Who We Are
Gibson Arnold & Associates is dedicated to providing outstanding results to the legal community.
Over 40 Years of Experience
Founded in Houston in 1981 by entrepreneur, Yahne Gibson, Gibson Arnold & Associates was one of the first recruiting and staffing agencies to focus on the legal industry nationally and internationally.
We developed a business concept that quickly earned a reputation for quality and professionalism. This time-tested formula remains the foundation of our highly accomplished business model and the reason for our decades of service to the legal community.
Led by Melinda Delmonico (CEO), GAA is recognized as a certified woman-owned business by the SBA (Small Business Association).
We operate globally with 3 office locations
Denver, Colorado | Golden, Colorado | Houston, Texas
Awards
Industries We Serve
We have considerable experience in the legal industry, but that’s not all - our clients are from a variety of industries, and we provide candidates in every practice area.
- Legal (Law Firms)
- Advertising
- Banking & Finance
- Communication
- Consumer Services
- Education
- Energy
- Environmental
- Food & Nutrition
- Government
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
- Media
- Non-profit
- Oil & Gas
- Pharmaceuticals
- Private Equity
- Real Estate
- And more
Some of our past successes include:
Type of Client
Fortune 500 Healthcare Company
AMLaw 100 Oil and Gas Law Firm
Fortune 500 Telecommunications Company
Fortune 500 Entertainment Company
AmLaw 100 Full-service Law Firm
AmLaw 100 Full-service Law Firm
Fortune 500 Oil and Gas Company
Fortune 100 Companies and Firms
Services Provided
Deputy and Assistant General Counsel searches
Lateral Partner searches
Fortune 500 Telecommunications Company
Corporate Counsel searches
Relevancy and Privilege Document Reviews
Lateral Associate searches
In House searches
Counsel, Sr. Counsel & Managing Counsel level placements
Why Work With Us
The simple fact of the matter is that on paper, finding a job or finding an employee is pretty simple, but there is a significant difference between simple and easy. The time and effort you expend on the search can be extensive; sometimes it seems like finding a new job is itself a full-time job, which is why you should partner with Gibson Arnold & Associates; let us do the legwork, while you concentrate on your core business or practice.
Experience
We have been putting employers and candidates together for over 40 years. Our recruiters are steeped in the unspoken protocol of the hiring world, familiar with the requirements of both employers and candidates, and bridge the divide between the two. We cannot only find the right candidate, we know the ins and outs of building a deal that is equitable, fair, and advantageous to both sides.
Reach
Gibson Arnold & Associates’ recruiters have access to a national pool of candidates, with whatever skill sets you need, in whatever market you need them.
Network
Gibson Arnold & Associates works with employers across the country, and even internationally, giving us access to a wide network of jobs that are not otherwise accessible.
Expertise
Gibson Arnold & Associates’ recruiters are professional matchmakers, putting candidates and employers together on a daily basis. We know what questions to ask, what the answers mean, and when the answers signify a good or bad fit between an employer and a candidate.
Effort
Partnering with Gibson Arnold & Associates means we shoulder some of the load. For employers, that means we conduct the search and screen the respondents, only passing the most qualified on to you. For candidates, that means we make the connections to employers, and help you to put your best foot forward. Either way, it means less hassle and a better match for you.
memberships + Sponsorships
IDEA Commitment:
At Gibson Arnold & Associates, we embrace & prioritize our clients’ commitment to IDEA in the workplace. To us, inclusion is about fostering a sense of value in employees, diversity is about differences, equity is about providing the tools for access, and accessibility is ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities.
Here is what we are doing at GAA to ensure that our clients’ commitment to IDEA is represented to prospective hires and carried out amongst our search process:
- Focus on sourcing qualified, diverse candidates for our clients.
- Abide by fair sourcing, interviewing, hiring, and on-boarding practices.
- Dedication to working with clients who share our commitment to fostering a sense of value and empowerment in employees.
- Continued learning and advocating as a voice in the legal community to educate others.
- Creating a culture of IDEA within our own workplace.
