The Bridge - February 15, 2026 Issue - Your Bi-Monthly Chapter Connection 
Executive Committee Corner
Peaceful Escapes in the City
By May Rafanan
The end of the year through the beginning of the new year is a busy time for many of us, especially for those of us in finance. In the midst of “busy season”, I find it important to carve out small moments for self-care. For me, that means seeking out peaceful, quiet spaces during the workday—ideally somewhere I can experience a touch of nature, unplug for a few minutes, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy the stillness. Fortunately, these restorative pockets are conveniently located throughout the Financial District and downtown San Francisco.
Some of my favorite nearby urban escapes include:
Transamerica Redwood Park (535 Washington Street) – Located at the base of the Transamerica Pyramid, this park feels like a hidden sanctuary tucked away from heavy foot traffic. I love the shade cast by the redwoods, the soothing sound of the bubbling fountain, and the rotating sculptures created by notable artists. With ample benches and seating areas, it’s a peaceful spot that never feels overcrowded.
Empire Park (648 Commercial Street) – Nestled in an alley between Montgomery and Kearny Streets, this small park is easy to miss but well worth finding. It features a shaded pergola, park benches, and a distinctive water fountain designed by artist Pepo Pilcher. Its quiet setting makes it perfect for a short midday reset.
The Landing at Leidesdorff (200 Leidesdorff Street) – San Francisco’s alleys often hold delightful surprises. During lunch hour, this vibrant space offers outdoor seating surrounded by restaurants such as Mixt and Heartwood, along with live music, colorful wall murals, and ground art. It also serves as the meeting point for weekly historic walking tours, adding a cultural dimension to the space.
343 Sansome Street (15th Floor Terrace) – Take the elevator to the 15th floor to discover a sun terrace with downtown views complete with tables, benches, olive trees, granite planters, and an obelisk centerpiece. This rooftop retreat offers a nice, quiet change of scenery above the city streets.
Cassava (633 Battery Street) – This intimate Japanese-Californian café in the Jackson Square neighborhood provides a cozy and quiet setting within an airy office courtyard. Surrounded by palm trees and warm accent lighting, it’s an inviting place to relax with a matcha latte or a light meal.
1 Sansome – This two-story greenhouse features a glass roof, marble floors and walls, and arched openings onto Sansome and Sutter Streets. Palm trees line the perimeter, a marble fountain anchors the center, and a bronze Art Deco sculpture rests within a marble niche. Public tables and chairs make it easy to sit and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Many of these locations are part of San Francisco’s network of Privately Owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS), designed to provide accessible areas of respite within the urban landscape.
In a fast-paced city with a demanding profession, finding moments of calm can feel like a luxury, but it’s truly a necessity. These peaceful urban retreats remind me that even in the heart of the Financial District, finding peace of mind is never far away. Whether it’s five minutes beneath towering redwoods or a quiet lunch in a hidden courtyard, these small escapes help restore focus, balance, and perspective, allowing us to return to our work refreshed and ready to take on whatever the busy season brings.
Welcome New Members!
Please join the Membership Committee in welcoming the Golden Gate Chapter of ALA's newest members!
- Erik Pascual - Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
- Michelle Ann Linderman - Miller Starr Regalia
- Danielle Kay Keeler - Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
- Jannelly Sussman - WilmerHale
- Catherine Montalvo - BraunHagey & Borden LLP
- Michael Shuff - Hogan Lovells US LLP
- Jason Gan - Reed Smith LLP
- Deanna Altman - ArentFox Schiff LLP
- Alex Doll - Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP
- Peter Wilkinson - Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP
- Larry Luna Bhagwandeen - Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP
- Betty Stone - Sideman & Bancroft LLP
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
Wine Pop-Up with Javier and Ryan
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Lark Bar
685 Market Street, Suite 140A
San Francisco, CA 94105
Grab a glass of wine and renew connections with fellow ALA members and business partners.
Knowledge to Leadership Educational Conference Virtual Attendance - ARMA, SHRM Members and Students
February 20, 2026
8:30 AM to 3:45 PM
Virtual
ZOOM ONLY - Knowledge to Leadership Educational Conference and Exposition 2026
8:30 AM to 5:45 PM
Cooley LLP
3 Embarcadero Center, 20th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
https://www.cooley.com/about/geographies/san-francisco
A day of education at the Knowledge to Leadership Conference from the comfort of your desk.
Knowledge to Leadership Educational Conference and Exposition 2026
8:30 AM to 5:45 PM
Cooley LLP
3 Embarcadero Center, 20th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
https://www.cooley.com/about/geographies/san-francisco
Join us for a day of education and networking at the Knowledge to Leadership Conference.
ARMA, EBALA, and GGALA Present: The Invisible Agreement - Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Psychological Contracts
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Latham & Watkins
505 Montgomery Street, Suite 2000
San Francisco, CA 94111
In today’s complex regulatory and information landscapes, legal and records leaders must navigate more than just written policies—they must also manage the unspoken expectations that shape workplace dynamics.
Small Firm Roundtable - Hybrid
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Schoenberg Family Law Group, 8th Floor Conference Room
50 California Street, Suite 860
San Francisco, CA 94111
Please come and join your fellow Small Firm Administrators for an engaging, collaborative discussion on challenges and opportunities small law firms are facing and how they are managing them.
