In this issue
Congratulations to these members on their March GGALA Anniversary and new Members who joined this month!
Susan C. Buechel 26 years
Kathy Benbow Edmonds 15 years
Pamela Dutra 5 years
Shannon Michelle Oliver, aPHR 3 years
Maggie Hodgins 1 year
Deneen Marie Simon 1 year
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 by clicking 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.
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.
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.
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.
🔗Newsletter Sign Up
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.
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 - March 15, 2026 Issue - Your Bi-Monthly Chapter Connection 
Executive Committee Corner
Final Message from your Queen, er, President!
Well… this day arrived a lot faster than I expected. But alas, all good things must come to an end! It’s hard to believe an entire board year has already come and gone. With all the events our chapter put on over the past 12 months, the year flew by so fast it practically gave me whiplash! (Does anyone know a good PI lawyer?)
This past year has truly been a dream and would not have been nearly as action‑packed or stellar without the amazing work and support of the Executive Committee: Ryan Hill, Shannon Oliver, Brian Nervis, May Rafanan, Katrina Combs, and Sue Stratton, the entire GGALA Board of Directors, and the guidance of our wonderful Chapter Manager, Veronica Vaskinn. Without them, this year would not have been the “banner year” our CCC Liaison, Mark Bridgeman, proclaimed it to be.
The other major pillar of our community responsible for our success this past year is, of course, our Business Partners. I recently looked through our current BP list and counted at least 16 BPs I have worked with in the past or am currently working with, connections that were made possible by being a member of GGALA. Our BPs are an active and vital part of our chapter and community, and I thank each and every one of them for their continued support.
GGALA has accomplished so much this year, not just through the number of events we held or the new members who joined, but in ways that are quieter and just as meaningful: the connections made at coffee pop‑ups and quarterly walks; the partnerships formed or rekindled at education events; the creativity shown at our Halloween BP appreciation event; the friendships built; the kind of community that can only #grow through real, personal interactions.
These moments and connections have been a constant reminder of why I joined ALA and the Golden Gate Chapter in the first place: to give back to a community that has given so much to me. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful group. I look forward to the year ahead and the continued #momentum of our great work!
Yours in gratitude,
Javier Morelos
2025 - 2026 ALA Golden Gate Chapter President
Introducing the Executive Committee
Please join us in welcoming the newly elected 2026–2027 Executive Committee for the Golden Gate Association of Legal Administrators.
This dedicated group of leaders brings a wealth of experience, vision, and commitment to advancing our chapter and supporting the legal management community. We look forward to the energy, collaboration, and innovation they will bring in the year ahead as they guide our chapter’s initiatives and strengthen the connections that make GGALA such a vibrant and supportive organization.
Welcome New Members!
Please join the Membership Committee in welcoming the Golden Gate Chapter of ALA's newest members!
- Angela Incorvaia - Benesch Law
- Kevin Pua - Leland Parachini
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
ALA Essentials of Chapter Leadership - Part 1
8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Virtual
We can't wait for March 13th and 20th for this essential chapter leadership event!
DEIA & Community Connections present: Storytime with Momodou Ndow!
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location details provided to registered attendees
Join us for a community outreach event!
Not-So-Quarterly Social Hour
March 18, 2026
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Harrington's
245 Front Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Eat, drink, and catch up! Open to All Members and Business Partners.
The HR Education Section Presents: The Judgment Call - AI and Workplace Investigations
March 19, 2026
11:45 AM to 1:30 PM
Perkins Coie LLP
505 Howard Street, Suite 1000
San Francisco, CA 94105
This 90-minute interactive session uses a live case study to explore how generative AI can be used responsibly as a thought partner, organizer of facts, and guide to best practices across every stage of a workplace investigation without replacing professional judgment. Participants will engage with realistic scenarios and test decision-making in situations where facts are incomplete and judgment matters most.
Designed for HR professionals and anyone conducting workplace investigations in a legal environment, the session focuses on building clear guardrails for responsible AI use in sensitive people matters so investigations remain fair, defensible, and human-led. Through facilitated discussion and hands-on experimentation, participants will practice keeping human judgment firmly at the center of AI-enabled investigations.
ALA Essentials of Chapter Leadership - Part 2
8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Virtual
We can't wait for March 13th and 20th for this essential chapter leadership event!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
