The Bridge - March 30, 2026 Issue - Your Bi-Monthly Chapter Connection 
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
CLM Chicago Study Group
2026 ALA Chicago CLM Study Group – Registration Now Open
ALA Chicago has officially launched its 2026 CLM Study Group in preparation for the November 2026 CLM exam, and all ALA members nationwide are invited to participate. The first session begins April 29, 2026, and historical data shows that members who join the Chicago Study Group significantly increase their chances of passing the exam.
For a nominal $150 fee, participants receive access to an impressive lineup of subject‑matter experts—including CPAs, labor and employment attorneys, ARDC counsel, technology professionals, insurance and real estate brokers, and employee benefits specialists. The program includes:
- 18 one‑hour Zoom study sessions plus two review sessions
- Access to speakers for questions and guidance
- Full access to the Study Group’s Google Drive of materials and presentations
- Extensive sample test questions
- Support from past participants and current CLMs
- Guidance from ALA Chicago’s CLM Director
ALA Chicago will also host an informational Zoom session on April 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. CT, led by CLM Director Kristi Seaton, to answer questions about the exam and the Study Group.
Learn more or register using the links below:
• Study Group Information: alachicago.org/page/ChicagoStudyGroup
• Informational Session Registration
• Study Group Registration
For questions, contact Kristi Seaton at [email protected].
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
Small Firm Roundtable - Virtual
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Via Zoom
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.
2026-2027 Business Partner Orientation Zoom Meeting
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Via Zoom
Join the chapter for a Business Partner Kickoff Event to welcome our Business Partners and introduce our Board of Directors.
Donation Bingo! A Food From The Bar Fundraiser
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Nixon Peabody
1 Embarcadero Center, 32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
https://www.nixonpeabody.com/
Join us for 5 fun-filled rounds of Bingo raising funds for the SF Marin Food Bank
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
Beyond the Books: When Law Firms Should Consider Outsourcing Financial Leadership
Balancing the Potential and Pitfalls of Driving Innovation in Midsize Law Firms
Education, Networking and Career Development: What Awaits You at Annual Conference
AI, Fixed Fees and the New Operational Mandate for Legal Administrators
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.
eFiling | Service of Process | Courtesy Copy Delivery | eService | Skip Tracing | And more
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.