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Jill M. O'Connell, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

 “Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skill. Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom.” –Jim Rohn

The 2022 ALA Annual Conference has ended. As always, I am left with so many thoughts.

On Sunday I was fortunate to participate in the full-day pre-Conference program "Managing for Impact," presented by Loeb Leadership. Seated at my table were legal professionals from the United States (Minneapolis, San Antonio, and St. Louis), South Africa, the Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic. And that was just at my table! (In case you're wondering, the entire table faced many of the same issues. It was just another example of how small the world really is, and how local concerns are global concerns and vice versa.) The program provided practical advice for managers that combined concepts from DiSC profiles, VUCA leadership, and Loeb's own leadership model. I cannot wait to implement these principles at my firm! In addition, participants in this program received access to an online leadership portal, a reading list, and several other resources for continued learning.

During the main Conference, which started on Monday, I was able to listen to a fun and informative keynote presentation by Connie Podesta, some sessions on financial communication and budgeting, a roundtable discussion on pressing HR issues, a session on technology tools and trends (law firms in the metaverse--what?!), and a session on writing for business and legal success. On the personal development side, I learned about retirement strategies, developing a personal brand, and how peer pressure can change chair dancers into dancefloor kings and queens.

The Gaylord accommodations were amazing, the food was phenomenal, and the Business Partner evening events were second to none! To the ALA Conference Planning Committee, Board of Directors, Business Partners, and members from around the world, thank you! Every interaction with you challenges me to be better, wiser, and more skillful.

Here are some additional takeaways from Gateway Conference attendees:

I found Inky Johnson’s presentation most inspiring and motivating. The twists and turns of his life are the perfect example of making lemonade when life hands you lemons, staying the course to accomplish your goals, and adjusting your goals as life happens.

As always, the networking at the ALA International Conference is always great! You get to know Gateway members better and catch up with members from around the world that you’ve been on committees with on the past. Great resources as you run your firm. 

--Sherry Hurst

For me it was a good reminder that most people don’t fit into one box. While someone may have a dominant trait that also have other qualities in other “boxes” It’s also important to know what type of person you are dealing with so that you can effectively communicate. 

In one of my sessions, we discussed introverts and extroverts. Again, not everyone is either or. There is an ambivert, which is the “depends” type, and that is me!!

--Lori Hanlon

Technology will change so much in the next few years due to the metaverse; it will blow our minds.

Austin chapter did nothing during COVID and maintained all of their business partners. They were able to send 25 people from their chapter to conference.

--Brenda Deertz

I’m so glad I went. So outside of my comfort zone but glad I got to spend time with and get to know more Gateway members. My takeaway from the conference is that we live in a new world due to Covid and law firms are going to need to get onboard. We have to be competitive in this new employees’ market. 

--Kimberly Kelly

My passion for leadership and the business of law were reignited at Conference. It was amazing to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who care deeply about their firms, and about advancing the profession of the law firm administrator.

--Allison Worley

The networking and seeing friends, colleagues and business partners was so valuable as the legal environment has changed over the last couple of years and continues to offer challenges and opportunities. 

Jonathan Fitzgarrald’s Program of Professional Persuasion reminded us of how our talent and those in leadership think differently and are persuaded differently. The Accelerator, Pragmatist, the Analyzer and Collaborator are all needed in a successful organization; but the key is learning what your audience is hearing and how we present requests or information based on these persuasion types. Many of our law firm leaders are Accelerators and they can be persuaded!

Geoffrey Williams program on Leading Your Firm in the Digital Ecosystem emphasized the importance of emerging technologies to include AI, Smart Contracts and Cryptos and how they are cultivating on the legal industry and the importance of educating ourselves and making decisions on their use in a competitive legal market. I did feel I was in a Star Wars movie! 

--Mary Jennings

I’ve been fortunate enough to attend many ALA annual conferences over the years, and the most beneficial asset (still to this day) is networking and exchanging concepts with colleagues and business partners from around the world. The professional development component of the conference is equally important, and this year I walked away with solutions to some of my forthcoming challenges. At my firm, I’m currently working with an implementation team to expand practice support teams and introduce workflow allocation utilizing the BigHand platform. The session, Actional Advice to Advance Your Legal Support Services, led by an expert panel of law firm leaders and moderated by BigHand, provided communication resources and practical guidance on a soft roll-out behind the scenes to gain buy-in and acceptance from stakeholders.

--Julie Logan

It is great to collaborate with Administrators in other markets and Firms to get innovative ideas to implement at your Firm – I met with several colleagues at other firms and came home with lots of great ideas to pitch to my Firm

The power of agency - as a leader we have a lot of uncertainty – it is not going to change, we have to accept it·          

• • Storm raging around you, but we need to create the “eye of the storm, the calm in the storm”
  • Agency can be offense or defense
  • Build mindset by tuning in to what you are doing well - your mind reminds you that you've got this
  • It's going to be fine
  • Teach your brain to remember your strengths - tells limbic system (our emotional response) to stand down
  • Most people remind themselves what they've done wrong rather than being positive
  • It is an active process

--Nikki Cornwell

My top takeaway was the investment ALA made in their speakers and content.  It was an outstanding conference with lots of valuable information and dialogue.

--Steve Gilliland

The biggest take away for me is relationship building in addition to reviewing and discussing the numerous resources available to us via our business partners and each other.

--Lori Hauf-Vitale

Believe it or not, preparation for the 2023 Conference in Seattle, Washington, May 7-10, is well underway, and registration is open! Whether or not you were able to make it to this year's Conference, I hope you will plan on attending next year. Speak with your firm leadership about including it in the 2023 budget and apply for a scholarship from the Gateway Chapter as soon as the application window opens.

Have a wonderful week!

Jill M. O’Connell, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

President, ALA Gateway Chapter