Richard was the founding partner of Berra Spence, the predecessor to Stross Wess Cutcher & Levin. Richard has concentrated his practice during the last 50+ years on the resolution of the complex business, property and support issues involved in marital dissolution cases. For the last 30 years, Richard emphasized the use of mediation as a means of settling marital disputes which often result in less cost to his clients, reduce friction and less acrimony. A substantial portion (approximately 80%) of Richard’s practice was concentrated in private judging of family law matters, the remainder is mediation.
Richard has lectured on the subject of complex marital settlements to lawyers and other professional groups. Richard is a Certified Family Law Specialist and a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association, State Bar of California and the San Mateo County Bar Association. He is also the Past President of the San Mateo County Bar Association (1986) and is the Past President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers of Northern California for 1997 and 1998.
Richard retired in 2021 but remains the heart and soul of Stross Wess Cutcher & Levin.
Education
- • J.D. – University of California, Hastings College of the Law
- • M.A. – San Francisco State University
- • B.A. – Stanford University
Ellen is a Certified Specialist in Family Law and a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Ellen’s practice encompasses all aspects of family law, including complex issues of property, support, and custody. She has successfully represented corporate executives, venture capitalists, and other high-net-worth individuals throughout the litigation process and in trial.
Northern California Super Lawyers named Ellen a Super Lawyer from 2005 to 2025, one of the top fifty women lawyers in Northern California from 2007-2008 and 2010-2025, and one of the top one hundred lawyers in Northern California in 2012, and from 2014-2025. Ellen received an AV Preeminent Rating and AV Peer Review Rating by Lexis Nexis Martindale-Hubbell. She was selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America from 2010-2022.
Education
- • J.D. 1992 – Northwestern University School of Law
- • B.A. High Distinction, 1988 – University of California at Berkeley, Phi Beta Kappa
Honors
- • The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County awarded Ellen the Dorothy M. Wolfe Award for outstanding service in 2006.
Leadership/Volunteer Positions
- • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Northern California Chapter President 2017-2018; Board of Managers, 2010 to 2018; Annual Symposium Co-Chair 2013; Mentor, San Mateo County, 2011 to 2014
- • Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, Co-Chair, Justice for All Luncheon, 2007 to 2012
- • Kids’ Turn, Co-Chair, Annual Fundraiser, 2009-2012; Board of Directors, Kids’ Turn San Francisco, 2009 to 2012
- • NARAL Peninsula Power of Choice Luncheon, Co-Chair, 2019-2020
- • NARAL Peninsula Leadership Council, Chairperson, 2021-2023
Speaking Credits
- • Presenter, “Practical (Or Paranoid???) Perspectives on Premarital Agreements,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Northern California Symposium, 2024
- • Moderator, Judge’s Panel: “What Judges Want and Don’t Want From Forensic CPAs,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Northern California Symposium, 2018
- • Presenter, “The Entrepreneur’s Dilemma: The Characterization and Allocation of Challenging Compensation Structures,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Northern California Symposium, 2017
- • Presenter, “A-Cross the Great Divide: Journeying Beyond ‘Isn’t It True?’: New Perspectives on the Age-Old Art of Cross-Examination,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Northern California Symposium, 2014
- • Presenter, “Direct Examination,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Northern California Trial Practicum, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018
- • Presenter, “Calculating Child Support in High-Earner Cases,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Northern California Symposium, 2010
- • Presenter, “Psychiatric Evaluations in Family Law and Juvenile Courts: Problems and Possibilities,” Stanford University Medical School, Center for Psychiatry and the Law, 2003
Author
- • “Murphy Brown v. Mike Brady, Mary Poppins, and Known Donor: Advice for Women Who Want to Become Single Autonomous Birth Mothers,” ACFLS Newsletter, Spring 2008
Participation
- • Edward J. McFetridge American Inn of Court, Associate, 1994-1996
- • Coro Foundation Fellowship in Public Affairs, 1998-1989, St. Louis, MO
- • Member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists and the Bar Associations of San Francisco and San Mateo Counties
- • Ellen was previously associated with the law firms of McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Enersen, LLP (now Bingham McCutchen) and Friedman, Ross & Hersh.
Joshua is a Certified Specialist in Family Law and Partner, handling all aspects of high-asset dissolutions including property characterization and division, business valuation, child support, spousal support, child custody, and visitation.
