ALA - More Than an Association
Why the ALA is More Than an Association
Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to connect with some of the best minds in the legal industry. I traveled from ILTACON in National Harbor, MD, to meetings with local professionals in Chicago. I also engaged with others from across the country through virtual meetings. In my last post, I reflected on my first year as an ALA business partner. Building on those lessons, I’m excited to now share insights directly from individuals who have become key figures in their local chapters. Now, I’m thrilled to share firsthand perspectives from leaders who have made a lasting impact in their local chapters and what their journeys can teach us about building meaningful professional communities.
I was fortunate to interview several leaders in the ALA, discussing their experiences within the organization and its impact on their personal and professional lives. A few of the notable individuals I spoke with include:
Travis Armstrong, COO of English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, and ALA International President
Ken Koehn, COO of Gould & Ratner and Past President of the Chicago ALA Chapter
Alexis Santiago, Office Manager at Marshall Dennehey and Secretary of the Cleveland Chapter
Entering these conversations, I initially understood the Business Partner perspective, but hearing from those on the other side has been an incredible experience.
What I knew: The Association of Legal Administrators has long served as a cornerstone for professional development, leadership growth, and collaboration in the legal industry.
What I learned: Through the voices of these three leaders, a vivid picture emerged of an organization that shapes not only careers but also builds communities and partnerships.
While each firm, city, and chapter had its own unique perspectives, a consistent theme emerged: the transformative role the ALA has played in its members’ journeys. These leaders shared stories about specific experiences that pushed them beyond their limits, shaped their leadership paths, and laid a strong foundation for professional growth. Alexis described the ALA as a family; offering not only a network of experienced peers but also a true sense of belonging.
I wanted to learn more than just about their journeys; I wanted to understand why other firms should become part of this organization. When asked about ROI, Ken Koehn didn’t hesitate to emphasize the value of ALA involvement. He stated, “The cost and time spent on ALA are recouped tenfold.” He explained, “From an intangible perspective, a firm participating in ALA will find its people, and subsequently its firm, improving in numerous and varied ways.”
Partnerships were another recurring theme in my conversations. Members emphasized that business partners are not just vendors but collaborators who share the mission of advancing the profession. One leader illustrated this by pointing to a longstanding relationship with a partner, describing the trust and collaboration built there as “everything they could possibly hope for in a partnership.” This example reinforced how ALA fosters genuine, enduring relationships that fuel professional growth on both sides
Beyond their impressive titles, these leaders have earned recognition as role models whose influence extends across the industry. When asked which historical figure they would most want to share a meal with, both Travis and Ken chose Barack Obama, praising his vision, his ability to communicate with clarity and purpose, and his grounded approach to leadership. When the lighthearted question, ‘what movie/podcast would you recommend' was asked, one pointed to the musical Come From Away, the moving story of a small Canadian town that welcomed thousands of diverted airline passengers on 9/11, demonstrating compassion and generosity in a moment of crisis. It was a story that echoed many of the values the ALA itself represents.
Together, these conversations revealed that the ALA is far more than a professional association. It is a community where leaders grow, firms strengthen, partnerships flourish, and people find connection and inspiration. For those considering membership or exploring opportunities as a business partner, the message is clear: step in, give back, and the returns—both personal and professional—will be greater than you could imagine.
And as Travis Armstrong would say, ‘Climb Higher.’