Annual Conference 2018 LFME Package
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- Users - $99
This package includes 10 recordings focused on law firm management essentials from Annual Conference 2018.
$99
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/04/2018
When it comes to maximizing efficiency in your firm, one of the biggest obstacles is the change itself. Change is hard, but necessary for businesses to thrive and survive. In order to properly implement change, we must take the time to understand how work gets done.
When it comes to maximizing efficiency in your firm, one of the biggest obstacles is the change itself. Change is hard, but necessary for businesses to thrive and survive. In order to properly implement change, we must take the time to understand how work gets done. This session will take you through the value of understanding current processes and undertaking the necessary steps to recognize the changes that need to be made. We'll also address the why behind those changes, and what you need to do to make that change become a reality. Likewise, we will discuss the people side of the equation, understanding that people continue to be our most valuable asset, and, therefore, should be where we invest our time and energy.
Objectives:
- Outline the value of process when it comes to getting work done.
- Examine ways to present change so that people are encouraged to support it.
- Explain the value of managing change.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
60 Minutes
CPE Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
Debbie Foster
Debbie Foster is a Partner with the Affinity Consulting Group, where she specializes in technology, process and management consulting for firms all over the country. In addition to regularly speaking for bar associations and other organizations on those topics, Foster is very involved with ALA and the Law Practice Division of the American Bar Association. She was also the Chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2010.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/05/2018
To influence and impact stakeholders, professionals need to have a clear and compelling personal brand. In this lively presentation, we'll discuss secrets to personal brand strategy, with an emphasis on messaging, social media and body language as keys for success.
Your personal brand is how you are known and the value others assign you. Often, the way others see us does not match how we see ourselves. But the way they see us directly influences their desire to offer us opportunities. To influence and impact stakeholders, professionals need to have a clear and compelling personal brand. In this lively presentation, we'll discuss secrets to personal brand strategy, with an emphasis on messaging, social media and body language as keys for success. Using real examples from the legal industry, you'll see how successful professionals build influence and manage their careers.
Objectives:
- Recognize the importance and relevance of personal branding.
- Identify how to build and maintain a meaningful and impactful reputation.
- Outline ways to impart credibility, influence and meet the needs of stakeholders.
- Show how to build executive presence and influence.
- Examine ways to increase confidence and the likelihood of career success.
Audience: Intermediate
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CPE Field of Study: Communications
Contact us at elearning@alanet.org if you need a certificate for CPE credit.
Lida Citroen
Lida Citroen is an international reputation management and brand specialist who designs and enhances the identities of executives and professionals. Her specialty is personal branding, the practice of promoting value, managing reputations both online and in person, and building executive presence with a target audience. The author of two best-selling books on personal branding, Citroen is an engaging and impactful speaker who empowers global audiences with the tools to directly impact in their career.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/05/2018
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a powerful tool that can inspire how you see and respond to the world around you. Utilizing your EQ can have a profound positive effect on you as a well as the people you work with.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a powerful tool that can inspire how you see and respond to the world around you. Utilizing your EQ can have a profound positive effect on you as a well as the people you work with. Developing your EQ can give you skills to: enhance relationships, communicate more effectively, read and appropriately respond to the social cues of others, and successfully manage your own emotions. In this fun and engaging session, we will look at the impact of using EQ both personally and professionally, and discuss how it can profoundly affect your success and happiness. You will not only gain a better understanding of what EQ is, you will also learn practical ways to incorporate EQ into your work with all kinds of people and leave with valuable tools that you can utilize immediately.
Objectives:
- Identify the 5 main factors of emotional intelligence and how those factors can play into personal and professional success.
- Implement numerous strategies for seamlessly incorporating emotional intelligence into your personal and professional lives.
- Utilize tools and resources presented in the workshop that show EQ in action.
- Assess your own EQ and areas of strength and opportunities to grow.
Audience: Intermediate
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category: Communication Skills
CPE Field of Study: Communications
Kari Knutson
Kari Knutson is the Founder of Knutson Consulting, which focuses on helping people transform their organizations through developing interpersonal skills and bridging cultural and communication divides. She's an energetic speaker who is passionate about connecting with her audience. She holds master's degrees in higher education administration and counseling and puts these degrees to good use as a professional speaker and counselor.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/03/2018
This session focuses on an introduction to accounting department duties, accounts payable process, accounts receivable process, general ledger, general ledger accounts, account types, cash versus accrual accounting methods, and fixed asset management.
