The Houston CourtYardThe Houston CourtYard...final New Member Luncheon(s) for 2009 are tentatively scheduled for November. We need your help with an upcoming campaign. We want to send

In 2004 the Houston ALA Chapter introduced the

Vendor Partnering Sponsorship Program to our local vendors. I am not sure any of us involved at the time really recognized the potential this program had for our Chapter. We did understand our Chapter was growing and it was time to move our educational opportunities and other membership benefits to the next level. We needed to offer higher-level speakers and more extensive topics, but this required a larger budget. As usual, the Houston ALA Board members recognized the challenge and began working on a solution. Several other Chapters similar in size to Houston had successfully launched sponsorship programs in an effort to increase their revenue and improve the vendor-member networking in their region. Using program features from several other Chapters, Houston developed a VP Program that allowed vendors to purchase sponsorships at various levels for which they would receive particular benefits.

In addition to actually obtaining the funds we hoped to collect from this program, the VP Committee and Board knew one of our most difficult challenges was

going to be changing any negative views our members had of the vendors. Although our vendors had supported ALA over the years, some members viewed them as outsiders. To propose a program that allowed vendors to participate in our Chapter events or better yet, creating events specifically designed to allow members to mingle with these “outsiders” could prove to be more than a little difficult. We also recognized this challenge required us to educate our vendors on how to best interact with our members. We started by putting together a PowerPoint slideshow identifying tips to assist our vendors in making contact with our members. For example, showing up unannounced at the front desk of our firms or calling six times a week was precisely what would NOT work. The information was well received by our vendors and the stage was set to educate our members on the premise behind the VP Program. It was based on networking and building business relationships that would benefit both parties and allow our Chapter to provide top notch legal management education and networking as well as to establish a group of respected

(Continued on page 4)

Inside this Issue:Inside this Issue:Inside this Issue:Inside this Issue:

President’s Message 1

Board & Committee Roster 2

New Members 3

Computer Crime 6

Celebrating Diversity 7

ALA Upcoming Events 7

Leadership In Law Firms 8

The Administrator 9

Is It Just Me or What? 10

Business Partners 11

View from the Front Lines

2009 Houston Chapter ALA2009 Houston Chapter ALA2009 Houston Chapter ALA2009 Houston Chapter ALA

Titanium PartnerTitanium PartnerTitanium PartnerTitanium Partner

Volume 5, Issue 3 November 2009Volume 5, Issue 3 November 2009Volume 5, Issue 3 November 2009Volume 5, Issue 3 November 2009

The Houston CourtYardThe Houston CourtYardThe Houston CourtYardThe Houston CourtYard A Source for Legal Management

Editor Charles H. Cressy, CLM

Contributing Editors Tim Duyka Stacey Ransleben Regina Thompson

Features Bill Harvey

Board Liaison Regina Thompson

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Feel free to contact our Editor at [email protected]

Print and Assembly Copy Source 1, LTD

The Houston CourtYard is published quarterly by the Houston Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators as a service to chapter members. The newsletter is circulated to almost 250 people including Houston Chapter members, vendor sponsors, national and regional officers and the presidents and newsletter editors of other chapters.

The Newsletter committee welcomes articles, letters, suggestions and comments. Request for permission to reprint any part of the publication should be addressed to the Editor.

The Houston Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators does not provide legal, financial or counseling advice through this publication, and any article, letter or advertisement published herein should not be considered an endorsement by them. The opinions expressed in the Houston CourtYard are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Association of Legal Administrators, and may have been edited.

The Association of Legal Administrators is a non-profit organization. ALA Headquarters may be reached at Association of Legal Administrators, 75 Tri-State International, Suite 222, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4435, Phone: (847) 267-1252, Fax: (847) 267-1329, www.alanet.org.

