ALLAN & MARTELLE - Key Persons
Dana joined Allan & Martelle as a Legal Assistant in April 2024. She graduated in 2023 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Sociology and a minor in Public Affairs from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to joining the firm, she has always had an interest in the legal field, and her passion has only grown during her time at Allan & Martelle. Every day, Dana is inspired by the amazing team at Allan & Martelle, all of whom motivate her to tackle any challenge that comes her way in the dynamic profession of family law. In the future, Dana plans to continue her legal education in law school, where she will apply the knowledge from her time at Allan & Martelle.
Eva M. Martelle is a peer-endorsed attorney through Martindale-Hubbell with an AV rating representing families and individuals throughout Santa Clara County with prowess and over 15 years of experience within the realm of family law that serve as tools for her to successfully resolve cases and help clients find amicable solutions.
Ms. Martelle's assiduous and successful style in legal matters has been distinguished by many notable awards including Best Lawyers in America 2020 by U.S. News & World Report, Client's Choice by Avvo (5-time winner), Platinum Client Champion Award by Martindale-Hubbell, 2019 Northern California Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers, and Henry B. Collada Memorial Award by Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County. Find a detailed list of Ms. Martelle's awards and recognition below.
Ms. Martelle obtained her law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. While in attendance, Ms. Martelle was a Technical Editor of the Santa Clara Law Review and participated in the quarterly publication of Volume 44.
Ms. Martelle has enjoyed donating her time to various non-profit organizations located in the Bay Area. Ms. Martelle's donation of time to the community has been recognized and awarded with a Pro Bono Award and Public Interest Certificate which was administered and recognized by the Santa Clara University School of Law.
Since founding Allan & Martelle in 2005, Ms. Martelle has assisted over one thousand clients during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Ms. Martelle has represented husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other individuals in family law matters. Ms. Martelle has been appointed by the court to represent many children of divorced or separated families, giving her a unique perspective when assisting other parties. Above all else, Ms. Martelle strives to truly understand her clients' needs and works tirelessly to protect their rights.
Gizelle joined the firm in September 2023. She graduated in 2022 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Justice Studies with a concentration in Criminology from San Jose State University. Prior to joining Allan & Martelle, Gizelle always had the passion and dedication to make a positive impact on the future generations. Since joining the firm, her passion has only grown stronger as she continues to help set up families and individuals for future success. In her free time, Gizelle enjoys spending time with friends and family, serving as a youth leader at a local church, and experiencing new adventures the world has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Certified Family Law Specialist
Heather M. Allan is a certified family law specialist and a peer-endorsed attorney representing families all across Santa Clara County with aptitude and experience in the numerous aspects of family law, allowing her to successfully resolve cases for her clients and reach amicable solutions.
Ms. Allan's diligent and successful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including Top 100 Lawyers by The National Advocates, 10 Best by American Institute of Legal Counsel, and Henry B. Collada Memorial Award by Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County. Find a detailed list of Ms. Allan's awards and recognition below.
Ms. Allan maintains an extensive network in family law with associations ranging from Certified Family Law Specialists to the United States Supreme Court. She leverages her vast network to assist each client efficiently and effectively, helping clients avoid extensive legal fees.
Ms. Allan attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Ms. Allan was a member of the National Honor Society (Psy Chi Omega) and recognized on the Dean's list.
Ms. Allan obtained her law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. While in attendance, Ms. Allan was a member of Honors Moot Court from which she received recognition as Best Oral Advocate.
Ms. Allan interned for the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office in the Juvenile Dependency and Law and Motions Units. Ms. Allan argued several cases at the trial court level, a case before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and had an appellate brief published on Termination of Parental Rights.
Since establishing Allan & Martelle, Ms. Allan has handled hundreds of cases within the family law context. She has assisted numerous individuals with resolving complex and highly emotional matters. With a passion and drive for advocacy, Ms. Allan listens to understand her clients needs' and works assiduously to protect their rights.
Education:
California Polytechnic State University, B.S. in Psychology, Graduated Cum Laude, Member of National Honor Society (Psy Chi Omega), Recognized on the Dean's list.
