In this issue
Recognizing dedication and years of impact
April Milestones
| 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 "Mika" J. Bekkerman | 2 years |
| Deborah Irinaga | 1 year |
Stay in the Loop
Browse 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.
Membership Ambassador Program
The goals of the ALA MemberSHIP Ambassador Program are to welcome new members, build meaningful connections, provide an immediate peer resource, and help members access ALA benefits and services.
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.
💬 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.
You can also email [email protected] , or log in to alanet.org and select My Account, then Update Your Member Information.
Your Chapter Leadership
President Ryan Hill
Vice President Katrina Combs
Treasurer May Rafanan
Vice Treasurer Shannon Oliver
Secretary Emilia "Mika" J. Bekkerman
Director at Large Yadira Diaz
The Bridge - April 30, 2026 Issue Your Bi-Monthly Chapter Connection 
Event Spotlight
From practical AI education to small firm collaboration and wellness-centered connection, this month’s programs offer meaningful ways to learn, engage, and support one another.
Featured Series
A Practical Playbook for Law Firm AI Series
Session 2 | Beyond the Billable: Smarter Finance with AI
Finance teams in law firms are sitting on some of the highest-value AI use cases, and most don’t require building anything from scratch.
This session walks through practical applications in billing, collections, forecasting, and reporting, with real examples of how firms are using AI to catch billing errors, surface collection patterns, and generate financial reporting that partners actually read.
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About the Speaker Spencer X. Smith, founder of AI strategy and training consultancy Ampliphl, works with law firms, financial services firms, and professional services organizations on AI strategy and adoption. He teaches using simple language and has delivered 500+ in-person speeches, including presentations at multiple ALA Annual events. |
📅 Date: May 5, 2026
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💻 Location: Via Zoom
Featured Business Partner
Titanium Partner Spotlight
Adams & Martin Group
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Connecting law firms and legal departments across the U.S. with top-tier legal talent.
Adams & Martin Group is a premier legal staffing services company specializing in temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire placements, as well as attorney search and document review services. Their team of dedicated recruiters—many of whom are former legal professionals—brings industry insight, strong networks, and active involvement in legal associations to every placement. |
Welcome New Members!
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We're Glad You're Here ✨Please join us in welcoming our newest members to the Golden Gate Chapter. We’re excited to have you as part of this community and look forward to the connections, ideas, and energy you bring. ✨ Kate Bristol — Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld ✨ Carolyn Archibald — Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP |
Month Spotlight
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More Than a Month — A Moment to Refocus |
May reminds us that strong organizations aren’t built on performance alone; they’re built on people, culture, and care. This month highlights both the importance of mental well-being and the value of diverse voices shaping our profession.
🧠 Mental Health Awareness Month
In a profession driven by deadlines and high stakes, mental well-being is not optional — it’s essential. This month is a reminder to check in, not just on output, but on each other.
Explore Mental Health Month resources ►🌏 Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
A time to recognize the generations of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities whose leadership, resilience, and contributions continue to shape our legal system and our communities.
Learn more about AAPI Heritage Month ►These values shape how we show up as a chapter—through the conversations we create, the programs we offer, and the communities we support.
CLM
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Professional Development Certified Legal Manager (CLM) |
The CLM designation is the gold standard for legal management professionals, demonstrating mastery across the core competencies required to lead and support modern law firms effectively.
Why it matters
Through a combination of experience, coursework, and examination, CLM certification validates your expertise in the business of law—positioning you as a trusted leader within your organization.
How the chapter supports you
The Golden Gate Chapter provides funding for study groups and offers financial support for members who successfully pass the CLM exam—helping you invest in your growth with confidence.
Upcoming Events
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Law Day of Action 📅 May 1, 2026 🕒 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 📍 Phillip Burton Federal Building Plaza, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102 Join us to celebrate Law Day, our Constitution, and stand for the Rule of Law. |
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Small Firm Roundtable - Hybrid 📅 May 6, 2026 🕒 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 📍 Montgomery Building Inc. Join your fellow Small Firm Administrators for an engaging, collaborative discussion on challenges, opportunities, and practical solutions for small law firms. |
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Mental Health Walk 📅 May 12, 2026 🕒 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 SF Ferry Building - Terminal E Join us for a 2-mile walk in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. |
Job Bank
Current Job Bank Listings
ALA Code of Ethics
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Professional Standards ALA Code of Ethics Reminder |
As members of ALA, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. The ALA Code of Ethics serves as a foundation for how we engage with one another and our profession.
Anti-Trust Awareness
Do not discuss wages, billable hour requirements, benefits, or similar compensation-related topics with other ALA members. These conversations may arise during roundtables or casual interactions—please rely on approved resources such as salary surveys instead.
Confidentiality & Professional Integrity
Avoid requesting unofficial references for candidates from colleagues. This can place others in inappropriate positions and may violate confidentiality expectations, particularly where separation agreements 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.