GG ALA 2026-2027 Board Retreat
8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
BraunHagey & Borden LLP
747 Front Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
This retreat will motivate, inspire and also be productive as we plan our board year together!
Job Bank
Regional Office Administrator
Winston & Strawn, LLP
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
Easing the Burden: Preventing Glass Cliffs
Bridging the AI Skills Gap: From Legal Support to Strategic Partner
Resilience by Design: Building a Secure Work Culture That Lasts
Beyond Space: How Law Firms Are Redefining the Office as a Strategic Asset
For full access to the Legal Management Magazine, please click here.
Thank you to our Business Partners for their GGALA Chapter Sponsorship
Adams & Martin Group
Kayla Buck, Branch Manager
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (916) 530-2044
🌐 www.adamsmartingroup.com
Adams & Martin Group is a premier legal staffing services company, connecting law firms and legal departments across the U.S. with top-tier talent. We specialize in temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire placements, as well as attorney search and document review services. Our team of dedicated recruiters—many of whom are former legal professionals—bring industry insight, strong networks, and active involvement in legal associations to every placement.
Afinety. Inc.
Mo Blake, Client Executive
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (877) 423-4638
🌐 www.afinety.com
Afinety is a leading provider of IT services tailored specifically for law firms. Since 1986, Afinety has delivered reliable, cost-effective technology solutions that work. Their comprehensive offerings include cloud-based infrastructure, network installation and maintenance, cybersecurity and risk assessments, training, consulting, and customized website and macro design.
With a proven “standardization” approach that reduces IT costs by more than 44%, Afinety helps law firms operate more efficiently, securely, and with greater peace of mind.
Acrisure Insurance
Susan Kilano, Executive Vice President
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (858) 514-7112
Reid Middleton, Executive Vice President
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 www.acrisure.com
Acrisure is a global fintech leader and top-tier insurance brokerage that provides customized risk management, insurance, employee benefits, and cybersecurity solutions. With deep industry expertise and a tech-driven approach, Acrisure empowers clients to protect and grow what matters most.
First Legal
Sue Hammer, Senior Account Executive
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 720-6229
🌐 www.firstlegal.com
First Legal is the first comprehensive File Thru Trial™ solutions firm, offering a single-source approach to simplify the litigation process. With a culture rooted in innovation, trust, and service excellence, First Legal provides a seamless client experience backed by deep industry expertise.
Our full suite of services includes court filing, eFiling, service of process, court reporting, eDiscovery, record retrieval, digital services, and investigations—working together to support legal teams from start to finish.
Robert Half
Rachael Middlekauff, Practice Director
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 321-1869
Daniel Rodarte, Practice Director
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 277-8114
🌐 www.roberthalf.com/us/en/legal
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm, connecting top talent with outstanding opportunities. We offer contract, temporary, and permanent placement solutions across a range of fields, including legal, finance, accounting, tech, and more.
Our legal talent solutions team partners with law firms and corporate legal departments to deliver scalable staffing and consulting strategies. Whether adjusting to changing workloads, optimizing costs, or improving practice management, Robert Half delivers expert support tailored to your needs.
Recognized by Fortune and Forbes as a top employer, Robert Half is also the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm.
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.”
Nationwide Legal
Michael Taraban, Director of Sales & Operations
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 351-0400
🌐 www.nationwidelegal.com
Nationwide Legal LLC is a trusted provider of legal support services, offering comprehensive solutions for law firms, legal departments, and professionals. With a focus on reliability, speed, and professionalism, Nationwide Legal delivers process serving, court filing, investigations, and litigation support services across the country.
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.
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.
LexisNexis
Reid Raukar, Account Executive
📧 Email: [email protected]
Jody Gold, Regional Sales Manager
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 www.lexisnexis.com
LexisNexis Legal & Professional is a leading global provider of legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics. We empower lawyers, corporations, universities, governments, and courts with cutting-edge tools and insights to support their decision-making and compliance needs. Serving customers in over 130 countries, LexisNexis is part of the RELX Group and remains at the forefront of legal innovation.
Hughes Marino
Cameron Love, Managing Director
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (415) 431-3211
Cale Miller, Sr. Managing Director - Tenant Representation
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 www.hughesmarino.com
Hughes Marino was founded on a simple yet powerful idea: to provide tenants and buyers with the dedicated representation they deserve. As pioneers in tenant representation, Hughes Marino stands apart by advocating solely for businesses—never landlords—ensuring fair and strategic negotiation outcomes.
We offer a comprehensive range of services for businesses and law firms nationwide, supported by an integrated team of architects, project managers, lease auditors, and real estate attorneys. As a women-led, 100% family-owned firm, Hughes Marino answers only to our clients—never shareholders—making your success our top priority.
Proof
Sara Damra, Account Executive
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (818) 280-9770
🌐 www.proofserve.com
Valerie Krumholz, Marketing & Events Specialist
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (303) 587-9777
Proof is transforming the process serving industry with the first-of-its-kind technology platform that directly connects personal injury law firms with a national network of independent professional process servers.
Key features include:
- Real-time serve tracking
- Unmatched transparency
- Automated workflows to save time and increase earnings
Top law firms trust Proof to digitize, automate, and scale their service of process. Now you can too!
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.