Address

2076 Lincoln Ave
San Jose, CA 95125

Office hours

Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
By Appointment Only
Call us today
408-267-5300
Call us today
408-267-5300

Our Team

The team is led by highly experienced attorneys, Heather Allan and Eva Martelle. Ms. Allan and Ms. Martelle have been representing clients in California for decades and are well-connected in the local and legal communities.

Our Team

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Our firm believes that exceptional representation in family law matters in California. Fill out the form below to learn more.

Heather M. Allan
Partner

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
Work Experience:

2004-Present, Allan & Martelle, Managing Partner: Since establishing Allan & Martelle, Ms. Allan has handled hundreds of cases within the family law context. She has assisted numerous individuals with resolving difficult and highly emotional matters.
2004-2005, Law Offices of Martha J. Olson, Law Clerk/Associate
2002-2003, Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office: 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.

Career Highlights

Successfully defended a client against false abuse allegations
Represented numerous Domestic Violence victims
Negotiated custody, visitation, and child support in high-profile cases

Associations:

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
United States Supreme Court
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
American Bar Association
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationAwards:
Client’s Choice, Avvo
Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates
10 Best, American Institute of Legal Counsel
Family Law Certified Specialist, State Bar of California
2014 Henry B. Collada Memorial Award, Superior Court of California Santa Clara County

Awards:

2024: The Best Law Firms in America 2024, U.S. News & World Report
2024: The Best Lawyers in America 2024, U.S. News & World Report
2023: Platinum Client Champion Award 2023, Martindale-Hubbell®
2023: AV Preeminent Rated 2023, Martindale-Hubbell®
2023: Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2023: Client’s Choice 2023 – Family Law, Avvo
2023: The Best Law Firms in America 2023, U.S. News & World Report
2023: The Best Lawyers in America 2023, U.S. News & World Report
2022: Platinum Client Champion Award 2022, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022: AV Preeminent Rated 2022, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022: Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2022: Client’s Choice 2022 – Family Law, Avvo
2022: The Best Law Firms in America 2022, U.S. News & World Report
2022: The Best Lawyers in America 2022, U.S. News & World Report
2021: Platinum Client Champion Award 2021, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021: AV Preeminent Rated 2021, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021: Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2021: Client’s Choice 2021 – Family Law, Avvo
2021: The Best Law Firms in America 2021, U.S. News & World Report
2021: The Best Lawyers in America 2021, U.S. News & World Report
2020: Top Ranking Family Law Attorney, American Association of Attorney Advocates
2018: Two Years 10 Best Family Law Attorney for Client Satisfaction, The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017: Top 10 Family Law Attorneys, Attorney and Practice Magazine 2017: Distinguished Lawyer Designation, The Expert Network
2017: Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates
2017: Family Law Certified Specialist, State Bar of California
Multiple years: Client’s Choice, Avvo
Multiple years: Top 100 Lawyers, The American Society of Legal Advocates

Publications/Speaking Engagements:

2015: Talking With Your Teen About Divorce, Los Gatos Teen Therapy 2015 Blog Series
2013: Young Practitioners Panel, Law Practice Management
2012: Opening Your Own Law Office, Law Career Services
2011: Starting Your Own Law Practice, Law Career Services
2006: Opening A Law Practice, Small Firm Career Panel

Languages:

English
Spanish (limited working proficiency)

Eva M. Martelle
Partner

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 maintains a vast network through associations ranging from the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists and Association of Family and Conciliation Courts to the United States Supreme Court. She leverages this extensive network in order to represent each client efficiently and effectively. Find a detailed list of Ms. Martelle’s associations below.

Ms. Martelle attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Ms. Martelle was a member of the National Honor Society (Pi Sigma Alpha) and a scholarship recipient of the Sam J. Lucas Jr. Foundation.

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.

Education:

California Polytechnic State University, B.S. in Political Science, Member of National Honor Society (Pi Sigma Alpha), Scholarship Recipient of the Sam J. Lucas Jr. Foundation.
Santa Clara University School of Law, Technical Editor of the Santa Clara Law Review.

