December 2017

Capital Connection is published monthly for members of the Capital Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators to provide information for the education and benefit of legal administrators, law office managers, managing partners of law firms, and other law related associations. Capital Connection is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or tax counseling or advice through this publication.  The contents of all articles, letters, and advertisements published in Capital Connection should not be considered endorsements by the Capital Chapter of ALA nor the opinion expressed therein of any products advertised.   Contributing authors are requested and expected to disclose financial an/or professional interests and affiliations that may influence their writing position. Articles and materials accepted for publication are subject to editing by the editorial team and become property of the Capital Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators. Links to Capital Connection may not be shared without permission from the Chapter. ​

Editor: Jacqueline Moline 
Associate Editors: Paula Serratore; Cindy Conover
Contributing Editors: Richard Gibson; Claudia M. Baragano; Safe Shores; Patrick Altieri; Makenzie Delmotte; Tamara Perez; Darlene Delorenzo; Craig Church; Jimmy Tringali 
Newsletter Designed By: Jessica Davis


In this issue:

President's Message

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I was recently reminded ​on a personal level  of the many ways in which our job as an administrator can be accomplished. After some fifteen years at my first and only law firm, I moved to a new firm -- a transition that brings significant change in scope, culture and expectations.
 
While my ALA involvement has fortunately exposed me to a wide variety of administrative experiences shared by fellow members, I gained a new appreciation for the value of that knowledge as I began to transition between my old and new environments.  I know that it is reasonable to recognize that there is never just one way to get things done, but it can be just as reasonable to think that the way we know is the best way to get things done.  No doubt much of my prior experience will be relevant to my new firm, but I am also aware that prior experience, comfort and familiarity can obstruct learning and adaptation.
 
My immediate takeaway from the transition between old and new firms is this question: What attitude do I have when I hear of another firm’s processes, policies and priorities?  Am I listening primarily to confirm that my current approach is the best, or am I listening to challenge the status quo and to look for innovation?  Alternatively, am I listening in a way where I am open to the possibility that another firm could achieve high levels of success with approaches to organization, risk management and collaboration that are significantly different from my experience?  Looking back I believe I have listened in all three ways at various times.  Each approach has value depending on the topic, however, for me the third approach - listening to be open to all possibilities - delivers the most value.  Accepting that success comes in many equally valid forms can liberate our learning from preconceptions, imperatives and other constraints.
 
Fortunately, my personal transition appears, so far at least, to be more adaptation than radical rethinking.  I recognize that what worked well at my prior firm could be equally an opportunity or a challenge to learning in the very different context of my new firm.  Additionally, perhaps the best answer to applying my skill and knowledge to the demands of the new environment lies in someone else’s experience, one shared through ALA.  We know that all members of our Chapter contribute to a broad and deep base of knowledge and experience, an asset that is available to us through a connection, an education event, a leadership role, or simply a conversation.  Tapping into our members and what they can offer is invaluable in a time of transition, such as a job change, especially if we listen in a way that removes constraints imposed by current experience and opens us up to others’ ideas and success.
 
I hope that you, like me, appreciate the tremendous value of the collective knowledge, experience and wisdom that exists in our Chapter, that you’ll find ways in which to add more, and will look to employ that value in meeting the challenges and opportunities we face every day.
Richard Gibson

Members on the Move

Please join us in wishing the following members well in their new positions!
Richard Gibson
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Office Administrator
901 15th St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
richard.gibson@davispolk.com
Renee Ann Brooks, PHR, SHRM-CP
Sidley Austin LLP
Human Resources Manager
1501 K St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
renee.brooks@sidley.com

November Networking Happy Hour & Silent Auction

Claudia M. Baragano
Human Resources Manager - DC, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Vice President Community Services

The ALACC Networking Happy Hour & Toni K. Allen Scholarship Fundraiser Silent Auction event was held on Thursday, November 2nd at the Avenue Suites Georgetown. Members and Business Partners had the opportunity to mingle and bid on ten awesome auction items to support the Toni K. Allen Scholarship Fund.

