In this issue
Celebrating our April GGALA Anniversaries
| ✨ Cynthia Walrod | 28 years |
| ✨ Linda Belcher | 28 years |
| ✨ Joy Buchanan | 16 years |
| ✨ Alicia Lowder | 9 years |
| ✨ Whitney L. Forbes | 6 years |
| ✨ Rachel Hickey | 5 years |
| ✨ Debora Melnyk | 4 years |
| ✨ Yolandra McIntosh | 3 years |
| ✨ Dom Manuel | 3 years |
| ✨ Rachel Hedley | 3 years |
| ✨ Emilia J Bekkerman | 2 years |
| ✨ Deborah Irinaga | 1 year |
Stay in the Loop
Explore past newsletters and stay connected with what’s happening across our community.
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 ALA’s Code of Ethics, Mission Statement and Strategic Direction.
ALA MemberSHIP Ambassador Program
The goals of the ALA MemberSHIP Ambassador Program are to welcome new members to ALA, build meaningful connections, provide an immediate peer resource, and help members understand how to access and use ALA benefits, programs, and services. Learn more here.
DEIA Resource Hub
ALA is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and recognizes the power of diversity to strengthen the organization through collaboration that values talent, skills, and lived experience. Our mission is to empower legal management professionals to lead the business of law by advocating for equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
Read the full statement on ALA’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
💬 Join the Conversation
Connect with fellow ALA members, ask questions, share insights, and stay engaged with the community.
Keep Your Membership Info Current
Have a new address or changed firms? Update your information so you don’t miss chapter and ALA updates.
Email [email protected], or log in to alasf.org and select My Account Info.
You can also email [email protected], or log in to alanet.org and select My Account then Update Your Member Information.
President
Ryan Hill
Vice-President
Javier Morelos
Treasurer
May Rafanan
Vice-Treasurer
Shannon Oliver
Secretary
Emelia Bekkerman
Director at Large
Yadira Diaz
Thank you to our Business Partners.
We Appreciate Our Partners
Thank you to the organizations that support our chapter and community.
The Bridge - April 15, 2026 Issue - Your Bi-Monthly Chapter Connection 
Introducing the Executive Committee
A Momentous Year Ahead
Ryan Hill, Chapter President
Hello from Annual Conference in National Harbor, MD and welcome to the first edition of The Bridge. The chapter and Javier Morelos, our Immediate Past President, are each bringing home an award. More information will be shared in our next edition - congratulations!!
On March 31st, we held our annual meeting where the new Executive Committee and Board of Directors were introduced and voted in. Expanding on the legacy our previous leaders have created, the year ahead will focus on building momentum in various areas such as expanding member engagement, strengthening professional development opportunities, and fostering deeper connections across the legal community. We’ll continue to meet our members where they are and ensure that members at every stage of their careers find value through our programming, networking, and mentorship.
Education will continue to be paramount in our chapter’s initiatives. Ensuring that we’re keeping up with the latest legal trends, be sure to register for our five-part AI Implementation Series with Spencer X. Smith, which will provide practical tips and tricks for integrating AI into law firm operations. You’ll leave the sessions with strategies you can immediately use at your firm’s administrative departments such as Accounting, HR, IT, and Marketing. Thank you to Endsight and Xantrion for making this program possible.
The chapter will again host popular roundtables, wellness walks, and informal gatherings like coffee and wine pop-ups, creating more connection opportunities for our members and Business Partners. We’ll also collaborate with other ALA chapters and organizations on DEIA and mental health awareness topics.
Looking ahead, GGALA will be celebrating a major milestone – its 50th anniversary! The planning process is just beginning to honor our chapter’s history and legacy, while recognizing the members and leaders who shaped its success. If you’re interested in helping to plan this milestone, feel free to reach out to me directly.
I’m very excited for what we have planned and look forward to a successful, memorable, and momentous year ahead.
Welcome New Members!
We’re excited to welcome new members to our community this month — we’re glad you’re here.
CLM
Professional Development
Why Become a CLM?
The Certified Legal Manager (CLM) designation allows experienced legal management professionals to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies essential to effective leadership in the legal industry.
The Golden Gate Chapter also supports members pursuing certification through study groups and financial assistance for those who successfully pass the exam.
CLM Chicago Study Group
Registration is now open for the 2026 CLM Study Group. Open to ALA members nationwide, this program is designed to support candidates preparing for the November 2026 CLM exam.
Participants gain access to a strong network of subject-matter experts and resources designed to increase success on the CLM exam.
An informational Zoom session will be held on April 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. CT to answer questions and provide an overview of the program.
Learn More & Register
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Upcoming Events
2026-2027 Business Partner Orientation Zoom Meeting
Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Via Zoom
Join the chapter for a Business Partner Kickoff Event to welcome our Business Partners and introduce our Board of Directors.
A Practical Playbook for Law Firm AI Series, Session 1 | Smart Start: Building a Responsible IT Foundation
Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Via Zoom
AI is changing how law firms operate, but buying a tool isn’t the same as adopting a technology. This five-session series gives professional staff a practical framework for evaluating readiness, building governance, and identifying the use cases that actually move the needle in their departments.
Session 1 focuses on organizational readiness, governance essentials, policies, risk management, ethical guidelines, and the oversight structures that make AI sustainable rather than a one-off experiment.
Donation Bingo! A Food From The Bar Fundraiser
Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Nixon Peabody
1 Embarcadero Center, 32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
Join us for 5 fun-filled rounds of Bingo raising funds for the SF Marin Food Bank.
ALA Code of Ethics
As a reminder, all members agree to follow the ALA Code of Ethics.
Please keep the following in mind:
Do not discuss wages, billable hour requirements, benefits, or similar topics with other ALA members. These issues can come up in roundtable meetings or casual conversation, so please use other resources, such as salary surveys, when seeking that type of information.
Review anti-trust guidance
Please do not ask colleagues for unofficial references for candidates. This can be harmful to the candidate and may place the person being asked in an uncomfortable or inappropriate position, especially where a separation or confidentiality agreement may apply.
Articles
From Legal Management Magazine
Explore recent insights and trends shaping legal management:
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.
