What ALA Means to Me

By Andrew Nightingale
What ALA Means to Me

281 Days! This number is significant to me because it marks the time I have been part of SurePoint Technologies. It also signifies how long I have been involved in the legal industry. A world that was once completely unfamiliar to me has become increasingly familiar over these past 281 days. Not long ago, terms like "litigation," "split-billing," and "toxic tort" felt like another language. Now, I understand that litigation is the process of resolving disputes through the court system, and that split-billing is a billing arrangement where legal fees for a case are divided among multiple parties, often clients or departments.

In just 281 days, I have begun to grasp the complexities of the legal industry, thanks in large part to the wonderful community of the ALA, the Association of Legal Administrators.

I remember the night of September 26, 2024, when I was invited to my first ALA event just a few days before starting at SurePoint Technologies. Upon arrival, I felt uncertain about what I had signed up for. I walked into a gathering of people who seemed to be one big family, where everyone seemed to know each other while I felt like an outsider. However, I quickly realized that the ALA is just that—a vibrant community dedicated to fostering connections and sharing knowledge among Business Partners and Law Firms under one roof.

By the end of that event, I had met new peers, scheduled lunches, and formed connections that will last throughout my career. With events hosting over 100 people, baseball games, private dinners, and numerous learning opportunities, the ALA is the best place for both new and seasoned members of the industry to come together, gain experience, make friends, and create business opportunities.

281 Days! I share this newsletter because I know I won't be the last newcomer to this interconnected industry. I want to emphasize how easy it is to get connected. Join the ALA! They will welcome you with open arms and guide you through the ropes!