Each year, the ALA Capital Chapter Foundation presents a $15,000 college scholarship to a DC high school senior to help them pursue a career in business or law. These life-changing awards are made possible by the generosity of our members and Business Partners - each donation, raffle ticket purchase, and silent auction bid throughout the year helps a deserving student in our community achieve their dreams. 

This event raised $3,050.00 and so far in 2017, the Foundation has raised a little over $12,500 to fund next year's scholarship - thank you to everyone who contributed!  With the year coming to a close and our $15,000 fundraising goal in sight, we'd like to ask you once again to make an additional year-end contribution to the scholarship fund. Your tax-deductible donation will get us one step closer to our goal, and will make a world of difference in the life of a graduating senior next spring. We still need to meet our $15,000 dollar goal.

Thanks to all for your contributions and generous donations to make this event a great success.  As always many thanks to our members and Business Partners for your generosity and support.
Thanks and Congratulations to our Silent Auction Winners:
  • HITT Contracting Handyman for a Day - Jenna Carter
  • Sunday Brunch for Two at the St. Regis Washington DC - Beth Fowler
  • Two Night Weekend Stay at the W Washington - Ellen Clinton
  • Amazon Echo (Donated by Ames & Gough) - Barbara Delatos
  • SuperSeats "Director" Mesh High-Back Task Chair Donated by W.B. Mason - Colleen Brown
  • Carmine's Restaurant Cookbook Bundle & $125 Gift Card - LaVerne Anenia
  • His & Hers Carry-All Bag Set (Donated by Miller's Supplies at Work) - Eileen Garczynski
  • Roche Salon & Spa Gift Set: $150 Gift Card + $150 Product Bundle - Joanna Davis
  • Round of Golf for Four + $100 Pro Shop Credit at Whiskey Creek Golf Club (Donated by Suddath Relocation Systems of Maryland) - Beth Jeffries
  • Four Tickets to Washington Capitals vs. Ottawa Senators – 02/17/2018 (Donated by Miles & Stockbridge) - John Quinn

December 2017 Diversity Observances

​December 1: World AIDS Day, which was created to commemorate those who have died of AIDS, and to acknowledge the need for a continued commitment to all those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
December 3: International Day of Disabled Persons, which is designed to raise awareness in regards to persons with disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity.
December 3 - 24: Advent, Joyous preparation for the annual festive remembrance of the incarnation of Christ’s birth.  Wreaths and Advent calendars are hung, Jesse trees are pitched, and it is a time of prayer.
December 8: Bodhi Day, a holiday observed by Buddhists to commemorate Gautama’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya, India.
December 10: International Human Rights Day, established by the United Nations in 1948 to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
December 12: Feast Day at Our Lady of Guadalupe. This day commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531.
December 12: Eid Milad Un Nabi, an Islamic holiday commemorating the birthday of the prophet Muhammad. During this celebration, homes and mosques are decorated, large parades take place, and those observing the holiday participate in charity events.
December 12-20: Hanukkah is celebrated around the world for eight days and nights. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees or Israelites over the Greek-Syrian ruler, Antiochus about 2200 years ago. A Menorah is a special nine-branched candelabrum.
December 13: St. Lucia’s Day. In Sweden, St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred, killed for her faith, in 304 AD. She secretly brought food to persecuted Christians in Rome. She wore candles on her head so she had both her hands free to carry things. These stories were told by the Monks who brought Christmas to Sweden.
December 16-24: Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration in Mexico commemorating the trials Mary and Joseph endured during their journey to Bethlehem.
December 21: The Winter Solstice/ Yule. For Pagans and Wiccans, the shortest day of the year represents a celebration focusing on rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings as the sun makes way back to the earth. A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky.
December 25: Christmas, the day that Christians associate with Jesus’s birth.
December 26 – January 1: Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday started by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate universal African-American heritage.

