Your Trusted Real Estate Legal Experts

WHO WE ARE


 We are a high-tech modern law firm which allows us to work faster and more efficiently. 

WHO WE ARE


Challenging ourselves to bring new and original ways of thinking

LOCAL TEAM. WORLD CLASS RESULTS.

Cristen Martinez - Woman wearing white top with grey background.
Cristen H. Martinez, ESQ.
Founding Partner & CEO

Cristen is a cum laude graduate of Florida State University, and received her juris doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 2010. While at Stetson University College of Law, Cristen served as a Notes and Comments Editor for the Stetson Law Review. Prior to opening her own practice, Ms. Martinez served as a intern to the Honorable Cheryl Thomas in Tampa, Florida. She also gained extensive knowledge and experience in real estate and general civil matters while working at statewide law firms, Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel, & Burns, LLP, GrayRobinson, and Broad and Cassel.


Cristen is a admitted to practice law throughout the State of Florida and is a member of the United States Supreme Court and Middle District of Florida Federal Court. Cristen has served on the Board of Directors and is the Past-President of Women Lawyers of Pasco and is a standing Board Member of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Cristen also hosts a monthly legal roundtable titled Get Real with Attorney Martinez.



Cristen has litigated cases for clients ranging from multi-million dollar corporations to individual homeowners. Her experience in the large law firm setting has given her a perspective and skill set that very few solo practitioners possess. She is therefore able to offer her clients the expert legal advice one would expect from a large law firm, while providing the personal attention and service her clients deserve. Cristen specializes in transactional real estate matters and real estate litigation. 

Cristen resides in Tampa, Florida with her husband, daughter, step daughter, and three dogs.


Mandi Ballard Clay - Woman with glasses wearing pink cardigan.

Mandi Ballard Clay, Esq.

Of Counsel

A dedicated problem solver, Mandi has experience in a variety of subject matters, including labor & employment, real estate, contracts, intellectual property, HOA disputes, personal injury, negligent security, property damage, civil rights, and class actions. Mandi has experienced the practice of law from both sides of the bench, having clerked for U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell and U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell, both in the Middle District of Florida. She prides herself on being efficient and responsive to her clients and is dedicated to providing practical advice tailored to fit each client’s specific goals. Mandi is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator, a U.S. District Court Mediator, and a trained arbitrator.

 

Mandi truly has a talent for understanding and explaining the law and its nuances in ways that most law school professors and supervising attorneys never could. Her ability to adjust her communication style to her audience and articulate complicated arguments in easily digestible facets is greatly admired.

 

Within the legal community, Mandi is well respected among both practitioners and the judiciary. She began her pro bono work in 2008, her first year in private practice, by representing a teenager who was shot in the back by police officers, giving her immediate trial experience. She is also passionate about mental health and has spoken publicly about this issue to groups around the country.

Kendelle Knapp — Woman wearing black suit with one leg crossed.

Kendelle Knapp, Esq.

Associate Attorney

Kendelle is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Webber International University, and received her Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law in May 2022. While attending Webber International University, she played on the Women’s Soccer Team and served as the captain of the team for the 2018 season. While attending Florida State University College of Law, she continued her soccer career by playing on the Women’s Club Soccer Team.

 

While a student at Florida State University College of Law, Kendelle served as the President of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law society and as the Administrative Editor for the Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law. Kendelle also had the honor of being a member of the Florida State University College of Law Trial Team, which was ranked #15 in the nation during her time at FSU. Kendelle received two Book Awards from Florida State University College of Law: Commercial Law and Civil Pre-Trial Practice.

 

Kendelle is a Tampa Bay native and has been working at Martinez Law since May 2018. Kendelle also worked as a Law Clerk for a private criminal defense law firm while at Webber International University.

Stephanie Gibson — Woman wearing white top and black skirt.
Stephanie Gibson
Chief Operating Officer

Stephanie is a Certified Public Accountant with over ten years of experience, and is excited to bring her knowledge of accounting, business and project management to Martinez Law. She graduated from Florida State University with a Master of Accountancy degree. While at Florida State University, Stephanie was a member of the All-Girl Cheerleading team while gaining experience as an assistant accountant with Mitchell and Company. Prior to joining the team, Stephanie worked as a financial reporting manager at Transamerica and as an audit manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers where she managed a team over financial reporting and oversight duties. These duties included management of an audit from start to finish including client relations, oversight and review in the production of fund financial statements and SEC filings, valuation of hard to price investment securities as well as review and approval of fund budgets. Stephanie resides in Lutz, FL with her husband and two children.


