What's Happening at Headquarters January 2022

Learn about recognizing the signs with Mental Health First Aid Certification Program. The first dates are already full: That means all of its spots have been reserved by legal management professionals who are eager to expand their knowledge and get a handle on caring for their staff at a ceaselessly stressful time.

That leaves three more dates available: February 4, February 18 and March 4. If you’re interested, you should move fast — each date is limited to 30 participants due to the program’s highly interactive nature. The curriculum will teach you how to recognize the signs and symptoms suggesting a potential mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance, and how to refer someone to appropriate professional support and services.

It consists of two parts. The first involves two hours of self-paced learning in an on-demand virtual format, which should be completed before the live course date. The second part is a live, 6.5-hour virtual session guided by an instructor. 

2022 ALA Awards Program Deadline Approaching

January 21 is the deadline to submit an entry or recommend a colleague for one or more awards. ALA’s annual awards program trains the spotlight on outstanding projects, initiatives and individuals — both to reward the participants and inspire the broader legal community. Help us recognize:

• Chapters, individuals, law firms, legal departments, business partners and other organizations in the legal community that are advancing professional development, networking, visibility and inclusion with the Elevate ALA Award. Please note the criteria and submission guidelines for this honor were revised for the 2021–2022 awards cycle.
• Members who will become prominent figures in ALA and the profession with the NextGen Leader Award.
• Members who have gone above and beyond in their service with the Outstanding Association Volunteer Award.
• Members who embody the values of ALA with the Spirit of ALA Award.

Additionally, submissions for the Presidents’ Award of Excellence are due February 28. Chapter leaders handle these entries.

Open Now: The Foundation’s Student Scholarship Application Period

Applications are open for the Foundation of the Association of Legal Administrators’ 2022 Student Legal Career Scholarship. The program aligns with the Foundation’s Student Visibility and Scholarship Initiative, which champions students as the future of the legal profession. This scholarship will award up to $10,000 to eligible students!

The Foundation encourages students with an interest in a non-attorney legal career, including in legal management, paralegal studies or another legal support function, to apply. The scholarship is open to juniors and seniors enrolled in an accredited college/university, as well as those actively pursuing a master’s degree. If you know someone in these circumstances, please pass along this information. Applications are due January 28.