This session focuses on an introduction to accounting department duties, accounts payable process, accounts receivable process, general ledger, general ledger accounts, account types, cash versus accrual accounting methods, and fixed asset management. We will outline duties and processes in detail in the accounting department. There will be a review of the balance sheet and profit and loss statements so that you have an understanding of where account balances reside. We'll also discuss types of expenses and the importance of understanding the main expenses that affect a law firm. We will include a discussion of depreciation and some of the methods of applying depreciation.
Objectives:
- Develop an understanding of accounting department structure and responsibilities.
- Identify the main differences in cash versus accrual accounting.
- Recognize what types of accounts are on a balance sheet and profit and loss statement.
- Develop a clear process of accounts payable.
- Develop a clear process of accounts receivable.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Andrea L. Myers, CLM
Andrea L. Myers, CLM, is the Director of Finance and Operations with Miller Johnson where she is responsible for managing the accounting and collections team for the firm. Those functions include accounts payable and receivable, cash management, financial reporting, tax preparation and filing, and overseeing the firm's billing systems. Myers also oversees the firm's Operations Departments and manages third-party relationships to which document services have been outsourced. An ALA member with 11 years of legal industry experience, she has served on the board of ALA West Michigan Chapter for 10 years in various roles, served as a Regional Representative for two years, and served on 2017 Annual Conference Planning Committee.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/03/2018
We'll discuss bank account types, transfers and trust accounts as well as outline the types of options available to your firm. Additionally, we'll identify reasons behind incorporating different types of bank accounts in your portfolio and discuss the importance of banking security features during the session.
The second session of Law Firm Accounting Series focuses on improving your knowledge in the areas of banking and investments. We'll discuss bank account types, transfers and trust accounts as well as outline the types of options available to your firm. Additionally, we'll identify reasons behind incorporating different types of bank accounts in your portfolio and discuss the importance of banking security features during the session.
Objectives:
- Examine the differences between bank account types.
- Identify bank security features that you can implement.
- Explain bank rules and regulations as to deposits.
- Identify the differences between wire and ACH transactions.
- Identify types of investment alternatives.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Andrea L. Myers, CLM
Andrea L. Myers, CLM, is the Director of Finance and Operations with Miller Johnson where she is responsible for managing the accounting and collections team for the firm. Those functions include accounts payable and receivable, cash management, financial reporting, tax preparation and filing, and overseeing the firm's billing systems. Myers also oversees the firm's Operations Departments and manages third-party relationships to which document services have been outsourced. An ALA member with 11 years of legal industry experience, she has served on the board of ALA West Michigan Chapter for 10 years in various roles, served as a Regional Representative for two years, and served on 2017 Annual Conference Planning Committee.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/03/2018
Do you know how to handle advanced fees, retainers and real estate settlements as they relate to your trust account? This session will teach you all aspects of trust accounting from beginning to end.
Do you know how to handle advanced fees, retainers and real estate settlements as they relate to your trust account? This session will teach you all aspects of trust accounting from beginning to end. You'll advance your knowledge regarding the ABA Model Rules that affect the procedures related to trust accounting. You'll also gain a better understanding of the state trust account rules that also are relevant to your trust account process. Additionally, we'll review the process surrounding requirements of bank reconciliation of a trust account.
Objectives:
- Develop the procedures for a three-part reconciliation of the trust account.
- Identify situations that require segregated trust accounts.
- Identify the differences of advanced fees and retainers.
- Discuss and identify the relevant ABA Model Rules.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Lisa R. Dasher
Lisa R. Dasher is Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for Wicker Smith O'Hara McCoy & Ford P.A., a Florida defense firm with more than 185 attorneys and ten offices throughout Florida. A 35-year veteran of the firm, Ms. Dasher is responsible for the overall financial management of the firm and execution of firm policies, as well the management of multiple firm functions, including human resources, technology, vendor relations and marketing. Additionally, she served on ALA's Annual Conference Committee (2010–2012) and currently serves on ALA's Professional Development Advisory Committee.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/04/2018
In this session, we'll bring to light various special issues related to different facets of a law firm accounting department.
In this session, we'll bring to light various special issues related to different facets of a law firm accounting department. Are you intimidated by discussions of alternative fee arrangements? Do you need to further your understanding of electronic billing? Are you looking for a new accounting system? Is your collections workflow in need of an update? Take this opportunity to learn about these pieces of the accounting puzzle.
Objectives:
- Identify different types of alternative fee arrangement models.
- Outline important features in a billing and timekeeping system.
- Discuss features in electronic billing that can benefit your firm.
- Outline of the goals of electronic billing.