Our Team of Advisors
Melinda Delmonico
President and CEO
Denver | Houston | National
Melinda Delmonico
President and CEO
As President and CEO of Gibson Arnold & Associates, Melinda Delmonico provides the organization with strategic vision and leadership in serving the national legal community. Melinda has significant industry experience and unique expertise regarding the company’s business and operations. For nearly two decades she has developed relationships with hiring managers and partners in the legal community, gaining a first-hand understanding of the industries and practice areas important to her clients.
“When I joined Gibson Arnold & Associates, I was starting from scratch. Today, my network of professional connections spans the nation. I attribute our success in this field to listening, providing outstanding service and getting results for our clients and candidates.”
Melinda joined Gibson Arnold & Associates in 1992, opening the company’s Denver office. She acquired the company from founder Yahne Gibson, in 2004. Prior to joining Gibson Arnold & Associates, Melinda worked as a Director for CMS/Data Corporation (now Aderant), which provides financial information and time-based billing software and systems for law firms.
Melinda holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communication, with a minor in journalism, from Texas A&M University. She is an associate member of the Denver/Colorado Bar Association, as well as a member of the Corporate Secretary Association, the Alliance of Professional Women and the Denver Metro Chamber. As part of the Chamber, she has participated in Leadership Denver class of 2011, Leadership Exchange 2009, and Access Denver 2010. She frequently speaks to organizations and law schools about the legal industry and job market. Melinda also previously served as President of the Jeffco Schools Foundation. She is currently a board member of ALIGHT, an organization dedicated to unlocking a fresh start for human trafficking survivors.
Gibson Arnold & Associates belongs to or sponsors a wide range of legal professional organizations, in which Melinda participates. These include NAPS (the National Association of Personnel Services) and the national and local (Denver, Houston and Los Angeles) chapters of organizations for lawyers, paralegals, support staff, administrators, litigation support and electronic discovery.
“I’ve learned so much from my parents – from my father, a philosopher and Hungarian freedom fighter who came to the United States in 1950; and from my mother, who was able to build a successful business from the ground up. Because of their experience, I have a unique appreciation for democracy and free expression of thought.”
Outside the office, Melinda enjoys spending time with her husband and three active sons at their home in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. She is eagerly studying and practicing the Hungarian language. In addition, Melinda enjoys reading, designing jewelry and following politics.
Scott Delmonico
Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Scott Delmonico
Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Scott Delmonico is Gibson Arnold & Associates’ Chief Financial and Operating Officer. With more than 42 years working in the legal field, he manages the company’s day-to-day business, financial and strategic operations. His number one priority is to provide exceptional staffing and recruiting services to law firms and corporate legal departments.
Scott’s responsible for the day-to-day operations and works closely with the company’s in-house counsel, legal recruiters, IT manager and administrative staff. He oversees the company’s financial reports, tax filings, budgets, payroll services, compliance procedures, corporate leases, vendor contracts and client agreements.
Scott joined his wife, Melinda, at Gibson Arnold in 1995, and became an equity partner in 2004. Prior to that, he had a long and rewarding career spanning over twenty years in the financial operations at three of Denver’s prominent law firms. He holds an MBA Degree in Finance and Accounting from Regis University and a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science from the University of Denver.
Listening to music, writing poetry, ad-libbing on the piano, spending time with family/friends, feeling the warmth of sunshine on his face, and spending time in nature are some of Scott’s passions, and quirks. As a 3rd generation Coloradan, he enjoys time outdoors, especially westward in the mountains where the peak tops touch the blue sky and solitude abounds.
His personal beliefs and innate style are driven by respect for others, truth over matter, unconditional fairness, solid work ethics and basic common sense. Values learned at an early age while in business for himself delivering the morning newspaper (The Rocky Mountain News) on a heavy-duty Schwinn bike in the snow, uphill, and against the wind.
“Life goes on within you and without you”
Geo. Harrison
Think – Engage – Inspire – Live – and Let Live!
