In this issue
Congratulations to these members on their January GGALA Anniversary and new Members who joined this month!
John D. Moore 52 years
Jennifer Mansfield, CLM 15 years
Lisa M. De Zordo, CLM 13 years
Sue Granelli 13 years
Antonia M. Bereal-Lee 10 years
Andrea D. Everage, MHR, CLM, PHR, SRHM-CP 9 years
Hannah Lincecum 9 years
Laura Knight, SPHR-CA, SHRM-SCP 9 years
Sarah Spry 7 years
Korin M. Becraft 5 years
Aileen Connolly 5 years
Sarah Fellows 4 years
Katrina M. Combs 3 years
Katia Tsvetkova 2 years
Ava Laurora 2 years
Kevin S. Lee 2 years
Maria Lawton 2 years
Robin Huey 1 year
New Members (December & January):
Lisa Puntillo
Sherrie Cork
Bridget Hagan
Maeve Kathleen O'Reilly
Betty Stone
Larry Luna Bhagwandeen
Alex Doll
Peter Wilkinson
Deanna Altman
To access our Newsletter Archives click here.
Mission Statement
ALA is the premier professional association connecting leaders and managers within the legal industry. We provide extensive professional development, collaborative peer communities, strategic operational solutions, and business partner connections empowering our members to lead the business of law.
Learn more about the ALA's: Code of Ethics, Mission Statement and Strategic Direction
ALA MemberSHIP Ambassador Program
The goals for the ALA Membership Ambassador Program are to welcome new members to ALA, develop a relationship with new members and provide them with an immediate peer connection, ensure new members understand how to access and utilize ALA member benefits and potentially increase consumption of ALA products and services and ALA member retention rates. Learn more here.
DEIA Resource Hub: We’re Committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
At ALA, we foster an inclusive environment and recognize diversity’s power to strengthen the organization through collaboration that values our talents, skills and experiences. Our mission is to empower legal management professionals to lead the business of law by advocating for diversity initiatives that provide an environment of equity, inclusivity and accessibility to everyone.
Read our full statement on our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
Don't forget to utilize the ALA Online Community to post messages, ask questions, and provide answers to your fellow administrators!
Do you have a new address or have you changed firms?
Make sure you email [email protected]; or login to alasf.org and choose "My Account Info" and email [email protected]; or login to alanet.org and choose “My Account” and “Update your Member Information.”
President, Javier Morelos
Vice-President, Ryan Hill
Treasurer, Brian Nervis
Vice-Treasurer, May Rafanan
Secretary, Shannon Oliver
Director at Large, Katrina Combs
For a complete listing of the Board of Directors/Leadership click here.
Thank you to our Business Partners.
IST Management Services, Inc.
Kim Oleniacz, VP/Partner
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (404) 582-8850
🌐 www.istmanagement.com
IST Management delivers integrated legal solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support the entire lifecycle of a case. Our comprehensive litigation services include Digital Forensics, Court Reporting, eDiscovery, and Managed Review—delivered through a multi-phased approach that emphasizes user adoption and risk mitigation.
With flexible remote options, IST sources highly qualified attorneys to support both strategic long-term engagements and short-term projects. Our ability to unify essential legal processes makes IST a trusted national resource for managing partners and senior legal leaders.
ABA Retirement Funds Program
Patrick Conlon, Regional Vice President
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (617) 230-1496
🌐 www.abaretirement.com
ABA Retirement Funds Program
For over 60 years, the ABA Retirement Funds Program has offered employer-sponsored retirement plans tailored for the legal community. Designed by lawyers and supported by financial professionals, the Program delivers comprehensive services with fiduciary oversight under ERISA, reducing your firm's fiduciary risk. Participants benefit from a diverse selection of investment options, including institutional pricing, and a fully bundled service model that simplifies plan administration. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a large firm, the Program provides competitive pricing and dedicated support to help secure your financial future.