Houston ChapterHouston ChapterHouston ChapterHouston Chapter

Board of Directors and CommitteesBoard of Directors and CommitteesBoard of Directors and CommitteesBoard of Directors and Committees

Position Member E-Mail

President Robin Hoffman [email protected]

President-Elect Deena Marsh, CLM [email protected]

Vice President Linda Smith [email protected]

Treasurer John M. Crowley [email protected]

Secretary Regina Thompson [email protected]

Director Christina Marsden [email protected]

Director Diana Fowler [email protected]

Past President Kristie Ratliff, CLM [email protected]

Committees Chair E-Mail

Audit Nikki Thornton [email protected]

Chapter Awards Pat Bynum, CLM [email protected]

Community Challenge Donna Robin [email protected]

Education Jason Folkman [email protected] Job Bank Valerie Hayes [email protected]

Membership Julie Stevenson [email protected]

Newsletter Charles H. Cressy, CLM [email protected]

Retreat Linda King [email protected]

Salary Survey Debbie Ganjavi [email protected]

Technology Naomi Stair [email protected]

Vendor Partnering Heather McConnell, CLM [email protected]

The Mission Statement The Association of Legal Administrators' mission is to

improve the quality of management in legal service

organizations; promote and enhance the competence and

professionalism of legal administrators and all members of

the management team; and represent professional legal

management and managers to the legal community and

to the community at large.

The Houston CourtYardThe Houston CourtYardThe Houston CourtYardThe Houston CourtYard Page 2Page 2Page 2Page 2


Silver PartnerSilver PartnerSilver PartnerSilver Partner


Membership Committee Update

The Membership Committee has been busy! We are pleased to report that our third quarter New Member Luncheons took place the week of August 24, one Downtown and one in the Galleria area. New member attendees included: Susan Purcell, Tanya Urban, Dawna Womack, Debra Baltzell, Renea Conn and Fernanda Kannady. Many thanks to Cathy Thompson, Robin Hoffman, Kristie Ratliff and Linda Smith who hosted our new members! Our final New Member Luncheon(s) for 2009 are tentatively scheduled for November.

We need your help with an upcoming campaign. We want to send a special invitation to existing ALA members who have not attended a Chapter meeting in a while and tell them, “WE MISS YOU!!” That’s right…it’s the “We Miss You” campaign! The Chapter Luncheon taking place on November 18 will feature past Chapter Presidents in a panel discussion format, and we feel this is the perfect opportunity to focus on this group of members. Please call or email someone that you have missed seeing and let them know how much you have missed seeing them – please also encourage them to join us for the November 18th luncheon!

If you have any questions about the Membership Committee, please contact Julie Stevenson, at (713) 220-4203 or Kathryn Simpson Vidal, at (713) 335-3908.

Vivian Anderson, Human Resources Manager, Mostyn Law Firm Debra Baltzell, Firm Administrator, Hays, McConn, Rice & Pickering, PC Scott Coultas, Office Services Manager, Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Martin Amy Dawson, Human Resources Manager, Baker & McKenzie, LLP Melissa Eurton, Administrator, Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw, Pittman, LLP

Tiffiny Fayle, Director of Marketing & Recruiting, Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Martin

Rose Ann Hancock, Firm Administrator, Hagans, Burdine, Montgomery & Rustay, PC

Mary Anne Jay, Director of Administration, Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP

Elizabeth "Beth" Lousteau, Houston Office Manager, Liskow & Lewis

Jolene Nunez, Firm Administrator, Sanford & Kuhl

Dawna Womack, Benefits Manager, Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP


and competitive vendors to provide services to our member firms.

We were pleasantly surprised at the outstanding participation from both our vendors and members that first year. The result increased our Chapter revenue substantially and we quickly began to reap the educational benefits. In addition, the vendors began to change the way in which they interacted with our members and recognized the importance of the program for networking and establishing long-time business relationships. This program has continued to be a success for our Chapter and we have worked hard to improve the benefits to both the vendors and our members. As we release the 2010 program, there will be a well deserved name change. Our “Vendor Partners” will become “Business Partners”. The challenge to offer new, interesting and beneficial events will be on-going as will the ability to rally more of our membership to attend the events. However, our ability as a Chapter to hire top-notch speakers on diverse and cutting-edge topics has continued to improve. This is due solely to the success of our Business Partners’ contribution to our Chapter. In 2009, the VP Program contributed to 65% of our Chapter revenue. We would not be able to offer the level of education and networking opportunities we have without these Business Partners, for that they certainly deserve our respect. Without this successful program, our membership dues would most certainly have increased and our overall ability to accomplish what we have as a Chapter would have been more difficult.

