Meet the Attorneys at Marler Law Partners
Our team is comprised of real, down-to-earth people who are easy to talk to, but at the same time are fierce advocates, bringing a wealth of knowledge for all your legal needs.
Sara L. Marler
After completing her undergraduate degree at Maryville University – St. Louis, law school took Sara Marler to Boston. She attended New England University Law School, where she graduated cum laude and Top 10% of her class. It was Sara’s sense of hometown and community that brought her back to Missouri.
A respected attorney once told her “Caring makes this job hard, but caring is what makes you good at what you do,” and she’s kept those impactful words with her over the years. Sara is a compassionate advocate, having been the voice of children, victims of abuse, and people that are simply trying to hold on to what’s most dear to them. Within that compassion is a skilled, very capable attorney who will be exactly what’s needed in the courtroom.
Sara is the Managing Partner of Marler Law Partners. While she has the ability and does work on many of the varying cases through the firm, she lends a majority of her expertise to Family Law cases.
When she is not practicing law, Sara can be found trying to keep up with her three children.
Denise N. Gabel
After growing up in in south St. Louis County, Missouri, Denise Gabel received both her undergraduate and J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After law school, Denise served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Phelps County Missouri, then joined the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. In her fourteen years in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, Denise handled a large variety of cases across the state of Missouri, eventually serving as a leader in the state’s Child Support Unit for five years before joining the Governmental Affairs Section as Deputy Chief Counsel.
After a successful career in public service, Denise is ready to use her expertise to help everyday people get the legal help they need for their families. With ten years of experience working with the Missouri Family Support Division, she can help you navigate the child support system with confidence.
Through the years, Denise has put her dedication to helping families to good use. Since 2012, she has served on the Supreme Court of Missouri’s Committee on Access to the Family Courts. She is also the chairperson for the Forms Subcommittee, which writes the domestic relations forms which are used by all self-represented litigants in Missouri.
When Denise isn’t practicing law, Denise enjoys spending time with her family and baking.
Erica L. Kentch-Herbek
A Saint Louis University School of Law (which she entered as a Dean’s Scholar) graduate, Erica has provided outstanding counsel to clients in personal injury, business and real estate matters, probate issues, traffic violations and the full spectrum of family law matters.
Erica is a lifelong resident of the Jefferson County area and in addition to her J.D., holds a B.A. in Psychology and Liberal Studies from Maryville University and an M.A. in Education from Missouri Baptist University. Prior to entering law school, Erica taught on the high school level for three years.
After graduating from law school, Erica launched her legal career at an established law firm in Hillsboro, Missouri. When she isn’t practicing law, Erica enjoys watching her daughter play volleyball, traveling, reading and horseback riding.
Kristi Flint
Kristi Flint is a smart and tireless advocate for her clients. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Texas Tech University in 1997 and earned her Juris Doctorate in 2003 from Saint Louis University School of Law.
Kristi brings extensive trial experience to the Firm, with 10 years as a domestic violence prosecuting attorney in both Missouri and Illinois and over 50 criminal jury trials.
Kristi has a reputation in the legal community for being a relentless force in her pursuit of justice; likewise, her clients benefit greatly from Kristi’s extensive knowledge and tenacity. She has worked extensively in both Missouri and Illinois courts. In addition to her work advocating for clients, Kristi provides expert legal analysis to local news stations and newspapers.
When not working, Kristi enjoys spending time traveling with her daughter, hunting, and fishing.
Linda M. Freeman
Born and raised in Eureka, Missouri, Linda Freeman returned home to the St. Louis area after graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia to attend law school at Washington University. Linda was immediately drawn to the most vulnerable in the legal system and began her career at the Public Defender’s office fighting for children in the juvenile justice system. That path led her several places, spending time as a criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor, advocating passionately for clients as well as victims. That passion has extended into her fight for her family law clients, combining her fierce advocacy with her desire to protect the most vulnerable.
