About Us

Myron Steeves has an extensive background in both the legal field and the nonprofit arena. Myron has served as a Christian missionary to the Middle East and is a graduate of Biola University and Georgetown University Law Center. He is the Dean Emeritus at Trinity Law School, a Christian law school devoted to championing a biblical view of human law and government. He frequently speaks on a wide array of issues involving Christianity and the law, including the integration of faith and law, legal careers as tools for Christian ministry, law and public policy, and law and theology.

Myron serves nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, and churches through his practice by offering sound legal guidance from a faith-based perspective. He is an active member of the nonprofit committees of both the California Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Lisa has practiced law with both nonprofit organizations and business organizations since her admission to the Minnesota Bar in 1977 and to the California Bar in 1978.  Lisa is a graduate from Hamline University, where she received her B.A., with distinction, in Philosophy, and the University of Minnesota Law School.

Lisa is a prolific writer and author. She is the author of a guidebook, The ABCs of Nonprofits, first published in April 2005, with the 2nd edition published in 2015 by the American Bar Association, Business Law Section. The ABCs of Nonprofits has now been released in Spanish as well! Lisa is also the principal author and editor of the Guide to Representing Religious Organizations, published in February 2009 by the American Bar Association, Business Law Section. She writes and speaks on a regular basis, has contributed extensively to professional literature regarding nonprofit organizations, and is regarded as an expert in the area of nonprofit organization law.  Lisa was the first recipient of the Outstanding Lawyer Award by the ABA Business Law Section, A Nonprofit Lawyers Award, and the first to receive both the Outstanding Lawyer Award AND the Vanguard Award.

Lisa has been AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for over 30 years (since 1991), and has been on this list of Southern California Super Lawyers for the past 8 years (since 2013).

When she’s not working, writing or speaking about nonprofit matters, Lisa trains and competes regularly with her Standard Poodle, Jack, who holds titles in obedience, rally, nosework, and agility, and plans to expand further competition across the country.  Jack, is a Lagotto Romagnolo (Italian Truffle Hunting Dog) an ancient but rare breed who has an impressive work ethic and ability to figure things out. Lisa’s now retired poodles, Zippy and Marley, are registered Therapy Dogs.

Theresa Lynn Sidebotham founded Telios Law PLLC in 2012, where she advises organizations in the U.S. and internationally, with a focus on religious and nonprofit law, employment law, child safety, and investigations.

Telios Law advises on legal and policy issues, with an emphasis on First Amendment protections, international law, child protection policies and practices, and employment practices. It also coordinates legal audits and assists with internal investigations. Though Telios Law helps most of its clients avoid litigation, it also represents organizations in litigation defense, asserting constitutional defenses around religious free exercise, religious privilege, and other First Amendment issues, as well as normal business and employment law principles.

Although she was born in New York, Theresa and her parents arrived in Indonesia just in time for the Communist coup in the “Year of Living Dangerously.” Her four sons were born on three different continents, the youngest when she and her husband were serving in Sumatra. After returning to the States, she enrolled in law school and graduated first in her class from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.  Theresa was mentored by judges at the Colorado Court of Appeals and worked at a large law firm serving religious institutions and doing general litigation before opening Telios Law.

Now, she uses these experiences to help religious and nonprofit organizations achieve their vision in a way which is “complete, perfect, or whole,” as the name “Telios” implies.

Anthony Gonzalez was born and raised in Miami, Florida.  He graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and earned his Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law. In law school, he received the Book Award in Appellate Advocacy for obtaining the highest grade for his written and oral argument.  As a result, he accepted an invitation for membership into the International Moot Court Honors Organization.  Anthony is an Adjunct Professor at Trinity International University.

Anthony believes in giving back to the community.  In 2010, he co-found a Christian church in Miami, Florida for which he served as an ordained clergyman.  In 2017, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Revelation University for his work with the community.

Anthony focuses his practice in complex civil and commercial litigation and church law.

Kelli Marsh came to the Church Law Center after a career in the financial services industry, where she developed an understanding of risk analysis and project management. She earned her B.A. in Communications from Azusa Pacific University and her J.D. from Trinity Law School, graduating second in her class with the Dean’s Scholarship. She served as Lead Article Editor on Trinity’s Law Review and was a member of the Christian Legal Society.

