To develop, nurture and maintain beneficial working relationships between business partners, our Chapter, represented firms and administrators. The committee functions as an educational vehicle to provide a means for both prospective and existing business partners to learn about the legal industry and about our needs as business managers. The committee supports and sponsors events selected by the Board and/or Chapter members to give business partners equal opportunities for access to our members. Committee members serve as business partner advocates to continuously express appreciation of the contributions made to our Chapter. The committee also serves as the primary contact for business partners interested in working with our Chapter. Thus, they ensure good relations and frequent communication between business partners and administrators. Further, the committee acts as liaisons between business partners and other committees and their chairs. In this role they are responsible for communicating with other committees to: ascertain which sponsorship opportunities are available each year, communicate those opportunities to prospective and existing business partners, and verify that all promised sponsorship opportunities have been fulfilled each year. Some of the committee’s other key responsibilities are: to plan and implement the Annual Legal Exposition, to prepare and sell the Annual Business Partner Sponsorship Packages, to regularly attend Board and Chapter meetings to report on the activities of the committee, to be subscribed to ALA’s Business Partner Relations listserv and to fulfill requirements as assigned by existing Chapter President necessary to complete the Presidents’ Award application.

The Professional Development Committee’s purpose is to enhance the competence and professionalism of our chapter members by providing learning opportunities throughout the year. The committee will secure qualified speakers in current topics and relevant areas of competencies as defined by ALA. At least two in-depth seminars along with monthly lunch and learn programs will be provided. Many of the seminars and luncheons will be approved with credit to encourage its members to obtain and continue as a certified legal manager. The committee will plan, coordinate and facilitate the meetings. In doing so, meeting facilities will be negotiated to meet the ongoing needs and financial budget of the chapter. Invitations to promote with sufficient notification will be forwarded by email to the entire membership. The committee will work with the Treasurer by providing a list of attendees so that payment can be confirmed. To ensure that the committee is meeting the needs of its chapter members, evaluation sheets that allow for anonymous, candid responses and suggestions will be provided at each educational program. A post summary will be forwarded to the Chapter and the ALA Region 4 Education Officer Other responsibilities include the following: to regularly attend Board and Chapter meetings, to report on the activities of the committee, and to fulfill requirements as assigned by existing Chapter President necessary to complete the Presidents’ Award application.

To recruit new members; to develop and maintain a formal orientation program for new members; to provide a new member support system through mentoring; to endeavor to reactivate inactive members and to maintain a current membership list which generates the monthly meeting name tags; to generate and distribute a membership directory. Other responsibilities include the following: to regularly attend Board and Chapter meetings, to report on the activities of the committee, and to fulfill requirements as assigned by existing Chapter President necessary to complete the Presidents’ Award application.

The Communications Committee oversees messaging, branding, publications, and digital presence (e.g., website, newsletters, social media), ensuring that communications align with Austin ALA’s mission, values, and goals. The Committee supports members by increasing ALA’s visibility and communicating chapter priorities. By coordinating communications across platforms, the Committee ensures timely dissemination of important updates (such as events, policy changes, and opportunities). This helps members stay informed, involved, and connected to the chapter’s activities.

The Committee works collaboratively with other chapter committees and the Association of Legal Administrators to fulfill chapter requirements. Please connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

To provide visibility for the Chapter in the Austin-Central Texas community through participation in community service activities and to enhance the membership’s sense of community responsibility by encouraging community service involvement. Other responsibilities include the following: to regularly attend Board and Chapter meetings, to report on the activities of the committee, and to fulfill requirements as assigned by existing Chapter President necessary to complete the Presidents’ Award application.

The Austin ALA DEIA committee is committed to enriching diversity and inclusion in Austin's legal community by offering valuable resources to its members. Our commitment lies in creating a legal community that not only appreciates and values diversity and inclusion but also mirrors the diverse demographics of the city we serve. It is crucial to recognize that achieving a diverse work environment is predicated on first establishing an inclusive culture. Many employers falter in achieving true diversity because they fail to establish an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their role, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or religion, feels accepted, valued, and a sense of belonging. As law firms contemplate recruiting with diversity in mind, it is imperative to ensure that the organization first implements and communicates a culture of inclusion. With law firms facing challenges in retaining associates and paralegals, it is more vital than ever to assess the firm's current demographics, culture, and objectives.

To increase visibility and credibility of the Austin Chapter and ALA through effective communication and publicity. This committee will build and establish relationships by acting as liaisons to other law-related associations at the local, state and national levels and in the legal community. It will look for initiatives (as defined by ALA) and recruit members and other committees to help achieve objectives and measure results. The Chair will relay the activities/events of other legal organizations to the Board and fulfill requirements as assigned by existing Chapter President necessary to complete the Presidents’ Award application.