Stephanie’s involvement in community service includes working with the United Way participating in community clean up projects and Junior Achievement as a JA Be Entrepreneurial volunteer.



Xhevaire McCool - Woman in black shirt smiling.

Xhevaire McCool

Office Manager

Xhevaire received her B.A. in International Business from St. Petersburg College. She began her career in banking as Teller Manager with Wachovia Bank N.A. (now known as Wells Fargo). She then moved her customer service talents and financial skills into the world of Property Management. She started with Camden Development and then moved to develop her career with Cortland during a property acquisition. She excelled through her career starting as a Leasing Consultant to becoming a Senior Community Manager for the largest asset owned in the Florida portfolio. Her daily responsibilities included managing all the financials for the asset, managing a team of over 20 individuals, handling any resident community concerns, and ensuring the esthetics of the community were maintained daily. She was also a Peer Coach and trained new incoming Community Managers for Cortland in the state of Florida. 


Xhevaire loves to volunteer in her local community through hosting donation drives, creating fundraising events and participating in local running races that give back.



Kelley Hoffman - Blonde woman smiling wearing blue shirt and suit.

Kelley Hoffman

Director of Marketing and Business Development

Kelley is a seasoned Marketing and Business Development professional with over seven years of experience. She served as a Lead Brand Ambassador for 2020 Companies while studying at the University of Central Florida. Her early marketing roles included: Director of Public Relations for Love Your Melon (nonprofit), UCF Chapter; Writer and Social Media Manager for Her Campus publication; Social Media Manager for Mixed Mode a cappella; and Team Captain for the UCF Dance Marathon. 


After obtaining her B.A. in Communications, Kelley continued to grow in sales, marketing, and business development leadership roles. In her previous position, she was the in-house marketing professional for an independent surveying company, We R Survey, and helped them to establish a brand identity and create effective marketing plans.

Kelley was thrilled to join the Martinez Law team in late 2023. She is a Tampa Bay native and loves to be involved with her local community. She currently resides in Pinellas County with her husband and cat. She is a lifelong learner who is always looking for a new book to read or a new skill to develop. In addition to her position at Martinez Law, Kelley is also a General Board Member for La Femme Institute Non-Profit in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Sandralynn Riese

Legal Assistant

Sandy earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Montclair State University in New Jersey. She went on to complete an ABA Approved Paralegal Studies Program at MSU. Sandy has a varied background as a legal assistant and paralegal. She began her career in law by working with Children’s Aid and Family Services for the State of New Jersey. Sandy gained invaluable experience as an assistant to an Appellate attorney before becoming a government paralegal for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, working closely to support the Office of General Counsel and Florida State Troopers specifically. She also earned her professional teaching license and worked as an educator for some time.


Sandy was excited to join the Martinez Law team in early 2024 and bring her experience with the Court System and her organizational skills to the firm. 


Sandy currently lives with her husband and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cookie. As a devoted mother to two daughters, she cherishes every moment spent with her family. 

Leonah Murenga - Woman with black shirt and white suit.

Leonah Murenga

Administrative Assistant

Leonah is currently studying part time towards a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Econometrics while she works as a full-time administrative assistant for Martinez Law firm. She is enthusiastic and committed to providing our clients with excellent customer service and has over 6 years’ experience in this field. Leonah started her career in admin when she worked as primary school teacher’s assistant where she established her skills in communication and quickly developed a passion for children.

 

 She later went on to develop her skills in admin and worked in varies industries including financial, insurance, pharmaceuticals, construction and the medical industry. Leonah’s journey from South Africa to her role as an administrator in Lutz, Florida is an inspiring testament to her tenacity, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

 

 Leonah loves children and is passionate about her religion, and often spends her Sunday’s volunteering as a Sunday school teacher. During her spare time, she attends local events where she provides catering services and develops her interpersonal skills. Leonah resides with her partner and has been a part of our team for over a year providing exceptional service to our clients and is always looking forward to speaking and assisting you.

