About Mendes Weed, LLP

Partners

Christina Weed – Partner

Christina’s determination and knowledge make her a strong advocate for her clients and she aggressively defends their rights. She helps her clients better understand the law and ensure that it is being best applied to their situation.

Christina is a licensed attorney with an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy. She serves as Chair of the Tax Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association and is also a member of the Estate Planning Council Diablo Valley and the Tri-Valley Estate Planning Council. Christina has also written, or been featured in, several publications.

In 2018, Christina became one of the first lawyers to argue a case in front of California’s Office of Tax Appeals. Mendes Weed, LLP is one of only a handful of law firms to have gone before the OTA because the OTA has only been hearing cases since January of 2018.

Christina has been designated a Certified Specialist in Taxation by the State Bar of California. 

Lisa J. Mendes – Partner

Lisa is also known for her aggressive defense of her clients as well as her knowledge of the law and how it pertains to their situation. She advocates for the rights and well-being of her clients and that of their children and the elderly. She has a reputation for being a very fair negotiator and communicator with other lawyers and judges, which streamlines and expedites the process.

Lisa acts with compassion and understanding while detailing in great depth the reality of the legal process and true expectations of the court process. She hopes that by being open and honest and communicative, her clients can move past this often difficult and emotional process efficiently to live the life they were meant to lead.

Lisa is a licensed attorney, with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish Language and Literature. She has litigated multiple bench and jury trials in civil and criminal court for the Mendes Weed law firm. Lisa is an active member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA), specifically in the Family Law, Women’s, Tax, and Estate Planning Sections. Lisa has written multiple articles for the Contra Costa Lawyer Magazine. She is a member of the Robert G. McGrath Inn of Court. Lisa advocates for proposed legislation and new laws as a member of the Contra Costa County Delegation of the California Conference of Bar Associations.

Associates

Hadeel Abutouk – Associate

Hadeel Abutouk is a licensed attorney who received her Juris Doctorate from Golden Gate University School of Law in 2020. She completed extensive coursework during her time at Golden Gate earning her a certificate of specialization in litigation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education in 2015 with the special distinction of Magna Cum Laude honors.

Prior to her time at our firm, Hadeel worked as an Associate for a Civil litigation firm in San Jose, CA aiding in the litigation of a wide array of matters including probate, estate, and corporate formation matters. She also interned at the San Francisco Public Defenders office, as well as, the Contra Costa County Public Defenders office, in ensuring the rights of indigent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges. She also worked for years as a Teacher and Director, managing multiple teachers and students while curating curriculum, and advocating on the behalf of the students she taught.

Hadeel’s passion for family law litigation comes from her background as an Educator and her firsthand experience with the need for fierce advocacy for young children. Her determination, knowledge of the law, litigation skillset, and her empathy for her clients allow her to be the best advocate for them at a time that can be extremely tumultuous and emotional.

Diana Lopez – Associate

Diana Lopez received her Juris Doctor degree from the John F. Kennedy Law School. Diana was actively involved in the Law Students Association (LSA) during law school and served as its President and Vice President. Diana also graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies and has obtained a Paralegal Certificate.

Diana grew up in the Central Valley, and currently lives in Contra Costa County. She speaks Spanish fluently. Her hobbies include, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Administrative Staff

Marianne Overton – Senior Paralegal

Marianne advocates for the rights and well-being of her estate planning and taxation clients. She has a reputation for being a down to earth and understand of the clients’ needs which streamlines and expedites the legal process.

Marianne received her Juris Doctorate Degree with the special distinction of Magna Cum honors in December 2020 from John F. Kennedy Law School. Her undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies is from California State University of Chico (go Wildcats!). She has seventeen years of experience working in taxation and estate planning. Before that, she worked in the Silicon Valley for 10 years in Human Resources. Here at Mendes Weed law firm she devotes her efforts in the areas of probate, estate planning, and tax law. Marianne enjoys hiking, playing piano, and relaxing with her family.