The People Connection
John Dorning, President
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 397-6800
🌐 www.people-connection.com
The People Connection, Inc. is a full-service staffing firm connecting talented professionals with leading businesses throughout San Francisco, the Bay Area, and the West Coast since 1984. We specialize in direct hire, temporary, and temp-to-hire placements across legal and non-legal sectors. Our experienced consultants work closely with clients to develop tailored staffing strategies that effectively address their unique personnel needs. For candidates, we offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, fostering a dedicated and high-quality workforce. Celebrating over 40 years in business, The People Connection remains committed to excellence in staffing solutions, ensuring seamless matches between employers and job seekers.
Kraft Kennedy
Annette Briffa, Marketing and Business Development
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (800) 523-3081
Chris Arrowsmith
📧 Email: [email protected]
Kraft Kennedy has been the trusted technology partner to hundreds of law firms and corporate legal departments since 1988. With a uniquely deep expertise in legal IT, we deliver strategic solutions that align with the complex needs of the legal industry.
We specialize in:
- 24/7/365 IT Support
- Cybersecurity
- Desktop & IT Infrastructure Design
- Project Management
- Enterprise Content Management (DMS)
- Strategic Planning
- Hardware & Software Procurement
As a recognized knowledge resource for legal technology best practices, our multidisciplinary teams are led by experienced engineers, CIOs, and legal professionals who understand your environment and challenges.
Stay connected: Subscribe for insights on IT trends, security alerts, and industry events.
ECFX, Inc
Bob Moore, Account Executive
📧 Email: [email protected]
Nelson Quintero, Co-Founder
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (310) 750-4160
🌐 www.goecfx.com
ECFX develops innovative legal technology solutions to streamline and automate critical processes for law firms. Their flagship product, ECFX Notice, automates the download, profiling, storage, and distribution of court documents from Federal and State ECF (Electronic Court Filing) notices.
With flexible delivery formats and powerful integration into document management systems, ECFX Notice ensures that attorneys, paralegals, and support staff receive timely, accurate filings without manual intervention. Features like customized email alerts and an advanced analytics dashboard make ECFX a trusted partner in modernizing legal workflows.
Centerbase
Stephanie Kim, Sr. Account Executive
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 www.centerbase.com
Centerbase is a comprehensive, cloud-based legal practice management platform tailored for midsize law firms. It offers an extensive suite of features, including accounting, billing, timekeeping, document management, automated workflows, and advanced reporting. The platform also encompasses client relationship management (CRM), client intake, and a secure client portal, enhancing client interactions and satisfaction. With robust integrations for tools like Microsoft Office 365, QuickBooks Online, and NetDocuments, Centerbase streamlines firm operations. By automating routine tasks and centralizing essential functions, Centerbase empowers law firms to boost productivity, improve client service, and increase profitability.
LHH
Meredith Bruno
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 www.lhh.com
LHH, part of The Adecco Group, is a global leader in talent advisory and workforce transformation. With 8,000 colleagues supporting 15,000 clients across 66 countries, LHH provides strategic services in recruitment, outplacement and mobility, and leadership development. We help organizations unlock potential, build future-ready teams, and guide professionals through transformative career journeys.
The Bridge - January 15, 2026 Issue - Your Bi-Monthly Chapter Connection 
Executive Committee Corner
My New Year’s Resolution – Eating Better (Surprise!!)
By Brian Nervis, Treasurer
Running a law firm takes a lot out of you. Long days, constant decisions, and more stress than anyone really wants to admit. As much as I’d like to believe coffee or tea alone can power me through it all, what I eat actually makes a difference.
When I’m eating halfway decent—real food like fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, and unprocessed meat or fish—I think more clearly, stay focused longer, and make better decisions. When I’m not? Let’s just say chicken wings and nachos (especially while watching the Raiders lose on Sundays) don’t exactly bring my A-game to work on Monday.
Stress is part of the job, but eating better helps keep it manageable. I’m calmer, more patient, and less likely to snap when something goes sideways—which, in law, happens daily.
Energy is the other big one. Balanced meals mean fewer crashes, less burnout, and a better chance of making it through long days without feeling completely wiped out. And whether we realize it or not, how we take care of ourselves sets an example for everyone else in the firm.
This isn’t about being perfect or giving up everything fun. It’s just about making better choices more often. If eating better helps me stay sharp, steady, and in this job for the long run, that’s a New Year’s resolution worth keeping.
