Mile High Chapter - ALA

Certification is defined as a credentialing process by which a profession grants recognition to an individual who meets certain predetermined qualifications specified by that profession.

Why certification?

ALA’s voluntary Certified Legal Manager (CLM) program was developed in order to provide legal administrators with an opportunity to demonstrate a command of the core areas of knowledge identified as essential to the effective performance of a principal administrator. CLMs are recognized as administrators who have met the work experience requirement, displayed a commitment to continuing education and passed a comprehensive examination.

What does competency mean?

In 1995 and again in 2000, ALA conducted the Competency-Based Education Job and Needs Analysis. Through this extensive research project, ALA investigated the job of a legal administrator and identified the body of knowledge needed to perform the job successfully. The project was executed to establish guidelines for the development of the educational programs and the certification program offered by ALA. The study provided information that helps answer questions such as what administrators do and what they need to know to accomplish their jobs.

How does becoming certified benefit me?

Certification ensures recognition of your expertise, and assists you in your development and self-improvement by identifying a body of knowledge and establishing professional standards. In addition, certification helps junior-level professionals gain top-level management approval, while enabling senior practitioners to remain current in the field and improve their performance and proficiency.

How does becoming certified benefit my employer/organization?

Certification serves as an aid for recruitment, provides a way to encourage and improve job performance for its employees, and acknowledges training and development of those who are certified.

What must I do to become certified?

To become certified, ALA members or nonmembers must meet the eligibility requirements and pass the certification examination given by the Association of Legal Administrators. Legal administrators in Canada and other countries are eligible to become certified, but must realize that major portions of the examination are based on U.S. federal law.

Where do I start?

The Mile High Chapter is very active in promoting the CLM program. Each year the Professional Development and Placement Committee holds a CLM Study Group. This groups meets for approximately 30 hours (exact details depend on the participation for each years group) each year usually starting in January to assist members in studying for the exam. We provide sessions on the different subject areas that the exam covers and bring in speakers who are experts in each subject. There is usually a minimal charge which covers the cost of snacks and a nominal gift for the speakers. These study groups are also being considered for continuing educational CLM credit for current CLMs. The sessions are also open for any member who wants to increase their knowledge of these subjects. If you want additional information contact the Professional Development and Placement Committee at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Association of Legal Administrators is the credentialing body of the CLM certification program. The mission of the Association is to improve the quality of management in legal services organizations; to promote and enhance the competence and professionalism of legal administrators and all members of the management team; and to represent legal management and managers to the legal community and to the community at large.

Visit their website at: www.ALANET.org