For Second Straight Year, ALACC Makes Holiday Wishes Come True for 100 Children Affected by Abuse in D.C.

Safe Shores

This holiday season ALACC is up to good again helping child victims of abuse experience the joy of receiving the gifts they wished for during this special time of year. Capital Chapter members teamed up to sponsor the wish lists of 100 children served by Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center, a nonprofit organization that provides intervention, hope and healing to children affected by abuse and extreme violence in D.C.
 
As a children’s advocacy center (CAC), Safe Shores convenes a multidisciplinary response to child abuse that is aimed at minimizing the trauma a child experiences in the investigative process. Established in 1995, Safe Shores unites the work of child protective services, law enforcement, prosecutors, and medical and mental health professionals into one coordinated team for investigating child abuse allegations. Safe Shores and its partners operate under one roof in a renovated elementary school building located in D.C.’s Shaw community. Colorful art, a fish aquarium, and stylish children’s furniture adorn the child-friendly space.
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Along with coordinating the multidisciplinary team, Safe Shores provides forensic services, family advocacy services, clinical services, and a prevention education and training program.
Each year, Safe Shores holds a holiday giving drive to fulfill the wish lists of clients. ALA has pitched in for the second consecutive year with gifts for 100 kids and pizza for volunteers who helped to wrap brand-new toys, clothes, bicycles, games, and electronics on December 5 at Safe Shores. “Safe Shores depends on the generosity of donors like the Association of Legal Administrators to provide holiday joy to the children we serve. We can’t thank ALA enough,” says Michele Booth Cole, J.D., executive director of Safe Shores.

HITT Contracting Spotlight: ​Transformation of DC Law Offices

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Patrick Altieri
Project Manager, Law Firms Division
HITT Contracting Inc. 

Over the last decade many DC Law Firms have made drastic changes to the overall design of their offices. While this may have started as an economic decision; it has ushered in fresh new designs that increase the quality of work life for all. As HITT assists law firms with new build-outs and in-place renovations we continue to see this same trend: Collaboration and Amenity.  
 
Gone are the millwork-heavy designs and the closed office layouts that HITT has spent so many years building. The dark corridors lined with built-in file storage and massive built-in workstations will not be missed. Law libraries are being reduced to a minimum so that space can be used for meeting or collaborative space.
 
In an attempt to operate more efficiently, most law firms have reduced the overall size of their office spaces. The new goal has been to design the most practical office space that works well for clients now. In addition it allows for effortless adjustment when the future brings change. Partner and associate office sizes have become more standardized than they have in past years. Standardizing offices and furniture allows ease of personnel shifting without completely reshuffling. Larger offices can be easily split into two smaller offices if the need to expand arises. Increasing the attorney to assistant ratio, to as high as 6:1, reduces the clusters of workstations and allows for a more open floor plan.   
 
Glass is the new wood! The introduction of glass office fronts generates drastic improvements to the flow; the space feels larger. The perimeter offices bring natural light into the corridor which brightens up the space. Interior offices now have a view of outside without having to get up from their desk. Conference rooms are being positioned in the front of house areas and are using operable glass partitions for the option to open up for client events.
 
Law firms are focusing on amenity areas for their employees as well. Large cafes with TVs and plenty of seating are very common. These areas double as collaborative space as well as a place for the employees to take a break or eat lunch. These areas are meant to encourage gathering amongst the employees. Firms want more interaction so they are providing the space and the amenities to allow for it. As an added amenity, some law firms have full kitchens that provide excellent meal selections on a daily basis. Roof top designs offer more freedom to employees as well; read your email in the sun on a nice day or host an event in the evenings. This year we’ve installed bocce ball courts for two of our clients. Employers are also using these amenities to entice new hires. Today’s college graduates are looking for a hip place to work and these Firms are giving it to them.   
 
