August 09 Around the States - Victoria

 

April through July

Congratulations are extended to both Jane Anderson of Simpson Western and Jeanne Mackenzie of Coulter Roache Lawyers who were recently announced as winners of scholarships from ALPMA Vic to attend the 2009 ALMPA Summit to be held at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast on 15th and 16th August 2009. Jane and Jeanne each receive free registration to the two-day Summit and a $900 grant towards airfares, accommodation and other related costs.

 

The quality of the speakers on the program for this year’s Summit is first class. For those of you who, like me, have diverse roles that require skills and knowledge across a range of areas, the hardest decision is not going to be whether to attend but rather, when we get there, which of the highly appealing break-out sessions to choose. Cloning was my first thought but, not being ‘Daisy’, the more feasible and very economical option, with second registrations to Summit from the same firm offered at a discounted price, is a ‘no-brainer’ and I will this year again be accompanied by a colleague from our firm. I first attended Summit in 2006 in Queensland and, having attended every year since and always coming away revitalized and buzzing with new and innovative ideas, am looking forward to again having someone familiar with the culture and practices of our firm with whom I work through how we can again bring the best of what Summit has to offer us to fruition.

 

21st July 2009 was an historic day for ALPMA Vic with a quorum of Victorian members following the other states in unanimously voting to accept the resolution to move to a national structure. The Committees in the various states and particularly the National Board have worked tirelessly towards this end and are to be commended on their efforts. The future for the Association under this national structure holds great potential, not only in terms of raising the profile of the Association, but more particularly in even further improving the services provided to assist members’ personal and profession development and the value they can deliver to legal firms as a result.

 

Victorian members will now have received nomination forms for the Victorian Branch Committee of ALPMA. I encourage you to consider nominating for a position on this Committee. It has been my experience that, whilst being a member of ALPMA  networking and professional development that are of enormous benefit, nothing has surpassed the benefits I have gained over the past four years’ from involvement with ALPMA at Committee level. Involvement at Committee level also offers the opportunity to have more direct input into the strategic direction of the Association as it enters a new phase and in the development of our profession.

2009 Program

Summing up the second quarter of our professional program, we’ve again seen good numbers attending seminars suggesting that we are on track in delivering a seminar program of value.

 

Tanya March of Carbon Systems Australia presented to the group in April on ‘Going Green in Law’. During the presentation, Tanya outlined current legislation in this area, its implications for businesses and the possible measures legal firms can implement to reduce their carbon footprint …beyond just double-sided printing!

 

May saw a packed room welcome Dr Adam Fraser to Victoria. Those who were able to attend rated Adam as one of the most dynamic presenters ALPMA has showcased. The Law Institute of Victoria generously provided the venue for this event. The seminar explored how to pack more into your day by focusing on one task at the time – perhaps a basic philosophy but one many of us do not always find easy to achieve. Adam provided simple, yet effective strategies for managing our time, our lives and our priorities with a message to turn off the Outlook prompter, stop multitasking and use a ‘third space’ to separate work from home.

 

Jeff Long of HLB Mann Judd spoke to the June attendees on the subject of building a business of value. We were thrilled to see some very new faces in the room and Jeff’s presentation was both thought provoking and practical. Jeff used his considerable experience in valuing legal and accounting firms as a basis for valuable insights into how to ensure an ongoing business with goodwill. If you missed this session, an MP3 recording can be downloaded from the Members Audio Library on the ALPMA web site.

Our July seminar, "Law Firms Post-GFC: Managing change of the new normal" was presented by Dr Benny Tabalujan. Benny’s easy going presentation style and attendee involvement honed in on the key issues facing law firms in the current climate. Of note, he predicted that law firms will significantly change the way they bill within the next two years [Be Gone the Billable Hour!]

Upcoming Events

August 18 - Lunchtime Seminar
Unlocking the Secrets of Web Sites- Presented by David Frost, Melbourne IT

 

September 15 - Lunchtime Seminar
An Important Update for the Legal Profession -Presented by Mike Brett Young, Law Institute of Victoria

October 20 - Lunchtime Seminar
See Beyond What Already Is to Create What Might Be - Presented by Lisa Smith, Minds at Work

November 17 - Lunchtime Seminar
Internal Profile Raising - Presented by Jane Fenton, Fenton Communications

 

December 1 – Member and Sponsors Christmas Luncheon
More details to come!

On a final note…

Our most sincere thanks are extended to Steve Sampson for his support of ALPMA Vic and dedication and hard work in his many roles ALPMA over recent years which have included President of the national board, Convenor of the Victorian Committee and, more recently, member of the Victorian Executive Committee. Steve will continue to contribute to ALPMA but, having recently made a permanent move to Sydney, has now resigned his position on the Victorian Committee and will in future make his contribution through the NSW branch. The changes under Steve’s leadership and as a result of his contribution have been wide-reaching and the growth in membership, the raising of the profile of the Association and the success of the learning and development program delivered in Victoria over recent years are in no small part attributable to Steve’s efforts. We can’t thank him enough for his contribution and look forward to holding Steve to his promise to attend Victorian events whenever he visits the Melbourne office of Hunt and Hunt and to catching up with him at national events.

 

As always, we are keen to receive feedback on member services, suggestions for the learning and development program and input on the future direction on the Association. We would also be happy to assist with any queries from members regarding legal practice management issues. Please feel free to contact me at vtrudgen@rct-law.com.au or by phone on 03 9238 7827 or any member of the Victorian Branch Committee with any comments or queries. Contact details for all members of the Victorian Branch Committee are available on the ALPMA website.

 

Yours sincerely,
Valmai Trudgen
ALPMA VIC Convener