Frequently Asked Questions

What is ALSP?

How is ALSP different from other existing litigation support groups?

Who holds membership in ALSP?

What benefits does ALSP offer?

How will the certification process work?

My organization is interested in partnering with ALSP, what steps are involved?

What is the membership structure?

Why is ALSP charging for membership?

What are the qualifications to be an ALSP board member?

What are the term lengths of the board members?

What kind of staffing support does ALSP have?

What Is ALSP?

With a mission to establish global standards for the litigation support profession through collaboration, education and certification, ALSP is dedicated to advancing the profession and contributing to the career development of practitioners around the world. We invite you to have a role in creating the best practices and certification processes that will have an impact on litigation support for decades — become a member of ALSP.

ALSP is the only organization whose members comprise the full range of individuals involved with litigation support: litigation support managers and analysts, attorneys, paralegals, technical support staff, consultants, software developers and judiciary. You can help formulate the services, benefits and features that will deliver unique value to this universe of practitioners.

How is ALSP different from other existing litigation support groups?

ALSP represents the broader litigation support industry — not just one segment. In addition, ALSP offers centrally organized local chapters.

Who holds membership in ALSP?
ALSP is the only organization whose members represent the entire litigation support community. The majority of members are practicing litigation support professionals who work for the government, in law firms, or as part of large corporations. ALSP members also include paralegals, attorneys, e-Discovery technicians, consultants and other service providers.

ALSP invites people from all segments of the litigation support industry to participate in the association, ensuring members have exposure to a range of industry knowledge and perspectives. The association’s current membership database and board of directors reflects this diverse constituency — a key component of ALSP’s mission to provide services for all sectors of the litigation support profession.

ALSP is dedicated to offering education and training for practitioners; visit the Education section of the ALSP Web site for information and details. The ALSP Education Committee, populated with individuals from various positions and functions in the industry, meets regularly to develop easy-to-access educational content that is relevant, timely and appealing. More than 100 practitioners typically attend each ALSP Webcast, and their response has been overwhelmingly positive.

On a regional level, ALSP chapters that embrace membership diversity are forming throughout the United States (see the Chapter section of the ALSP Web site for more information). ALSP Chapters include developing groups for various specializations.

What benefits does ALSP offer?
Progams and services for members and ALSP constituents will include:

How will the certification process work?
Read more in the certification section of ALSP’s Web site.

My organization is interested in partnering with ALSP, what steps are involved?
ALSP volunteer leadership, and its professional staff, are committed to continually identifying and implementing ways to better serve membership and the litigation support community. We value industry partnerships and are continually looking for mutually beneficial relationships. If you are interested in partnering with ALSP, please submit a written proposal to board@alsponline.org outlining the following:

• Organization Name
• Primary Contact Name
• Email
• Phone
• Brief overview of the purpose and mission of the organization
• The status of the entity’s incorporation
• Please include a link to the bylaws/policies
• Overview of the partnership that you’d like to propose

What is the membership structure?
ALSP offers individual and corporate memberships. Visit the membership page to learn more.

Why is ALSP charging for membership?
ALSP is an objective, self-funded association. It needs the support of member dues, sponsors and other supporters to provide services for the litigation support community.

What are the qualifications to be an ALSP board member?
The only requirement for board eligibility is to be an active member of ALSP and a participant in the industry. ALSP’s mission is inclusive rather than exclusive, and based in having representation from all parts of the profession. Board members are unpaid volunteers and any member is eligible to run for the board.

What are the terms lengths of the board members?
Board members serve for three years. They are voted into office by the membership during annual elections. Many of the board will have shortened terms during the first two years of operation.

What kind of staffing support does ALSP have? 
ALSP has engaged a professional management company, SmithBucklin Corp., to handle administration, support committee work, and spearhead logistics related to programming and education. With this model, volunteers serve in an oversight and advisory capacity — allowing them to make a significant impact with minimal time requirements.