Peer to Peer Magazine

27 WWW.ILTANET.ORG introduced me to what was then LawNet (before the name changed to ILTA). In the ensuing years, I took advantage of the listservs (online discussion forums); I learned from my peers and contributed when I could to problem-solving technical issues. My first ILTA conference in Scosdale, Arizona was an eye-opening experience. Hearing from my peers and key vendors about new technologies, best practices and leadership affected me almost immediately. Adding Leadership Skills As a Volunteer I found myself presented with the opportunity to run for one of ILTA's regional vice president (RVP) roles and represent New York. I was surprised when I was elected, but I took that first opportunity to serve as a volunteer leader with great pride and determination to do the very best I could. I took advantage of wisdom from other volunteer leaders and staff and learned how to: » Foster collaborative relationships » Facilitate open and informative communication » Convey difficult messages to my peers when necessary Following my first term as an RVP, I was asked by members of the Board of Directors to consider running for the Board. I did not think I had enough experience, but aer careful consideration, I agreed and was delighted when I was elected to serve as the Board's RVP Liaison. For a second time, I was taking on a senior role and agreeing to coordinate the efforts and output of those I considered to be my peers. During those two years, ILTA reduced its number of represented regions and provided local programming support through the city representative program. The idea that the RVPs would no longer be responsible for much of the local programming took some geing used to for ILTA's fiercely loyal volunteers, and this was the first real test of my ability to communicate an important change effectively, persuasively and accurately. I learned that lesson and continue to use it in how I communicate change within the firms where I have worked and with the firms' vendors. ILTA on the Path to Success Being involved with ILTA in these and many other ways over the years has been instrumental in achieving the level of success I have in my career. Learning communication and presentation skills through speaking at ILTACON, honing writing skills through authoring articles, gaining leadership skills through my roles as a member of the Board or as the Chair of an initiative like LegalSEC — all have been invaluable in helping me aain the position I hold today. Thinking back on what has brought me success in my career, the smartest moves I ever made were to volunteer for ILTA; to be open to the expertise, wisdom and kindness of my peers; and to not allow the negative opinion of others to distract me from achieving my potential. P2P JUDI FLOURNOY Judi Flournoy has 21 years of leadership experience with Am Law 100 and 250 firms as both a strategic and operational director. Honored by The National Law Journal as one of "50 Legal Business Trailblazers & Pioneers" in the category of technologist, she received the IT Director of the Year award from Law Technology News and has been recognized as a "Global Top 100 CIO" by City Tech magazine. Judi has served as an officer for ILTA, including a term as president and past Chair of ILTA's LegalSEC initiative. Judi is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Contact her at jflournoy@kelleydrye.com. Volunteering Creates a Path to Success SMART MOVES This was the first real test of my ability to communicate an important change effectively, persuasively and accurately.

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