Bylaws are a vital part of any organization. They are legal guidelines for how to run an association and detail things like membership criteria, the Board of Directors’ roles and responsibilities, dues and more. You can read ALA’s Bylaws in full below.
Section I.1 Name
The name of the corporation shall be the Association of Legal Administrators, a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation (“Association”).
Section I.2 Purposes
In addition to the purposes set forth in the Association’s Articles of Incorporation, as may be amended, the primary objectives of the Association shall be to: (a) Improve the quality of management in legal organizations; (b) Promote and enhance the competence of legal management professionals and all members of the management team; (c) Represent the interests of professional legal management and managers within both the legal community and community-at-large; (d) Stimulate the exchange of information about all aspects of the business of law; and (e) Educate the legal profession about the value and availability of legal management professionals.
Section I.3 Offices
The Association shall have and continuously maintain in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania a registered office and a registered agent whose office is identical with such registered office and may have such other offices within or without the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of Illinois as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
Section I.4 Rules
No part of the Association’s net earnings shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its directors, officers, committee members or other private persons, except that the Association shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth above.
Section II.1: Application
The Board of Directors, or its designees(s), shall adopt an application form and procedures to facilitate the consideration of applicants for membership in the Association. All applicants shall complete the application form and submit the application, along with the designated fee, if any, to the Association’s administrative office. The Board of Directors, or its designee(s), shall review the application of all applicants and determine, based on the criteria set forth in these bylaws and such other guidelines as the Board of Directors may prescribe, whether individual applicants meet the qualifications necessary for membership in the Association. All such qualified applicants shall become members upon notice from the Association.
Section II.2 Definitions
For purposes of these bylaws:
Section II.3 Membership Qualifications
Section II.4 Rights and Duties
Section II.5 Benefits
Benefits associated with the various membership categories shall be determined by the Board from time to time.
Section II.6 Resignation
Members may resign from the Association at any time by giving written notice to the Association. Any member resigning from the Association shall be responsible for all billed and unbilled dues and assessments related to the then current full fiscal year of the Association.
Section II.7 Ineligibility
In the event that a member ceases to be eligible for Membership in the Association (e.g., becomes employed by or professionally affiliated with a business partner or business-partner eligible entity), he or she must immediately notify the Association. Such individuals may remain a member for the remainder of their current paid Membership term; however, they may not renew their Membership in the Association until such time as they may become eligible.
Section II.8 Termination of Membership/Disciplinary Action
The Association may discipline a member for any of the reasons set forth in the Association’s Member Disciplinary Actions and Fair Hearing Policy, as may be amended from time to time by the Board of Directors, and all disciplinary matters shall be conducted in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth therein.
Section II.9 Non-Payment of Dues/Ineligibility.
The membership of any member who is in default of payment of dues or assessments for more than three (3) months, or otherwise becomes ineligible for membership, may be terminated automatically, according to such rules or procedures as the Board of Directors or its designee(s) shall establish, unless such termination is delayed by the Board of Directors due to a special circumstance.
Section II.10 Reinstatement
Members who have resigned or been terminated for non-payment of dues may automatically be reinstated to their prior membership category upon payment of delinquent dues before the end of the subsequent calendar year for which the dues were payable.
Section IV.1 Annual Meeting
An annual meeting of the Association’s members shall be held at such time and place as shall be determined by the Board.
Section IV.2 Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Association’s members may be called (i) at the written request of two-thirds (2/3) of the Association’s members; or (ii) by resolution of the Board of Directors. The time and place for holding special meetings shall be determined by the Board.
Section IV.3 Notice
Notice of any annual or special meeting of the members shall state the time, date, place, and purpose of the meeting, and shall be delivered not more than sixty (60) and not less than five (5) days prior to the date of such meeting, unless otherwise required by applicable law.
Section IV.4 Quorum
The lesser of (i) ten percent (10%) of the Association’s eligible members; or (ii) one hundred (100) eligible members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any duly called meeting of the members, provided that if less than a quorum is present, a majority of the members present may adjourn the meeting to another time without further notice.
Section IV.5 Manner of Acting
The act of a majority or more of the members present (in person) at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the members, unless the act of a greater number is required by law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these bylaws.
