Meet the Team!
At The Grey Legal Group, we believe that legal representation should be honest, ethical, and personal. We are truly proud of and excited by our team, who will all work to guide you through every step of your family law case. With decades of combined legal experience behind us, we can tackle the legal complexities while you focus on what matters most. Contact The Grey Legal Group to speak with a family law attorney who is passionate about representing families like yours!
- Allison F. Tilton, Founding Partner
When I decided to pursue family law, I chose a path that would allow me to directly address the legal needs of my clients. I take great satisfaction in working one-on-one with clients, listening to their wishes and goals, and assisting them through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. My dedicated work at The Grey Legal Group has helped countless families benefit from my years of legal knowledge and expertise.
I am admitted to the California State Bar, the New Jersey State Bar, and the Massachusetts State Bar. I am also admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court, the U.S. District Court Central District, and the U.S. District Court Southern District. I received my Juris Doctor Cum Laude from the New England School of Law in Boston, MA and my Masters in Taxation (LLM) from the Boston University School of Law. I sit on the Board of Directors (2012–present) of the Southwest Riverside County Bar Association and was President of the Association in 2014. I am also a member of the Riverside County Bar Association and the Family Law Section of the California State Bar. With my diverse legal background, I am uniquely qualified to address financial matters related to taxes, businesses, and estate planning.
- Michael E. Bender, Founding Partner
When emotions run high, it’s important to have high-quality counsel who can handle the complex legal attributes of your case. I have helped countless families create practical, workable solutions to protect their best interests in any situation. I am committed to providing my clients with fair and ethical representation at every stage of the legal process.
I received a B.A. in Economics from Virginia Tech in 1999 and my Juris Doctor degree from Western State University in 2004, when I was later admitted to the State Bar of California. I have been a member of the Board of Directors of the Southwest Riverside County Bar Association for many years, and have served twice as the association’s President. I also belong to the Riverside County Bar Association and I am a member of the Family Law Section of the California State Bar. I have represented families throughout Southern California, assisting them with divorce issues, paternity cases, child custody and visitation matters, and much more.
- Sharon L. Tate, Partner
I was admitted to the California State Bar in 1997, and have spent my career as a trial attorney, primarily focused on handling family law matters, but I have also worked personal injury litigation and general civil litigation. I was also a law school professor and tutor, helping students to succeed in law school and pass the California Bar Exam.
I find that family law satisfies my love of legal research, writing and courtroom advocacy as well as my desire to help others, particularly families. I enjoy working closely with clients to craft practical solutions to their problems.
In law school, I was a twice-published Law Review editor and received a number of academic scholarships and awards, including the American Jurisprudence Award for Community Property, Uniform Commercial Code and Wills. I was a single parent who worked my way through law school as a paralegal and law clerk, graduated at the top of my class, and passed the California Bar Exam on my first attempt.
- Robert C. English, Senior Associate Attorney
I am a graduate of the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Geography and attended Loyola Law School in Los Angeles for my Juris Doctorate. I am a veteran of the United States Army as a armor branch officer. I am still active in a reserve capacity as an Emergency Management Liaison. I have been practicing law in California since 1996 and I have expertise in multiple areas of law to include family law, guardianship, civil litigation, criminal law, and administrative law. I previously served as an Administrative Law Judge for the California Department of Social Services.
My passion is to help clients achieve their goals and assist them through what is often a very emotional time period. I fight aggressively for the interests of our clients because life changing issues are at stake.
On the personal side, I have a variety of interests. I have run over 70 marathons and half-marathons, written four books, and have completed over 100 skydives. Life is meant to be lived.
- John F. Cannon, CFLS, Senior Associate Attorney
I’ve dedicated over 19 years to practicing Family Law, earning recognition as a Certified Family Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Throughout my career, I’ve handled a diverse array of cases, from high-net-worth divorces to child custody disputes and domestic violence matters. My commitment to excellence in all aspects of family law litigation ensures that my clients receive the highest level of representation.
I earned my B.S. in Political Science from Cal. State Fullerton and graduated from Western State University College of Law in 2003. As an active member of multiple bar associations, including the Riverside County South Western Bar Association and various Family Law Sections, I stay at the forefront of legal developments in my field. With compassion and expertise, I guide my clients through challenging times, providing the support and advocacy they need to protect their rights and move forward with confidence.
- Molly Petrie, Senior Paralegal
I have a B.A. in Prelaw and over fifteen years of experience as a paralegal. With my education and extensive work experience, I have developed keen insights into helping my clients achieve their various family law goals. At a turbulent and stressful time of their lives, they know that I am in their corner and will help bring them to a resolution. My specialty is in writing declarations and helping clients tell their story in a way that is both factually accurate and engaging.