In addition to improved educational opportunities, we have all enjoyed the benefits of an increased Chapter budget from a wonderful retreat to the ability to attend a networking event located at a venue we might not otherwise visit. For this, we must support our Business Partners by attending their events or simply returning their call, even if to only tell them you do not have a need for their service or product. In addition, we must pay our Chapter dues both monetarily and by giving our time to a Committee. The only success story our Chapter has yet to tell is having 100% membership participation. Volunteers are absolutely necessary for our Chapter to be successful. As with any army, in order to move forward, rested and renewed troops are required on the front lines.

Robin HoffmanRobin HoffmanRobin HoffmanRobin Hoffman

(Continued from page 1)

Message from the President


The Association of Legal Administrators’ goal is to:

� Develop and deliver programs and products that will

provide high-quality, competency-based education to members of the legal management team.

� Improve and strengthen the flow of information to and

from the members.

� Enhance the services and benefits available to

members.

� Increase the visibility and credibility of the Association

of Legal Administrators and its members in the legal community through effective marketing and communications, and through partnering efforts with the bar and other law-related associations.

� Retain and recruit members from all components of

the legal management team.

� Maintain the Association’s strong economic base.

� Increase diversity in the Association, in the legal

management community and in all legal service organizations.

� Promote and continue an organizational structure

which clearly and effectively allocates the policy and operational roles and responsibilities of volunteers and staff through Governance Policies that ensure that organizational resources are best-used to achieve the Association’s Mission and Goals.

Kasey McKee on left and Kristi Sharp on right

Community Challenge Committee loves Y-O-U!

First, a huge thank you goes out to all those who

responded immediately to the CIS Davis High School

Back to School Uniform Drive.

The chapter's Community Challenge Weekend

event was held on Saturday, October 24, 2009 from

1pm to 6pm. It was a Birthday Celebration to honor

Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos' 27 years of

service helping over 3,000 children and their

families by offering a safe place for children in

crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. The

event was for current and past children of Casa, their

families and everyone assisting including staff,

volunteers and donors. For this event, Casa expected

over 400 attendees. The chapter hosted a handprint

paint booth for the children attending, as well as,

overall maintenance of the grounds before, during,

and after the event. We had many volunteers including

chapter members, their family members and friends

as well as Silver Level vendor partner volunteers.

Many thanks to all for helping make this yet another successful ALA event.






Computer Crime: Should You Be Worried?? Computer Crime: Should You Be Worried?? Computer Crime: Should You Be Worried?? Computer Crime: Should You Be Worried?? By: Regan MillerBy: Regan MillerBy: Regan MillerBy: Regan Miller

The simple answer is yes, you should be worried. In 2001, approximately $18M was lost to U.S. businesses due to cybercrime. In 2008, that number soared to $265M according to the annual report released by the Internet Crime Complaint Center. This report also indicated that cybercrime was up 33% from 2007, making it the worst year on record. $265M may not sound like much, but this number only indicates the amount of money that has been identified. Experts suspect that there are many more computer crimes that go unnoticed, or just haven’t yet been identified. Many times when these computer crimes are committed, there will be time delays, a virus to destroy evidence, misdirection in computer files, or all of the above. Some of these crimes are committed by kids trying to hack into systems; others are more malicious and intentional. These are when the crimes start to become costly as the perpetrator intends to cost the company money, or attempt to destroy the targeted computer network. Other schemes will be employed to phish (a common term used to identify the process used to elicit personal information from someone, in order to impersonate or become a fiduciary of the target’s finances).

Criminals attack in two different ways. There are those trying to do it covertly – hack the system, leave no footprints, get in and get out. The other type of criminal will attempt to convince you to give them information, pretending to be someone they are not, such as a government agency, etc. Since firewalls and protective measures can be put in place to protect the former; the latter is what concerns corporations most at this point. The human factor can be insured against through network security and information policies. These policies can be tailored to protect against malicious programming as well as accidental information leak.

