An Overview
The British Columbia Legal Management Association (BCLMA) (formerly known as VALA) was founded in 1972. We are a non-profit organization with more than 340 Representatives and Affiliates acting for more than 115 law firms from across BC. More than 80 percent of our members work in small law firms (firms with 15 or fewer lawyers).
The BCLMA aims to provide our members with opportunities to advance and develop their skills in all aspects of law firm management. We provide these opportunities through a variety of venues including monthly subsection meetings. Our subsections focus on the following areas of law office management:
- Human Resources
- Financial Management
- Small Law Firm Administration and Management
- Systems & Technology
- Knowledge Management
- Facilities Management
- Training
- Marketing
In addition, we sponsor educational seminars, webinars, speakers, conferences and social events. The bi-annual BCLMA Educational Conference and our various social events provide our members with the opportunity to network and develop professional contacts with other law firm management professionals.
Through our interactive website and our member connect email server, our members can ask questions instantly and share valuable information with colleagues within the organization. The discussion and resource boards enable our members to quickly and effortlessly draw on a vast technical and law-office administration knowledge base.
BCLMA produces four critical surveys each year ranging from economic analysis to staff ratio and compensation information. These surveys are essential tools for law-office managers as they plan their annual business plans and budgets.
Finally, and equally important, the BCLMA mentorship program provides one-on-one guidance and assistance to our members who may confront challenges with a business situation or career task, or a new opportunity for growth and development. Members can communicate with experienced and well-respected senior law-office management professionals to gather ideas and develop strategies to address their issues.
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