Meet Our Board of Directors
2023-2024
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
ERIKA GARDUNO
President
Erika Garduno began her legal career in Los Angeles in 1995 and in 2007, she moved to the Coachella Valley.
She has been a member of Desert Palm Legal Professionals Association since 2011 and has held every board position at the local level. From 2016 to 2023, she has served at the state level as Social Media Chair; Tech Committee; Liaison to the Law Practice Management and Technology Section of the California Lawyers Association; Career Professional Liaison; and member of the LPI Marketing Committee. In addition, she has been elected as LPI's 2023-2024 Treasurer.
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In August 2017, Erika was awarded the first ever Rising Star Award presented by LPI President Jennifer L. Page, CCLS. Erika has also received the following awards: Elevate Award, and President's Award (state and local level).
KATHLEEN GORHAM
Vice President
Originally from the San Fernando Valley, Kathleen has lived in Palm Springs since 1990 with her husband, Tom.
Kathleen has served in the legal profession for 34 years and earned a Paralegal Studies Certificate from UC Davis. She is the Probate Paralegal at Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney and has been an active member of the Desert Palm Legal Professionals Association since 2011. A member of the Palm Springs Film Society and the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Kathleen has served DPLPA in the following capacities: Parliamentarian, Education and Training Chair, Bylaws Committee member, Program Chair, Conference Co-Chair, and as President.
PAUL GRANT
Secretary & Treasurer
Paul Grant is a native of the Coachella Valley and has worked at Walter Clark Legal Group since 2018. He is currently finishing his Communication Studies B.A. degree at Cal State San Bernardino University.
Paul has a passion for helping clients with his result-oriented thinking. His experience and skills-set helps him achieve a positive outcome and case resolution for all his clients.
In his spare time, Paul enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and relaxing at the beach.
AMY MANN, CCLS
Governor &
Parliamentarian
Amy Mann, CCLS began her legal career in 1992. She has worked as a receptionist, bookkeeper, demand writer, and case manager for personal injury attorneys over the past 30 years. She has worked at Walter Clark Legal Group since 2001 as a Litigation Manager.
Amy feels very blessed to have had such a successful career where she has learned so much, and she is now able to use her experience to help others who are just starting their legal career.
Amy has been a member of DPLPA since 2016 and she currently serves as DPLPA’s Governor and Parliamentarian.