Joshua graduated cum laude from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. While at Hastings, Joshua was Senior Supervising Editor of the Hastings Constitutional Law Quarterly.
Joshua graduated with high honors from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in Anthropology.
Joshua was the 2019 Chair of the Family Law Section of the San Mateo County Bar Association. He is also a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco.
Northern California Super Lawyers named Joshua a Rising Star for 2020 – 2023.
Education
- • J.D. cum laude 2012 – University of California, Hastings College of the Law
- • B.A. high honors 2009 – University of California, Berkeley
Rebecca is a Certified Specialist in Family Law and Partner, handling all aspects of high-asset dissolutions including property characterization and division, child support, spousal support, child custody, and visitation. Rebecca also prepares pre-marital and post-marital agreements.
Rebecca previously worked at Crivello Carlson, S.C. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, practicing civil defense litigation, including general insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, products liability defense and civil rights litigation.
Rebecca graduated with distinction and phi beta kappa from the University of Virginia in 2001. She graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School in 2006. While in law school, Rebecca interned for the Honorable Bernard A. Friedman of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and for the University of Michigan Health Systems Legal Office.
Rebecca is a member of the San Mateo County Bar Association, the Santa Clara Bar Association, the Bar Association of San Francisco and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
Education
- • J.D. 2006 – University of Michigan, cum laude
- • B.A. 2001 – University of Virginia, with distinction
Michael is a Partner, handling all aspects of high-net-worth dissolutions, including those involving complex financial issues, real property transfers, pre and post-marital agreements, property characterization, business valuation, child custody, child support, and spousal support, from the inception of a case through settlement or trial.
Prior to joining Stross Wess Cutcher & Levins, Michael was an Assistant District Attorney for the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, in New York City.
Michael graduated from Fordham University School of Law, during which time he interned for the Honorable Robert K. Holdman, at the Westchester and Bronx County Supreme Courts. Michael graduated magna cum laude from Union College with a B.A. in Political Science.
Michael was the 2022 Chair of the Family Law Section of the San Mateo County Bar Association.
Education
- • J.D. 2012 – Fordham University School of Law
- • B.A. 2008 – Union College
Linda handles all aspects of high-asset dissolutions, including those involving complex financial issues, property characterization and division, child support, spousal support, child custody, and visitation. Linda also prepares pre-marital and post-marital agreements.
Linda graduated from University of San Francisco School of Law in 2021. While in law school, Linda interned with Human Rights Advocates and presented a report on water scarcity & transboundary water disputes at the 46th Session of the United Nations on the Right to Food.
Linda graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in Political Economy.
Linda is a member of the San Mateo County Bar Association, the Santa Clara Bar Association, the Bar Association of San Francisco and the Italian American Bar Association of Northern California.
Education
- • J.D. 2021 – University of San Francisco
- • B.A. 1991 – University of California at Berkeley
Kimberly assists in every phase of litigation, from inception through discovery and trial. She handles document examination and management; drafting of agreements and pleadings; and deposition, hearing, and trial preparation. As Office Manager, Kimberly oversees the daily business operations of the firm, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow. This includes supervising staff and upholding policies and procedures.
Kimberly previously worked as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant at Stimmel, Stimmel & Smith PC in San Francisco, where she focused on civil litigation and arbitration, business and corporate law.
In 2004, Kimberly received her Bachelor of Arts, with Honors, in English Studies from the University of Nottingham in England. She received her Paralegal Certificate from UC Berkeley in 2007. In 2024, she received her Law Office Administration Specialist Certificate from the University of Texas at Austin.
Kimberly is also a Notary Public and a member of the National Notary Association, as well as a member of the Association of Legal Administrators, San Mateo County Legal Professionals Association, the San Mateo County Bar Association, the Bar Association of San Francisco, and the Santa Clara County Bar Association.
Yesenia is a Paralegal at Stross Wess Cutcher & Levin.
Yesenia brings over 7 years of Family Law experience to the firm. Prior, Yesenia worked as a Paralegal/Office Manager at The Law Offices of Jonathan D. Larose, APC, where she exclusively focused on Family Law matters, was responsible for day-to-day firm operations, and oversaw the junior Paralegals of the firm.
In 2013, Yesenia received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from the University of California, Merced.
