Trending in Legal: ALA’s 2026 Virtual Event is a half-day online conference organized by the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). Scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, this event aims to provide legal professionals with actionable insights into the latest trends shaping the legal industry.
The event features three key sessions: "Work-Life Separation for Legal Leaders: Science-Backed Strategies to Reduce Overload and Improve Daily Life" by Meriden McGraw, "Leading Forward — From Insight to Impact: Advancing Financial Strategy Through Cross-Department Collaboration" by Cecy Graf, and "Exit Strategy: How Legal Administrators Build Legacy and Continuity" by Dawn Anderson. Each session is designed to address critical aspects of legal management and leadership.
In addition to the sessions, Spencer X Smith, Principal with AmpliPhi, will offer real-time insights on the application of artificial intelligence to the topics discussed. The event also includes opening remarks from ALA President Travis C. Armstrong, CLM, CPA. For those unable to attend live, all sessions will be recorded and made available on-demand.
This event is ideal for legal administrators, managers, and professionals seeking to stay abreast of industry trends, enhance their leadership skills, and explore innovative strategies for personal and organizational growth.
Speakers(4)
Cecy Graf
CEO at Federate Legal
Cecy Graf is an accomplished financial leader known for her strategic acumen and transformative impact in the legal and technology sectors. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Graf’s journey is characterized by her unwavering commitment to driving financial excellence and fostering growth. As a CEO, Graf’s expertise shines in her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes. Her career encompasses diverse roles, from serving as an AmLaw 2nd 100 Chief Financial Officer to providing strategic guidance to start-up technology readiness and training companies.
Dawn Anderson
Chief Human Resources Officer at Butler Snow LLP
With over 30 years of experience across multiple industries, Dawn Anderson has presented at various chapter meetings, conferences, and workshops. Her speaking engagements include the Atlanta Chapter and Jacksonville ALA Chapter meetings, the Georgia SHRM Conference, and the Alabama Academy of General Dentistry. Anderson has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Kennesaw State University teaching the SHRM Certification Program.
Meriden McGraw
Director at University of Cincinnati Osher Center for Integrative Health
Meriden McGraw is Director of Workplace Mindfulness at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati and founder of Meriden Mental Fitness. She combines her master's level education in public health and positive psychology with extensive training in mind-body modalities to teach individuals and groups techniques for optimal wellbeing. McGraw has coached thousands of high-performing professionals across sectors, teaching practical, science-based tools to improve focus, wellbeing, and leadership effectiveness.
Spencer X Smith
Principal at AmpliPhi
Spencer X Smith consults for and invests in dozens of high-tech projects and teaches using simple language. His company AmpliPhi has worked with legal industry clients since 2015. After starting his career at IBM during the Y2K days, Smith has always been an early adopter of new technology so he can better teach others what he’s learned. He’s a graduate of the Economics of Digital Assets program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Event Details
- Date
- February 10, 2026
- Location
- Virtual
- Pricing
- $100 - $150
- Audience
- Legal administrators, managers, and professionals
- CLE Credits
- CLM® credit is available for all three sessions. Sessions will be submitted to HRCI and SHRM for CE credit.