In this issue
Diamond
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Bronze
Class Action - May 2025 
Past President's Report
President’s Report
Pushing through
First, I must start off with a huge shout out to Suzanne and Chris of our WALA Board. Suzanne has been waiting for my article for several months, gently reminding me about it. When I told her I wasn't in a great headspace to contribute something positive or uplifting, she replied, “Maybe don’t write something 'positive.’ Perhaps just a short piece on how we can’t always be ‘Suzy Sunshines’ because…life! And, we just need to take things day by day, both mentally and physically. Sometimes it’s ok to just wallow a bit and not force things.” Chris, upon hearing my struggles, offered to contribute an article in my stead. THANK YOU BOTH!
The last two years (especially the past nine months) have been overwhelmingly challenging for me. I could list all of the challenges that I have been confronted with, but I don't think I need to. We all face challenges in our personal and professional life regularly. Sometimes, we're dumped on three or four at a time, and other times we go for long stretches without noticing any. What really matters is how we choose to deal with challenges as they come up. There's no correct or incorrect way of dealing with personal and professional challenges, but what I have found is that who we have around us plays a huge role and how well we push through the challenges. Being a Firm Administrator or Chief Operating Officer can be lonely and daunting….there is no one else in the firm in your position…many times we are an island unto itself surrounded by people you report to or people that report to you. In my 10 years at Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols s.c., I have been incredibly lucky to be part of a professional organization that continually assists me in navigating the challenges of running a law firm. But in addition to the wonderful network I have in WALA professionally, I now count many of its members as friends. My friends and network at WALA have been a lifeline on many occasions. There was never a time that I reached out to my WALA network with a question or for a reality check that my call/email was not answered, and for this, I remain eternally grateful. It is because of you and for you that I continue to push through each professional struggle to become the best one-woman show that I can be. My friends at WALA have reminded me through my personal struggles…to give myself grace…we can only do what we can do. The work will still be there tomorrow…and leaning on others is, in fact, the mark of a great leader…not an indicator of a poor one.
Thank you, WALA, and especially the WALA Board, for all your support…I hope I can be to you what you have been to me.
Pamela
VP of Special Projects' Report
Vice President of Special Projects
2025 is off to a great start! Members, guests and valued business partners gathered for networking and socializing at two events in February.
Lux Domes at Café Benelux in Milwaukee was a great setting complete with our own heated dome with a spectacular view of the Milwaukee skyline.
Happy Hour at Rare Steakhouse in Madison was the perfect way to top off a Wednesday after work with delicious appetizers and libations.
Save the date for Wednesday, August 6th, and join us at the Lake Country DockHounds baseball game in Oconomowoc. The DockHounds are the state’s newest professional baseball team, and a member of the American Association of Professional Baseball (the Premier MLB Partner League).
Sue Thome-John
VP of Business Partner Relations' Report
The Wisconsin Association of Legal Administrators is incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our vendor business partners. Their commitment and generosity play a vital role in WALA’s success, and we want to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation.
Business Partner financial contributions help WALA continue its mission, allowing it to enhance the education and professionalism of those who hold support positions within law firms. Their contributions ensure that WALA can sustain its purpose.
Beyond financial support, business partners are always willing to share invaluable knowledge and expertise. Through education, presentations, product demonstrations, and industry insights, they empower WALA members to stay at the forefront of our industry's best practices and innovations.
Furthermore, networking opportunities with business partners help us build meaningful connections and relationships beyond sales. By facilitating relationships within our industry and beyond, they help us create new partnerships, exchange ideas, and foster a collaborative community that benefits all involved.
Business Partners, we truly appreciate your continued dedication and support. Thank you for being an integral part of our community. We look forward to your partnership and shared success!
DIAMOND
Gordon Flesch Company, Inc.
GOLD
M3 Insurance Solutions, Inc.
LexisNexis
SILVER
Affinity Consulting Group
James Imaging Systems
U.S. Legal Support
BRONZE
Thomson Reuters
iSolved
WALA’s Business Partners are experts in their fields.
Lean on their knowledge to make your job easier.
Our BPs also enable WALA to provide education, scholarships, and high-quality events. Please be sure to thank a BP next time you’re in their company.
Please send BP referrals to [email protected]
VP of Education's Report
Vice President of Education's Report
Thanks to the support of our Chapter’s Business Partners, our educational meetings are *free* to WALA members. Guests may attend for a $20 fee.
More information on upcoming meetings and events can be found here: Meeting Information
May 18-21, 2025
ALA National Conference
Nashville, TN
June 18, 2025 12:00 pm to 6:30 pm
WALA Annual Conference of Education
Monona Terrace, Madison, WI
July 23, 2025 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
WALA Roundtable
TBD
August 20, 2025 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Technology Tips and Tricks
TBD
September 17, 2025 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
WALA Roundtable
TBD
For more information on the above or any of WALA’s educational offerings, please contact our Chapter’s VP of Education, [email protected]
Jayne
Calendar of Events
May 18-21, 2025
ALA National Conference
Nashville, TN
June 18, 2025 12:00 pm to 6:30 pm
WALA Annual Conference of Education
Monona Terrace, Madison, WI
July 23, 2025 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
WALA Roundtable
TBD
August 20, 2025 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Technology Tips and Tricks
TBD
September 17, 2025 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
WALA Roundtable
TBD
For more information on the above or any of WALA’s educational offerings, please contact our Chapter’s VP of Education, [email protected]
Full calendar of events can be found here: Calendar of meetings and events
Management Resources
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“Many of you believe you are good communicators, but it’s essential to continuously assess and refine your communication skills. In this blog post, we’ll explore six signs that might suggest you’re not as adept at communication as you think. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward becoming a more proficient communicator.” Think You're a Good Communicator? These 6 Signs Might Prove Your Wrong, Lolly Daskal, May 24, 2024
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“There are more than 40,000 MSPs – which one is right for you? Unless your firm is in the AM Law 100, you don’t need the pricey MSP titans. Finding a good fit is very important. We believe it can be very useful to ask your friends in other law firms which MSP they are using. Are they happy? Is the firm responsive and competent? Do they provide protection 365 days a year around the clock?” Why Law Firms Hate - And Leave - Their Managed Services Providers, Above the Law, Sharon D. Nelson, John W. Simek, and Michael C. Maschke, August 6, 2024
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“Effective communication is crucial in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to difficult conversations.” 6 Effective Communications Rules To Use In Every Difficult Conversation, Lolly Daskal, September 3, 2024
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“In cybersecurity, technology often takes center stage. From the latest AI-driven defenses to sophisticated encryption techniques, it's easy to overlook the most crucial element: the human factor.” The Human Side of Cybersecurity: Bridging the Gap with Empathy and Strategy, James McQuiggan, September 4, 2024
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“8 Key Pieces of Social Media Marketing Advice From a Library Marketer Who Works at One of Scotland’s Oldest Public Libraries!” 8 Key Pieces of Social Media Marketing Advice From a Library Marketer Who Works at One of Scotland’s Oldest Public Libraries! Stephen's Lighthouse, July 28, 2024