Linda’s understanding of the difficult and complicated situations her clients are facing as well as her compassion allows her to effectively represent her clients through what is often an incredibly difficult and emotional process.
With 15 years of courtroom experience, including jury trials, motion hearings and everything in between, Linda’s knowledge of the judicial system and litigation talents make her a powerful force in the courtroom.
When she’s not practicing law, you’ll most likely find her trying to keep up with her two teenage daughters or exploring the culinary scene in the St. Louis area.
Tammy D. Repaso
With over 25 years of legal practice, Tammy has dedicated her career to guiding families through life’s diverse challenges. From fiercely advocating for clients in complex divorces to assisting individuals and families in asset protection and estate planning, Tammy’s focus remains on providing top-tier, client-centered legal representation.
Her expertise extends to representing children as guardian ad litem in high-conflict divorces and facilitating amicable resolutions as a neutral mediator, empowering parties to navigate their divorce and custody issues on their own terms. Tammy also serves as the Firm’s Practice Manager.
Tammy’s extensive legal background, coupled with her education degree and law degree, position her not only as a mentor to budding attorneys but also as a trusted ally to her clients. By imparting comprehensive understanding of their legal options, she empowers clients to make informed decisions throughout their legal journeys.
While she exclusively practices law in the state of Missouri presently, Tammy is also a licensed attorney in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina, but her status is currently inactive.
Driven by a passion for serving others, Tammy proudly holds the Missouri Attorney General’s Military Legal Assistance Team Pro Bono Award, recognizing her commitment to pro bono work. In her leisure time, she actively engages in community volunteering, cherishes travel experiences, and relishes moments spent with her husband, children, and two beloved dogs.
Kathryn Borzillo
Originally from Northeast Missouri, Kate attended Maryville University for her undergraduate degree and went on to graduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2000.
Kate has been practicing family law since then. She opened her own law practice in 2008, and has worked to provide compassionate and competent representation to help people through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Kate is a trained mediator and firmly believes that parties should have agency and ownership of their lives and cases.
Kate has worked as a guardian ad litem in both family court and for the St. Charles County juvenile court for over 20 years. She cares deeply about the well-being of children whose families are going through divorce and other difficult issues.
Because of her interest in alternative dispute resolution, and passion for empowering her clients, Kate became a certified divorce coach in 2022, and also works to support clients as they navigate the system to make the best possible decisions for themselves and their children.
When Kate isn’t working she loves spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Cayla Sinamon
Cayla Sinamon has been the right-hand to Sara Marler since 2012. She started her legal career with Marler Law Partners as a Paralegal and that role evolved into becoming the Firm’s Chief Operating Officer. She is responsible for managing payroll, overseeing client invoicing, and supervising all non-attorney staff members. She also manages opening and closing of all new client files, oversees client payments, handles Human Resources and developing and maintaining firm processes and procedures. She works in conjunction with the Front Office Legal Assistant to ensure that any and all client and vendor concerns are dealt with in a timely manner.
Cayla graduated from Jefferson College in 2010 with an Associate of Art’s Degree with an emphasis in Criminal Justice and from Hickey College in 2012 with an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies. She is also a certified Notary Public for the State of Missouri.
Cayla has lived in the St. Louis area her entire life and now resides in Fenton, Missouri with her husband and sons. She enjoys camping and traveling with her family—especially to Tennessee where she actually met and married her husband.
Cayla said that she “likes working for Marler Law Partners because it feels like being part of a family—there is always someone to talk to or bounce ideas off of and you get to help fight for people during the worst times of their lives. Everyone that works here is great and we truly enjoy spending time with one another. I also like how my job has developed over the years and continues to develop. There are always new challenges and projects to work on and every day is truly different from the one before.”
