Florence P. Aranda

Florence P. Aranda
Riverside Office
Joined BM&M in 1998

A self-described "report-crazy person," Florence Aranda has her hands on the pulse of Benthale, McKibbin & McKnight.

As manager of five law offices, "Flo" is responsible for a myriad of duties including overseeing all administrative staff, creating job descriptions, monitoring performance, administering to new business, balancing accounts, pension plans, payroll and more.

"At the end of the day, I have to make sure everything is running smoothly and we are on track with our business goals," says Flo, who is in her eleventh year with the firm.

A former legal secretary, Flo began her career in family law in San Diego. She had gone through paralegal school for the purpose of learning more about family law, but after a couple of years found that it was a little too repetitive for her liking.

"I wouldn't call myself a workaholic, but I do like a challenge and I like to stay busy," she says.

Flo was recruited by the practice as a legal secretary for Ed McKnight. When Ed opened the Los Angeles office, she declined to join him because the commute would take away from time with her family. She then served for a short time as an "overflow" secretary for multiple attorneys. Her skills led her to become secretary for practice founder Ed Benthale.

I enjoyed working for Ed, but I have to admit it was kind of boring because he's so organized," she says with a laugh. "When the office manager position came up I thought it was a job that would keep me busy."

She was right. Soon after the Los Angeles office opened, the practice opened three more offices. Flo soon had a full plate of responsibilities and has never looked back.

"I'm not obsessive/compulsive or anything but I do like things organized. I do a lot of reports, because good reports help make good decisions."

Flo spends weekends and vacation time with her family.

"My husband and daughters all ride dirt bikes so we have a lot of fun camping and often spend long weekends in San Diego," she says. "I don't ride but I enjoy watching. I'm the Band-Aid mom. According to my husband one of my favorite things to do is go shopping, and I guess that's about right."