The Position of a Certified Legal Manager
Certified Legal Managers (CLMs) play a pivotal role in the smooth operation of legal firms, bridging the gap between business administration and legal practice. Primarily, a CLM guides the strategic direction of the firm, ensuring optimal usage of resources, managing budgets, and driving operational efficiencies. This involves a level of financial acumen that is essential for overseeing cash flow management, accounting, and billing practices. Yet, their scope of responsibility extends far beyond financial management.
CLMs are responsible for human resources functions, including recruitment, training, and retention of staff. They also oversee office operations ranging from facilities management to supply procurement, and are increasingly tasked with the management and implementation of technology solutions within the firm. This includes IT systems integration and the use of modern legal software, which are crucial for streamlining administrative tasks and improving productivity.
Understanding and leveraging technology has become an indispensable aspect of a CLM’s role. For example, they are tasked with ensuring the firm is compliant with legal management software requirements, employee data privacy laws, and e-billing standards. The rapid evolution of legal technology means that CLMs must be both have a great deal of knowledge for what is available as well as a great deal of flexibility to learn more as it changes regularly.
Furthermore , CLMs are responsible for the risk management strategies of the firm, assessing potential legal risks and ensuring compliance with outside counsel guidelines and other industry best practices. A Certified Manager helps develop methodologies that minimize the firm’s exposure to malpractice claims and other liability.
To be effective in a managerial capacity, a CLM must possess a wide range of skills, including a deep understanding of law office management issues such as timekeeping practices, billing guidelines, budgeting in various pricing arrangements, and understanding influences on lawyers’ billing/clawback. They must also be adept in conflict resolution and have a high degree of emotional intelligence, leadership qualities, and professional integrity.
Moreover, the CLM must be familiar with all aspects of firm financial management, from operational budgeting to managing partner compensation. They should also have a keen understanding of key performance indicators, metrics management, law office management, and legal industry trends that impact firm operations.
The journey to becoming a CLM involves comprehensive training and education, which can help prospective managers gain a solid foundation in critical areas such as project management, employment law, facilities and space planning, as well as marketing and business development. By honing these skills and maintaining a commitment to professional development, a manager can play a vital role in the success of a legal firm.
Processes for Becoming a Certified Legal Manager
The requirements for certification vary from year to year. Typically, the criteria have included three years of business-management experience in a law office with 25 or more employees, minimum of an associate’s degree as part of formal post-secondary education (however, the degree requirement may be waived if you have seven years of documented management experience), proof of expertise in seven legal management certificate topics, as well as participation in a professional development program, such as attendance at an annual conference. After meeting eligibility requirements, candidates are required to pass an exam, which costs approximately $250 plus exam materials, and then complete a renewal process every three years. The exam consists of 175 scored questions and up to 25 additional unscored questions that may appear on future editions of the test.
Advantages of Being a Certified Legal Manager
The benefits of obtaining CLM certification extend far beyond the three little letters following your name. As a certified legal manager, you’ll gain enhanced career prospects, increased credibility among your peers, and a significant boost to your expertise and value in the legal industry.
Many employers select candidates who have a law degree or MBA over those who don’t, and the addition of the CLM certification can be a make-or-break factor. This certification advises potential employers that you have the knowledge and professionally-accredited expertise they require and desire. CLM certification allows you to stand out in the highly competitive legal management landscape—regardless of the position you are seeking.
Having certification after your name also gives you greater credibility and professional authority with your colleagues. You’ll have the confidence of knowing that you possess the knowledge and skills that set you apart as an expert in the legal industry. As a Certified Legal Manager, you will have access to a wide range of resources to guide you through the legal management landscape and stand firm on the leading edge of legal management.
This is especially true when it comes to meeting prospective clients. In a 2011 legal marketing professionals survey conducted by Martindale, 87 percent of respondents indicated that they would be more likely to hire a law firm that had a CLM-certified manager.
Certification can also take you from middle management to senior management. Those who are already in senior management may find that the certification allows them to broaden their scope of responsibility. Enormous changes within the industry can lead you to higher pay, more responsibility, and greater job performance.
With CLM certification, your professional growth opportunities are nearly limitless. You’ll enhance your ability to evaluate trends as they impact the law practice and incorporate innovative concepts for the future. You’ll be able to provide operational and administrative leadership that will affect every facet of your law firm, while contributing to the skills and talents of other legal management personnel.
Attaining an accredited designation that promotes high professional standards inspires professional pride and success. It leads to a better working environment for you and your colleagues, enhances the reputation of your law firm, and helps you provide better quality of service for your clients.