- Define the steps in the collection process and begin to develop your policy.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Lisa R. Dasher
Lisa R. Dasher is Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for Wicker Smith O'Hara McCoy & Ford P.A., a Florida defense firm with more than 185 attorneys and ten offices throughout Florida. A 35-year veteran of the firm, Ms. Dasher is responsible for the overall financial management of the firm and execution of firm policies, as well the management of multiple firm functions, including human resources, technology, vendor relations and marketing. Additionally, she served on ALA's Annual Conference Committee (2010–2012) and currently serves on ALA's Professional Development Advisory Committee.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/04/2018
This session will focus on the latest developments in the tax law and the impact of these changes to the profession. We'll emphasize tax planning strategies for both law firms and individual attorneys.
This session will focus on the latest developments in the tax law and the impact of these changes to the profession. We'll emphasize tax planning strategies for both law firms and individual attorneys. Additionally, we'll cover why it's always important for businesses and individuals to understand the tax implications of their business activities and be proactive in tax planning. For example, entity and ownership structure can impact these strategies. We will review the pros and cons of each structure and how the tax laws impact each. We'll also look at a variety of tax savings ideas for law firms and will provide insights into tax and wealth planning tips for individual partners.
Objectives:
- Identify the latest developments in the tax laws and the related impact on law firms and individual attorneys.
- Examine different entity choices for law firms and the related tax impact of each structure.
- Discuss tax planning strategies for law firms.
- Review tax and wealth planning tips for law firm owners/partners.
Audience: Intermediate
Other Information:
75 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Kristin Bettorf
Kristin Bettorf is a Partner in RubinBrown's Tax Services Group and the Vice Chair of RubinBrown's Law Firm Services Group. She has more than 15 years of tax experience with an emphasis on tax planning and consulting services. She specializes in corporate tax and provides services to clients in a variety of industry groups, including manufacturing and distribution and law firm services.
Henry Rzonca, CPA
Henry Rzonca, CPA, serves as the Partner-In-Charge of RubinBrown's Federal Tax Services Group and Vice-Chairman of the Manufacturing & Distribution Services Group. He is also a Partner Liason for the RubinBrown Advisory Board. Before joining RubinBrown in 2012, Rzonca served more than 20 years in the role of Tax Director for Edward Jones and Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company, overseeing federal and state income, property, sales and, use taxes. Prior to gaining this industry experience, he was in the tax practice of KPMG for seven years.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/05/2018
The final session of the Law Firm Accounting Series focuses on the types of organizational structures available to companies. Whether you are working on a start-up adventure or evaluating your current legal configuration, this session will enlighten you on the types of organizational structures that exist.
The final session of the Law Firm Accounting Series focuses on the types of organizational structures available to companies. Whether you are working on a start-up adventure or evaluating your current legal configuration, this session will enlighten you on the types of organizational structures that exist. You will learn key facts that influence a decision on what type is right for you and ensure continuity of your business.
Objectives:
- Identify which organizational structures protect personal assets.
- Analyze the tax implications of a corporation.
- Examine the advantages and disadvantages of various organizational structures.
- Relate the importance of having a written agreement.
- Identify the issues of liability of others in your organization.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Lisa A. Waligorski, CLM
Lisa Waligorski, CLM is the Executive Director at Newmeyer & Dillion, LLP. She started her career in a legal assistant/paralegal role, and the past 20+ years have been spent in either an Executive Director or Director of Finance/Controller role. Her education and background provide experience and knowledge in developing and implementing strategic initiatives, and overseeing organizational operations, finance, human resources, facilities, information technology, and marketing & business development. Lisa has been a speaker on both law firm accounting and human resources topics. She has also been an ALA e-learning Law Firm Accounting and Financial Information & Analysis instructor for the past five years.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/04/2018
Accountability is an essential part of leadership and management. In fact, without it, there is no way to establish credibility and trust among team members.
Accountability is an essential part of leadership and management. In fact, without it, there is no way to establish credibility and trust among team members. It is so important that employees are held accountable for their work, individually and as part of a team. It is only when everyone in an organization is held accountable does accountability become part of a culture. But, it does not stop there — creating the culture is one thing, but maintaining it is another. This session will discuss ways to use expectations, reviews, incentives and your company values to maintain a culture of accountability.
Objectives:
- Discuss the value of a firm culture that embraces accountability.
- Identify effective ways to hold people accountable.
- Explain how to leverage the employee feedback loop to emphasize accountability.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
60 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Legal Industry/Business Management
CPE Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
Debbie Foster
Debbie Foster is a Partner with the Affinity Consulting Group, where she specializes in technology, process and management consulting for firms all over the country. In addition to regularly speaking for bar associations and other organizations on those topics, Foster is very involved with ALA and the Law Practice Division of the American Bar Association. She was also the Chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2010.