In 2016, Yesenia received her Paralegal Certificate from California State University, East Bay’s paralegal program.
Yesenia is fluent in Spanish.
Education
- • Paralegal Certificate 2016 – California State University at East Bay
- • B.S. Management, 2013 – University of California at Merced
Amanda is a Paralegal at Stross Wess Cutcher & Levin, LLP.
As a litigation paralegal, she assists in every phase of litigation, from inception through discovery and trial, document examination and management, drafting of pleadings, deposition preparation, hearing preparation and trial preparation.
Amanda has been working in the legal field for over 13 years and has over 8 years of experience exclusively in family law. While her passion is family law, she also has experience in employment law, criminal law, real estate law, and civil litigation. She has experience working with courts in multiple counties, including Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara.
In 2010, Amanda received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with an Option in Legal Studies, from California State University, Chico. She also received her Paralegal Certificate upon graduating. While attending college, Amanda interned at the Community Legal Information Center (now known as the Community Legal Clinic), assisting students and low-income members of the Chico community with basic legal forms and legal research. Amanda was appointed as the Director of the Family Law Department, which handled paperwork for dissolutions, domestic violence restraining orders, and other basic forms.
In 2019, Amanda graduated from Northwestern California University, School of Law, receiving her Juris Doctorate Degree.
Amanda is a Notary Public and a member of the National Notary Association. She also received a Bookkeeping Certificate from the City of Gilroy.
Education
- • Paralegal Certificate 2010 – California State University, Chico
- • B.A. 2010 – California State University, Chico
- • J.D. 2019 – Northwestern California University School of Law
Jennifer ensures the office runs efficiently by implementing and maintaining well-organized systems. She supports personnel management, onboarding processes, and cultivating a positive and supportive workplace culture. Furthermore, as the firm’s Intake Coordinator, she provides new clients with a seamless and welcoming experience. Her creativity also stands out in her role as the firm’s Event Planner, where she organizes engaging events.
Education
- • Human Resources Management Certificate 2024 – California State University, Fullerton
Todd handles all aspects of high-asset dissolutions, including those involving complex financial issues, property characterization and division, child support, spousal support, child custody, and visitation. Todd is also experienced in drafting and reviewing pre-marital agreements.
Todd has diverse work experience, ranging from the governmental sector to the high-tech industries of Silicon Valley. He has worked for the San Jose Police Department and the US Postal Service.
Todd completed his law studies at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, in 2020, and has a B.A. in history from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
In 2024, Northern California Super Lawyers named Todd a Rising Star. Todd is a member of the San Mateo County Bar Association, the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the Bar Association of San Francisco.
Education
- • B.A. 2012 – UC Santa Cruz
- • J.D. 2020 – University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Joshua is a Paralegal at Stross Wess Cutcher & Levin.
Joshua brings extensive administrative experience and several years of legal experience to the firm. Prior to joining Stross Wess Cutcher & Levin, Joshua worked as a Legal Assistant at Kazan McClain Satterley & Greenwood where he was in a fast paced litigation environment and gained a large amount of trial experience.
In 2019, Joshua received his Bachelors in California Politics from the University of Redlands.
In 2021, Joshua received his Paralegal Certificate from Cal State LA.
Education:
- • Paralegal Certificate 2021 – Cal State LA
- • B.A. in California Politics – University of Redlands
Alexandra handles high-asset dissolution and parentage cases, focusing on complex financial issues, property division, child support, spousal support, and child custody and visitation matters. She also both prepares and reviews premarital and postmarital agreements.
Alexandra is experienced in representing family law clients in litigation, mediation, and settlement. She previously worked at other Bay Area family law firms, focusing on high-net-worth dissolutions, domestic violence, and high-conflict disputes. Alexandra served as a judicial extern for a supervising family law judge in Santa Clara County, where she managed cases involving domestic violence and guardianships. Before practicing law, Alexandra worked in the private healthcare sector, spearheading initiatives for children, families, and underserved communities — informing her practice and holistic approach to client representation.
Alexandra graduated with a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, earning a High Tech Law Certificate with honors in Intellectual Property. She also holds an M.P.H. from Columbia University and a B.A. from Brown University, cum laude. During law school, Alexandra earned numerous awards for her legal writing, litigation skills, and representation of startup founders. She directed her law school’s Honors Moot Court Internal and Galloway Moot Court programs, served as a Trial Team captain, and received the American Law Institute’s Leadership and Scholarship Award. Before law school, she received recognition from both Yale University and Columbia University for her advising and consulting skills as well as Brown University for her impact-based work.
