Staff Profiles
Cathy Dacanay
Adiam Gebremicael
Paula Gunnell
Frank Lopez
Nina Zentner
Cathy Dacanay, Attorney Recruitment
Joined Hanson Bridgett in February 2003
Coming from a large firm, I was curious to discover what it would be like to work in a mid-sized law firm based solely in California. I also wanted to see how Hanson Bridgett survived the downturn in the economy. During the interview process it was refreshing to learn that the firm was not greatly affected by the dot-com bust. One of the reasons for the firm's success is that Hanson Bridgett has taken a more measured approach to hiring and expanding.
I am glad that I was given the opportunity to become a part of the Hanson Bridgett family. Since I have been here, the people in the firm—partners, associates, staff—have made working here fulfilling and enjoyable.
Adiam Gebremicael, Litigation Case Clerk
Joined Hanson Bridgett in May 2002
I joined Hanson Bridgett shortly after college. I had long heard about Hanson's reputation before I applied at the firm. The accolades proved to be true. I feel tremendously lucky to work for a firm that is committed not only to its staff but our greater community as well. Rarely have I experienced a company so eager and encouraging of its employees to pitch a hand. I have personally been involved in a number of volunteer programs sponsored by the firm. Along with coordinating an annual toy drive for Head Start programs in San Francisco, I also participate in the firm's School Partnership program at Enola Maxwell Middle School.
As a case clerk for the Product Liability and Intellectual Property Sections I feel like a valued member of the team. The attorneys I work with constantly challenge me to use all my skills as well as to develop new ones along the way. The sense of team spirit and respect between the staff is unsurpassed. I look forward to continuing to grow with the firm for a long time to come.
Paula Gunnell
Well, here I am 19 years later, sitting in our Marin office looking out over the Bay, the sun is shining and all's right with the world. Most of my life I had been a self-employed legal secretary temping in downtown S.F. One of my dear friends, and a good client of the Firm, told me of an opening and arranged an interview for me. I was immediately impressed by the friendly and casual atmosphere, but more importantly, the integrity of the attorneys and staff. The Firm was much smaller in those days and many of the original partners were working here. They were of the "old school," gentlemen and scholars. Having experienced many different offices, it was refreshing to see a city firm with down home values. The old guard has mostly gone now, but their values and integrity still stand. Through the years we have expanded (hence my move to the Marin office), but we have kept the warmth and human aspect that is so important for success. I am happy to see how much pro bono work is done by our attorneys and the various charities that we not only support financially but physically. If you have to work... this is the place!
Frank Lopez, Marketing Director
Joined Hanson Bridgett in August 1997
I was drawn to Hanson Bridgett initially out of curiosity as I had little idea of what marketing meant within the legal field. I felt an immediate connection with the attorneys with whom I interviewed. Along with them, I learned that the emerging field of law firm marketing has more to do with interacting with clients in an ever more businesslike manner—stressing service and predictability—than anything else. I enjoy the firm for the camaraderie that exists between its players—attorneys and staff alike—and the self-reflective eye it casts upon itself to assess the current nature of the firm and where it hopes to go. I would recommend a career at Hanson Bridgett for its stability and genial atmosphere, but also because it is the rare place that really encourages everyone to act upon their ideas for change and innovation, knowing that ideas will be evaluated on their merit rather than their source of origin.
Nina Zentner
I joined Hanson Bridgett when Rudy, Rapoport and Holden merged with the firm in December 1985. I was Sidney Rudy's secretary as well as office manager. Coming from a 12 person firm to a large one (117 at the time) was culture shock. As well as working with Sidney Rudy, I became legal secretary to Gerry Marcus, Jonathan Storper and a few others. Now though I believe I have found my true niche... in administration and as assistant to Mary Sherman in HR. I enjoy my job interacting with just about everyone.
Hanson Bridgett has changed over the years, but to me it still retains its feeling of a big family. There are many people who were here when we joined in 1985 and that can only mean one thing...it's a great place to work!
