The Bridge - April 15, 2026 Issue Your Bi-Monthly Chapter Connection 
Message from the President
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 ✨
✨ Lori Gehrke — Knox Ricksen LLP
✨ Crystal Ludlow — Novus Law Firm, Inc.
✨ Paige McDaniel — Folger Levin LLP
✨ Katia Tsvetkova — Buchalter LLP
✨ Duc Le — Goldfarb Lipman Attorneys
✨ Michelle Henderson — Reed Smith
CLM
Certified Legal Manager (CLM)
The CLM program allows qualified legal management professionals to demonstrate, through experience and coursework culminating in the examination process, mastery of the core areas of knowledge essential to effective legal management.
The Golden Gate Chapter annually allocates funds for study groups and for members who successfully pass the CLM exam. Reach out to your chapter leadership for more information.
CLM Chicago Study Group
Program Overview
Registration is now open for the 2026 CLM program. Open to ALA members nationwide, it is designed to support candidates preparing for the November 2026 CLM exam.
📅 First Session: April 29, 2026
💲 Fee: $150
💻 Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Participants gain access to a strong network of subject-matter experts and resources designed to increase success on the CLM exam:
✓ 18 one-hour Zoom sessions plus review sessions
✓ Direct access to speakers for guidance and questions
✓ Full access to study materials via Google Drive
✓ Practice test questions
✓ Support from past participants and CLMs
✓ Guidance from ALA Chicago’s CLM Director
Learn More & Register
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Upcoming Events
Featured Series
A Practical Playbook for Law Firm AI Series
Session 1 | Smart Start: Building a Responsible IT Foundation
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.
📅 Date: April 23, 2026
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💻 Location: Via Zoom
2026–2027 Business Partner Orientation Zoom Meeting
📅 April 22, 2026 🕒 12:00 PM – 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
📅 April 23, 2026 🕒 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 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.
Coffee Pop-Up With Ryan and Katrina
📅 April 28, 2026 🕒 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 Red Bay Coffee, 220 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94194
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and renew connections with fellow ALA members and business partners.
Law Day of Action, Organized by The Bar Association of San Francisco
📅 May 1, 2026 🕒 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 Phillip Burton Federal Building Plaza, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
Join us on May 1st to celebrate Law Day, our Constitution, and stand for the Rule of Law.
Job Bank
ALA Code of Ethics
ALA Code of Ethics Reminder
We would like to remind everyone of the ALA Code of Ethics, which we all agree to as members.
In particular, this is a reminder to:
1. Uphold anti-trust laws by not discussing wages, billable hour requirements, benefits, or similar compensation-related topics with other ALA members. This can arise during roundtables or casual conversations. Please use other resources, such as salary surveys, to obtain this information.
2. Uphold ethical obligations of confidentiality and privacy by not requesting unofficial references for candidates from colleagues. This can be harmful to a candidate and may place the person being asked in an inappropriate position, especially where a separation or confidentiality agreement may exist.
Articles
Featured Reads
Explore this month’s highlights from Legal Management Magazine, covering innovation, financial leadership, and the evolving role of legal administrators.
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 Legal Management Magazine, visit alanet.org .
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.