Larry C. Smith - Executive Director

Larry C. Smith was named ALA’s new Executive Director beginning in late January 2010. He succeeds John J. Michalik who retired after 15 years of service with the Association.

Smith has more than 25 years of experience in finance, management consulting, law and association management. From 2002 to 2009, he served as Director of the American Bar Association Law Practice Management Section. As Director, he oversaw Section programs, services, publications and periodicals related to law practice management and other core firm administration issues (finance, technology and marketing). The Section also presented the annual ABA TECHSHOW^®.

Prior to joining ABA, Smith practiced law in Colorado and was active for many years in national, state and local bar associations. He has been a frequent author and CLE presenter on law practice management and law office technology topics, and has worked closely with vendors that provide services and products for the legal community.

Smith holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and a J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law.

 

 

Rita M. Alli, ALA President

Rita Alli is the Director of Business and Professional Development for Stoel Rives, LLP, a 12-office firm, headquartered in Seattle. A legal administrator for 20 years, Alli joined ALA in 1995. Nationally, she was appointed to two consecutive terms as At-Large Director in 2006. Previously she served as the Region 5 Education Officer and the Region 5 Projects Officer.

Alli has been a speaker at both ALA national and regional conferences. She is affiliated with the Puget Sound Chapter, where she has served on numerous Board positions, committees and FALA grant project teams, including the Business Skills Training Program. Alli was President of PSALA 2000-2001 and was presented with their Spirit of PSALA Award in 2006.

Alli has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University and possesses trainer and facilitator certifications.

 

 

Karen D. Griggs, CLM, ALA President-Elect

Karen D. Griggs, CLM, is the executive director of Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, L.L.C. in Kansas City, Missouri.

Griggs has been a member of ALA since 1984 and just completed her term on the 2009-2010 Board as Region 3 Director. She has held various leadership positions at the ALA Regional and Chapter levels. She has served as her Chapter’s President and on numerous Chapter committees. At the Regional level, she served as Nominating Committee Chair and as the Region 3 Conference liaison. She was also on the Region 3 Management Team and held the positions of Communications Officer and Education Officer. She was honored in the Inaugural Group of Kansas City’s Top Ten Legal Leaders, and in 2006 she received ALA’s Outstanding Association Volunteer Award.

Griggs is a member of the Greater Kansas City Chapter and she earned the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)^SM designation in 1999.