Law Firms+Finance, Stuff Your Accountant Isn’t Telling You and the Law Practice Today Podcast.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 06/03/2026 at 2:00 PM (CDT)
Explore the hidden risks and operational pitfalls that arise when law firms delay technology updates.
Explore the hidden risks and operational pitfalls that arise when law firms delay technology updates. This ALA webinar dispels common misconceptions around “non-essential” upgrades and demonstrates how aging systems quietly increase security exposure, reduce productivity, and hinder AI and cloud readiness. Attendees will learn how to identify overlooked modernization opportunities and implement practical improvements that drive measurable impact.
Learning Objectives:
Identify common misconceptions that stall necessary technology upgrades in law firms
- Recognize operational and security risks introduced by aging systems
- Understand modernization strategies using Microsoft 365, cloud services and managed solutions
- Evaluate ROI and cost benefit models to strengthen leadership approval
- Communicate modernization needs effectively to attorneys and executive stakeholders
This webinar is $50 for ALA members and $125 for non-members. Current CLMs can use the code 26CLM for a $5 discount.
CLM Application Credit: 1 hour of Information Technology
CLM Functional Specialist Credit: 1 hour of Operations Management
CLM Recertification Credit: 1 hour of Operations Management
Charles Ottenweller
Chief Information Officer and management consultant
Kraft Kennedy
Charles Ottenweller is a legal-tech industry leader with more than 20 years of experience as a Chief Information Officer and management consultant, including 25 years with Kraft Kennedy advising law firms on information technology planning. He specializes in simplifying complex technology decisions by linking recommendations to each firm’s strategy, practices, concerns, and culture, and tailoring guidance to the organization’s current stage of evolution.
Charles has led and advised on firmwide initiatives spanning IT strategy and governance, service delivery models, security and risk, infrastructure modernization, and emerging technologies including AI. He is currently engaged in a multi-year assignment as Interim CIO of Cole Schotz, a leading 200-attorney ALAS member firm.
Known for his practical, plain-language approach and broad industry perspective on AI, evolving security requirements, and the future direction of IT in the legal sector, Charles has extensive speaking and professional engagement experience with ILTA, ALA, DRI, and other industry organizations. In his free time, he enjoys bicycling and traveling with his family.
Chris Owens
Chief Technology Officer
Kraft Kennedy
Chris Owens is the Chief Technology Officer for Kraft & Kennedy, Inc. Based in Houston, TX, Chris has over 20 years of consulting and technology management experience designing technical systems and leading initiatives for Am Law 100 firms in areas including desktop design and management, cloud adoption, data center transformation, disaster recovery and business continuity planning and implementation, email messaging design and migration, document management system deployment and hybrid\thin-client architecture.
As former the Practice Group Leader of the Enterprise Client Systems Practice, Chris led a team of consultants to offer desktop deployment strategies, virtual desktop infrastructure design, application virtualization scenarios, and remote access planning. In addition, Chris continues to lead discussions at numerous industry events and has presented at several ILTACON conferences, on topics ranging from data center consolidation and server virtualization to virtual desktop infrastructure and application virtualization.
Before joining Kraft Kennedy, Chris worked on Compaq Computer Corporation’s Network Technology Development Team. Chris is a graduate of the University of Texas and holds several vendor certifications, including Microsoft, Citrix CCA and NetScaler, VMware VCP, iManage CSA, and Open Text CHP.
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Contains 9 Component(s) Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 05/26/2026 at 1:00 PM (CDT)
Through interactive practice, real‑world scenarios and proven communication frameworks, participants will strengthen their ability to lead difficult conversations, support distributed teams, manage stress and coach others with confidence.
Program Description:
Effective Communication in the Modern Legal Workplace (please note: title has been updated) is a four‑part training series designed to equip legal management professionals with the communication skills needed to navigate today’s increasingly complex, hybrid workplace environment. Through interactive practice, real‑world scenarios and proven communication frameworks, participants will strengthen their ability to lead difficult conversations, support distributed teams, manage stress and coach others with confidence.