Congratulations
We are proud to announce that our Chapter President, Javier Morelos, has been appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the DEIA Advisory Council. He will officially assume this role at the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo in National Harbor, Maryland.
Congratulations, Javier, on this well-deserved appointment and continued leadership.
Knowledge to Leadership
Registration is NOW OPEN for the Knowledge to Leadership Conference and Exposition! This full-day conference and expo is the Golden Gate Chapter's signature event featuring a variety of high-quality educational and networking opportunities. The 2026 Knowledge to Leadership Conference and Exposition will feature:
- 2 keynote speakers
- 9 breakout sessions
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Wine & Cheese Reception
- Expo with business partners and other legal vendors
- In-person networking
- An immersive livestream experience and electronic conference companion platform.
- Raffle Prizes
- Back by Popular Demand! Zoom livestream attendance option available for keynotes and breakout sessions, please see separate registration page for Zoom-Only option.
Please click THIS LINK to visit the K2L 2026 Sessions and Speakers page to learn more about the keynotes and breakout sessions, and register!
ALA Annual Conference - Registration is now open
You’re Invited to the ALA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo!
Join your peers in legal management for the premier event of the year, April 12–15, 2026, at the Gaylord National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland. This flagship conference brings together legal management professionals and business partners for several days of high‑impact learning, networking, and engagement.
Engage in thought‑provoking presentations and dynamic discussions with your legal management community. Connect with colleagues during scheduled networking activities and explore the latest products and services from our business partners in the exhibit hall. Hear from top‑tier speakers, attend compelling educational sessions designed for today’s legal administrators, and meet knowledgeable exhibitors ready to help you solve real‑world challenges.
We look forward to seeing you in National Harbor for an inspiring and rewarding experience!
Upcoming Events
Ops & Tech Presents: Process Mapping Workshop - Unlocking Efficiency Through Process Improvement & Project Management (Virtual)
3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Via Zoom
Join us for a dynamic, hands-on workshop designed specifically for legal administrators who want to enhance operational efficiency, improve collaboration, and drive results across their organizations.
Coffee Pop Up with Javier and Ryan
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Rustic Bakery at Marin County Mart
2017 Larkspur Landing Circle
Larkspur, CA 94939
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and renew connections with fellow ALA members and business partners.
East Bay ALA Presents: Morning in the East Bay
7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Lafayette Park Hotel
3287 Mt. Diablo Boulevard
Lafayette, CA 94549
Join the East Bay ALA Chapter for their 2026 Educational Conference, Annual Meeting & Business Partner Expo
ALA Code of Ethics
We would like to remind everyone of the ALA Code of Ethics which we all sign when we become members.
Specifically, this is a reminder to:
1. Uphold the anti-trust laws by not discussing wages, billable hour requirements, benefits, etc. with other ALA members. This can come up in roundtable meetings or casual conversations. Please use other resources, such as salary surveys, to obtain this kind of information.
2. Uphold ethical obligations of confidentiality and privacy by not asking colleagues for unofficial references for candidates. Not only could this be harmful to a candidate, it may put the person being asked for such a reference in a bad position. Consider there may be a separation/confidentiality agreement in place.
Articles
Critical Moves to Make When a Partner Leaves
Stress Busters: How to Reduce Office Burnout
Maintaining Culture Post-Crisis Through Communications, Resources and Planning
Addressing Pain Points with AI
For full access to the Legal Management Magazine, please click here.
Thank you to our Business Partners for their GGALA Chapter Sponsorship
One Legal, An InfoTrack Company
Melissa Armendariz, Account Executive
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 376-9535
🌐 www.onelegal.com
One Legal provides California legal professionals a smarter way to order litigation services. From one easy-to-use platform, you can file documents in all 58 superior courts in California, serve individuals and businesses nationwide and globally, and manage all related communications, files, and invoices efficiently. Explore what One Legal can do for your firm with a personalized demo—contact us today.
