Nelson Valdez – Perkins Coie
President

Nelson Valdez is the President of PLTG and the Technology Education Manager at Perkins Coie LLP. In his role, he is responsible for the development and execution of the firm’s technology education strategy. With 20 years of experience in supporting the learning and development needs of Big Law firms,

Nelson is a seasoned professional who is solution-focused and values relationships that foster mutual growth. Nelson is also at the forefront of supporting the training of attorneys and business professionals in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at Perkins Coie LLP. He facilitates the adoption and effective use of AI tools such as Copilot and a private ChatGPT-powered tool, ensuring that the firm's personnel are well-equipped to leverage these technologies for enhanced efficiency and innovation in legal services. His dedication to continuous improvement and his commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to Perkins Coie LLP and the broader professional community.

Nelson holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. In addition to his professional responsibilities, he teaches Mathematics and Computer Science courses at a private college in Westchester, NY.

Jeff Casper – Selendy Gay PLLC
Past President

Jeff is currently the Manager of Learning & User Experience at Selendy Gay PLLC.  He cut his teeth in legal IT as a temp in high-pressure word processing departments all across NYC, keeping the roof on as he pursued a performing career.  As he transitioned to training, Jeff has worked both in-house (for Kirkland & Ellis and Goodwin Proctor), and as a contract trainer, including through his own consultancy, New Vista Consulting.  Throughout, Jeff has married his “in the trenches” application understanding with story-telling acumen, as he looks to connect people with essential technology in the most enjoyable, meaningful ways.  Jeff is also a Prosci-certified Change Management Practitioner.  He has served as both President and Co-VP/Secretary for PLTG over the years, and is deeply appreciative of the impact and support PLTG has provided in his career and friendships.

Dan Earley – Paul Hastings LLP
Co-Vice President/Secretary

Dan has worked in the technology field for 30 years. He began working with a start-up company and a consulting firm. His 25-year legal technology experience began with Morrison & Foerster and continues with Paul Hastings. Amongst many roles, he has always been a liaison between the technology and the business. Currently, he consults internally and is a content creator in his role as a Digital Learning Specialist.

Dan has developed webinars, educational programs and helped to edit e-learning technology books. He is passionate about helping others to understand and adapt to technology that assists them in their daily lives and supports the business. He has previously served as Co-Vice President of Membership on the PLTG board.

Cindy is the IT Education and UX manager at Blank Rome LLP and has been in the IT Education field for more than 25 years with 15 of those years in legal. She finds being involved in all aspects of the legal tech environment fun and interesting.  She enjoys the challenges and the rewards associated with helping people to get the most out of technology, and she is inspired by seeing the lightbulb light for a learner.  Cindy loves collaborating with others and learning new things, she believes that one of the most important roles of an effective teacher is to continue to learn. Whether it be taking classes, creating courseware, reading, observing, or questioning, you will often find Cindy with some form of learning at her fingertips.

Cindy is a former two term Co-Vice President/Secretary of PLTG.

To balance out all that Tech, Cindy enjoys creative endeavors such as photography and photoshop, crafts with the kids and grandkids, and many Arts related projects.

Dawn Bolston is the Technology Training Supervisor at Latham & Watkins LLP. She graduated from Pace University with a degree in Human Resource Management and a minor in Information Systems. Additionally, she holds a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Purdue University Global and a Microsoft Expert Certification in Word 2016.

Dawn has over 25 years of experience as a Technology Trainer. She began her career as a Training Consultant for Productivity Point International (PPI) before transitioning to the legal technology sector. Prior to joining Latham & Watkins, Dawn worked at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, and Graubard, Mollen & Miller LLP.

Dawn is a former two-term president of PLTG (2004 and 2016) and has served as co-vice president/secretary on the Board of Directors, as well as on the Programs and Events and Bylaws committees.

In her spare time, Dawn enjoys dancing, spending quality time with her husband, Michael, and working with the youth at her church.

In addition to working with firms such as Heller Ehrman and Weil Gotshal, Moji has also worked with companies in various industries such as the Blue Man Group, People Magazine, and Goldman Sachs.

Even though Moji started as a computer engineer at Lehigh University, her eventual theatre degree and minor in computer science foreshadowed a flourishing career in technology training.

Mojisola Shabi hails from Brooklyn, NY, likes listening to British radio shows and makes short films.

Carol Gerber – Cooley LLP
Co-Treasurer

Carol Gerber has a long and storied career in legal technology.  Carol holds a J.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a Masters in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. 

Carol has been a Trainer, a Knowledge Management team member, a Project Manager, a Product Manager and a Business Analyst in large and small law firms in New York City.  In each of these positions, she has used her experience as a practicing attorney to help firms deliver better products for their users.  In her spare time, Carol enjoys cryptic crosswords and is learning Japanese.

Mischa Kischkum – WilmerHale LLP
Co-Treasurer

Mischa Kischkum is WilmerHale’s Information Services Department’s Learning Management System Administrator and Technology Training Coordinator, the longest title he has ever held.  He works with firm management developing training programs for staff, supports teams which deliver CLE training to attorneys, oversees a team of administrators for the firm’s Learning Management System (LMS), and manages the features and uses of the LMS.  However, his work as Chair of PLTG’s Programs & Events Committee is some of the most rewarding work he has accomplished, and he invites you to join the committee and see how the donuts are made.

Colleen Brown (Savvy) – Savvy Training & Consulting
Vendor Representative

Colleen has played several key roles in the legal industry and in education, from third grade teacher to firm administrator. Before joining Savvy Training & Consulting, she served as a senior leader in a DC law firm for 10 years, collaborating with firm leaders and managing all aspects of the staff and operations. Colleen spent 5 life-changing years as a NYC school teacher and continues her commitment to our kids through her work on the board of Champions for Children DC . No matter the mission, she leads with curiosity, authenticity, and commitment.

Colleen earned a B.S. from The College of William and Mary, an M.S. in Education from Mercy College, and professional certifications in Leadership Coaching, Organizational Development, and Strategic Communication from Georgetown University.