Work Experience:

2005-Present, Allan & Martelle, Managing Partner: Since establishing Allan & Martelle, Ms. Martelle has handled hundreds of cases within the family law context. She has assisted clients during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
2004-2006, Mitchell, Gingerich & Loquaci: Law Clerk/Associate
2002-2004, Law Offices of Rebekah A. Frye, Esq.: Law Clerk
2002-2002, General Assistance Advocacy Project: Law Clerk
2000-2001, Hall & Hieatt: File Clerk

Associations:

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
National Association of Counsel for Children
American Institute of Legal Counsel
American Society of Legal Advocates
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
United States Supreme Court
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
American Bar Association
Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section
State Bar of California
Santa Clara County Lawyer Referral Service
Phi Delta Phi

Awards:

2024: The Best Law Firms in America 2024, U.S. News & World Report
2024: The Best Lawyers in America 2024, U.S. News & World Report
2023: Platinum Client Champion Award 2023, Martindale-Hubbell®
2023: AV Preeminent Rated 2023, Martindale-Hubbell®
2023: Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2023: Client’s Choice 2023 – Family Law, Avvo
2023: The Best Law Firms in America 2023, U.S. News & World Report
2023: The Best Lawyers in America 2023, U.S. News & World Report
2022: Platinum Client Champion Award 2022, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022: AV Preeminent Rated 2022, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022: Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2022: Client’s Choice 2022 – Family Law, Avvo
2022: The Best Law Firms in America 2022, U.S. News & World Report
2022: The Best Lawyers in America 2022, U.S. News & World Report
2021: Platinum Client Champion Award 2021, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021: AV Preeminent Rated 2021, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021: Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2021: Client’s Choice 2021 – Family Law, Avvo
2021: The Best Law Firms in America 2021, U.S. News & World Report
2021: The Best Lawyers in America 2021, U.S. News & World Report
2020: The Best Lawyers in America 2020, U.S. News & World Report
2020: Platinum Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020+: Client’s Choice 2015-2020 (6-time winner) – Family Law, Avvo
2020+: 2017-2020 Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers (4-time winner)
2020: AV Preeminent Rated 2020, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019: AV Preeminent Rated 2019, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019: Platinum Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019: Gold Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019: Silver Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019: The Best Lawyers in America 2019, U.S. News & World Report
2018: AV Preeminent Rated 2018, Martindale-Hubbell
2018: Top 40 Under 40 2018, The National Advocates
2018: Top 100 Lawyers 2018, The National Advocates
2018: 10 best 2018, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2018: Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2017: 10 best 2017, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2017: AV Preeminent Rated 2017, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017: Top 40 Under 40 2017, The National Advocates
2017: Top 100 Lawyers 2017, The National Advocates
2016: Family Law Certified Specialist, State Bar of California
2016: Top 100 Lawyers 2016, The National Advocates
2004: Pro Bono Award, Santa Clara University, School of Law
2004: Public Interest Certificate, Santa Clara University, School of Law

Publications/Speaking Engagements:

2015: Talking With Your Teen About Divorce, Los Gatos Teen Therapy 2015 Blog Series
2013: Young Practitioners Panel, Law Practice Management
2012: Opening Your Own Law Office, Law Career Services
2011: Starting Your Own Law Practice, Law Career Services
2006: Opening A Law Practice, Small Firm Career Panel
2004: Santa Clara Law Review, Volume 44, Number 2
2003: Santa Clara Law Review, Volume 44, Number 1

Languages:

English

10.0Eva Marie Martelle

Stella Lightfoot
Senior Legal Assistant

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, but especially loves to work on cases involving domestic violence restraining orders and assisting with high conflict Minor’s Counsel cases.

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 to spend time with family, especially her niece, collect unique houseplants, play with her cats and watch the latest true crime documentary on Netflix.

Jessica Colling
Senior Legal Assistant

Jessica Colling 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 horse, visiting National Parks, and spending time with her family.

Samantha Cano
Senior Legal Assistant

Since Samantha Cano joined Allan & Martelle, LLP in 2019, the firm has seen no end to her enthusiastic and justice-driven dedication. She works alongside lead attorney, Eva Martelle, to provide effective and poignant representation to the firm’s clients. Stemming from a desire to help those in her community, Samantha relentlessly advocates for our clients on a variety of cases. Most particularly, she enjoys working on Domestic Violence, Child Custody, and Minor’s Counsel because she has a strong desire to assist vulnerable victims attain access to justice.

Having graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and minor in Legal Studies, Samantha brought her justice lens to the Bay Area. She plans to attend Law School in the near future and is excited to continue her career as a legal advocate. Apart from working on cases for the firm, Samantha enjoys running, painting and watching movies.

Alexa LeBlanc
Legal Assistant

Alexa LeBlanc joined the team at Allan & Martelle in 2021 with an established aspiration to pursue a career in law. Her interest in family law comes from a past AmeriCorps fellowship working with the youth of San Jose. In this position, Alexa was able to work one-on-one with young students in disadvantaged communities and learn about their personal struggles as well as their aspirations. This up-close and personal work showed Alexa that she has the ability to help those in her community and make a difference in their lives, which she hopes to continue to do in the legal field.

Alexa completed her studies at San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a double minor in Business and Psychology. Due to her passion for education, she has completed her undergraduate degree in only two and a half years and graduated summa cum laude in December 2021. Alexa is a life-long learner, soaking up every bit of knowledge from years of court precedent and case law which makes her an incredible advocate for the clients she assists. She plans to attend law school in the near future and is going to step out on the other side an incredible attorney. When she is not at the firm, Alexa enjoys hiking with her dog, baking, and spending quality time with her parents.