The result of the new law firm design adds benefit to the efficiency of the company and is a vast improvement to the work environment for all law firm employees. We enjoy working with the clients and the architects to help bring these ideas to life. HITT Contracting remains eager to work with law firms and looks forward to being involved in the next office transformation to greatness.

December Celebrations

The ALACC continues its commitment to diversity and inclusion by sharing resources that celebrate our differences.  We invite you to click the links below to more learn about December holiday celebrations:
 
•Hanukkah - December 12 - 20, 2017
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/hanukkah-2017-what-story-behind-11394061
 
•Christmas - December 25, 2017
http://www.whychristmas.com/
 
•Kwanzaa - December 26, 2017 - January 1, 2018
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/celebrating.shtml
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2017 Annual Meeting Holiday Lunch

Claudia M. Baragano
Human Resources Manager - DC, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Vice President Community Services

The 2017 Annual Meeting and Holiday Lunch was held on Wednesday, December 6th at the W Washington Hotel.  This event is always a great opportunity for members and Business Partners to celebrate the holiday season and network. 

Chapter President-Elect, Jenna Carter, greeted attendees and called the meeting to order. Jenna thanked the Chapter’s Past Presidents for their continued contributions, support and dedication to the Capital Chapter. Members of the ALACC Foundation Board, Executive Committee and Leadership Team were also recognized for their service and commitment to our Chapter.

Jenna then introduced the slate of officers nominated for the 2018-2019 Chapter year:
Nominated for President- Elect,  Frank Schipani
Nominated for Treasurer-Elect, Sheri Shifflett
Nominated for Secretary-Elect, Melody Watson
Nominated for VP Community Services-Elect, Pamela Christian Wilson
Nominated for VP Partner Advisory-Elect, Monique Terrell
 
The nominations for officers for the 2018-2019 Chapter year were approved by the membership, and the 2018 budget was confirmed as approved. 

2017 New Chapter Members
This year, the Chapter welcomed 39 new members.
Thank you to the Chapter’s Ambassadors for welcoming and supporting our new members this year!

Play, Pick, Win! Game
Members had the opportunity to win great prizes by playing the Play, Pick, Win! incentive game. The Chapter first introduced an incentive game back in 2014, and it was so successful that we’ve brought back an updated version for 2017.  Throughout the year, members attended Chapter events and meetings, participated in community service projects, and engaged with Business Partners to earn raffle tickets, which they used for a chance to win 25 prizes. Congratulations to all of the winners:
  • MacKenzie-Childs Teapot - Tracey Simpkins
  • MacKenzie-Childs Cookie Jar - Barbara Delatos
  • David Donahue Cufflinks - Sheila Bonham
  • Michael Kors pendant & earrings - Barbara Kernus
  • Breville Panini Press & Panini Cookbook - Connie Summers
  • Cuisinart Cold Brew Coffee Maker - Donna Williams
  • Instant Pot - Amber Lion
  • Michele Watch - Anjanette Milladge
  • Plantronics Bluetooth Headphones - Melody R. Watson
  • ECOXSLATE Bluetooth Speaker - David Anderson
  • Cole Haan Tote - Deb Elliott
  • Foley + Corinna Cross-Body Bag - Pennie McKinney
  • Amazon Echo - Joanna Hurt
  • Williams Sonoma Grilling Tools Set - Astrid Emond
  • Tory Burch Clutch - Erica White
  • ION Mustang Turntable - Karen Laumoli
  • Charriol Bracelet - Tiffany Montgomery
  • Orrefors Decanter - Blythe Peelor
  • Nambe Ice Bucket & Rosé - Kim Potter
  • Michael Aram Wine Rest & Merlot - Beth Fowler
  • Ippolita Bangle - Vanessa Partin
  • Night Out Bundle (P.F. Chang's Gift Card & Movie Tickets) - Helen Fiori
  • Night In Bundle (Popcorn Bowl, Throw Blanket, Salt & Pepper Shakers, Popcorn, & Candy) - Adele Hook
  • SpaFinder Gift Card - Ashley McCabe
  • Chef Geoff's Gift Card - LaVerne Anenia

We will be playing the game again in 2018! This is your opportunity to learn how you can become more involved in Chapter programs and events. We’re looking forward to even more players and winners in 2018!