Across four engaging sessions, attendees will learn how to approach sensitive workplace issues with emotional intelligence; create clarity and cohesion in hybrid teams; manage the pressures of high‑stakes client and colleague interactions; and apply structured coaching models that elevate performance. The course blends practical tools with reflective skill‑building, helping legal management professionals communicate with clarity, empathy and effectiveness — no matter the situation.
By the end of the program, participants will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately apply to improve workplace relationships, enhance team dynamics, resolve conflict and foster a healthier, more connected organizational culture.
This boot camp is $250 for ALA members and $350 for non-members. If you are interested in a group rate (5 or more participants), please email elearning@alanet.org.
Program Outline:
Session 1: Difficult Conversations in Legal Settings (90 minutes)
- Master emotional intelligence framework for sensitive workplace issues
- Apply structured conversation models for performance and policy violations
- Build confidence addressing substance abuse and addictive behaviors
Session 2: Hybrid Communication for Distributed Legal Teams (90 minutes)
- Establish clear communication expectations for remote legal staff
- Design hybrid meeting structures that engage all participants
- Create frameworks preventing virtual burnout and friction
Session 3: Emotional Intelligence & Stress Management (90 minutes)
- Develop self-awareness tools for high-pressure legal environments
- Practice reframing techniques for challenging client/attorney interactions
- Apply mindfulness techniques that work in fast-paced settings
Session 4: Active Listening & Coaching Skills (60 minutes)
- Master GROW model for coaching legal staff development
- Practice powerful questioning techniques for problem-solving
- Build confidence in developmental conversations
Upon completing all four sessions you will earn:
CLM Application Credit: 6 hours of Communication Skills.
CLM Functional Specialist Credit: 6 hours of Communications and Organizational Management.
CLM Recertification Credit: 6 hours of Communications and Organizational Management.
David Collins (Moderator)
CEO
Oak and Reeds
Dave Collins is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oak and Reeds, a training consultancy that uses interactive content to train clients on critical communication skills they can use at work and in life. With his clients, Collins works as a trainer, facilitator, keynote speaker and executive coach.
Since founding his business eight years ago, Collins has worked with global clients like Nike, Airbus, Salesforce, TikTok and Google to train leaders on how to work, manage and communicate more effectively.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 05/20/2026 at 2:00 PM (CDT)
Learn how to use journey mapping to intentionally design client experiences that deliver real results and build a discipline that aligns your organization around what truly matters to your clients.
Many firms are prioritizing client experience, yet they still struggle with engagement, retention and consistency.
In this session, Dr. Mary Ritz explores how journey mapping can be leveraged as a strategic discipline to strengthen client experience and organizational performance. You will learn how to use journey mapping to intentionally design client experiences that deliver real results and build a discipline that aligns your organization around what truly matters to your clients. You’ll leave being able to answer where in your client journey you are unintentionally losing engagement, how consistent your experience is across touchpoints and teams, and whether your processes are designed around the client or internal priorities.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover why journey mapping is essential to improving client experience and driving performance.
- Learn how to center employee experience and internal alignment to shape every client interaction.
- Leverage AI to enhance insights, personalization and operational effectiveness across the client journey.
This webinar is $50 for ALA members and $125 for nonmembers. Current CLMs may use the code 26CLM for a $5 discount.
CLM Application Credit: 1 hour of Organizational Development.
CLM Functional Specialist: 1 hour of Legal Industry/Business Management.
CLM Recertification Credit: 1 hour of Legal Industry/Business Management.
Dr. Mary Ritz
Founder and Owner
Almenta International
Dr. Mary Ritz is the Owner and Founder of Almenta International. She holds a PhD in Business focusing on Customer Centricity, an MBA with a concentration in International Business and an undergraduate degree in Marketing. An international facilitator, speaker and consultant with over 10 years’ experience from a diverse background, Dr. Ritz has had the privilege of working at an international level in North America and across Africa with small, medium and large organizations. She is a thought-provoking facilitator and consultant who uses innovative approaches that bring training and learning to life – thus successfully empowering people from the inside out.
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- Discover why journey mapping is essential to improving client experience and driving performance.