LOCAL TEAM. WORLD CLASS RESULTS.


Cristen H. Martinez, ESQ.
Founding Partner & CEO

Cristen is a cum laude graduate of Florida State University, and received her juris doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 2010. While at Stetson University College of Law, Cristen served as a Notes and Comments Editor for the Stetson Law Review. Prior to opening her own practice, Ms. Martinez served as a intern to the Honorable Cheryl Thomas in Tampa, Florida. She also gained extensive knowledge and experience in real estate and general civil matters while working at statewide law firms, Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel, & Burns, LLP, GrayRobinson, and Broad and Cassel.


Cristen is a admitted to practice law throughout the State of Florida and is a member of the United States Supreme Court and Middle District of Florida Federal Court. Cristen has served on the Board of Directors and is the Past-President of Women Lawyers of Pasco and is a standing Board Member of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Cristen also hosts a monthly legal roundtable titled Get Real with Attorney Martinez.


Cristen has litigated cases for clients ranging from multi-million dollar corporations to individual homeowners. Her experience in the large law firm setting has given her a perspective and skill set that very few solo practitioners possess. She is therefore able to offer her clients the expert legal advice one would expect from a large law firm, while providing the personal attention and service her clients deserve. Cristen specializes in transactional real estate matters and real estate litigation. 


Cristen resides in Tampa, Florida with her husband, daughter, step daughter, and three dogs.

Kendelle Knapp — Girl Wearing  Violet Shirt in Wesley Chapel, FL

Mandi Ballard Clay, Esq.

Of Counsel

A dedicated problem solver, Mandi has experience in a variety of subject matters, including labor & employment, real estate, contracts, intellectual property, HOA disputes, personal injury, negligent security, property damage, civil rights, and class actions. Mandi has experienced the practice of law from both sides of the bench, having clerked for U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell and U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell, both in the Middle District of Florida. She prides herself on being efficient and responsive to her clients and is dedicated to providing practical advice tailored to fit each client’s specific goals. Mandi is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator, a U.S. District Court Mediator, and a trained arbitrator.

 

Mandi truly has a talent for understanding and explaining the law and its nuances in ways that most law school professors and supervising attorneys never could. Her ability to adjust her communication style to her audience and articulate complicated arguments in easily digestible facets is greatly admired.

 

Within the legal community, Mandi is well respected among both practitioners and the judiciary. She began her pro bono work in 2008, her first year in private practice, by representing a teenager who was shot in the back by police officers, giving her immediate trial experience. She is also passionate about mental health and has spoken publicly about this issue to groups around the country.


Kendelle Knapp — Girl Wearing  Violet Shirt in Wesley Chapel, FL

Kendelle Knapp, Esq.

Associate Attorney

Kendelle is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Webber International University, and received her Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law in May 2022. While attending Webber International University, she played on the Women’s Soccer Team and served as the captain of the team for the 2018 season. While attending Florida State University College of Law, she continued her soccer career by playing on the Women’s Club Soccer Team.

 

While a student at Florida State University College of Law, Kendelle served as the President of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law society and as the Administrative Editor for the Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law. Kendelle also had the honor of being a member of the Florida State University College of Law Trial Team, which was ranked #15 in the nation during her time at FSU. Kendelle received two Book Awards from Florida State University College of Law: Commercial Law and Civil Pre-Trial Practice.

 

Kendelle is a Tampa Bay native and has been working at Martinez Law since May 2018. Kendelle also worked as a Law Clerk for a private criminal defense law firm while at Webber International University.


Stephanie Gibson
Chief Operating Officer
Stephanie is a Certified Public Accountant with over ten years of experience, and is excited to bring her knowledge of accounting, business and project management to Martinez Law. She graduated from Florida State University with a Master of Accountancy degree. While at Florida State University, Stephanie was a member of the All-Girl Cheerleading team while gaining experience as an assistant accountant with Mitchell and Company. Prior to joining the team, Stephanie worked as a financial reporting manager at Transamerica and as an audit manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers where she managed a team over financial reporting and oversight duties. These duties included management of an audit from start to finish including client relations, oversight and review in the production of fund financial statements and SEC filings, valuation of hard to price investment securities as well as review and approval of fund budgets. Stephanie resides in Lutz, FL with her husband and two children.