As part of the Chapter’s continued efforts to reach our fundraising goals for the Toni K. Allen Scholarship Fund, attendees had a chance to purchase raffle tickets to win a Common Ground Thumball.  Thanks to the superb efforts of our VP of Community Services-Elect, Qeyana Hart,  we raised a total of $870 in raffle ticket sales and $125 in pledges – thanks to all who supported this worthy cause!

In addition to the Play, Pick, Win! game, members had an opportunity to win a Weekend Stay at the W – congratulations to Vanessa Partin, and thank you to the W Washington for generously donating the stay!

Many thanks to all our members and Business Partners for attending this much-anticipated event.  Special thanks go out to our Holiday Giving Program Community Service Partners - from N Street Village, Makenzie Delmotte, Events Manager; from Safe Shores, Kathleen McCormac, Manager of Individual Giving and Stewardship; and from Bright Beginnings, Tamara Perez, Family and Community Engagement Manager - and to the Chapter’s Community Service Team for a great program. This year, Chapter members “adopted” and shopped for 250 children, as well as supporting the “Gifts for Moms” Program at N Street Village.

Part of the great success of this Holiday Giving Program can be attributed to the continued support of two of our Business Partners. JK Moving picked up and delivered gifts from all firms who adopted children from Bright Beginnings, and Washington Express offered a significant discount to deliver gifts to Safe Shores.

The Capital Chapter would like to wish you a great holiday season and wonderful and prosperous New Year!

ALACC Holiday Giving: N Street Village

Makenzie Delmotte
Events Manager, N Street Village
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For the last 45 years, N Street Village has empowered homeless and low-income women in Washington, D.C. to claim their highest quality of life by offering a broad spectrum of services, housing, and advocacy in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We help women achieve stability and make meaningful gains in their housing, income, employment, mental health, physical health, and addiction recovery.
 
N Street Village was started in 1972 by members of Luther Place Memorial Church, who began serving the homeless by providing nighttime shelter in the church sanctuary. The congregation quickly realized that there were not enough services for homeless women in the city, and decided they would focus their efforts on women.  Over time, and with the support of other local faith communities, additional programs were developed, and in the mid-1990s, N Street Village moved into a brand-new building located at 14th and N Streets, NW.  Today, N Street Village has expanded to included four additional sites – Miriam’s House, a permanent supportive housing program for women with HIV and AIDS; Erna’s House, a permanent supportive housing program for women with histories of chronic homelessness; Phyllis Wheatley, providing wrap-around support services to 42 formerly homeless residents; and Patricia Handy Place for women, a 213-bed facility that provides emergency and temporary housing for women.  Last year alone, N Street Village provided housing in a safe and respectful community for 391 women and 51 families.
 
The holidays can be challenging and stressful for all of us, and for our clients, that is especially true. N Street Village’s annual Gift Card Drive started as a way to build self-reliance and confidence. In this way, clients get the chance to choose their own items based on their unique and individual needs.
 
What you can do:
Last year, nearly 100 women selected gift cards for nearly 300 children and grand-children and we expect similar numbers this year.  We invite you to donate $25 gift cards from either (in order of preference) Target, Walmart, CVS, Amazon, Giant, Safeway, in whatever quantity you can provide. This is a great holiday project for your office, friends, and family, to help provide a meaningful contribution to the women at N Street Village.
 
More ways to get involved:
JOIN THE BREAKFAST CLUB: Be a part of the Village Breakfast Club! Your monthly gift of $10 can provide 100 delicious lunches for women in need every year. Sign-up to be a monthly donor at www.nstreetvillage.org.
 
