Following her inauguration as the president of the Jacksonville chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators, we sat down with Amanda Hall to discuss her new role.
She first became involved with JaxALA five years ago. Encouraged by her mentors, Jessica VanTroost and Juleana Piper, she attended a meeting and joined a committee and eventually came to serve on the board.
“It’s truly an honor to be part of the Jacksonville ALA chapter, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board and learn from some of the best legal professionals in our area,” she said. “Our chapter’s leadership is incredibly inspiring, and they work tirelessly to ensure our members have the support and resources they need to succeed. What makes JaxALA especially meaningful, though, is not just the professional community it fosters, but the genuine friendships that come with it. We support one another, lean on each other, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated and collaborative group.”
AALM: Amanda, tell us about your goals for the Jacksonville chapter of the ALA during your term as president?
AH: My goal as president is to continue to help strengthen member engagement and connection. I want to ensure our chapter offers meaningful education, valuable networking opportunities, and a supportive environment for both new and experienced professionals.
What I’ve enjoyed most about my experience with JaxALA is the sense of community—connecting with others and learning from shared experiences.
AALM: What impact do you believe AI and other technologies will have on legal administration and staffing in the coming years?
AH: AI and emerging technologies are already transforming legal administration. While some roles may evolve, these advancements also create opportunities for legal administrators to take on more strategic responsibilities. At the same time, the legal field will always rely on strong human interaction—building relationships, exercising judgment, and providing a level of understanding that technology cannot replace. Staying adaptable while maintaining that human connection will be essential moving forward.
AALM: How do you think the ALA could better support professionals in legal administration?
AH: To better support legal administrators, ALA can continue expanding access to relevant education, mentorship, and leadership development. Resources that address technology, workforce challenges, and operational efficiency will help members stay competitive. Encouraging collaboration and peer connection also strengthens the value of the organization.
AALM: Are there any events or changes ahead for the ALA that you are excited to share with our readers?
AH: This is an especially exciting year for our chapter as we celebrate our 50th anniversary—a milestone we are incredibly proud of and one that reflects the strength and legacy of our organization. We’re also thrilled to celebrate one of our own, Jessica VanTroost, who is currently serving as ALA president-elect at the international level and is slated to become president in 2027. She has worked so hard for this, and it’s so well deserved. It’s a proud moment for our entire chapter, and we’re looking forward to celebrating these milestones together with our members throughout the year.
AALM: You’ve worked in the legal field for more than a decade, what changes have you seen in the industry in that time and what shifts do you anticipate in the future?
AH: My experience has evolved over time—from working as a paralegal and legal assistant to transitioning into an HR role during my time at McGlinchey Stafford. Throughout my career, I’ve seen a consistent and growing need for skilled paralegals and legal assistants. The talent pool has become more limited, which presents challenges in recruiting. Looking ahead, I think there’s an opportunity to bring more awareness to these career paths and highlight the value they offer. The demand is certainly there, and I anticipate a continued focus on attracting and developing talent to support the future needs of the legal industry.
For more information, visit jaxala.org.