As the economy began its downward slide, more people turned to criminal activities to make a living and fraud is increasing in frequency and magnitude. According to the Wall Street Journal, “In a survey of more than 500 certified fraud examiners, more than half of the respondents said they had seen a significant increase in schemes and scams in the past year.”

There are several simple methods that will help firms to avoid some of these pitfalls. Utilizing the following methods can help safeguard companies from these crimes:

1) Implement internal controls: countersignatures on checks, segregation of duties, independent audits of work 2) Require authorization on wire transfers, purchase orders placed, products received 3) Background checks of employees – this will often flag potential con artists prior to being hired 4) Computer consulting to safeguard your files, intranet and systems 5) Purchase crime insurance and network security coverage- and understand what coverage is provided

Regan Miller is with Insurance Alliance. You may contact her at either 713.966.1794 or [email protected]

The Vendor Partnering Committee hosted its annual Casino Party on Thursday, September 17th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Junior League. All ALA Houston Chapter Members and our Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze-Level Vendor Partners were invited to this funfilled networking opportunity. Thank you to everyone for attending!

Attention all Vendor Partners! You should have received your 2010 Business Partner packet for sponsorship opportunities next year. They were e-mailed/mailed early October. We hope to see all current Vendor Partners return for another great year of partnership with the Houston Chapter. The program packet will also be available on our website at www.alahou.org. The Vendor Partnering Committee encourages all of our Chapter Members to familiarize themselves with the program benefits and contact Christina Marsden at [email protected] should you have any questions. Without the support of our Vendor Partners, our Chapter would not be what it is today. The committee would like to recruit additional volunteers to assist with the program. Please contact Christina Marsden to join the committee or to find out more information.

The Vendor Partnering Committee is soliciting input from current Vendor Partners and Chapter Members regarding the program. If you have any suggestions or comments about the Vendor Partnering Program, please contact Heather McConnell at [email protected]. We truly value your input!


ALA Upcoming EventsALA Upcoming EventsALA Upcoming EventsALA Upcoming Events

November 2009November 2009November 2009November 2009

2-4

ALA – Essential Competencies for Legal Administrators Place: Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown, Chicago, IL Contact: Lisa Mikita, ALA Headquarters

6-7

ALA – Board of Directors Meeting Place: Marriott Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT Contact: Nicole Larson, ALA Headquarters

11

ALA Webinar – Control Stress Before It Controls You Speakers: Russell Rado, Duane Morris LLP and timothy Calhoun, Duane Morris LLP Contact: Rosemary Shiels, ALA Headquarters

11

Houston Chapter Board Meeting

18

Houston Chapter Luncheon - Past Presidents Panel Discussion

21

ALA – Association Nominating Committee Meeting Place: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, IL Contact: Nicole Larson, ALA Headquarters

December 2009December 2009December 2009December 2009

9

Houston Chapter Board Meeting

12

FALA Board of Trustees Meeting Place: Stoel Rives, Seattle, WA Contact: Nicole Larson, ALA Headquarters

16

Chapter Holiday Luncheon

Reprinted with permission from The Lonestar Administrator, the newsletter published by the Dallas Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators, April / May 2009

Celebrating Diversity By Tracy Acosta-Spore

Throughout American history women have often been overlooked for their contributions to the success of our nation. In this current century, it may be easy to forget that during the early years of our country women were not permitted the most basic of rights. Despite those restrictions, women worked side-by-side with their male counterparts during times of war, continental expansion, natural disaster and economic hardship.

In 1910, at the second annual International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin (Leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) put forth an idea she hoped would bring recognition to women around the world. She proposed that every year, in every county, there be a celebration of women. The measure was approved and International Women’s Day was born.

In 1987 the U.S. Congress designated March as Women’s History Month to expand the focus of International Women’s Day in America. Here are just a few of the milestones in American history that highlight the contributions of women:

• Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) was a child slave who was taught to read and write by the wife and daughter of a wealthy property owner. She was the first African-American to have a book of poetry published and the first African-American woman to earn a living by writing. She was ultimately able to buy her freedom from slavery and became a much-loved poet in the U.S and Britain.

