Murphy Austin Expands Legal Services with the Addition of an Experienced Family Law Practice Team
May 16, 2025 (SACRAMENTO, CA) Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP, a Sacramento-based commercial law firm, is pleased to announce the addition of a new Family Law Practice Team, which will include six attorneys who previously practiced with the Family Law Practice Group at Downey Brand LLP.
With the addition of highly experienced attorneys Mary J. Martinelli, C.F.L.S.,* Kelly L. Pope, C.F.L.S.,* Trina L. Spivack, Michelle R. Albright, Crystal R. Vizina, and Vanessa Villarruel, Murphy Austin will significantly expand its capabilities, enabling the firm to provide clients with legal counsel and litigation services in complex family law matters.
Murphy Austin’s Family Law Practice Team will be led by Mary Martinelli, previously Family Law Practice Group leader at her former firm. Both Mary and Kelly are recognized as State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization Certified Family Law Specialists. Mary was a former professor of Marital Property Law and Family Law at the UC Davis School of Law and has 35 years of experience in the field of family law. Mary and Kelly represent clients in complex family law matters statewide in the area of dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, domestic violence, writs, appeals, and corporate consultation. Both have extensive experience involving sophisticated business issues, including agricultural business issues, real estate issues, and custody disputes. While they are experienced trial lawyers, they are most proud of the consistent successes they have achieved through mediated resolutions. Mary and Kelly work frequently with the State’s foremost experts in the areas of financial forensic accounting, real estate appraisal, and physical/mental health evaluation. Their clients include high-profile leaders in business, agriculture, and professional services, as well as entertainers, and professional athletes.
“We are excited to welcome this talented team of attorneys to our firm,” said Murphy Austin Co-Managing Partner Aaron B. Silva. “Mary and her team bring a fresh perspective and the solid legal knowledge and experience necessary to navigate the complexities of family law with compassion, care, and strict confidentiality.”
Murphy Austin Co-Managing Partner Lisa D. Nicolls added, “Building on Murphy Austin’s integrated suite of business law and litigation services, the addition of this experienced Family Law Practice Team is a positive step that enables our firm to more broadly serve our clients and new clients.”
Noting Murphy Austin’s long-standing reputation for excellence in legal services and commitment to community service, Mary said, “Many years ago, I started the practice of law with several of the Murphy Austin partners who founded this firm. In a way, I am coming home.”
Kelly added, “Mary and I are excited to lead our talented team of attorneys with the assistance of some of the region’s best real estate, business and tax attorneys in pursuit of the best outcomes for our clients.”
*Certified Family Law Specialist, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
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