I’ve worked as what could broadly be described as a “supplier” to the legal information industry for several years now, and one aspect of my role that has been particularly valuable is membership of professional associations. I’m not an information professional by trade, and prior to joining CB Resourcing, I had a number of misplaced preconceptions about the profession—what the work involved, the profile of people in the sector, and even what terms like knowledge management actually meant. (Admittedly, I’m still no expert.)
One of the most useful steps I took early on was joining professional associations such as the City Legal Information Group (CLIG), SLA Europe, and the British and Irish Association of Law Librarians (BIALL). In my first week at CB Resourcing, I attended a careers event followed by a networking session. The careers discussion offered a fascinating insight into different paths within libraries and information services, but what stood out most was the networking. Despite not being a natural networker, I was struck by how welcoming people were—taking the time to introduce themselves, show genuine interest in me, and share their experiences, challenges, and enthusiasm for the profession.
As my time at CB Resourcing has progressed, so too has my involvement in these associations. What started primarily as a way to meet people and build connections gradually developed into attending seminars, contributing to discussions, and participating in major conferences such as BIALL, as well as our own event, KIMRA. This has given me a far deeper understanding of the sector, clearer insight into its challenges and opportunities, and the chance to build relationships with a wide range of professionals across the industry.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve taken this a step further by volunteering—supporting both CLIG and BIALL as a committee member and, more recently, serving as Chair for PR and Promotions. This has shifted my relationships within the sector beyond simply clients and candidates to something more collaborative: working together to address challenges, promote the profession, and engage with the next generation of information professionals.
I can’t speak highly enough of the value these associations bring. For those at the beginning of their careers, they offer excellent learning opportunities—whether through sector-specific training, topical events, or development programmes recognised by employers. One area that perhaps isn’t always fully appreciated is the range of bursaries available, particularly through BIALL. These can include funding for conferences, support for professional qualifications, and even opportunities to attend international events.
Interestingly, uptake of these bursaries is often lower than expected. There can be a perception that they are highly competitive or difficult to secure, but in reality, application numbers can be relatively modest, meaning the chances of success are often better than people assume.
Another aspect of professional association membership that is sometimes overlooked is volunteering. There can be a perception that it is time-consuming or a distraction from day-to-day work, but in practice it often requires only a few hours a week. In return, the benefits can be significant—particularly for those earlier in their careers. Volunteering provides opportunities to manage projects, oversee budgets, and contribute to strategic initiatives. Just as importantly, it raises your profile: you meet peers, build credibility, and become more visible within the sector.
For those further into their careers, the value of membership evolves. Learning becomes more targeted, conversations more strategic, and there are real opportunities to contribute—whether through speaking, writing, or taking on leadership roles. Continued involvement also helps you stay current with developments in legal information, from new research tools to broader shifts in the profession.
For me, being part of these associations has been one of the most effective ways to truly understand the market I work in. It has provided context, credibility, and a network that I simply wouldn’t have developed otherwise.
Ultimately, membership is just the starting point. The real value comes from getting involved—whether that’s attending events, applying for opportunities, or volunteering your time. If you’re already a member of a professional association, it’s worth asking: are you making the most of it?
Are you in the early stages of your career as an Information, Research or Knowledge professional? If so, The KIMRA Rising Star Award recognises an emerging talent in knowledge, information management, research and analysis profession who shows exceptional promise, curiosity, and commitment to the field. Offered in partnership with the City Legal Information Group, the award celebrates the next generation of KIMRA professionals and supports their continued development.
The winner receives a fully funded place at the KIMRA Conference, covering the delegate fee and, where applicable, reasonable travel and accommodation costs. This is an opportunity to engage with senior leaders across the profession, access cutting-edge content on AI and knowledge strategy, and become part of the KIMRA community.
For more information, please follow the below link:
https://www.cbresourcing.com/blog/view/76/kimra-rising-star-award-in-partnership-with-the-city-legal-information-group-clig.aspx