Brenda Eckhoff
Brenda joined Marler Law Partners in October 2016 and works in our Farmington office. She is an experienced Paralegal who was worked extensively in the legal field during her professional career over the last thirty-six years. Brenda’s role is integral in supporting her assigned attorneys with all of their cases. She drafts pleadings and motions, files them with the court, notifies clients of upcoming court dates/deadlines and keeps client’s apprised of all pertinent case information. Brenda has extensive contact with clients, attorneys, and court staff. Brenda’s nickname is the “Judge Maker” because she has worked for many attorneys who have gone on to become Judges namely the Honorable Patricia Riehl, the Honorable Katherine Hardy-Senkel, and the Honorable Scott Schrum.
Brenda is a certified Notary Public for the State of Missouri.
Brenda began her legal career with Brunson Hollingsworth and Patricia Riehl in 1985. Brenda loves to assist and engage with clients and she takes pride in getting to know clients and teaming up with them through their difficult times.
Brenda lives in Old Mines, Missouri and has been on various Boards over the years, such as the Kingston K14 School Board and the Great Mines Health Center Board. She has two adult children.
Dawn Yates
Dawn has been a member of Marler Law Partners since June 2019. Dawn brings a dynamic perspective to her role as Front Office Legal Assistant as she was once a client of Marler Law Partners. Dawn is the face of our firm—she is the first person our clients often meet and speak to over the phone—she handles our front desk at our Farmington office and also handles all of our intake calls for potential clients. She also opens all of our new client physical and virtual files, handles client invoicing and payments and is effectively the right-hand to our Practice Manager. Her hard-working mentality and positive attitude have helped her position advance quickly within the company and she truly helps keep all the balls in the air.
Dawn graduated from Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri in 2018 with her Associates Degree in History. She is a certified Notary Public for the State of Missouri.
Dawn said that what she likes best about MLP is “We are all ready to help each other at any second of any day. We are one big team and everyone has each other’s backs. I enjoy the general attitude of the Firm and that we are all able to hangout and enjoy time together outside of work, but still able to work together and get things done during the workday.” When asked about the best part of her job Dawn said she “likes getting to interact with clients and help them in any way that I can, to get them through their hard times. I also enjoy the fast-paced environment and that every day is something new.”
Dawn is originally from O’Fallon, Missouri but currently lives in Cadet—a small town near Potosi, Missouri. She enjoys spending time with her family and her kids, traveling, and reading books.
Amanda Diamond
Amanda earned her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, at Maryville University St. Louis, with an additional training in vocational rehabilitation and disabilities. Amanda also has her B.A. from University of Missouri-Columbia, Honors College, which she received in 2011. She holds a Major in Psychology and Minor in Multi-Cultural Studies.
Amanda is a former Middle School Teacher that shifted her focus to healthcare, where she has spent nearly a decade. As a mental health care provider, she has experience working with adults, adolescents, and their families, has been trained as a trauma-informed provider, and is knowledgeable and understanding of working with disabilities.
As your Client Advocate, Amanda’s approach is to work alongside you. She creates a safe space for you, allowing you to feel guided, supported, and empowered. You are worthy of unconditional acceptance, regardless of your current struggles or personal circumstances. Amanda will meet you where you are and understands that authentic connection and compassionate care is a true catalyst for solution-focused change.
Shelby Belknap
Shelby Belknap graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Missouri Baptist in 2020, She brought her dedication and commitment into the legal field. With an impressive 4-year tenure at the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, she gained invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the legal world.
Now as a key member of Marler Law Partners, what she cherishes the most is the firm’s positive environment, the emphasis on teamwork, and the continuous opportunities for growth. She also loves the firm’s commitment to in-depth discussions, valuing individual opinions, and ensuring the best outcome for clients resonates deeply with her professional ethos.
Outside of her professional life, Shelby treasures the simple joys of motherhood, watching her son Xavier thrive with the Central Institute for the Deaf. The duo, often accompanied by their loyal dog Nash, enjoy spending quality time outdoors and indulging in refreshing walks.
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