In this interview with BusinessDay, the Chairperson of the Association of Law Firm Administrators Nigeria (ALAN), JOY HARRISON-ABIOLA speaks about the future of legal work and the impact that technology, collaborative peer communities and how the delivery of cutting edge management contributes to the development of legal sercices in Nigeria.
ABOUT ALAN
The Association of Law Firm Administrators Nigeria (ALAN) is a fully registered body made up of Business Support Professionals in various sized law firms in Nigeria. In the past twelve years we operated under the aegis of the Practice Administrators Forum (PAF).
It was founded to provide support to professionals involved in the management of law firms, corporate legal departments, government legal agencies etc. We are affiliated with the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) Illinois, USA.
How do the association support the growth of the legal industry with its objectives?
We are dedicated to promoting and enhancing the business competence and professionalism in the management of law firms. We bring to the fore the importance of Business Support Professionals (BSPs) to the legal industry. We provide professional development programs to law firm Administrators. We are at the forefront of promoting awareness of the importance of Business best practices in the legal industry. We do research on some strategic and operational challenges faced by law firms on Nigeria
With the rapid changes in the legal services sector in Nigeria, there is need for law firms to come up with very strategic solutions to the current realities and challenges, what innovative solutions have ALAN come up with now to combat this challenge?
A major breakthrough is our collaboration with the NBA via the Section on Business Law, some law firms and a few other professional bodies. One of the current realities is the future of work, the impact that technology and the millennials who will play in shaping that future.
ALAN has been a strong voice in advocating that law firms embrace technology and more progressive work life integration. We are championing policies that will make law firms in Nigeria more globally competitive. In recent times we have had seminars that dealt with counterproductive practices in law firms – financial management, HR issues – career progression, remuneration issues, talent retention, etc. To confront these challenges awareness is key and ALAN is driving Business best practices awareness in the industry.
How effective are some of the strategies aimed at achieving collaboration and knowledge sharing for the sustainable growth of all member law firms?
The problems we face in the legal industry are common. ALAN provides collaborative peer communities, strategic operational solutions and business partner connections, empowering our members to add value to their organisations.
How does collaboration drive the fundamental objectives of ALAN?
Law firm management is uniquely challenging. ALAN offers the networking and resources to help achieve success as part of a law office management team. One of the major benefits of ALAN’s membership is access to a large group of experienced professionals- COOs, Practice Administrators, HR Managers, Accountants, Business Development Managers in various sized LAW firms. All our events provide opportunities to mix and mingle with peers. Also our Business Partners are often invited to our events and they provide immeasurable value.
Tell us about some partnerships that have yielded good results not just for ALAN but member firms.
First, our partnership with the Association of Legal Administrators Illinois USA, Our Association with the New York Chapter and recently with the Practice Administrators in ALA Boston Chapter.
The partnership with NBA SBL, the Law Practice Management Committee of the NBA SBL,
We have partnered and are partnering with some other professional Associations and Consulting Firms.
What growth, networking and professional opportunities are available to legal administrators and managers across Nigeria?
We believe the growth and networking potential available to legal Administrators in Nigeria are enormous. Presently we are still basically operating in the South but there is a huge request and potential to spread to other parts of the Nation. We are focused on growing our membership.
Where do you see ALAN in another 10years?
I see ALAN as the premier Professional Association for Law firm management. I see ALAN in 10 years as the undisputed leader for the business of law in Nigeria, focused on the delivery of cutting edge management, thoughtful discourse, great ideas, research, education and progressive development within the legal industry.