VISIT THE VILLAGE: Come by for a “Village Visit” and tour our programs and meet some of the women you so generously support. Contact Megan at mthomas@nstreetvillage.org to book your tour.
 
DONATE YOUR BIRTHDAY: Instead of gifts, ask for donations and transform your birthday from an annual event to a life-sustaining occasion. Register by contacting Makenzie at mdelmotte@nstreetvillage.org.
 
DONATE YOUR TIME & TALENT: Consider volunteering or hosting an in-kind drive. Contact Heidi at hgauthier@nstreetvillage.org for more details.
 
We are very grateful for ALA’s generous gift. We invite you to learn more about our programs; please visit our website at www.nstreetvillage.org.Thank you for your continued support of N Street Village! We wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

ALACC Holiday Giving: Bright Beginnings

A Letter from Bright Beginnings International

My name is Tamara Perez and I am the Family and Community Engagement Manager at Bright Beginnings, Inc. (BBI)   I’m responsible for overseeing the family services area for our program.  This mainly consists of ensuring that families have access to resources, opportunities and services. 
 
On Tuesday December 6, 2017, I was invited by the Association of Legal Administrators Capital Chapter (ALACC) to attend their Holiday Lunch.  BBI was sponsored by the Capital Chapter for the 2nd year in a row to receive holiday gifts for our children and families. The lunch was held at the beautiful W Hotel in downtown D.C.  I was greeted with a warm welcome from the members when I arrived.  I was able to sit with committee members and other organizations.  This was a great networking opportunity. I was able to speak more in-depth about BBI and the services that we provide to homeless families in need.  Lunch was delightful!  We were served a three course meal that was delicious and the service was phenomenal.  My experience was amazing from beginning to end.  It was very obvious that the members of ALA are dedicated and passionate about giving back to the community.  It was truly a treat to be amongst generous and kindhearted individuals.
 
Best,
Tamara
 
Tamara Perez, MSW
Family  & Community Engagement Manager
Bright Beginnings, Inc.
tperez@bbidc.org
www.bbidc.org    

A Message from JK Moving

At JK, we never lose sight of what matters most. Through donations, in-kind service, and volunteering, we support direct services to people in need, accessible education for people of all ages and backgrounds, and assistance to U.S. service members, military families, veterans, and first responders.

Among the many non-profits that we work with, we particularly enjoy giving back to the children. The past few years JK Moving has not only adopted a few homeless children for the Bright Beginnings Angel Tree Wish list, but we have also donated our truck and men to provide gift pick up services for the ALA’s member law firms.

One current example is our donated services for Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP.  In November, JK teamed with them to pick up toys from ToysRUs and deliver to families in need (see picture below).
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At JK we’re more than a partner. We’re a neighbor. The DC Metro region is our home. It’s where our people live and work. We know the roads. We know the neighborhoods. And we know that DC area businesses always expect the best—from themselves, and from the companies they choose as partners.​

Darlene De Lorenzo
Proposal and Business Manager
JK Moving Services | Commercial Services Division
Darlene.Delorenzo@jkmoving.com​
http://www.jkmoving.com

Miller's Supplies at Work Spotlight: Are You Ready for Flu Season?

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Jimmy Tringali and Craig Church

With winter rapidly approaching, we are confronted with the reality that cold and flu season is just around the corner.  While we’re seeing signs for flu shots as we buy our groceries and visit our local pharmacy, most of us will not be taking advantage of this preventative measure.  Knowing this and also not knowing how effective the shots will be this year, what can you be doing to keep your staff healthy and productive?  What can you do to protect your staff from “the troopers” that come to the office no matter how contagious they are, because they want to be a “team player”.

We, at Miller’s Supplies at Work, see it as our duty to help firms like yours thwart off the attack of cold & flu season.  This year we will host several lunch and learns with firms to go over what they can do to keep the spread of germs to a minimum. We do so by promoting Healthy Workplace Awareness and Office Wellness programs.  First, we must state the obvious… Germs are everywhere.  We are in constant contact with germs.  Education, Protection & Prevention are key drivers to a Healthy Workplace environment.  There are steps and products, however that you can take to reduce the spread of flu germ.