• Mary Kies became the first woman to receive a U.S. Patent on May 5, 1809, for her method of weaving straw and silk together to make hats.

• Elizabeth Blackwell attended Geneva Medical College in Geneva, New York, after being rejected by every other medical school to which she applied. Blackwell graduated first in her class in January 1849. She become the first woman doctor of medicine in the United States.

• The first woman allowed to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court was Belva Ann Lockwood. Lockwood studied at the District of Columbia Law School, but upon graduation was barred from practicing law because she was a woman. She spent



Reprinted with permission from The Capital Connection, the newsletter published by the Capital Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators, August 2009

Leadership in Law Firms By Wendy L. Werner

Despite the fact that there are entire sections of bookstores with leadership as the topic, seminars, programs and workshops – leadership as a defined construct has always seemed elusive to me. What makes a leader? What makes a great leader? And the question that is always debated – are leaders born or made?

While business people are often groomed over of a period of years and positions for a leadership role, this idea is fairly new to the legal profession. Historically, firms were run by managing partners, practice group leaders, by committee or by the partnership as a whole. Behind the scenes, professional law firm managers have always worked very hard to influence the designated attorney leaders by providing good financial data, and often by trying to use their more formal business backgrounds to influence the ways that the formal leaders ran the practice. Times have changed, and while those business managers have continued to serve as an influence, law firms may now understand the importance of developing real leadership skills among their own ranks.

Law firm administrators working with lawyers face two particular challenges that come from the basis of their profession. The first is that law is based upon precedent. From the moment they began the study of case law in law school, attorneys learn to look backward first. While this is critical to their work, organizations must look not just to the past, but also to the future. The second challenge is that lawyers must, in their work, be risk avoidant. And while lawyers help their clients avoid undue risk, and will do the same in the role as a leader in a firm, there are some risks that are necessary to move an organization forward and to be on the cutting edge of change. If you are working in a leadership capacity with lawyers, you are wise to understand this deep-seated background.

While in no way comprehensive, here are a few recommended attributes for law firm leaders.

Ego strength without egotism. Serving in a leadership role in a law firm requires the individual to have a strong sense of security in their own capabilities. Leaders have to make difficult decisions that rarely receive universal acceptance. When you are a first among equals this can be even more difficult. But the ability to manage your own ego in such a way that it does not get in the way of decision making or change is also essential. While a

leadership position may be the basis for a heady experience, it shouldn’t go to your head.

A willingness to deal with unpleasant truths. In these tough economic times law firms have had to make a number of difficult decisions, many of them having to do with personnel. Good leaders tell the truth about what is going on and do so in a timely way. Any reasons for decisions that are something other than the truth will ultimately come back to haunt the leader and the firm. So if you have to lay off attorneys or cut staff, do so in a professional way, discuss the economic realities and move on.

Know what you know and what you don’t know. Just because you are in charge doesn’t mean that you know everything. The wise leader surrounds him or herself with others who have expertise in areas that are critical to the firm that the formal leader may not possess. And when knowledge or skills that the firm needs aren’t found inside, the leader is willing to look outside for expertise the firm can use to its benefit.

Ongoing and open engagement. The ability to engage others in dialog with the idea that an open discussion that may actually change your opinion of an issue is a great way to keep others in the firm invested in the firm’s success. This is something that should be fostered at all levels of the organization, not just with senior members of the firm. Senior leaders may need formal structures and reporting mechanisms, but they also need to talk with people at all levels of the firm. If you want buy-in on decisions it is essential to have relationships throughout the organization.

Praise in public, criticize in private. This adage applies no matter the level of your position in your firm. However, when you are in a leadership role your words carry a depth and heft elevated in part due to your position. Letting people know they have done well should be broadcast generally, while an employee’s errors should be addressed in private, corrected and not dwelled upon.

