Attorney At Law Magazine First Coast sat with Juleana Piper, the president of the Association of Legal Administrators Jacksonville Chapter, to discuss the organization, her plans for next year, and the impact of the association on her career.
AALM : What are your goals as the new president of the association for the next year?
JP This chapter will focus its efforts on developing DEIA initiatives and our student membership program. We also plan to expand our membership outside of the metro Jacksonville region by using the hybrid platforms we became familiar with after the pandemic. We are looking to strengthen the membership relationship by giving our members the chance to attend chapter events in both a virtual and physical format.
AALM : What are your hopes for the association’s mission? What have you done to achieve this goal?
JP Our goal is to reach out to the Jacksonville legal student community and find ways to work with local colleges in order to create a pipeline for future members. We will do this by networking, building relationships, and partnering up with local law schools and programs such as Edward Waters University. FSCJ. Jacksonville University. UNF. We also found that there was a need unmet in the surrounding Jacksonville area and we hope to incorporate those areas into our chapter.
AALM : Which lessons have you learnt from your predecessors?
JP
AALM What has been your experience with the association? What are the benefits you see for others?
JP I joined Jax ALA to further my paralegal and legal skills and to take on an administrative role. Jax ALA offers something for everyone, whether you’re just beginning your legal career or already have some experience. Our organization provides networking opportunities, collaborations, access to current information, and professional development to help our members maintain their career relevance. Jax ALA develops market leaders for our growing legal community.
AALM : What would you say about the main objective of the association? Do you think the association is fulfilling its mission? What can the association do to continue to expand its reach?
JP Jax ALA’s mission is advancing the practice of Legal Administration and developing and promoting continuing legal education in all aspects related to legal practice management. It also aims to educate the legal profession on the importance and availability of professionals administrators. We want to broaden our reach through a broader membership base and by continuing to encourage the exchange of ideas and information about legal practice management in the community.
AALM Which trends do you believe will have the greatest impact on legal administrators and their firms in the next year or years?
JP Since pandemic, more law firms have considered hybrid remote work as this continues to be an important factor in recruiting and retaining employees. It also brings technology. During the pandemic nearly all American courts adopted virtual platforms for hearings, and many of these courts still provide virtual appearance options. This means that firms will need better cybersecurity software and more training.
AALM Tell me about some events you are excited to host in 2024.
JP Jax ALA will be partnering with other Florida ALA Chapters for the Florida ALA Statewide Retreat 2024 in Orlando, next year.
The article Jacksonville president Juleana piper on Association of Legal Administrators first appeared on Attorney At Law Magazine.