"I know I’m lucky," says Beth Jenkins, director of operations at Buckley Brown, P.C. "Most people my age aren’t directors. I just had good timing."

A native of Calhoun, GA, Jenkins, like most people, didn’t know what she wanted to be when she grew up. After high school graduation, she followed the footsteps of her family by attending Davidson College, a small liberal arts school in North Carolina. After completing her degree in English, she decided to make the leap from small town to big town. She bought a one-way ticket to New York City and fearlessly left behind her family and friends.

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President's Message: Jeff Hamrick

After months of planning, the grand spectacle that was the AALA’s Casino Royale, to benefit the Susan G. Komen For the Cure, kicked off on October 9th and was an absolute success! As a result of the countless hours of work by our Members and Business Partners, we presented the Atlanta affiliate of Susan G. Komen For the Cure with a donation of $37,000!

We should all feel a great sense of pride for the remarkable effort put forth by our Membership. Commendations are well deserved for the Casino Royale Committee as it was their leadership that saw us through the coordination of this memorable event. Their direction set the table for what resulted in a fun-filled evening for all to benefit a great cause.

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Immigration Will Continue to be in a State of Flux in 2008

Because it is unlikely that Congress will enact comprehensive immigration reform legislation before the end of the year, 2008 will be a year of continuing turmoil in the immigration arena. Employers will face the prospect of increasing enforcement efforts that may culminate in higher civil money penalties and/or criminal sanctions. In the Spring, the Social Security Administration will begin sending out mis-match letters based upon 2007 W-2 returns, which will cause widespread confusion and unrest in the labor market. At the same time, however, it is likely that little will be done to remove the millions of illegal aliens already present in this country, so they will continue to be a burden upon public resources and systems. Unless there is relief for the legal immigration system, there will be growing backlogs of visa applicants and even greater processing delays for temporary and permanent residence.

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How to Plan a Charitable Event
By: Catherine S. McCollister

I came late to the party, so I was not involved when the AALA Board decided to bag the 2007 Community Challenge Weekend participation and instead opted to hold a Casino Night in conjunction with the ALA 30th Anniversary. I sort of envisioned that initial meeting last year as being akin to one of those old Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland movies where the neighborhood kids were sitting around all depressed because someone they knew needed some money to keep their orphanage, church, house, etc. out of foreclosure. That is when Mickey would say, "Hey Kids, I’ve got an idea! Let’s put on a Show!" So Mickey and the gang did put on a show, and so did Jeff and the gang.

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$37,000 Check Representing the Proceeds of the Casino Royale

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10 Important Things to Know When Hosting a Seminar
By: Katie A. Russo

So the dreaded decree has come across your desk: your partners want to have a seminar and it falls under the expansive net that is your job description to make sure that it’s a success. Before you start planning your exit strategy, consider the possibility that maybe, just maybe, it could actually be a pleasant and fulfilling experience! Start planning early, follow these 10 tips, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish for your firm.

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Appreciating Diversity During the Holidays
By: Brenda Cleveland

As we approach the Holiday Season it is natural for us to think of our own traditions in celebrating. Diversity is about more than a “Happy Holidays” greeting card. It used to be enough to change Christmas Office parties to “holiday parties” and it is considered politically correct to say “Happy Holidays” so as not to offend anyone. Today, celebrating diversity is about more than changing labels and titles. Celebrating diversity is about using the holiday celebration time to be with family and friends and to build understanding and awareness about others.

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Save the Date: Plan Now for ALA's 37th Annual Educational Conference and Exposition in Seattle

Budgeting now for 2008? Make sure the ALA Annual Conference is in your plans. This Conference is the premier legal management event of its kind and features outstanding educational sessions, ample networking opportunities and the latest in law firm products, services and technology.

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Upcoming ALA Teleseminars

Use this link to learn more about two upcoming ALA teleseminars on managing multiple generations in a law firm and demystifying CLM.

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From the Editor

It's December and another year is packing up for the move to the history books. What a year it's been, too! See our Chapter webpage for some great photographs recapping 2007.

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Editor: Marianne M. Lawhead (mlawhead@sheastokes.com)

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