Develop leaders at all levels of the organization. Not all leaders are at the top of the organization. Leaders reside at a variety of levels and locations in any law firm. Leadership functions in a variety of ways, both formal and informal. These informal leaders should be recognized for their contributions and encouraged to continue their involvement. In addition, if you aren’t grooming people at junior levels of the organization, who will be your future leaders? Everyone knows an organizational leader who has no title or defined responsibility, but somehow always manages to make a contribution.



Invest in your own development. For information and training in leadership, don’t hesitate to look outside the law. If you are thrust into a leadership role, or know someone who has been, don’t hesitate to look far and wide for literature that will help you in your new role. And while you want to maintain confidentiality about all client matters, it doesn’t hurt to engage your peers in other firms to talk about issues that face all organizations of your kind.

Commitments beyond the office. Your life outside of work must have meaning for you to be a balanced leader who will understand that others will have motivations other than their work. You lead by example in all aspects of your life, whether it is work, family, avocation or community involvement. It rings inauthentic to talk about getting your lawyers involved in things outside of the office if you aren’t doing it yourself.

Know when to step aside. A good leader knows when he or she needs to move out of a leadership role and prepares the organization and the successor for the new position. Ideally there should be more than a year between the announcement of a leadership change and succession. This will allow the departing leader to finish projects and to allow the new leader to participate in the calendar life cycle of the organization in the ondeck position. A good leader retires from their role leaving that position and the firm in a better place than when they started.

Wendy L. Werner is the owner and principal of Werner Associates, LLC, a career coaching and law practice management consulting firm. She is also the editor of the ABA’s Law Practice Management webzine, Law Practice Today http://www.abanet.org/lpm/lpt/home.shtml.

She can be reached at ww.wendywerner.com /associates


Tim Duyka and

Heather McConnell

Jody Gressett, Karen Jones-Potter,

Sandy Dahlke, Peggy McQuaid,

Rhonda Emerson, Debbie Gardner

and Kristie Ratliff

Gwen Collins and Cindy Graves

Linda McNeilly, Jason Folkman and

Kim Eastman

With “doing more with

less” the mantra-of-the-

m o m e n t , L e n o r e

wondered that if less was

already more, then she

was doing all she could;

and that more of anything

was less than she could

even begin to imagine.

bexarass, inc.

2009 2009 2009 2009

Houston Houston Houston Houston

Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter

ALAALAALAALA

Silver Silver Silver Silver

PartnerPartnerPartnerPartner


I have an affinity for fixing things around my home. Lately, the tasks seem to involve plumbing or electricity. My recent experiences demonstrate that 1. plumbing jobs are always stinky, nasty and conclude with a leak somewhere, and 2. a wrong move with electricity can kill you, leave a mark, or at least result in a favorite screwdriver being arc welded to a breaker box.

Invariably I will not have some part required for the job, and must slog to one of the “big box” DIY stores to remedy this. Now, I find that the “big boxes” are great if you are shopping for flooring or a new washing machine or 30 fence pickets. But I do not need a washing machine. I need a ball valve for my lifetime guaranteed kitchen faucet. I wander into the plumbing department only to be confronted by a rack covered in various small and large parts sealed in plastic bags. Pride demands that I find this part number D85-206ss ball valve on my own. But after ten futile minutes I capitulate and seek aid.

I often find that, when seeking assistance, the assistant always seems to roll quickly into a nearby aisle just before you can get his or her attention. However, over the years I have established that these assistants simply cannot resist asking why I have my hand excitedly raised and waving like a 10 year old who knows the answer to the teacher’s question. So “Bob” (it’s always Bob isn’t it) ambles over and with a wary, almost circumspect look on his face asks if he can help. I show Bob the part. He walks straight to the same parts wall, does a 3 minute search for D85-206ss before concluding that this manufacturer stopped making the D85 series parts….never mind the lifetime guarantee that I am only 18 years into. I call for a second opinion. Bob pages “Rudy” who I soon establish is a retired plumber with 40 years “in the business.” Rudy, though sympathetic with my dilemma, confirms Bob’s diagnosis. No more D85-206ss valves, period the end. Determined to make lemonade out of this soured trip I decide to drop into the

auto parts place to purchase an air filter for my beloved 1999 pickup.