Elisha Breiner-Dodge
General Counsel and Senior Managing Director
Denver | Houston | National
Elisha Breiner-Dodge
General Counsel and Senior Managing Director
Elisha (Breiner) Dodge is General Counsel and Senior Managing Director at Gibson Arnold & Associates. Her recruiting experience runs deep, over 20 years with GAA. In her role, she actively recruits in-house attorney candidates and lateral partners for full-time placements. She focuses mainly on positions based in Colorado but has staffed nationally for GAA’s clients.
She also manages the company’s legal affairs, allowing the recruiters, companywide, to focus on providing top-quality service to law firm and corporate clients and candidates.
In addition to these roles, Elisha is also GAA’s lead e-Discovery Manager. She supervises all of our document review projects and data breach assignments. Elisha brings 20 years of experience and has seen it all when it comes to review projects.
Elisha holds a law degree from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas. While in school, she worked at bankruptcy law firm as a law clerk. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Prior to joining Gibson Arnold & Associates in a full-time capacity, Elisha worked for GAA as a contract attorney and a supervising contract attorney.
Elaina McMillan
Director of Talent Acquisition
Denver | Houston | National
Elaina McMillan
Director of Talent Acquisition
Elaina McMillan is Director of Talent Acquisition at Gibson Arnold & Associates, Inc., where she leads our Distinguished Legal Advisors® program.
With nearly 30 years of experience generating connections that have led to fulfilling partnerships, Elaina’s unique skill set and expertise make her an excellent fit for the Distinguished Legal Advisors® division. Her commitment to client satisfaction has resulted in extraordinary results and lasting business relationships. Prior to being a member of our team, Elaina spent nearly 20 years in the dating service and matchmaking industry, which has proven to be an excellent training ground for recruiting. Other roles include Clinical Hypnotherapist, Execuite Coach, and Motivational Spearker for businesses, universities, and retreats. Elaina also enjoys travel & exploration. quality time with friends & family, and oversharing via standup comedy.
Kenton Oates
Director of Talent Acquisition
Houston | Denver | National
Kenton Oates
Director of Talent Acquisition
Kenton Oates is a Director of Talent Acquisition for Texas and other national markets. Kenton utilizes his legal education and executive recruiting experience to develop and foster relationships with various legal professionals specializing in various roles and practice areas. Kenton is passionate about helping clients realize their career goals. He values establishing a rapport with you and gaining an understanding of your desired career path. When corresponding with Kenton, you’ll quickly realize that he embraces the opportunity to create the most beneficial and prosperous partnerships and synergies.
Alea Bowen
Director of Talent Acquisition
Denver | Houston | National
Alea Bowen
Director of Talent Acquisition
Alea Bowen is a Director of Talent Acquisition at Gibson Arnold & Associates., Where she handles temporary attorney and paralegal/staff recruiting in Colorado and other national markets. Alea builds rapport with candidates, colleagues and clients quickly.
She cares about her candidates and works hard to find them the right job opportunities. Alea provides support to law firms and corporate legal departments with the best talent possible.
When Alea is not recruiting, she enjoys snowboarding, being with her friends, and exploring all that Colorado has to offer.
Christine Swartz
Director of Talent Acquisition
Denver | Houston | National
Christine Swartz
Director of Talent Acquisition
Christine Swartz is a Director of Talent Acquisition in Denver and other national markets. Upon graduating with honors from Columbia Law School, she successfully navigated the complexities of litigation and bankruptcy at prominent New York and Denver law firms and served as in-house counsel for a collections law firm. With extensive experience in legal research, writing, and editing, Christine recently transitioned to the field of legal recruiting, specializing in associate and partner placements.
She provides a deep understanding of the legal market and the importance of establishing strong relationships with both candidates and clients. Her goal is to help candidates find positions that align with their career aspirations and personal needs, while ensuring law firms secure top-tier talent that contributes to their ongoing success. Christine’s approach emphasizes confidentiality, strategic planning, and building strong rapport to achieve successful placements.
Christine enjoys RVing cross-country with her kids, visiting national parks, and exploring all this beautiful country has to offer, making memories that last a lifetime. She also enjoys traveling to wineries from coast to coast in her RV—a passion that grew from her time as a Board Member on the DeVinimus Wine Club at Columbia.
