2024 FM Package

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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. 

$999 for members and $1,249 for nonmembers

  • FM 2: Financial Information & Analysis (September 10 - October 15, 2024)
    Product not yet rated Contains 28 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 09/10/2024 at 1:30 PM (CDT)

    Do the complexities of financial information and analysis keeping 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. Topics include automated financial management systems, alternative fee arrangements, financial controls, computer-based tools for financial analysis and management, client matter budgeting, and electronic billing.

    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. Topics include automated financial management systems, alternative fee arrangements, financial controls, computer-based tools for financial analysis and management, client matter budgeting, and electronic billing. The following is an outline of the topics:

    • Week 1: Automated Systems
    • Week 2: Financial Methods & Investments
    • Week 3: Financial Analysis Methods
    • Week 4: Budgeting & Variance Analysis
    • Week 5: AFAs
    • Week 6: e-Tools & Billing

     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.

    $549 for members and $679 for nonmembers

    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 by the last day of the course.

    Lisa A. Waligorski, CLM, PHRca, SPHR (Moderator)

    Lisa Waligorski, CLM, PHRca, SPHR, serves as the Executive Director at Newmeyer & Dillion, LLP. Commencing her professional journey in a legal assistant/paralegal capacity, she has dedicated the last 25 years to fulfilling roles as an Executive Director and Director of Finance/Controller. Waligorski is an accomplished speaker, sharing insights on law firm accounting and human resources topics. With an abundance of expertise, she has been an respected instructor for ALA e-learning programs in Law Firm Accounting and Financial Information & Analysis for nine years. Actively engaged in the legal community, she has played a pivotal role in ALA chapters, notably Gateway and Orange County. Her contributions extend to serving on committees, occupying various board positions, and assuming the role of President for both chapters.

  • Legal Management FM Specialist Certificate Exam
    Contains 2 Component(s)

    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.

    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 Certificates here.

    Instructions

    • Pass this exam with a 70% or higher in order to receive the Legal Management FM Specialist Certificate. 
    • While you are not timed, the exam must be completed in a single sitting. If your computer times out from inactivity, your responses will not be saved. 
    • Correct answers will not be shared afterward. You will only be able to view your score. 
    • If you do not pass the exam, a page will display with directions describing how to retake the exam. Since the exam can only be retaken once, please take time to review the materials from both FM courses as the questions on this exam are only based on items covered in those courses.