Pacific Office Automation
Austin Piombo, Field Sales Manager
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (925) 876-3457
Troy Shawhan, Director of Services – Legal & Healthcare
📞 Phone: (503) 522-9010
🌐 www.pacificoffice.com
Pacific Office Automation is a leader in managed office services, offering tailored solutions in equipment, software, and staffing. With a “Problem Solved” mindset, POA delivers fast, secure, and efficient services that drive workplace productivity. From printers and copiers to mailroom solutions, cost recovery, scanning systems, cybersecurity software, and facilities management—POA has the expertise and resources to support law firms of all sizes with solutions that scale.
King Courier
Andrew Brady, Co-Owner & COO
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 865-5464
Christopher Snell, CEO
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 www.kingcourier.com
King Courier is a full-service messenger and legal services company proudly serving San Francisco and the Bay Area for over 30 years. With the most diverse fleet in the business—from bike messengers to cargo vans—we provide fast, flexible delivery solutions for legal professionals.
We service all local courts and offer statewide service of process. Need a filing in San Francisco fast? We can deliver in as little as 30 minutes.
Pathways Personnel
Christopher Crowley, President
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 391-2060
Beth Harris, Recruiter
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 391-2060
🌐 www.pathwayspersonnel.com
Pathways Personnel is a premier recruiting firm specializing in matching high-quality professionals with top-tier law firms and corporations nationwide. With over 50 years of staffing excellence, we offer unparalleled expertise and service to both candidates and clients. Our deep understanding of the business environment and extensive network of contacts enable us to effectively connect employers with highly qualified professionals across a wide range of positions, from administrative support to executive roles. We are committed to fostering successful, long-term relationships by understanding the unique needs of both employers and candidates. Our services include direct hire and contract placements, with a focus on positions such as attorneys, paralegals, legal secretaries, human resources professionals, and more.
Rapid Legal
Thomas Kwan, Account Manager
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (909) 664-9562
Joshua Jones, Director of Sales
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (909) 664-9580
🌐 www.rapidlegal.com
Rapid Legal is a premium legal services and technology company serving over 30,000 law firms nationwide. Our platform enables seamless eFiling, service of process, and legal document management—all designed to streamline law firm operations.
More than a service provider, Rapid Legal is committed to innovation—advancing how legal documents, information, and payments are exchanged to enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and reduce risk for today’s legal professionals.
Kidder Mathews
Paul L. Picciani
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 229-8973
🌐 www.kidder.com
Kidder Mathews is the largest independent commercial real estate firm on the West Coast, with 20 offices spanning from Seattle to San Diego, including Reno and Phoenix. With over 15 years of brokerage experience and a 100% tenant-only focus, Paul Picciani specializes in helping law firms lease, sublease, renew, expand, right-size, or purchase office space.
Paul has successfully represented 32 law firms (and counting), with most of his work coming from repeat business and referrals. Known for his energy, deep market insight, and strong network, Paul delivers top-tier service and results tailored to each firm's unique real estate objectives.
A long-time client shared: “We truly appreciate your loyalty, professionalism, and encyclopedic knowledge of the downtown office space market. You are very good at what you do.”
Whether you're in the Bay Area or beyond, Paul’s extensive connections ensure you’re covered nationwide.
Epiq Global
Denise Ratti, Sales Operations Manager
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (646) 533-0802
🌐 www.epiqglobal.com
Epiq is a global leader in technology-enabled legal services, providing comprehensive solutions for eDiscovery, litigation support, document review, legal business transformation, and more. With deep expertise and cutting-edge tools, Epiq helps law firms and legal departments improve efficiency, reduce risk, and manage complex legal challenges.
Law Tyme, Inc.
Melissa A. Carver, President/CEO
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 230-5398
🌐 www.LawTyme.com
Law Tyme, Inc. specializes in placing Legal Secretaries, Paralegals, Attorneys, and other essential legal support staff. Serving California and Nevada, we offer flexible staffing solutions including temporary, temp-to-perm, and direct hire placements.
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the legal field—our recruiters have firsthand experience working in law firms. We know what it takes to succeed, and we only ask our candidates to do jobs we know how to do ourselves.
At Law Tyme, we take pride in matching the right talent with the right firm. Our commitment goes beyond customer service—we’re passionate about delivering results.
We’re proud to say: “We Put America to Work.”