Kelli provides our clients with legal counsel in the governance and tax exemption areas. In her financial services career she interacted with tax agencies as a Senior Client Services Specialist, gaining broad insight into the tax issues facing nonprofits. Kelli also serves as a teaching assistant at Trinity Law School and teaches for Right on Mission. She has a wide range of experience as a volunteer for charities, including work in Mexico, India, and Tanzania.

Nathan Brecht has a diverse background in dependency law and civil litigation. In the dependency sector, he served families in need as a Minor’s Counsel in Los Angeles County, where he honed his skills as an advocate and trial attorney. He brought that experience to the civil arena where he represented corporate clients, primarily in Real Estate and Business law. Nathan tried cases to victory and honed his skills as a negotiator through numerous mediations. He excels in interpersonal communication and negotiation, making him an asset for any corporate client.

A southern California native, Nathan graduated from Vanguard University with a Bachelor’s in Sociology. He went on to obtain his J.D. from Trinity Law School, where he participated in moot court, law review, and Trinity’s student tutoring program. Nathan has a long history serving in church both domestically and abroad in Cambodia, Mexico, and Belize. In his free time, Nathan enjoys studying and playing music, exploring coffee brewing methods, and hiking.

Now, Nathan brings his passion for the law, advocacy, counseling, and the local church to the Church Law Center, where he advises our clients in formation and structuring of nonprofit entities.

Gabriella Atallah was born and raised in Southern California where she went on to graduate from the University of California Riverside with a bachelor’s degree in English. Gabriella then went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Trinity Law School. While attending Trinity, Gabriella served as an executive editor for Trinity Law Review, and as an intern for Pacific Justice Institute.

Gabriella has extensive experience in civil litigation and has successfully represented clients in their personal injury, employment law, and civil rights cases. Gabriella is empathetic and able to correspond and guide clients throughout their legal needs. Gabriella has a passion for legal research and writing and strives to one day become a published author. Gabriella has a passion for reading, writing, working out, and spending time with her family.

Jessica Frieberg has spent her legal career serving nonprofits and has been with the Church Law Center since 2008. Jessica has extensive knowledge in the areas of nonprofit formation, tax exemption, governance issues, and dissolution proceedings. She has filed applications for nonprofits’ tax exempt status at both the federal and state level and has drafted articles of incorporation, bylaws, intellectual property licensing agreements, and employment contracts for nonprofits. She is well steeped in reviewing nonprofit corporation documents for compliance with the law and has a friendly, open demeanor when meeting with clients.

Jessica earned her undergraduate degree at Westmont College in Santa Barbara and completed her graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies at the University of California, San Diego.

Maria Gurule graduated from Azusa Pacific University with an undergraduate degree in Sociology and a Masters in Educational Psychology. She earned her Certificate in Paralegal Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She joined the Church Law Center in 2018 as the office manager and as one of the paralegals.

Prior to joining the law firm, Maria worked in the education sector with K-12 students, students with disabilities, and graduate students at public and private educational institutions. In 2011, she joined Trinity Law School, where she served as an admissions counselor, assistant registrar, and director of academic services.

Maria enjoys working with clients by providing assistance with nonprofit formation, property welfare exemptions, dissolution and other needs of nonprofit organizations. She enjoys spending time with her family exploring the Southwest, reading, and finding new adventures.

Karrie is one of the newest members to the firm. She has extensive experience in administration, client interface, and record-keeping. Karrie formerly served in University of Colorado Hospital Labor and Delivery Ward, where she was responsible for patient admissions, transfers, discharges, and maintaining patient medical records.
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Karrie has served in various church ministries, focusing primarily on people and organizations, and she currently supports children and facilities all over the world through Christian nonprofit organizations, such as Compassion International, World Vision, and the Door of Faith Orphanage. She has a passion for music and spends as much time as she can with her family.

Karrie has a heart for people and is normally the first person that clients will speak to at the firm. She is responsible for initiating client intakes, billing, and a handful of other administrative duties.

Katie Lannin graduated from Tufts University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
Prior to joining the firm, she worked as a financial manager at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, managing programs with national security mission areas.

A New Hampshire native, Katie enjoys hiking and skiing in New England, especially in the beautiful White Mountain region. Katie plans to attend law school in the near future and become a practicing attorney.