Section IV.6 Mail/Electronic Voting
Voting by mail or electronic means shall be permitted for any item of business before the members to the full extent permitted by the Nonprofit Corporation Law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (15 Pa. C.S. §5101 et. seq., which constitutes Subpart C of the Associations Code) (the “Act”). A mail or electronic vote of the members may be called by the Board.
Section V.1 Authority and Responsibility
The Association’s affairs shall be managed by the Board of Directors (which shall be referred to in these bylaws as the “Board” or the “Board of Directors”), which shall have supervision, control, and direction of the Association, shall determine its policies or changes therein within the limits of these bylaws, shall actively promote its purposes, and shall have discretion in the disbursement of its funds. The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as shall be deemed advisable and may, in the execution of the powers granted, appoint such agents as it may consider necessary. All of the Association’s committees report to and are subject to the ultimate direction and control of the Board, unless specifically provided otherwise in these bylaws.
Section V.2 Composition
The Board of Directors shall be composed of between nine (9) and twelve (12) Directors from the membership at-large and three (3) Executive Committee Members (President-Elect, President and Immediate Past President). The Executive Director shall serve as an ex officio non-voting member of the Board.
Section V.3 Qualifications
Only members shall be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors.
Section V.4 Term
Section V.5 Manner of Appointment
Section V.6 Regular Meetings
The Board of Directors may take action to set the time, date, and place for the holding of a regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors and additional regular meetings of the Board of Directors without other notice than such action.
Section V.7 Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by, or at the request of, Association’s President or upon a written request to the Association’s President of four (4) members of the Board of Directors. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall state the time, date, and place of the meeting and shall be delivered at least five (5) days prior to the date of such meeting. Attendance of a Director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where a Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called and convened.
Section V.8 Meeting by Conference Call
Any action to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, may be taken through the use of a conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can communicate with each other. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting of the persons so participating. Notwithstanding anything set forth to the contrary in these bylaws, any meeting to be held by conference call (whether regular or special) may be held upon a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours prior notice.
Section V.9 Quorum
A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any duly called meeting of the Board of Directors; provided that when less than a quorum is present at said meeting, a majority of the Board of Directors members present may adjourn the meeting to another time without further notice.
Section V.10 Manner of Acting
The act of a majority of Directors present at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the act of a greater number is required by law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these bylaws.
Section V.11 Action Without a Meeting
Any action requiring a vote of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if a written consent, setting forth the action taken, is approved by all of the members of the Board of Directors entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof.
Section V.12 Waiver of Notice
Notice of any meeting need not be given to any member of the Board of Directors who submits a signed waiver of notice whether before or after the meeting, or who attends the meeting without protesting, prior thereto or at its commencement, the lack of notice to him or her. Attendance of a Director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where a Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called and convened.
Section V.13 Resignation and Removal
Any member of the Board of Directors may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President. In addition, any member of the Board of Directors may be removed in accordance with the Act by the persons entitled to appoint such Director, whenever, in their judgment, the best interests of Association would be served by such removal.
Section V.14 Vacancies
Vacancies in any Director position shall be filled by the Board of Directors. A Director appointed pursuant to this Section shall hold their position for the remainder of the original term for which he or she was appointed to fill.
Section V.15 Compensation. Directors shall not receive any remuneration for their services as Directors. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any Director from serving the Association in any other capacity and receiving reasonable compensation therefore.
Section V.15 Compensation
Directors shall not receive any remuneration for their services as Directors. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any Director from serving the Association in any other capacity and receiving reasonable compensation therefor.
Section VI.1 Officers
The Association’s officers shall be a President, President-Elect, Secretary/Treasurer and Immediate Past President (collectively, “officers”). No two (2) offices may be held simultaneously by the same person.
Section VI.2 President
The President shall be the Association’s principal appointed officer and shall, in general, supervise the Association’s business affairs, subject to the direction and control of the Board of Directors, by communicating with the Executive Director as necessary regarding the Association’s business. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all of the Association’s committees, except as otherwise provided by these bylaws. The President shall (i) chair all Board and member meetings; (ii) serve as the Chair of the Executive and Nominating Committees; (iii) serve as the Association’s official representative and spokesperson, except as otherwise provided by the Board; (iv) appoint, subject to the approval of the Board, the members and chairs of the Association’s committees; (v) fill, subject to the approval of the Board, vacancies on the Association’s committees; and (vi) in general, perform all duties customarily incident to the office of President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board. The President shall succeed to the office of Immediate Past President upon expiration of the President’s term of office.
