TINNELLY LAW GROUP - Key Persons
Amanda K. Beall, Esq. graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Ms. Beall then earned her Juris Doctorate from Chapman University, Dale E. Fowler School of Law - where she earned and maintained an academic merit scholarship throughout her law school career.
Ms. Beall has been practicing law since 2017. Prior to joining Tinnelly Law Group, Ms. Beall practiced law in some of the most sophisticated private law firms in the State of California specializing in complex litigation and family law matters for high-asset estates and individuals, as well as practiced complex civil litigation on behalf of hospitals, medical groups and providers.
Ms. Beall is an Orange County native - she grew up in Rancho Santa Margarita and currently resides in Newport Beach. In her spare time, she participates in local government and community service activities, and enjoys spending time at the beach, hiking/fitness, as well as traveling.
Job Titles:
- Senior Attorney
- Member of the California State Bar
Bradley D. Walker has been a member of the California State Bar since 1982, and a member of the Wisconsin State bar since 1981. He is a past President and past Director of the Community Association Institute - Orange County Regional Chapter. Mr. Walker has lectured locally and nationally on behalf of the Community Associations Institute and the California Association of Community Managers. He is the author of numerous articles relating to homeowners associations and has served on the faculty for California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) programs on community association law.
Since 1984, Mr. Walker has attended over 1,500 homeowners association meetings, and represented his association in all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution. In addition to his Association clients, he represents individual and business entities in a wide variety of real estate and commercial matters, and has testified as an expert on Community Association practices and procedures.
Mr. Walker's preparatory education was received at the University of Wisconsin where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.), With Distinction, in 1977. His legal education was received at Pepperdine University where he graduated with the degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.), in 1981. He is a member of the Orange County Bar Association and the Wisconsin Bar Association. He has practiced law in Orange County since 1982, and has served as a Judge Pro Tem of the former Orange County Municipal Court.
Cang N. Le, Esq. is a partner with Tinnelly Law Group and heads our litigation and enforcement team. For fifteen years he has represented homeowners associations throughout California including, large-scale development, new developments, mixed-use, senior communities, golf club and lake developments, master and sub-associations, and mobile-home and RV parks. He serves as general and litigation counsel for associations.
In corporate counsel matters, Cang advises boards in the preparing, interpreting, and enforcing declarations, contracts, leases, easements, amending and restating governing documents, rules enforcement, land-use disputes, board governance, personality disputes and all other matters affecting associations. In litigation and ADR matters, Cang has represented associations in thousands of cases helping to resolve disputes between associations and members, vendors, contractors, neighboring landowners, and counties, cities and municipalities.
Cang is a frequent speaker and writer for the numerous association industry organizations, including various chapters of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), and speaks at legal seminars and management company events. He served on the board of directors for CAI-GRIE chapter and was the editor for the organization's magazine. He has conducted board orientations and trained community association managers, boards and homeowners as well as non-association attorneys through the Practicing Legal Institute (PLI). He has authored numerous articles for CAI and California Association of Community Managers (CACM). He is also a faculty member for CACM.
Corey L. Todd, Esq. received his BA in Political Science and a Certificate in Public Law from San Diego State University. Later, after completing his first half of law school at Baylor University School of Law, Mr. Todd obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law. During law school, Mr. Todd participated in the M.D. Anderson Foundation Spring 2017 Moot Court competition, was a member of the San Diego Journal of Climate and Energy Law, severed on the Board of Executives for the Real Estate and Land Use Society, and was a member of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honors Society. Upon graduation, Mr. Todd also received the University of San Diego's Pro Bono Service Recognition.
Before joining Tinnelly Law Group, Mr. Todd completed an externship with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, where he clerked for the Honorable Erithe Smith. Mr. Todd also spent several years working for a civil litigation firm that built its core business on the representation of financial institutions in the servicing of both commercial and residential property portfolios. Throughout his career, Mr. Todd has gained extensive experience in a diverse range of legal topics that he has carried over to his current practice with Tinnelly Law Group.
Elliana (Ellie) A. Ghahari received her undergraduate education from DePaul University, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a pre-law concentration and a Minor in Public Health Studies. At DePaul, Ms. Ghahari received the Dean's Scholarship and was a member of the Pathway's Science Honors Program and National History Honor Society.
Ms. Ghahari obtained her Juris Doctorate from Chapman University, Dale E. Fowler School of Law- where she earned a full academic merit scholarship. Ms. Ghahari is currently awaiting her results for the July 2023 BAR exam.
Prior to joining Tinnelly Law Group, Ms. Ghahari completed an externship for the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California and the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Ms. Ghahari also spent time working for a civil litigation firm that specializes in real estate and business law.