In 2022, Alexandra received the Queen’s Bench Bar Association Rookie Award, recognizing her exceptional talent, leadership, and commitment to both the legal community and the greater Bay Area.
Alexandra is the 2025 Chair of the Women Lawyers Section of the San Mateo County Bar Association and serves on the Boards of Directors for both the Queen’s Bench Bar Association of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Queen’s Bench Foundation. She is also a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, California Women Lawyers, Black Women Lawyers of Northern California, and the Charles Houston Bar Association.
Education
- • B.A. 2016 cum laude – Brown University
- • M.P.H. 2019 – Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
- • J.D. 2021 with honors – Santa Clara University School of Law
Crystal is a seasoned legal professional with nearly two decades of experience. Crystal earned her certification as a paralegal from Cañada College.
Over the course of her career, Crystal has supported attorneys across multiple legal fields, with her primary focus in family law. She is meticulous in her attention to detail and her commitment to providing dependable, client-centered support. She takes pride in helping individuals navigate challenging situations with compassion and professionalism.
Crystal is fluent in Spanish and is a member of NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants).
Education
- • Paralegal Certificate 2011 – Cañada College
Ramon handles all aspects of high-asset family law cases including complex property division, spousal support, child support, high-conflict custody matters, post-judgment modification requests, and premarital agreements. Ramon also regularly engages the services of such experts as forensic accountants, digital/computer forensics and custody consultants in his family law cases.
Ramon graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a B.A. in Anthropology, and he received his law degree from San Francisco Law School, where he graduated second in his class. While in law school, Ramon was among three students selected to represent the school at the Roger J. Traynor California State Moot Court Competition, where they won First Place for Best Brief (competition included teams from UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC Law San Francisco).
Ramon is a member of the San Mateo Bar Association, the Bar Association of San Francisco, and the Santa Clara Bar Association.
Education
- • B.A. – University of California, Berkeley
- • J.D. – San Francisco Law School
Gilbert is the Receptionist at Stross Wess Cutcher & Levin, bringing over 20 years of client service experience to the firm.
Known for his welcoming demeanor and attention to detail, Gil provides exceptional client care. This includes multitasking, managing complex schedules, and upholding a professional and confidential atmosphere. Gil plays a key role in ensuring a seamless experience for both clients and attorneys, contributing to the firm’s overall efficiency.
Over the course of his career, Gilbert has supported law firms across a wide range of legal fields. He most recently served as a Receptionist/Legal Assistant at the law firm of Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP.
Haley is a post-bar associate with Stross Wess Cutcher & Levin. Haley handles all aspects of high-asset dissolutions, including those involving complex financial issues, property characterization and division, child support, spousal support, child custody, and visitation.
Haley graduated magna cum laude from University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (former UC Hastings) in 2025, as a member of the Order of the Coif. While in law school, Haley led the Family Law Student Association as President and worked as a Research Assistant for Professor Lois Weithorn. She also worked as an extern for both the Family Law division of the San Mateo Superior Court and the Family Violence Appellate Project.
Prior to law school, Haley worked for the Department of Child Support Services.
Haley received her B.A. in Psychology with Honors and a minor in Anthropology at UC Santa Cruz. Haley is a member of the San Mateo County Bar Association and the San Francisco Bar Association.
Education
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• B.A. 2013 – University of California, Santa Cruz, with Honors
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• J.D. 2025 – University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, Thurston Society
Jesse has over 15 years of experience in the legal field, with more than a decade dedicated exclusively to family law. His background includes work in civil and criminal defense, giving him a well-rounded perspective and a solid foundation for handling complex legal matters. Jesse supports attorneys and clients alike with a detail-oriented, thoughtful approach and a strong commitment to achieving positive outcomes.
Jesse is client-focused and takes pride in problem-solving, particularly in high-conflict family law matters that require such expertise. Additionally, Jesse also has a strong understanding of cryptocurrency and determining values on digital assets.
Jesse is a member of the San Mateo County Legal Professionals Association, the San Mateo County Bar Association, and the Bar Association of San Francisco.