About

About Us at Keyes Law Group, PC

img

Meet Elijah Keyes

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law

Elijah Keyes discovered his passion for estate planning early in life after witnessing how long-term illness impacts families. That experience shaped his belief that thoughtful planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones.

With over 15 years of experience, Elijah has built a law firm dedicated to making estate planning clear, personal, and empowering for every client. His approachable, education-first style has earned the trust of hundreds of Bay Area families, reflected in over 250 five-star Google reviews.

Recognized among the top 5% of attorneys in California, Elijah has been featured in Super Lawyers (2016–2025) and the San Jose Mercury News for his excellence in estate planning, special needs law, and elder law.

When he’s not helping families protect their legacies, Elijah enjoys building LEGO, obstacle course racing, and spending time with his wife, two children, and their dog in Milpitas.

Practice Areas

Education

  • Golden Gate University School of Law – LL.M. in Taxation, 2010
  • Golden Gate University School of Law – J.D., Certification in Litigation, with honors, 2009
  • San Jose State University – B.A. in Communications and Business, 2005

Admissions

  • State Bar of California
  • U.S. District Court, Northern
    District of California
  • U.S. Tax Court
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Certifications

  • Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

Awards

  • Rising Star in Estate Planning – Super Lawyers Magazine, 2016-2019
  • Super Lawyers in Estate Planning – Super Lawyers Magazine, 2021-2025

Marissa Sirota

Marissa Sirota

Associate Attorney

Marissa Sirota is a California-licensed Trusts and Estate attorney who has experienced the hard work and diligence that it takes to provide excellent legal services. Marissa has a unique ability to listen to her clients and analyze their unique circumstances to provide legal services tailored to meet their individualized needs. Marissa received her Juris Doctorate degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. She also holds a BS in Finance from the California State University of Northridge.

Marissa is an active member in good standing with the California bar association. She is a California-certified mediator and served previously as Secretary and fellow board member of Yolo Community Foundation. She had a pre-law career in contract negotiations in the healthcare, medical technology, and pharmaceutical industries. She loves traveling, getting out in nature, meeting new people, practicing yoga and meditation, and having fun with her amazing family.


Ashley Polston

Estate Planning Attorney

Ashley Polston

Ashley Polston is an accomplished estate planning attorney with over 17 years of experience helping clients safeguard their legacies. A summa cum laude graduate of Pittsburg State University, Ashley earned her Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law, where she led charitable initiatives and community outreach projects—including efforts to build shelters for abused women and children.

Ashley is a licensed attorney with a focus on complex estate planning. She is highly experienced in working with high-net-worth individuals and crafting sophisticated legal instruments such as charitable remainder trusts and irrevocable life insurance trusts. Her practice is defined by precision, discretion, and a deep commitment to her clients’ long-term goals.

Admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, Ashley is widely respected for her legal expertise, ethical standards, and dedication to excellence in client service.

Outside the office, Ashley is a world traveler who enjoys exploring diverse cultures and sharing those experiences with her daughter, Arden. She’s also a passionate community advocate, volunteering for environmental causes, animal rescue initiatives, and local arts programs. A certified jet-rated pilot, Ashley is skilled in flying various aircraft and brings the same focus and discipline to the skies as she does to her legal work.

Education

  • Washburn University School of Law – Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2005
  • Pittsburg State University – Summa Cum Laude

Licenses & Associations

  • State Bar of California
  • Admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court
img
img
img

 

Khouloud Dawahi

Law Clerk

Khouloud Dawahi img

Khouloud Dawahi brings a wealth of experience in trust and probate matters to Keyes Law Group. She holds an LL.M. degree from Penn State University Law School and has spent the past three years focusing on probate and trust litigation, conservatorships, probates, and trust administration. Prior to that, Khouloud served as an immigration law clerk with respected firms in Florida, Michigan, and California, giving her a broad foundation in complex legal practice.

Her professional path also reflects a deep commitment to advocacy and community engagement. Khouloud has been active on the global stage, including serving on the Advisory Board of the MENA Region Internet Legislation Atlas, participating in the ICANN Next Generation fellowship, and representing the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth as a panel moderator at the Global Internet Governance Forum in Geneva, Switzerland.

At Keyes Law Group, Khouloud applies her diverse legal experience and dedication to service in supporting clients through the trust and probate process with care and precision.