Ms. Ghahari is an Orange County native- she grew up in Ladera Ranch and currently resides in San Juan Capistrano with her husband. In her spare time, Ms. Ghahari enjoys volunteering with community service organizations and spending time baking, refurbishing furniture, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Digital Marketing Specialist
Matthew T. Plaxton, Esq. received his undergraduate education at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he majored in Business Administration and minored in Contract Administration. He received his Juris Doctor from Western State University, College of Law, where he focused on business organizations and real estate. During his law school experience, Mr. Plaxton was Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review and President of the Honors Moot Court Society. Mr. Plaxton gained valuable experience as a law clerk for David G. Sills, former Presiding Justice for the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three. Prior to joining Tinnelly Law Group, Mr. Plaxton worked in a civil litigation firm where he obtained significant litigation and trial experience.
Mr. Plaxton leads the firm's transaction department, where he focuses on interpretation of governing documents, contract review and negotiation. He is also heavily involved in the firm's marketing and client development efforts.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations & Business Development
Ramona Acosta, PCAM is the Director of Operations & Business Development for Tinnelly Law Group. Ms. Acosta directs and manages the firm's business development, marketing, public relations, and client relationship management efforts. She plays a vital role in assisting the firm's continued growth and in ensuring the firm's clients experience the level of quality, responsive and efficient service for which Tinnelly Law Group is known throughout the HOA industry.
Ms. Acosta has nearly 20 years of experience working in the HOA industry and with common interest developments throughout California. She maintains several prestigious designations from the Community Association's Institute (CAI), including the CMCA, AMS, and PCAM. Her success as a community manager and management company executive, coupled with her extensive knowledge of the California laws pertaining to HOAs, provides significant value to our clients and the professionals who manage them. Her wealth of experience working directly with Boards of Directors, vendors, and community managers gives her unique insight into the issues affecting our clients and the ways in which our firm can best serve them.
Ms. Acosta is very active in CAI and has served as a member of the National Faculty, the President of CAI's Orange County Regional Chapter, Chair of the Education Committee, and as Delegate and P.R. Chair to CAI's California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC)-an organization that champions the interests of California HOAs through lobbying and public relations efforts.
Prior to joining the HOA industry, Ms. Acosta worked in real estate and dealt with bank foreclosures, lenders and appraisals. She has a degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
Reuben D. Kim, Esq. graduated cum laude from Emory University and earned his Juris Doctorate from Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law. During law school, Mr. Kim took courses abroad and served in a legal internship with SK Energy, South Korea's top oil and energy company.
After graduation, Mr. Kim served as In-House Counsel for an entertainment marketing company based out of Los Angeles. In addition to handling complex contract negotiations and managing numerous business development initiatives, Mr. Kim was primarily responsible for developing business relationships with strategic partners and corporate sponsors. Mr. Kim went on to work for a civil litigation firm that built its core business on the representation of financial institutions in the servicing of both commercial and residential property portfolios. Mr. Kim gained extensive experience in a diverse range of legal topics including contract disputes, creditors rights, mortgage banking and lending regulations, fraud, title and property disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, and other complex secured real estate matters.
Mr. Kim is admitted to practice before all California state courts, and all United States District Courts for the State of California. Additionally, Mr. Kim is a licensed California real estate broker.
Richard A. Tinnelly, Esq. is the Founder and Senior Partner of Tinnelly Law Group. Since Mr. Tinnelly's admission to the California State Bar in 1985, he has devoted his entire legal career to the representation of HOAs. Mr. Tinnelly received his Bachelor of Science of Laws in 1982 and thereafter his Juris Doctorate from Western State University College of Law in 1984. He received his undergraduate education at the State University of New York at Stoneybrook, St. John's University.
Mr. Tinnelly is recognized as one of the industry's most experienced and well-respected attorneys. He is currently serving as general counsel for some of Southern California's largest and most prestigious HOAs. He has represented hundreds of HOAs in matters relating to the interpretation and enforcement of governing documents, contracts, governmental negotiations and major reconstruction projects. He has also successfully litigated many significant, precedent-setting cases on behalf of his clients.
Mr. Tinnelly remains very active in the community association industry and is devoted to advancing its professional standards. He is a frequent lecturer on matters relating to HOA affairs and community association management. He is a founding member of the California Association of Community Managers (CACM) and has served as its Southern California legislative legal counsel. Mr. Tinnelly has maintained membership in the Community Associations Institute (CAI), Orange County Chapter, since 1985 and has served as both a member of its Board of Directors and Committee Chairmen. He is also a member of CAI's San Diego and Coachella Valley Chapters.
Sarah A. Paas, Esq. is dually licensed as a member of the California State Bar and North Carolina State Bar.
