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Are you an Apple or PC user? Could you imagine no Crtl Alt Delete? As a dominant and highly active member in the Mile High chapter of ALA, Terri-Moore Natal brings us through her unconventional journey into the legal management world. Terri-Moore Natal walks us through how her time at a call center translated into her work as a paralegal and law firm administrator. Join us for this thoughtful conversation about career paths to firm culture all the way to an incredible cause for Terri's "Pitch Your Passion".
Terri has been in both corporate and legal industry management since 2003. Terri has background as a Paralegal, Administrator, Human Resources Manager, and Executive Services Manager, while wearing many hats in between. That versatility lends itself to Terri’s current role, which is to manage the daily operational needs of Holzer Patel Drennan so that its attorneys, paralegals, and staff can focus on meeting the needs of our intellectual property clients.
As a proud Air Force brat, Terri has been fortunate enough to live on both the East and West coasts as well as Italy and England. While Colorado has been Terri’s home for over 20 years, she and her spouse continue to travel whenever possible.
How do you earn the nickname “Major Problem Solver” throughout the course of your career? We won’t say it comes solely from holding a variety of positions and working your way up in the legal industry, but that’s a great place to start.
Brandi Hobbs (Director of Operations and Process Improvement at Offit Kurman) started her career thinking she was going to be an attorney, but now she’s a strategic change innovator and has a Master of Professional Studies in Law Firm Management from the George Washington University, one of the only schools to offer such a program.
You won’t want to miss this fascinating discussion on the sheer impact marketing can have on law firms. Brandi has some wild insight to share that just might blow your mind!
Director of Operations & Process Improvement, Offit Kurman
Brandi Hobbs is an Accredited Legal Professional and has a Master of Professional Studies in Law Firm Management from the George Washington University. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from Pepperdine University. After working with professional speakers for almost 7 years, Brandi moved to legal, starting as a temp “Executive Assistant” to the office managing partner of the largest law firm in the world at the time. After a two-year trial by fire, she wedded her speaker management and law practice experience to move into law firm marketing and later, law firm management. Brandi has almost 20 years of professional services management experience across industries and is passionate about ensuring her firm’s clients are receiving the best service possible from the professionals they hire.
Pitch Your Passion:
Thanks for tuning in! Join us back here next week for episode 3 with Kyle Weigand.
Lyn Calu (Regional Office Administrator at Dinsmore & Shohl) and Michael Keatts (Regional Office Administrator at Bowman and Brooke) began their friendship at Bowman and Brooke where they navigated the waters of a firm with over 300 people. In this inaugural episode, Lyn and Michael discuss what it’s like managing teams through two different lenses and juggling the dynamics that inevitably emerge from working at a firm of such magnitude.
From crazy Tarzan-themed ALA parties to creating the glue that leads to lasting bonds, Rob, Amanda, Lyn, and Michael laugh their way through stories about loincloths and the Vegas Strip, all while uncovering the secrets to standing out in a crowded world and getting the job done.
Regional Office Administrator, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Lyn Calu is currently a Regional Office Administrator for Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. She sets up house in the Troy, Michigan office and is responsible for the management of three offices including the Troy and Ann Arbor, Michigan offices as well as the Groton, Connecticut location. She began her legal management career in the late 90’s, however, has worked for law firms since 1985. Lyn has worked and managed in the corporate sector as well as in private law firms. She has been a member of ALA since 2006 serving in multiple Board capacities for the Metropolitan Detroit Chapter beginning in 2007 and running through 2017; her roles throughout the years included Newsletter Editor, Secretary, and President. Lyn did take a “break” from law for approximately a year and went to work for a non-profit organization, MMSDC (Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council). While it was a welcome change and something Lyn felt passionate about being involved in, it was clear she needed to return to the legal field. Lyn also had involvement in and served on boards for her kid's schools and also for the DPD (former DPFA – Detroit Police Family Association). Lyn likes to have fun both in her personal and professional life, enjoying every day – while attempting to find the right balance for all. She has been involved in drag racing (mostly on the race track), loves the outdoors, and her family so recently purchased property “up north” in Michigan for her and her family to enjoy outdoor activities. Lyn has been married to Dan since 1987 (yes, I am that old!) and they have two absolutely fabulous adult children.
Regional Office Administrator, Bowman and Brooke LLP
Michael Keatts is a Regional Office Administrator for Bowman and Brooke LLP. He is based in the firm’s Richmond, Virginia office but also manages the firm’s New Brunswick, NJ office. Michael first began his legal administration career as a branch administrator in the Washington, DC office of Wright, Robinson, Osthimer & Tatum. After 8 years with that firm, his family relocated to Richmond where he became the firm administrator for a 10-attorney boutique firm that practiced insurance defense and plaintiff’s employment work. In that role, he oversaw HR, IT, facilities, marketing, and finance. In 2011, he joined Bowman and Brooke. Michael has been a member of ALA since 2004 where he has served two years as president of the Richmond Chapter, two years as a Regional Representative at the International level, been a member of the Annual Conference Committee, served on the Associations Nominating Committee and most recently served three years on the Membership Development Committee. Michael received his bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and his master’s degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. He is the father of three and husband of one.
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Patricia Lauwers as I say in my opening. Her obituary link is here:
Michael's Pitch Your Passion Resources:
Lyn's Pitch Your Passion Resources:
The upcoming ALA conferences can be found here: https://www.alanet.org/events/save-the-date
Thanks for tuning in! Join us next week for Episode 3 with Tina Terrian and Chris Sims!