- Cassandra Pastrano, Senior Paralegal
I have been working in family law since 2006. I have been a full-time paralegal since 2013. I always enjoy witnessing the client’s transformation: whether they have now gained confidence when otherwise were not strong enough to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or they had been living in fear and are now protected. At home, I am blessed with a large family which means everything to me.
- Amanda Thibeault, Paralegal
I found my passion in family law in 2018 after being a stay-at home mother for nearly 15 years. I have personal and professional experience that I utilize to assist clients in navigating what could be a stressful and trying time in their lives. I work closely with the client and legal team to help minimize the negative impact of such and guide the client to an outcome that reaches their goals. I truly enjoy seeing the benefits myself, the legal team and the entire firm brings to the client’s lives for the betterment of the same. At home, I’ve raised two sons, who are both now in college, and am blessed to be a bonus mom to my 12-year-old bonus son. I enjoy spending time with my family above all.
- Jennifer Judkins, Director of Operations
I am happy to be Operations Manager at The Grey Legal Group, having worked many positions here leading to this one. I love seeing the office help people accomplish their own goals. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, crafting, and spending time with my three children. Creating happier home lives for our client’s families is what keeps me motivated every day.
- Allyx Hernandez, Lead Family Law Assistant
I am a Family Law Assistant at The Grey Legal Group. I grew into that role successfully from starting at the firm as a Receptionist. I love helping people through one of the most challenging times in their lives. In my free time, I enjoy camping and spending time with my friends and family, including my two children. At The Grey Legal Group, I enjoy providing stability and focus to our clients.
- Emily Ortiz, Paralegal
I am a Paralegal at The Grey Legal Group. I earned my master’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law after completing my B.A. in Communications at CSU Dominguez Hills. I enjoy being someone to lean on for our clients going through a difficult time and seeing them achieve their family law goals. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and camping with my friends and family.
- Susan Hall, Client Engagement Specialist
As a Client Engagement Specialist at our family law firm, I am passionate about helping clients find the legal representation they need during some of life’s most challenging times. Having personally navigated my own child custody case; I bring not only professional expertise but also deep empathy and understanding to every client interaction. I know firsthand the emotional and legal complexities that come with divorce, custody disputes and other family law matters, and I am here to help you get started and connect you with a legal team that’s here to support you every step of the way.
With compassion and firsthand experience, my goal is to make sure each client feels heard, supported and confident as they take important steps toward resolution and peace of mind. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my child and family. Having grown up at the beach, I find peace and relaxation being near water whether I am kayaking in the ocean, floating down the river or soaking up the sun at the lake. I’m here to listen, guide and connect you with the trusted legal team you deserve.
- Christy Gregory, Client Concierge
I am the Client Concierge at The Grey Legal Group. I’ve been in the real estate industry for 20 years as an agent, property manager, and transaction coordinator. Experiencing divorce myself, I understand the gamut of emotions and uncertainty during this trying time. When clients and potential new clients walk into our office, I make sure they feel welcomed and put them at ease by assuring them they are in good hands with our firm. Our attorneys and legal team are very compassionate and dedicated to helping our clients. I enjoy golf, watching football and have a passion for music and singing.
- Crystal Goodnight, Legal Billing Manager
I have worked in the legal field in several capacities for 23 years, starting as a receptionist, personal assistant, legal assistant and now a billing manager. I have enjoyed the different challenges and experiences that each position has provided. I believe the secret to success is to always practice compassion, kindness and integrity in both my professional life as well as personal life. I enjoy traveling, good food and get togethers with friends and family.
- Cassie Orozco, Legal Billing Specialist
I am a Billing Specialist at the Grey Legal Group. I am passionate about Family Law and am currently working on my Paralegal Certificate at the University of Oklahoma. Having gone through custody and visitation proceedings, I have great compassion and empathy for our clients during this difficult time in their lives. I enjoy reading, going to the zoo and exploring nature with my son.
- Amy Bellah, Client Engagement Specialist
As a Client Engagement Specialist here at Grey Legal, I find myself humbled to be able to help our clients take steps toward achieving their goals. Having gone through a divorce myself, I understand the challenges and uncertainty that one goes through during this time. I want to help you understand that your voice should be heard and that we are here for you! After living most of my adult life in the Midwest, I moved back to Southern California to be near my family. I love to spend time with my husband (yes you can find the right partner – if you want) and daughter. Although my sons are out of state, they are never far from my mind! Now I’m just waiting on grandchildren. Bring on the grandchildren!