Mrs. Paas received her undergraduate education from Ohio University. She graduated summa cum laude from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Minor in Political Science. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she was awarded the Stanley M. Chesley & Hon. Susan J. Dlott Award in Litigation for receiving the highest G.P.A. in litigation-related courses. Mrs. Paas was also awarded First Place at the 15th Annual Herbert J. Wechsler National Criminal Law Moot Court Competition, during her tenure on the Moot Court Honor Board. Mrs. Paas was also an active member of the Trial Practice Competition Team throughout her three years of law school.
Prior to joining Tinnelly Law Group, Mrs. Paas was employed as an Assistant District Attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina for three years. Upon moving to California, she worked at a firm where she litigated white-collar criminal defense cases and administrative licensing matters. In both positions, Mrs. Paas gained extensive litigation and trial experience.
Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq. is the Managing Partner of Tinnelly Law Group. Prior to joining our firm, Mr. Tinnelly worked in the litigation departments of midsize and multi-national corporate law firms. He is known for his exceptional writing, analytical and negotiation skills, and providing general counsel representation to many of the firm's larger HOA clients throughout the state. Mr. Tinnelly also manages the firm's overall operations. He has a passion for improving the firm's efficiencies, increasing its resources and expanding upon the value the firm provides to every client.
Mr. Tinnelly's undergraduate education was received at the University of Southern California, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Entrepreneurship and a Minor in Law & Society. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of California - Los Angeles where he focused on corporate and real estate law.
Mr. Tinnelly is very active within the community association industry and devotes a substantial amount of time to educating homeowners and industry professionals about the legal issues affecting California community associations. He served as President of the Board of Directors of the Orange County chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), the largest Chapter in California and the fifth largest in the country. He has been a featured speaker at dozens of industry trade shows/seminars throughout California, instructs over 50 educational workshops for HOA management professionals annually, and has authored educational articles for several industry periodicals and media outlets, as well as the firm's popular book, Board Member Basics. Mr. Tinnelly is the Executive Editor of our firm's newsletter, the "Community Association Update," publishes the firm's blog, and is the webmaster of the firm's online HOA law library: FindHOALaw.com. that serves content to tens of thousands of visitors each month.
Terri A. Morris, Esq obtained her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law and received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.
Ms. Morris began representing HOAs in construction defect actions in 1996 and has since dedicated her career to representing the interest of HOAs. She has over 14 years of litigation experience and has also represented HOA clients in a general counsel capacity. Ms. Morris works in both our transactional and litigation departments. She specializes in matters pertaining to HOA governing documents, including the interpretation and enforcement of CC&Rs.
Ms. Morris remains very active in a number of industry organizations, including the Community Associations Institute (CAI). She has served on the CAI Publications and Education Committees and is currently serving on CAI's Outreach Committee which provides opportunities for members to give back to their local communities.
Timothy V. Mahar Jr., Esq. is a Senior Attorney at Tinnelly Law Group. Mr. Mahar received his undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut as an Honors Scholar with a degree in political science while also a member of the Varsity Swim Team. He obtained his Juris Doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law, where he completed distinguished internships with Corporate Counsel Department of Metlife Auto and Home, Gunning & LaFazia, Inc., and the Roger Williams University School of Law Legal Writing Department. Mr. Mahar also served as Student Editor for the American Bar Association "State-by-State Guide to Construction and Design Law, Second Edition," served as President of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society and earned a CALI Award in Legal Methods II for authoring the best appellate brief.
Prior to joining Tinnelly Law Group, Mr. Mahar worked at civil litigation firms, obtaining significant litigation and trial experience representing corporate and individual clients including multi-national corporations, financial institutions, professional athletes, business owners, real estate developers, brokers and shareholders in a wide range of contract disputes, real estate, fraud, business tort, unfair business practices, and trade secrets claims. Mr. Mahar also gained extensive experience representing homeowners in HOA disputes, representing dozens of homeowners opposite HOAs in litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
Mr. Mahar has been practicing law since 2009, and is licensed in California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, in addition to numerous Federal District Courts. He is an inland empire native and Dad of two who is an accomplished amateur triathlete that has competed at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
Job Titles:
- Director of Administration
- Director of Administration & Senior Vice President of Assessment Collections
Tisha Lopez is the Director of Administration for Tinnelly Law Group and Senior Vice President for Alterra Assessment Recovery. Ms. Lopez directs and manages the day-to-day operations including human resources, administrative and technical support, billing and financial management for both firms.
Ms. Lopez joined Tinnelly Law Group in 2013 to assist with the development of the firm's assessment collection affiliate, Alterra Assessment Recovery, LLC. Due in large part to Ms. Lopez's efforts, tenacity and leadership, Alterra is now recovering more than $3,000,000 in debt for its clients each year.