Santa Clara University School of Law, Honors Moot Best Oral Advocate Award Recipient
Jessica Jensen joined the firm in 2020 and wasted no time proving herself to be a diligent, skilled, and communicative team member. Jessica enjoys various aspects of Family Law, but most particularly she loves assisting clients to reach a full resolution. Currently, she serves the firm on a large variety of family law cases, seeking to gain exposure with every element of the complicated family law issues faced by our clients. When looking for a legal assistant who is enthusiastic and passionate about taking any problem head-on, Jessica is our firm favorite!
Jessica graduated from California State University, Fresno with a B.S. in Animal Science. Since then, she has built up her career in Law and graduated from the ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate Program at West Valley College in June 2020. She gained lengthy and valuable experience in Corporate Law as a Paralegal and Legal Administrator. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys riding her horses, visiting National Parks, and spending time with her family.
Jessica graduated from West Valley College in 2018, earning an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Math and Science. Shortly thereafter, Jessica found herself working with individuals and their families as a swim coach and resource educator. Her early career working with families drives Jessica's passion for working in family law. Jessica has gained valuable knowledge of how Family Law works across the state of California, honing in on her skills from legal experience with a firm in Sacramento and another in San Francisco.
Jessica has been working with Allan & Martelle since August 2020. She enjoys various aspects of family law, but her favorite part of the job is working alongside Ms. Allan and Ms. Martelle to help individuals going through an emotional and stressful time. Currently, Jessica serves the firm on a large variety of cases, including but not limited to child custody/visitation, property division, and domestic violence. Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs outside of work, doing escape rooms with her friends and family, and traveling.
Kaylee Buntyn joined the firm in 2023 as a File Clerk and has continued to expand on her knowledge of family law. She recently graduated from Santa Clara University with her Bachelors of Science in Commerce as a Business Management major and a minor in Real Estate. Currently supporting our firm as a Legal Assistant, Kaylee finds it most rewarding to assist individuals in complex matters and has enjoyed meeting clients from an array of backgrounds. She is enthusiastic about being involved in each client's case from start to finish, and is fulfilled by the profound impact her work has had on so many. She thrives on being communicative and believes the best part of her job is that there is always a new challenge to face.
Since moving to the Bay Area in 2021, Kaylee has loved getting to know the Santa Clara Community and is excited to be around for more years to come. She is thrilled to continue her education and will plan on pursuing her legal studies by attending Law School in the near future. In her spare time she enjoys running, reading, or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.
Job Titles:
- Legal & Accounting Assistant
Sabrina Cisneros is a Legal & Accounting Assistant at Allan & Martelle, LLP. She has been successfully assisting attorneys across diverse areas of law, including family, bankruptcy, criminal, civil litigation and estate planning for over 20 years. Sabrina first joined Allan & Martelle in 2008. She brings a rich background of versatile legal experience and a level-headed management style to the team, helping calm the often emotionally intense waters associated with Family Law. Over the course of working at Allan & Martelle, Sabrina has enjoyed the rewarding experience of assisting clients and potential clients during very difficult times in their lives.
Sabrina has an Associates Degree in Liberal Studies and is an ABA Certificated Paralegal. She enjoys time with her husband and their two children, doing things like traveling, taking long walks, and spending time in nature.
Knowledge, leadership, and versatility make Stella Lightfoot one of the most valuable employees at Allan & Martelle, LLP since she joined in 2017. Having served the firm in numerous positions, Stella is able to navigate practically any challenges in a client's case. She is experienced in cases that deal with child custody/visitation, child support and spousal support, and enjoys applying her vast experience to high conflict Minor's Counsel cases. Stella works to assist many victims of domestic violence, a part of the job which she finds especially gratifying.
Stella graduated from Sierra College with an A.A. in Fashion Merchandising in 2010. She went on to graduate from the ABA approved Paralegal Certificate Program at West Valley College in May 2020. Stella often trains new firm employees in various positions and demonstrates tremendous leadership skills, which undoubtedly reflect her confidence while serving clients. Away from the firm, Stella likes reading, stand-up paddle boarding, spending time with family (especially her niece), collecting unique houseplants, playing with her cats, doing pilates, and watching the latest true crime documentary on Netflix.