Per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Influenza viruses are thought to be spread mainly from person to person through droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk.  Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with the flu virus on it then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose.  People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.  We’ve learned through scientific studies that there are germ hotspots in the personal space (office workstation) and the common areas throughout the office setting.  Phone receivers, Desktops, Computer mouse/keyboards are some of the primary germ hotspots in the personal space.  Door handles, elevator buttons, stair railings, kitchen/break room areas are key areas of germ transmission in common areas of a workplace.  It’s important that we take necessary action to keep the office space free of the contagious cold & flu viruses.

A combination of office wellness products, procedures, and policies are a must for the best outcome.  Here are some everyday preventive actions that promote a healthy workplace:
  1. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  2. While sick, limit your contact with others as much as possible.
  3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Germs spread this way.
  4. Practicing good hygiene is the key to preventing any spread of an infectious disease.
  5. Make sure your workplace has an adequate supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
  6. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the used tissue in the trash (do not recycle a used tissue).
  7. Wash your hands often with soap and water.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  “Be Wise, Sanitize.”
  8. Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces and objects (the germ hotspots mentioned above) that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

Miller’s can be your needed ally in the fight against germs this cold & flu season.  We can help facilitate those ever-important steps towards implementing a Healthy Workplace regimen for your office.  A wellness program that teaches preventative hygiene habits that works diligently to reduce absenteeism, and will provide as close to a germ-free office setting as possible.

Administrative Committees

Communications and Media Relations
As members of the Newsletter and Media Relations Committee, Chapter members participate in producing the award-winning Capital Connection. Members gather to brainstorm new ideas for editorial themes for upcoming editions. The newsletter reports Chapter business activities such as Section and Committee news and provides information about upcoming educational and other events. It also includes articles of interest to members and other legal management personnel, collected, authored and/or edited by members of the committee. This committee also works with other legal associations and the media to ensure that ALA and the Capital Chapter are represented in the legal industry. The Newsletter Committee welcomes new members.

Contact: Jacqueline Moline, jam@carmaloney.com; Paula Serratore, pserratore@alacapchap.org

Diversity & Inclusion
The Capital Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators is a professional organization comprised of administrative managers from private, corporate and government legal organizations in the Washington DC, Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland areas.  ALACC embraces and encourages diversity within the legal profession. We value diversity and those initiatives that promote it and look to partner with affiliated professional legal organizations to advance diversity. We not only strive to raise awareness, but to increase our sensitivity in the area of diversity and more closely reflect the diversity of our community at large. Having a more inclusive and diverse legal community will improve the quality of our organizations workforce and respond to our client’s requirements for diversity. As a committee we are very interested in your thoughts, comments, and suggestions about achieving greater diversity in our Chapter, our profession, and in our firms. 

Contact: Cindy Schuler (Chair), cschuler@skgf.com; Monique Terrell (Co-Chair), mterrell@stradley.com 
Salary Survey
The Salary Survey Committee is responsible for maintaining, updating and running the local survey each year. They review the positions listed, the job descriptions, and the benefits questions to ensure that the survey remains relevant to the end users. The members of the committee also promote the survey within the Chapter to stimulate participation. 

Contact: Emily Christianson (Chair), echristianson@relmanlaw.com; Julie Tomey (Co-Chair), tomey@thewbkfirm.com






Member Experience
The Member Experience Committee will establish a welcoming environment for new members to be integrated into the Chapter through a formal Ambassador Program. Ambassadors will provide support and guidance to new members through their first 12 months of membership, ensuring new members realize benefits of membership and become ambassadors of the Chapter. 

