Grayson Ford is an associate attorney licensed in Texas and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Prior to joining Cordell & Cordell, he practiced at a small firm in Cleburne, Texas, where his work focused on family law, civil litigation, and probate and estate planning. Grayson brings experience counseling clients through complex personal and legal challenges, with an emphasis on practical solutions and clear guidance.
“I enjoy helping real people through real issues, and guiding them toward resolutions that leave them in a stronger position than where they started.”
Matthew A. Lopez is an associate attorney with Cordell & Cordell’s San Antonio office. A proud San Antonio native, he brings both local insight and genuine compassion to his family law practice. As the youngest of three brothers—all attorneys—Matthew understands the powerful role family plays in shaping lives. He is committed to helping clients navigate emotionally charged situations with clarity and confidence, combining focus and empathy to guide them toward a stronger future.
Ryan Ayala is an associate attorney who chose family law to serve the community that shaped him. He is committed to ensuring families, especially those in underserved areas like Southeast San Antonio, receive the support they need during challenging times. Through his work, Ryan aims to help children and families find stability and success.
Jasmine Avery is a passionate family law attorney committed to guiding clients through life’s most difficult transitions. Her dedication began at the Texas Advocacy Project, where she supported survivors of domestic violence, an experience that shaped her mission to protect and advocate for families in crisis.
Known for her honest, practical approach, Jasmine believes in clear communication and empowering clients with options, not ultimatums. She’s a steady presence, collaborative, compassionate, and unafraid to stand up to for family rights in and out of the courtroom. Jasmine isn’t just focused on legal outcomes; she genuinely cares about her clients’ well-being and works tirelessly to protect both their families and their futures.
Austin-area attorney Linda Tappa chose to practice family law in order to advocate for members of her community during some of life’s most difficult transitions. For Ms. Tappa, the work is both personal and purposeful—driven by the belief that strong legal guidance can offer resolution and a path forward.
With a background in business law and a penchant for problem-solving, she employs a strategic, solutions-focused approach to each case. Her goal is not only to help clients find closure but also to support their growth as they move into a new phase of life.
Whether handling divorce, custody, or other complex family matters, Ms. Tappa approaches each case with energy, professionalism, and genuine compassion—always focused on helping clients move forward with confidence and clarity.
Dallas, TX – Cordell & Cordell, one of the nation’s largest domestic litigation firms, is offering a FREE continuing legal education (CLE) seminar in Dallas for Texas attorneys. For over 20 years, Cordell & Cordell has been providing education to the legal community, and this FREE seminar is set to be an exceptional opportunity for attorneys to enhance their skills and gain valuable industry insight.
The CLE seminar will take place on Friday, June 14th, from 8am to 12pm at The Westin Galleria Dallas. Attendees are advised to check-in at 8am to ensure a prompt start. The seminar will feature Cordell & Cordell attorneys who will cover case law updates, trial tips, and ethical standards. With engaging and informative speakers, attendees will have the chance to earn CLE credits for free.
“We are excited to bring our CLE seminar to Dallas,” said Julianne Morgan, Management Partner for Cordell & Cordell. “Our goal is to provide attorneys with the latest legal knowledge and practical insights to help them excel in their practice.”
The seminar is open to all attorneys, even those who do not practice in family law. “Highly informative and thought-provoking, even for non-family law attorneys. Great job!” praised a previous attendee from the 2024 St. Louis seminar.
To ensure a smooth experience, attendees are advised to bring chargers for their devices. Cordell & Cordell will provide all necessary paper, writing utensils, and supporting materials digitally. Additionally, a continental breakfast will be provided to all participants.
The CLE seminar is approved for 3.25 hours of credit, including 0.75 hours in ethics. Attorneys can take advantage of this opportunity to sharpen their skills, stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments, and network with fellow professionals.
For more information and to register for the Cordell & Cordell CLE seminar in Dallas, visit CordellCordell.com.
About Cordell and Cordell
Cordell & Cordell is a renowned domestic litigation firm that focus on/in men’s divorce. Their innovative approach to family law has gained national recognition, with coverage from esteemed outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Time magazine, CNN, and FOX News.
For more information about Cordell & Cordell and their services, please visit CordellCordell.com.
Rachel Jagnanan, based in Houston, TX, is an attorney with a track record of success. She’s earned the CALI Award for Federal Income Tax and the title of Arbitration Champion for FINRA’s Securities Dispute Resolution. Rachel is a member of the Fort Bend Young Lawyers Association and has completed three trials. She adeptly handles challenging situations, such as dealing with non-responsive opposing counsel, ensuring her clients’ needs are met. Rachel has secured favorable outcomes for clients, including flipping custody in a modification case to make a Dad the primary conservator and awarding him to receive child support.
Mellany L. McDonald is a Texas based attorney who specializes in family law with a focus on adoption cases. With five trials under her belt, Mellany has resolved complex legal issues, including contested adoptions where third-party challenges were overcome. Her dedication to the legal profession is reflected in her memberships in the Houston Lawyers Association, Texas Bar College and her active roles on the boards of Johnnie Means Aquatics and Urban STEM.
Kimberly Painter Hall is an accomplished family law attorney based in San Antonio. Her expertise is evident in successfully handling complex cases involving issues, including allegations of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and severe alienation, leading to the return of custody to a father. Having witnessed firsthand at a young age how the court system can be manipulated, Kimberly is dedicated to achieving justice in family legal matters and preserving the children’s best interests. She understands that a legal battle is the toughest time for any family. She considers her ability to listen and empathize as key to her passionate and zealous representation of her clients. Although creative solutions within the settlement process work for many, there are times when a trial is simply unavoidable, and Ms. Painter Hall utilizes sound arguments and concentrated legal research to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients.
Licenses
Kimberly Painter Hall is licensed in the state of Texas.
Robyn brings experience and dedication to the practice of family law, with a career spanning back to 2014. Her passion for this area of law stems from her belief in making a meaningful difference in her clients’ lives and understanding that their main concerns revolve around their financial security and the well-being of their children. “Whether I am advising a client regarding a division of property in a divorce or issues relating to the client’s children, the advice I provide to my clients has measurable long-term effects on their lives,” says Robyn.
What truly sets her apart is her love for a well-structured, compelling argument, a trait that proves invaluable in advocating for her clients’ rights. Her empathetic approach assures clients that it’s perfectly acceptable not to have all the answers, encouraging them to seek her guidance and advice throughout their legal journey, often them saving them from avoidable mistakes in litigation.
Licenses
Ms. Atkins is licensed to practice in Texas.
Education
Ms. Atkins earned her Undergraduate from University of Nevada. She earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.
Professional Experience
Prior to working for Cordell she worked for family law.
Associations
Texas State Bar
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