Stephanie’s involvement in community service includes working with the United Way participating in community clean up projects and Junior Achievement as a JA Be Entrepreneurial volunteer.


Kendelle Knapp — Girl Wearing  Violet Shirt in Wesley Chapel, FL
Xhevaire McCool
Office Manager

Xhevaire received her B.A. in International Business from St. Petersburg College. She began her career in banking as Teller Manager with Wachovia Bank N.A. (now known as Wells Fargo). She then moved her customer service talents and financial skills into the world of Property Management. She started with Camden Development and then moved to develop her career with Cortland during a property acquisition. She excelled through her career starting as a Leasing Consultant to becoming a Senior Community Manager for the largest asset owned in the Florida portfolio. Her daily responsibilities included managing all the financials for the asset, managing a team of over 20 individuals, handling any resident community concerns, and ensuring the esthetics of the community were maintained daily. She was also a Peer Coach and trained new incoming Community Managers for Cortland in the state of Florida. 


Xhevaire loves to volunteer in her local community through hosting donation drives, creating fundraising events and participating in local running races that give back.

Kendelle Knapp — Girl Wearing  Violet Shirt in Wesley Chapel, FL

Kelley Hoffman

Director of Marketing and Business Development

Kelley is a seasoned Marketing and Business Development professional with over seven years of experience. She served as a Lead Brand Ambassador for 2020 Companies while studying at the University of Central Florida. Her early marketing roles included: Director of Public Relations for Love Your Melon (nonprofit), UCF Chapter; Writer and Social Media Manager for Her Campus publication; Social Media Manager for Mixed Mode a cappella; and Team Captain for the UCF Dance Marathon. 


After obtaining her B.A. in Communications, Kelley continued to grow in sales, marketing, and business development leadership roles. In her previous position, she was the in-house marketing professional for an independent surveying company, We R Survey, and helped them to establish a brand identity and create effective marketing plans.


Kelley was thrilled to join the Martinez Law team in late 2023. She is a Tampa Bay native and loves to be involved with her local community. She currently resides in Pinellas County with her husband and cat. She is a lifelong learner who is always looking for a new book to read or a new skill to develop. In addition to her position at Martinez Law, Kelley is also a General Board Member for La Femme Institute Non-Profit in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Kendelle Knapp — Girl Wearing  Violet Shirt in Wesley Chapel, FL

Sandralynn Riese

Legal Assistant

Sandy earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Montclair State University in New Jersey. She went on to complete an ABA Approved Paralegal Studies Program at MSU. Sandy has a varied background as a legal assistant and paralegal. She began her career in law by working with Children’s Aid and Family Services for the State of New Jersey. Sandy gained invaluable experience as an assistant to an Appellate attorney before becoming a government paralegal for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, working closely to support the Office of General Counsel and Florida State Troopers specifically. She also earned her professional teaching license and worked as an educator for some time.


Sandy was excited to join the Martinez Law team in early 2024 and bring her experience with the Court System and her organizational skills to the firm. 


Sandy currently lives with her husband and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cookie. As a devoted mother to two daughters, she cherishes every moment spent with her family. 

Kendelle Knapp — Girl Wearing  Violet Shirt in Wesley Chapel, FL

Leonah Murenga

Administrative Assistant

Leonah is currently studying part time towards a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Econometrics while she works as a full-time administrative assistant for Martinez Law firm. She is enthusiastic and committed to providing our clients with excellent customer service and has over 6 years’ experience in this field. Leonah started her career in admin when she worked as primary school teacher’s assistant where she established her skills in communication and quickly developed a passion for children.

 

 She later went on to develop her skills in admin and worked in varies industries including financial, insurance, pharmaceuticals, construction and the medical industry. Leonah’s journey from South Africa to her role as an administrator in Lutz, Florida is an inspiring testament to her tenacity, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

 

 Leonah loves children and is passionate about her religion, and often spends her Sunday’s volunteering as a Sunday school teacher. During her spare time, she attends local events where she provides catering services and develops her interpersonal skills. Leonah resides with her partner and has been a part of our team for over a year providing exceptional service to our clients and is always looking forward to speaking and assisting you.

Here to serve any of your Real Estate Law needs!

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