As I exit the parts store I spot the adjacent hardware store. Now, when shopping I have always been in favor of giving custom to smaller merchants who continue to prosper because they provide excellent service. Here toils the landlord who brags he has never been stumped by a customer in need. I’ll try him. As always, there he is posted behind a stained counter with a grin on his face. He spots me and senses the electricity in the air…a challenge beckons. He knows that I know he knows I don’t need a washing machine. Silently I hand him the failed D85-206ss. He inspects it for three seconds before hailing one of his two sons in the main aisle. He directs me to meet the son at Aisle 7. By the time I get there the son has a new D85-206ss in his hand, inquires if one will do and will I need a (free) O-ring for the valve seat because the new valve does not come with one.

This man’s store is only 4,000 square feet under a rusty roof with poor lighting by some standards, and has cramped aisles. But he has an immeasurable inventory of unusual parts, products and diverse items. He stocks the size of air return filters for my home that the big guys claim have never existed, cuts glass, stocks two brands of paint and sells nails by the pound from barrels. Only a few nails? Here, on the house. Once again he has convinced me there will always be a place for him in the marketplace. Home again, I install the new O-ring and the “not made anymore” D85-206ss. No leak. Life is good.

So give one of these merchants a try. The stuff just always seems to be there. And I even know where I can find a bamboo backscratcher…the end cap on Aisle 7 around from the faucet valves.

"Is It Just Me or What?""Is It Just Me or What?""Is It Just Me or What?""Is It Just Me or What?"

By: Bill HarveyBy: Bill HarveyBy: Bill HarveyBy: Bill Harvey

The 2009 Houston Salary Survey Is Still Available

If you are interested in purchasing the report, the cost is $100 for Houston Chapter ALA members who participated in the salary survey and $450 for Houston Chapter ALA members who did not participate. Please make your check payable to: Houston Chapter – Association of Legal Administrators

Attention: Wendy Crane, Chapter Manager 7314 Crescent Bridge Court Humble, TX 77396

Salary Survey

PLATINUMPLATINUMPLATINUMPLATINUM

Madison Benefits Group, Inc.Madison Benefits Group, Inc.Madison Benefits Group, Inc.Madison Benefits Group, Inc.

Primus NetworksPrimus NetworksPrimus NetworksPrimus Networks

SILVERSILVERSILVERSILVER

AramarkAramarkAramarkAramark

Document Technologies, Inc.Document Technologies, Inc.Document Technologies, Inc.Document Technologies, Inc.

Frost BankFrost BankFrost BankFrost Bank

IKON Office SolutionsIKON Office SolutionsIKON Office SolutionsIKON Office Solutions

Insurance AllianceInsurance AllianceInsurance AllianceInsurance Alliance

Insurance Network of AmericaInsurance Network of AmericaInsurance Network of AmericaInsurance Network of America

Kastle SystemsKastle SystemsKastle SystemsKastle Systems

Legal Specialties PlusLegal Specialties PlusLegal Specialties PlusLegal Specialties Plus

McCoy Workplace SolutionsMcCoy Workplace SolutionsMcCoy Workplace SolutionsMcCoy Workplace Solutions

Project Leadership AssociatesProject Leadership AssociatesProject Leadership AssociatesProject Leadership Associates

Quest Personnel ResourcesQuest Personnel ResourcesQuest Personnel ResourcesQuest Personnel Resources

Star EngravingStar EngravingStar EngravingStar Engraving

Tejas Office ProductsTejas Office ProductsTejas Office ProductsTejas Office Products

XVAND TechnologyXVAND TechnologyXVAND TechnologyXVAND Technology

COPPERCOPPERCOPPERCOPPER

ALLALLALLALL----STATE LEGALSTATE LEGALSTATE LEGALSTATE LEGAL

Amicus SolutionsAmicus SolutionsAmicus SolutionsAmicus Solutions

Attorney ResourceAttorney ResourceAttorney ResourceAttorney Resource

Burnett Staffing SpecialistsBurnett Staffing SpecialistsBurnett Staffing SpecialistsBurnett Staffing Specialists

Charter StaffingCharter StaffingCharter StaffingCharter Staffing

Corporate CareCorporate CareCorporate CareCorporate Care

Corporate Move ConsultingCorporate Move ConsultingCorporate Move ConsultingCorporate Move Consulting

Corporate OutfittersCorporate OutfittersCorporate OutfittersCorporate Outfitters

CortCortCortCort

GenslerGenslerGenslerGensler

Gibson Arnold & Associates, Inc.Gibson Arnold & Associates, Inc.Gibson Arnold & Associates, Inc.Gibson Arnold & Associates, Inc.