Jessica Rimmer
Legal Assistant

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.

Anna Bassias
Legal Assistant

Anna joined the firm as a Legal Assistant in January of 2023. Her interest in law as a whole stems from a general passion for the pursuit of justice and equity. She is excited to use the opportunity presented to her at Allan & Martelle to effect tangible change in her local community of San Jose. Particularly, she finds Child Custody and Minor’s Counsel cases most rewarding, as they offer the opportunity to make a significant impact on the futures of children affected by often tumultuous and emotionally charged cases.

Anna graduated cum laude from UC Berkeley in 2022 with two Bachelor’s degrees in Integrative Biology and Legal Studies. She intends to apply to law school in the near future, and is excited by the prospect of pursuing a career that allows her to extend her impact to a larger scale. Outside of work, Anna enjoys dancing, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and traveling to visit family and friends.

Rorye Jones
Legal Assistant

Rorye joined the firm in January 2023. She attended Pomona College in Claremont, CA where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in Mathematics. Within her time at Allan & Martelle, Rorye has quickly become captivated by the ever-changing landscape of family law. Every day brings a new challenge, and she finds it incredibly gratifying to be able to help clients with their cases in any capacity. Each member of Allan & Martelle’s team inspires Rorye daily with their unmatched dedication to their clients, and she gets added motivation daily from working with such a team. Outside of work, you will find Rorye reading, painting, and seeking new experiences.

Stephanie Minor
Legal Assistant

Stephanie joined our team in 2022 and is most certainly a firm favorite! Prior to joining the team, Stephanie received extensive training in International Politics throughout her education. Her background in traveling for International Relations work and desire to help others makes her a great asset to our firm.

Stephanie works closely with our entire staff performing a wide variety of tasks, including being the first point of contact for all new and potential clients. She also manages a case load of her own, striving to bring about the best results for her clients on Family Law matters.

Sabrina Cisneros
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.

Ria Kanani
Legal Operations Manager

Ria Kanani is diligent, driven, and an assiduous student of Law. She has been serving in various roles at Allan & Martelle, LLP for over four years. She assists the Partners both at Court and in the office with tasks including legal writing, ghostwriting legal magazine columns, recruiting employees, and training new staff. While hustling alongside the rest of the team, Ria finds the most gratification in working with vulnerable victims on court-appointed Minor’s Counsel cases and DV-related issues. She maintains an extensive network across the country with the aim to open up her own firm one day, dedicated to serving victims of sexual violence.

Prior to joining the firm in 2019, Ria garnered experience in Immigration Law and Policy Making. She has also led community workshops on Human Trafficking in the Strong Girls, Strong Women conferences hosted by Santa Clara County’s Office of Women’s Policy. Ria is a rising senior at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Washington D.C. where she is on track to graduate in just three years with honors and a B.S. in International Political Economy paired with a minor in Spanish. She is President of the Women’s Network at Georgetown University and part of the country’s oldest debate society, The Philodemic. Outside of work, Ria enjoys globetrotting, hiking, and tasting coffee beans!

Sarah Weller
Receptionist

Sarah joined the firm in 2023 and has quickly shown her skills in attention to detail and dependability. Her expertise from years of customer service is outstanding, making her the perfect first point of contact for new and incoming clients as well as current clients. Sarah’s interest and passion for Family Law stem from giving a voice back to those who have lost it along the way.

Sarah’s stellar interpersonal communication was a skill she honed during her undergraduate years at California State University-East Bay where she majored in Psychology and earned a minor in Criminal Justice. She has plans to expand and continue her education through a graduate program for Legal Studies shortly and is eager to continue her career in the legal field. Outside of work she enjoys baking, spending time with family, and traveling.

Dora Nagy
File Clerk

With a drive for justice and legal studies, Dora Nagy found herself delighted to be joining the team at Allan & Martelle as a File Clerk. Coming in with an already established background in Victim Services at the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, where she was dedicated to providing resources to survivors of violent crime. She is confident that her organizational skills, devotion to the job, and enthusiasm to learn will help support the team in providing their clients the best outcome possible. Actively working to uphold honesty, integrity, and lawfulness are the reasons that this field of work is right for her. Dora is most looking forward to assisting her colleagues with research, case records, and updating files.

Dora continues to follow her passions while completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at San Jose State University. In her last year at the university, she is thrilled to become a full member of Pi Sigma Alpha, San Jose State’s Political Science National Honors Society. Outside of work, Dora finds great comfort in playing with her cats, hiking, and spending time with loved ones.