Section VI.3 President-Elect
The President-Elect shall assist the President and shall substitute for the President when required. The President-Elect shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, except as otherwise provided by these bylaws. The President-Elect shall in general, perform all duties customarily incident to the office of President-Elect and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board. The President-Elect shall succeed to the office of President upon expiration of the President’s term of office and in the event of the death, resignation, removal or incapacity of the President.
Section VI.4 Secretary/Treasurer
The Secretary/Treasurer shall be the principal financial officer of the Association and shall have charge of and be responsible for the maintenance of adequate books of account for the Association; shall have charge and custody of all of the Association’s funds and securities, and be responsible therefore, and for the receipt and disbursement thereof; shall deposit all Association’s funds and securities in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws; shall perform the duties normally expected of the secretary of a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, including seeing that all notices are duly given in accordance with applicable law, the Articles of Incorporation, and these bylaws; being custodian of the corporate records; keeping minutes of the meetings of the Board; keeping a record of the mailing address of each Association member; and performing such other duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board. The duties of the Secretary/Treasurer may be assigned by the Board in whole or in part to the Executive Director, or his or her designee(s).
Section VI.5 Immediate Past President
The Immediate Past President shall have such duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.
Section VI.6 Qualifications for Office
Only members that have served a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months on the Board of Directors within the five (5) years immediately preceding their nomination are eligible to serve as the Association’s President-Elect or Secretary/Treasurer.
Section VI.7 Term
Officers shall serve a one (1) year term in office, or until such time as their successors are duly appointed, qualified, and take office and may not serve more than one consecutive term except for in the office of Secretary/Treasurer. The term of all officers shall begin the day after the conclusion of the annual meeting or July 1 (whichever shall occur first) of the year in which they are appointed and shall run until the close of the next annual meeting or the next July 1 (whichever shall occur first) following their appointment or until such time as successors are duly appointed, qualified, and assume their position. Officers serving more than half of a full term shall be deemed to have served a full term in office.
Section VI.8 Manner of Appointment
Section VI.9 Resignation and Removal of Officers Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Executive Director. In addition, any officer may be removed by the Board, whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Association would be served by such removal. Such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Appointment of an officer or agent shall not of itself create any contract rights.
Section VI.10 Officer Vacancies
The President-Elect shall automatically succeed to the office of President in the event of the death, resignation, removal, or incapacity of the President and the office of President-Elect shall remain vacant until the next appointment. A President-Elect filling a vacancy in the office of President shall subsequently serve as President for the one-year term of office to which he or she was originally appointed to serve. In the event the President-Elect position is vacant at such time as there becomes a vacancy in the office of President, the Board of Directors immediately shall fill the office of President and such appointee shall hold office until the next appointment. A vacancy in the office of the Immediate Past President shall cause that office to remain vacant until such time that the currently seated President succeeds to fill that office. A vacancy in the office of Secretary/Treasurer shall be filled by the Board of Directors from amongst the current members of the Board. An officer appointed pursuant to this Section shall hold such office for the remainder of the original term for which she or he was appointed to fill.
Section VIII.1 Standing Committees
(a) Executive Committee
(b) Other Standing Committees
Other standing committees may be established by the Board of Directors to support the Association’s purposes. Such committees shall include, at a minimum, a Nominating Committee and Finance Committee. The action establishing standing committees shall set forth the committee’s purpose and composition and required qualifications for membership on the committee. A majority of all members of committees having the authority of the Board of Directors must be members of the Board.
(c) Advisory/Ad Hoc Committees and Task Forces
The Board of Directors may appoint such advisory or ad hoc committees or task forces as are necessary or appropriate in the exercise of their authority and responsibility as set forth in these bylaws. An ad hoc committee shall terminate three (3) years from the date of its creation unless renewed by the Board. A task force shall terminate after one (1) year from the date of its creation unless renewed. Ad hoc committees and task forces may be established for longer periods with the approval of the Board. The action establishing such a committee or task force shall set forth the committee’s or task force’s purpose and composition.