Mach 5 CouriersMach 5 CouriersMach 5 CouriersMach 5 Couriers

Nell McCallum & Associates, Inc.Nell McCallum & Associates, Inc.Nell McCallum & Associates, Inc.Nell McCallum & Associates, Inc.

Sealmess WebSealmess WebSealmess WebSealmess Web

Transnet Delivery SolutionsTransnet Delivery SolutionsTransnet Delivery SolutionsTransnet Delivery Solutions

BRONZEBRONZEBRONZEBRONZE

Ad Hoc The Legal Placement CompanyAd Hoc The Legal Placement CompanyAd Hoc The Legal Placement CompanyAd Hoc The Legal Placement Company

Business Insurance GroupBusiness Insurance GroupBusiness Insurance GroupBusiness Insurance Group

Copy Source 1, Ltd.Copy Source 1, Ltd.Copy Source 1, Ltd.Copy Source 1, Ltd.

Diversified Recruiting ServicesDiversified Recruiting ServicesDiversified Recruiting ServicesDiversified Recruiting Services

DocuSystemsDocuSystemsDocuSystemsDocuSystems

Duff, Kitchel & Company P.C.Duff, Kitchel & Company P.C.Duff, Kitchel & Company P.C.Duff, Kitchel & Company P.C.

EBF Office ProductsEBF Office ProductsEBF Office ProductsEBF Office Products

Equitrac CorporationEquitrac CorporationEquitrac CorporationEquitrac Corporation

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three years getting legislation passed that enabled women to practice before the Court. In 1879 she became the first woman to do so.

• In 1895 Annie Smith Peck became the first woman to scale the Matterhorn. She wrote magazine articles to finance the expedition and continued to climb mountains into her 60s.

• In 1869 the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) and the American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA) were formed to fight for the right of women to vote. The two groups joined forces in the 1880s and campaigned vigorously across the country. On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, giving women the right to vote. Mrs. Marie Ruoff Byrum became the first American woman to vote a mere 5 days later.

• Janet Guthrie was the first woman to earn a starting spot in the Indianapolis 500 auto race in 1977. Later, in 2008, American race car driver Danica Patrick became the first woman to win an Indy race when she took the checkered flag at the Indy Japan 300.

• As a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Challenger, Sally Ride became the first female astronaut to travel into space in 1983.

• On November 14, 2008, Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody became the first female four-star general in the U.S. armed forces.

• On February 5, 2009, 56-year-old Jennifer Figge became the first woman to swim across the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 2,100 miles.) On January 12th, she’d left the starting point of Cape Verde Islands off the western coast of Africa and ended her journey on the Trinidad island of Chacachacare.

Looking for information about best diversity practices for your summer program? Check out the article on the ALA web site entitled “A Buyer’s Market: Recruiting a Diverse Summer Associate Class” http://www.alanet.org/publications/issue/feb09/LM-Feb09-BestPractices.pdf More Information? Visit the Diversity section of the ALA Web site for more information on Diversity and Inclusion. ALA has revised and updated the site to reflect the changes and current needs within the legal industry. It includes increased interactivity, allowing users to easily navigate to specific materials or resources. The Committee on Diversity undertook a large-scale update of the Diversity Toolkit. The new and improved Toolkit is now available in both HTML and PDF formats, allowing users to access either the full document or to navigate to specific information. Full of new resources, content and data — the revised Toolkit is a useful resource for all legal professionals.


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The Houston CourtYardThe Houston CourtYard...final New Member Luncheon(s) for 2009 are tentatively scheduled for November. We need your help with an upcoming campaign. We want to send