Fifteen years ago, Laurie and Erin founded Montage Legal Group, and were credited with coining the term “freelance law,” starting a new wave of freelance lawyers, and for changing the legal industry by creating a platform for attorneys to help them stay in the legal market in an alternative manner. Montage started with just a handful of former BigLaw lawyers in its network, and for years, Laurie and Erin ran the business side of Montage without any employees.
Since then, Montage has expanded into a team of 7 employees, and a platform of over 450 active independent contractor freelance lawyers! Montage is known for it’s exceptional contract attorneys with credentials from top law schools and prestigious law firms, but not many people know the Montage team that keeps the business running. Proud to be a women-owned business, Montage’s executive team is an impressive squad who work together to connect freelance attorneys with law firms and in-house legal departments so they can tackle any legal project need.
We are so excited to introduce you to our Montage employees who make Montage the best in the business!
Jennifer Barnes – Chief Financial Officer
Jennifer manages invoicing, billing, bookkeeping and accounting tasks for Montage. A mom and stepmom of two sets of twin boys, Jennifer graduated from CSU-Fullerton with a Bachelor’s in Business/Accounting. Before joining Montage, Jennifer enjoyed a successful career at RSM US, LLP and Bank of America. She aids the homeless in her spare time by volunteering at Our Father’s Table and cooking with her son at Orange County Rescue Mission.
Erin Johnson – Director of Administration
Montage’s first employee, Erin handles operations including scheduling, marketing, and other administrative tasks. Erin graduated from UCSD’s Revelle College before earning her MBA at University of Redlands. Erin’s prior work experience includes event planning for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and sales and marketing at AT&T Wireless. Traveling with her husband and three children is Erin’s favorite thing to do!
Kristin Martin – Director of Project Coordination
Kristin connects clients, including law firms and in-house legal departments, with Montage’s freelance attorneys on a project basis. A graduate of UCLA, Kristin obtained her JD from Loyola Law School. Kristin began her career at Haight, Brown & Bonesteel LLP before joining Gartenberg, Gelfand, Wasson & Seldon LLP where she gained expertise in trade secret litigation. As a busy mother of four boys, you can usually find her at a baseball field cheering them on.
Amanda Hunt – Project Coordinator
Amanda connects clients, including law firms and in-house legal departments, with Montage’s freelance attorneys on a project basis and assists with screening attorneys. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from UCSD and obtained her Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law. Amanda began her career at Paul Hastings LLP then joined Carlton, DiSante & Freudenberger LLP (now CDF Labor Law LLP) to continue her practice in labor and employment litigation defense. She loves watching live concerts with her two girls.
Brenda Price – Project Coordinator
Brenda handles the coordination of projects for law firm clients and freelance attorneys, as well as assisting management with administrative tasks. Prior to joining the Montage team, Brenda spent five years as a full-time stay-at-home mom to her daughter while she earned her California Real Estate license. Brenda’s prior work experience includes business administration, customer service, non-profit work, and event planning as well as co-hosting a lifestyle podcast mainly focused on relationships and mental health. In her free time, Brenda enjoys live music, volunteering in her daughter’s school PTA, participating in community events and traveling.
Stephanie Kutrumbis – Project Coordinator
Stephanie provides support to management and assists with project coordination and marketing for Montage. Prior to being a busy stay-at-home mom to her two children, Stephanie managed the legal recruiting department for the Los Angeles office of K&L Gates, LLP. Born in Washington, D.C., Stephanie enjoys living in Southern California and spending time outdoors. She also enjoys traveling with her family.
Suzanne Picariello – Project Coordinator
Suzanne handles the coordination of projects for law firm clients and freelance attorneys. Suzanne earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in Spanish before going on to obtain her Juris Doctor at Seton Hall University School of Law. Suzanne was an associate at Shanley and Fisher (now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP) in New Jersey, where she developed legal expertise in the bankruptcy field. Dedicated to her family, Suzanne has focused on raising her three daughters and remains actively involved in her community, volunteering with various organizations and contributing significantly to local initiatives.
Laurie Rowen – Co-Owner/Founder
A graduate of UCLA, Laurie attended University of San Diego School of Law where she served as an editor of the law review and as President of the Student Bar Association before starting her career at Snell & Wilmer, LLP. Laurie left Snell & Wilmer after having her first daughter and co-founded Montage Legal Group with Erin Giglia in early 2009. Laurie currently serves on the Board of Directors of Orange County Women Lawyers Association (OCWLA) and the USD Law Orange County Alumni Chapter Board of Directors. Laurie founded a children and teen philanthropy club called CA Kids Giving Back, which she helps manage with her two daughters and their friends.
Erin Giglia – Co-Owner/Founder
Erin graduated from Wellesley College before attending University of San Diego School of Law, where she was a member of the San Diego Law Review. After law school, Erin practiced complex commercial litigation at Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison before joining Snell & Wilmer, LLP. After leaving Snell and Wilmer, Erin co-founded Montage Legal Group with Laurie Rowen in 2009. In addition to her legal career, Erin serves on the Board of Directors of WISEPlace, the University of San Diego School of Law Alumni Board of Directors, and the USD Law Orange County Alumni Chapter. Erin regularly gives continuing legal education presentations on ethical issues related to freelance attorneys, and is also a frequent podcast guest. She loves traveling, reading fiction, and live music.
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