Section VIII.2 Chapters
Members of the Association who reside or work within a particular state, commonwealth, province, city, region, area, federal district or other geographically proximate location within or without the United States (the “territory”) may be organized as a constituent of the Association (each of which is referred to as a “Chapter”). The Board may authorize the establishment of Chapters which shall (i) be organized and operated in accordance with these bylaws, and such additional rules, regulations and policies as may be adopted by the Board from time to time; (ii) fulfill criteria for affiliation as may be established by the Board from time to time; (iii) enter into charter agreements with the Association; (iv) be issued a charter by the Association; and (v) organize and conduct their activities in such a manner as to establish its fundamental alignment and functional compatibility with the Association. A Chapter’s general purposes and objectives shall be complementary and consistent, on a local basis within its territory, with those of the Association and the Chapter shall advance the general and specific purposes of the Association within its territory. All members of a Chapter must be members of the Association.
Section VIII.3 Application for Recognition as a Chapter
The Board, or its designee(s), shall adopt an application form and procedures to facilitate the consideration of applicants seeking to be organized as a Chapter. All applicants must complete the application form and submit the application, along with the designated fee, if any, to the Association’s administrative office. The Board, or its designee(s), shall review the application of all applicants and determine, based on the criteria set forth in these bylaws and such other guidelines as the Board may prescribe if applicants meet the qualifications necessary for recognition as a Chapter.
Section VIII.4 Revocation
Charters for the operation of Chapters may be revoked by the Board at any time and in such manner and after such investigation as the Board may deem necessary. Upon revocation of a Chapter’s charter, the Chapter immediately shall remit all of its funds and records to the Association’s Executive Director and shall cease use of the Association’s name.
Section VIII.5 Name
No Chapter or other entity shall use the Association’s name in any manner whatsoever unless duly authorized to do so by the Association pursuant to the terms of a written agreement or policy.
Section VIII.6 Organization. Each Chapter shall be incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation, have a Board of Directors, officers and bylaws in such form as shall be approved by the Association’s Board of Directors.
Chapters must maintain membership categories and criteria that are identical to the Association’s. Changes to a Chapter’s bylaws must receive the prior written approval of the Association’s Board, or its designee(s).
Section
VIII.7 Meetings
Each Chapter may hold such meetings as it deems appropriate.
Section
VIII.8 Choice of Chapter
Members may belong to one or more Chapters and may join the Chapter of their choice based on where they reside, work, hold a license or have an interest. If a member belongs to more than one chapter, that member is required to designate one of the chapters as their primary chapter.
Section X.1 Contracts
The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the Association, in addition to the officers so authorized by these bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Association, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section X.2 Payment of Indebtedness
All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Association shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Association and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors. In the absence of such determination by the Board of Directors, such instruments shall be signed by the Secretary/Treasurer and countersigned by the President.
Section X.3 Deposits
All of the Association’s funds shall be deposited to the credit of the Association in such banks, trust companies, or other depositaries as the Board of Directors may select.
Section X.4 Bonding
The Board of Directors shall provide for the bonding of such officers and employees of the Association as it may from time to time determine.
Section X.5 Gifts. The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the Association any contribution, gift, bequest or devise for the Association’s general purposes or for any special purpose.
Section X.6 Books and Records
The Association shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors and members. The books and accounts of the Association shall be audited annually by accountants selected by the Board of Directors.
Section X.7 Fiscal Year
The Association’s fiscal year shall be determined, from time to time, by the Board of Directors.
Section XI.1 Electronic Meetings
Any action to be taken at a Board of Directors, Executive Committee, other committee or task force meeting may be taken through the use of a conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can communicate with each other simultaneously. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting of the persons so participating. Notwithstanding anything set forth to the contrary in these bylaws, notice of an electronic meeting of the Board of Directors or Executive Committee must be delivered at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting.
Section XI.2 Electronic Communication
Unless otherwise prohibited by law, (i) any action to be taken or notice delivered under these bylaws may be taken or transmitted by electronic mail or other electronic means; and (ii) any action or approval required to be written or in writing may be transmitted or received by electronic mail or other electronic means.
Amended: July 17, 2019