San Francisco State Paralegal Studies
Eduardo Cerpa, Program Specialist
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 405-4244
🌐 cpage.sfsu.edu/paralegal
San Francisco State – ABA-Approved Paralegal Studies Program
Established in 1975, our Paralegal Studies certificate program offers a rigorous, 100% online curriculum designed to prepare students for successful careers as paralegals. Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), the program features synchronous courses taught by experienced attorneys, paralegals, and law school professors. Students benefit from a vast alumni network and strong connections within the legal community, enhancing professional opportunities. The certificate can be completed in as little as one year, providing a timely pathway into the legal field.
SurePoint Technologies
Tom Ash, VP of Sales
📧 Email: [email protected]
Josh Qualls, Account Executive
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (734) 664-61589
🌐 surepoint.com
SurePoint Technologies is a leading provider of award-winning enterprise software designed to enhance workflow efficiency and maximize financial performance for law firms. With over 40 years of innovation, SurePoint offers a distinctive cloud platform that integrates client, practice, and financial management, empowering legal professionals to streamline operations and focus more on their clients and practices. Serving a community of more than 100,000 legal professionals, SurePoint continues transforming the legal industry by delivering solutions that unlock higher performance and reduce administrative burdens.
Element Professional Staffing
Steve Gomez, Managing Director
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (408) 857-4520
Shareen Fanburg, Managing Director
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 426-3527
🌐 www.elementstaffing.com
Element Professional Staffing is a premier direct-hire and contract legal staffing firm with decades of experience. We are committed to connecting our clients with top-tier legal talent and helping candidates find the best opportunities of their careers.
Our success is measured by the quality of the matches we make—not the quantity. We pride ourselves on earning repeat business from our clients and personal referrals from our candidates, thanks to our personalized approach and proven results.
ASAP Legal LLC
Julien Laussade, Chief Operating Officer
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 www.asaplegal.com
ASAP Legal LLC provides comprehensive legal support services, including Service of Process, e-Filing, Court Reporting, Record Retrieval, and Investigations. As a trusted partner to law firms, ASAP Legal delivers fast, accurate, and professional solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the legal industry.
Insperity
Ingrid Romero, District Manager – Pleasanton Office
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (925) 542-4867
Brent Johnson, Business Performance Advisor
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (925) 520-3850
🌐 www.insperity.com
Insperity has been helping businesses succeed since 1986, offering one of the most comprehensive suites of scalable HR solutions in the marketplace. Through a powerful blend of premium HR services and innovative technology, Insperity delivers administrative relief, reduced liabilities, and better benefits—enabling businesses to grow and thrive.
With 2023 revenues of $6.5 billion and over 100 locations nationwide, Insperity continues to support thousands of businesses and the communities they serve.
Innovative Computing Systems
Amy Kosey, Account Executive
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 800-0662
Mathew Mendel, Business Development
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (512) 744-6933
🌐 www.innovativecomp.com
Innovative Computing Systems, Inc. is the first-choice partner for law firms, legal departments, and professional services organizations seeking to develop or enhance their IT strategy. We help implement, integrate, and support best-in-class legal and business technologies, improve cybersecurity, and leverage the full potential of cloud computing to deliver reliable, secure, and scalable solutions.
GSL Data Solutions
Rebecca Dominguez, Senior Account Manager
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 370-4110
Armando Dominguez, Partner
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 370-4079
🌐 www.gsldata.com
GSL Data Solutions provides comprehensive litigation support services throughout the greater Bay Area and Sacramento. Our offerings include on-site and off-site document scanning, electronic discovery, forensic data collection, exhibit binder printing, audio and video editing/conversion, and pick-up and delivery to all Bay Area courthouses.
With a commitment to precision, reliability, and fast turnaround times, GSL Data Solutions is a trusted partner for law firms needing dependable support through every phase of litigation.
CLM
The CLM program allows a qualified legal management professional to demonstrate, through experience and coursework culminating in the examination process, a mastery of core areas of the body of knowledge identified as essential to the effective performance.
The Golden Gate Chapter annually allocates funds for study groups and successfully passing the CLM exam. Reach out to your chapter leadership for more information.