Passing the Certified Legal Manager Exam
The journey toward becoming a Certified Legal Manager typically begins long before a candidate sits for the exam. An expansive body of study materials, groups, webinars, and other resources are available to help candidates prepare for the examination. And whether you are an auditory learner or prefer to read in a quiet setting, you can find options that appeal to you. A favorite study resource is the core text, Legal Management: A Guide for Managers, Administrators and Leaders. But many other books are available to assist your exam preparation, including the Legal Management Test Preparation Kit. In addition to books, The Association of Legal Administrators provides extensive resources on its website and through the members-only section of the website. In researching study resources, consider consulting with those who are further along in the certification process. Participate in local chapter meetings or reach out to members in your area for recommendations or to ask if you can sit in on a study group . Also reach out to the ALA Chicago Chapter members for advice on navigating your path to certification at their LinkedIn group page. Over the course of several sessions, candidates should review all the topics covered by the CLM exam: There is no time limit on preparing for the exam; however the general consensus is that two to six months is a reasonable period of time to dedicate to studying. Once you feel comfortable with the material, complete the Legal Management Certification Candidate Study Guide and consider taking the sample exam, which provides information about the test structure and content. After completing the exam, it is important to identify and focus on the topics where additional study is needed. Consider discussing the test questions with peers or others who are preparing to take the CLM exam. When you feel adequately prepared and confident, set a date to take the exam.
Post-Certification Opportunities for Legal Managers
The journey to becoming a credentialed certified legal manager opens many doors. Through the process, you’ll be equipped with new skills and knowledge to advance your career. It also increases your potential for being promoted.
Becoming a certified legal manager is highly valued in the industry. As such, returning to work and you’ve just graduated from a certification program, it will help you stand out amongst your peers. That’s because as a certification program holder, you now have the "expertise to understand emerging issues and trends." And that makes a difference in legal management.
With a certification as a legal manager, you will be viewed as someone who is highly motivated and demonstrates competence in your job role. You also possess a level of expertise that others may not. This is exactly what all firms are looking for-especially if they are considering you for a management position. Your credential may be the edge you need to move up in your career.
As we have mentioned before, management in the legal field is ever-changing. Firms are expected to have a leader on staff that will embrace change and lead their business to higher efficiency and profitability.
Not only does becoming a certified legal manager offer immediate benefits, but it improves your resume in the long term as well. Education and training are always changing in the legal field. With each passing year, there are innovations in techniques and technology which may require legal managers to continue their education. As such, being a CLM is an asset to your resume. As an active member of the Society for Legal Management (SLM), listing a certification ensures it will never expire. The SLM is highly recognized in the legal field, meaning that having a certificate with an SLM is sure to add another level of prestige to your credentials.
There are multiple industries a certified legal manager can find rewarding careers. Some of these may include:
Corporate – An in-house legal manager for a corporation or enterprise. This will entail overseeing a department of legal employees, ensuring all legal matters within the company are handled accordingly.
Private practice – This is the most common area of practice for certified legal managers. They are responsible for maintaining the daily workings of the law firm itself. They keep financial and organizational matters in check, while also overseeing other legal professionals. They organize the marketing of the law firm, revenue tracking, and office administration.
Governments – Government legal managers can be found in any department that requires legal specialists. Law offices that belong to county, state, or federal courts often hire certified legal managers to run the law firm behind the court.
Legal managers will continue to see opportunities in new and budding industries, as it is a growing specialization. For example, budding industries like cybersecurity or even aerospace. No matter where your certification leads you, all of your newfound skills will help push you further along the path for success.
Creating a Career as a Certified Legal Manager
For those who wish to embark on this journey, there are numerous strategies to not only kickstart your career but also continuously grow in your role. The foundation of a successful career as a Certified Legal Manager (CLM) is built on continuous professional development, an unwavering commitment to maintaining industry knowledge, and a passion for leading the legal management field.
One of the most significant advantages of being a CLM is the access to unlimited networking opportunities. The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) and other professional legal management associations regularly host conferences, workshops, and seminars designed for networking. These events provide invaluable opportunities to meet fellow CLMs, establish connections with professionals across the legal industry, and exchange innovative ideas. These connections can lead to mentorships, partnerships, and even job referrals.
Advanced Certifications: Some employers may encourage you to pursue advanced certifications , which can set you apart from peers who have not obtained these additional credentials. Pursue Professional Development: Enroll in professional development courses, attend conferences, and stay updated on trends and changes within the legal industry. This knowledge helps position you as a thought leader within your field. Professional Associations: Joining respected professional associations such as the International Association of Legal Administrators and the International Certified Legal Manager Society can significantly contribute to your career growth. These associations usually provide members with opportunities for networking, professional development, and career advancement. Stay Abreast of Legal Trends: The legal industry is constantly evolving. Staying informed about new legislation, employment law changes, and technological advancements within the legal industry to ensure that you are always ahead.