Paula Yeske

Chief Operating Officer

About Paula

As Chief Operating Officer at ZP, Paula is responsible for maintaining operational functions for the firm, including leading the Finance, Accounting, HR, and Client Service teams. In short, Paula oversees all internal needs for the firm in order to allow our externally-facing legal teams to maintain the highest level of excellence in client service.

With extensive experience in business development and entrepreneurship under her belt prior to joining ZP in 2007, Paula quickly became a trusted advisor to firm management and established a track record of effective leadership. Key accomplishments include  implementation of competitive compensation and benefits programs, improving firm-wide efficiency by realigning reporting relationships, reducing staff turnover and maintaining high employee morale.

After completing her BS in Business Administration, Paula first launched her career in HR with Sprint Communications, then moved into outside sales with General Foods and Bacardi Imports, where she gained exposure to both client development and team leadership as a regional sales manager. This experience led Paula to pursue entrepreneurship as the next phase of her career, with stints of ownership at both a high-end grocery store in the Napa Valley and a custom lamination business.

The invaluable lessons learned from business ownership, such as the importance of balancing internal and external stakeholder demands and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting markets, have continued to serve Paula well during her time at ZP. Employees praise the flexibility and work-life balance made available at ZP under Paula’s leadership, as well as the sound mentorship she offers to both current and former employees.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Paula is a skilled quilter and fiber artist who enjoys traveling the globe in search of new textiles and techniques. She enjoys digging in her garden and spending time anywhere outdoors when she is not driving the back country roads in her 2005 Ford Thunderbird convertible.