Outside the office, Khouloud enjoys contributing to human rights initiatives and exploring new opportunities to make a positive impact in her community.


Kathy Bonadonna

Trust and Probate Paralegal

Kathy Bonadonna

Kathy Bonadonna graduated with an AA degree from De Anza College in Paralegal Studies in 2004. She also holds a BFA degree in Interior Design from Central Missouri State University in 1983. She has more than 18 years’ experience working as a legal assistant and paralegal, devoted almost exclusively to estate planning, trust administration, and probate, in Santa Clara County and surrounding counties. She joined Keyes Law Group, PC March 1, 2022, but had worked with Mr. Keyes for approximately four years prior. Kathy moved to California from Independence, Missouri in 1983 with her then fiancé, David. They were married in 1985 and had the privilege of raising twin boys. Kathy spent years volunteering her time with Boys Scouts of America as a Merit Badge Counselor and Charter Representative, PTA, and Deacon at her church. Kathy enjoys the outdoors, camping, and cruising. Kathy quote: “The best reward with my job is taking some of the load off the Trustee while they are coping with losing a loved one. Seeing their sigh of relief, they now know they are not alone.”


Mallory Kimberlin

Mallory Kimberlin

Trust Administration, Probate, and Conservatorship Paralegal

Mallory Kimberlin is an experienced trust administration, probate, and conservatorship paralegal. She began her career in trust and estates in 2022 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from Colorado State University. 

Mallory has a genuine interest in the legal process and approaches her work with care and attention to detail. Outside of the office, she enjoys listening to trials, swimming, and solo backpacking. 

 

 

 


 

Christina Pittman-Keyes, MBA

Director of Marketing & Operations

Christina Pittman-Keyes

Christina Pittman-Keyes brings a dynamic blend of strategic vision and operational excellence to her role as Director of Marketing & Operations at Keyes Law Group. With a background in business management and an MBA focused on organizational leadership, Christina oversees the firm’s marketing initiatives, business systems, and day-to-day operations with precision and purpose.

Christina is the creative force behind the firm’s outreach efforts, brand development, and client experience strategy. She is passionate about demystifying estate planning for families and helping clients feel confident and informed throughout their journey.

Whether she’s coordinating educational events, optimizing internal workflows, or designing engaging client communications, Christina ensures that every detail reflects the firm’s mission: to deliver compassionate, high-quality legal support that protects legacies and empowers families.

Outside of work, Christina is deeply committed to her family and community. She enjoys spending weekends adventuring with her children, listening to music, and finding new ways to bring creativity into both her professional and personal life.


Kim Krupski

Estate Planning Coordinator

Kim Krupski

Kim, our Estate Planning Coordinator, brings three decades of expertise in data management and client relations to the Keyes Law Group. She is essential for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of vital legal data, the foundation of effective estate planning. Kim collects, verifies, and prepares technical legal data for our attorneys, ensuring timely movement of cases through drafting and document review stages, guiding each client’s matter through to their Signing Ceremony. She approaches every interaction with confidentiality, professionalism, and genuine empathy, understanding the deeply personal nature of estate planning, and helping clients secure their family’s future and peace of mind.

When Kim is not at work, she prioritizes quality time with her loved ones, cherishing her role as an auntie, and investing in self-care to ensure she brings her best self to both her family and her work.


Brandy Borden

Estate Planning Legal Assistant and Notary Public

Brandy Borden

Brandy Borden serves as our dedicated Estate Planning Legal Assistant and Notary Public, bringing a decade of experience in building trusted client relationships to the firm. For the past five years, she has focused exclusively on Estate Planning, mastering the unique intricacies of preparing families for the future.

Known for her compassionate approach, Brandy guides clients through sensitive planning processes with patience, warmth, and absolute clarity. She deeply understands that Estate Planning is both a financial milestone and an emotional journey. By serving as a reliable, supportive bridge between clients and our attorneys, Brandy ensures no question goes unanswered. Driven by a genuine commitment to helping others, she takes great pride in making the process comfortable, empowering clients to secure their legacies and find true peace of mind.

An avid fan of live music and unique finds, Brandy spends her time away from the office attending concerts, antique shopping, and unwinding with loved ones and her dog, Lucy Ball.