Get a Free Demo
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!
You may be asking yourself, why should I listen to a podcast about legal management? The answer is simple: as a pioneer in law firm tech sales and a seasoned law firm leader, Rob and Amanda have combined experience of almost 25 years in the legal industry. These two industry titans have seen it all and have some crazy stories to tell with guests that won’t fail to keep you on your toes. But this show won’t be about academic issues surrounding legal management, unruly clients, or the practice of law itself; instead, it will focus on the lives of the people who make law firms run, the ones who humanize an industry that is arguably the most cutthroat in the world. So buckle your seatbelts, we’re about to take a ride. Don’t believe us? Find out for yourself.
VP of Marketing & Sales, Centerbase
Rob Joyner is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Centerbase. With almost 8 years of experience in the legal tech industry, Rob has been a pivotal part in the development and evolution of Centerbase.
Rob received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of North Texas and is a member of Revenue Collective, a private, invitation-only community of sales and marketing executives at growth-focused companies.
A Texas native, Rob and his beautiful wife Michelle, share the sweetest and coolest 3 year old twins in the world, Ames and Joules.
And if that wasn’t enough, aside from running Centerbase and being a great father and husband, Rob is also an artist! He enjoys painting large, abstract paintings, with most of his pieces reaching over 6’ in at least one dimension. If you’re curious to check it out, you can find his art @paintedjoyner on Instagram.
Executive Director, ShuffieldLowman
Amanda Koplos, CLM, CPA, is the Executive Director for Central Florida-based Shuffield, Lowman and Wilson, P.A. She has almost 17 years of experience in law firm management at firms of multiple sizes. Amanda received her bachelor’s degree in communications from Texas State University and her MBA with a concentration in accounting from St. Edward’s University. She is also proud to hold the distinction of Certified Legal Manager - CLM. Legal management isn’t just a career for Amanda, it’s a passion. In support of that passion, Amanda has been active in the Association of Legal Administrators since 2005. She has held numerous positions at the local, regional and international levels. In May 2021 she began a 3-year term as a member of the Board of Directors. Amanda is also a frequent speaker on legal management topics having given or moderated sessions on: DEI&A, budgeting and accounting, facilities and office moves, and social media.
Amanda is a native of Central Texas but has made her home in Orlando, FL with her husband and two kids since the end of 2018. In her “spare” time, Amanda and her husband are huge NFL fans. She roots exclusively for the Green Bay Packers and shows her devotion with action figures, stock ownership, fuzzy dice and a small, discrete, tastefully placed tattoo.
A few colleges with degrees or certificates in legal management:
States that currently allow non-lawyer ownership of law firms as of air date:
California
The American Bar Association approved a resolution encouraging states and other jurisdictions to “consider innovative approaches to expanding access to justice with the goal of improving affordability and quality of civil legal services.”
Texas Opinion on the Job Titles for Non-Lawyer employees