Contact: Cheryl Flynn (Chair), cflynn@wileyrein.com; Sarahi Estrella
(Co-Chair), sarahi.estrella@arentfox.commailto:sarahi.estrella@arentfox.com 


Educational Sections

Branch Office Administrators
The Branch Office Adminsitrators Section focuses on a broad range of topics of interest to local adminisraotrs who must coordinate with other officees of their firms. The Section's monthly luncheon meetings, held on the second Tuesday of the month, provide a venue for members to discuss issues of common interest, share ideas, and network. Members are encouraged to raise topics and to recommend speakers.

Contact: Danita Ellis (Chair), danita.ellis@nelsonmullins.com; Jackie Thomas (Co-Chair), jackie.thomas@agg.com
Listserv: branch@lists.alacapchap.org
Intellectual Property (IP)
The Intellectual Property (IP) Section focuses on all aspects of legal management as it pertains to the IP Administrator. The group discusses the complexity of the ever-changing IP environment and how to effectively create and apply IP specific, non-legal procedures in both boutique and general practice firms
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Contact: Kimberly J. Potter (Chair),  kpotter@sgrlaw.com; Astrid Emond (Co-Chair), aemond@bakerlaw.com
Listserv: ipadmin@lists.alacapchap.org
Human Resources
The Human Resources Section operates as a venue for educational information on global human resources issues.  While the Section is mostly comprised of HR professionals, any member is invited to participate in the meetings which typically take place on the second or third Wednesday of each month.  The meetings feature industry speakers or roundtable discussions on topics such as recruiting, benefits, strategic planning, performance management, career pathing, retention and other matters of interest.

Contact: Aryn Blanton (Chair),  aryn.blanton@bracewelllaw.com; Jasmine Stribling (Co-Chair), jstribling@bsfllp.com
Listserv: hr@lists.alacapchap.org

Office Operations Management
The members of the Office Operations Management Section represent a cross section of legal expertise from functional administrators to branch office managers. The Office Operations Management Section (OOMS) meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month to discuss operations related hot topics. We welcome all members to join the section, especially if you are an administrator in a small law office and you have to wear multiple hats. We can provide you with many best practices to run your operation smoothly.

Contact:  Kevin O'Hare (Chair),  kohare@nixonpeabody.com; Greg Fudge (Co-Chair), gfudge@bakerdonelson.com
Listserv: ooms@lists.alacapchap.org

Small Firm Management
The purpose of the Small Firm Management Section is to provide Administrators of law firms with 35 or fewer attorneys educational opportunities through vendor presentations, idea sharing and open forums specifically designed for those who work in smaller firms. The Small Firm Management Section meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at host law firms.

Contact: Wilmara Guido-Chizhik (Chair), wguido-chizhik@bomcip.com; Marion Baker (Co-Chair), mbaker@wilkinsonwalsh.com
Listserv: smallfirm@lists.alacapchap.org


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Finance
Based on member feedback the Capital Chapter has formed a new Finance Section. We are seeking active members to helps us get this group up and running in 2016! As we get started, we will be focusing on what issues members are facing within their firms that we may be able to help address together. Topics may range from reviewing new time and billing systems to tax filings and matter budgeting solutions and anything in between. Your input is needed! Please consider adding Finance section meetings to your monthly educational schedule.
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Contact: Andy George (Chair),  andrew.george@finnegan.com; Evan Kettig (Co-Chair),  kettige@gotofirm.com
Listserv: finance@lists.firmseek.com
 
Technology
The Technology Section is looking for members to join the group for lively discussions about practical situations we all face daily in the information technology world. With ever-changing IT needs and issues, we will look at our firms' policies and procedures and help develop best practices and speak of the many concerns we all have. Even if you are not in the IT field,  your experiences and opinions will help us in bringing all departments of a law firm together and working on the same page.

Contact: Frank Schipani (Chair),  schipanif@gotofirm.com; Kenny Mitchell (Co-Chair),  kmitchell@wbklaw.com
Listserv: tech@lists.alacapchap.org