Learn More About Matus Law Group
Our talented team is here to help you in any matter involving planning an estate, a real estate transaction, or setting up a special need trust. Call today to see how we can help (732) 281-0060.
Our Top 10 Core Values
Integrity.
We believe that acting with strong ethics is a priority for everyone representing the organization as well as the client’s behavior as a whole.
Honesty.
We believe it’s not just the best policy, it is a core business practice to act in a transparent, trustworthy manner that earns the respect of colleagues, clients, and the public.
Fairness.
We believe to treat everyone with the common decency we all deserve and expect.
Accountability.
We believe in accepting responsibility for our actions (and inactions) is the ultimate way to build trust internally and externally.
Promise to Clients.
We believe that creating a great client experience begins with staying true to the words we speak and the bonds we make.
Diversity and Inclusion.
We believe that success occurs by bringing different lived experiences and a range of backgrounds into a shared environment where everyone has equal opportunity.
Learning.
We believe that no one has all the answers. We believe that humility and continuous learning is a bedrock for success.
Teamwork.
We believe we can create something greater than ourselves as individuals.
Passion.
We believe in having a joy not just for the work itself but also the people around us, so that everyone can be bold, innovative, and creative.
Quality
We believe in the highest standards of the craftsmanship of our services.
Our Attorneys
The Matus Law Group | Meet Our Attorneys
Christine Matus
Founder and Owner
Christine Matus was admitted to the Bar of the State of New Jersey and to the U.S. District Court of New Jersey in 1995. She graduated from Douglass College, Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1992.
Ms. Matus serves in the Attorney Arbitration Committee (2021-present), Board of Director (Past President) of 21 Plus, Board of Director of MOCEANS, Inc., Board of Trustee Secretary of Ocean County Bar Association. She also has served as a Board of Director to the American Cancer Society, Ocean County Chapter, 1998.
Christine Matus is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and a Board of Trustee of the Ocean County Bar Association. She is also a member of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association and the American Bar Association where she serves on its Advisory Panel.
Public Speaking & Publications
Ms. Matus has lectured to the public on various topics from special needs (estate) planning to real estate as well as to corporate organizations regarding non-profit rules and regulations.
She is a contributing editor to the Turning Point, a newsletter for the Filipino community in Ocean County. She has also co-authored articles on the topics of elder law Including “Nursing Home Bill of Rights” and “OBRA 1993 the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1993,” concerning long-term care for the elderly and disabled, published by the New York State Bar.
Public Service
Dedicated to public service, Christine Matus is an active mediator with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part, a volunteer for Caregivers, Inc., a Eucharistic Minister, Board Member of the Ocean County YMCA, and a member of the Central Ocean County Rotary.
Ms. Matus has served as General Counsel to Southern Cross Management, Inc. (www.southxcapital.com) and the Attorney Ethics and Disciplinary Board, District IIIA, 2006 -2010. She also has served as a Board of Director to the American Cancer Society, Ocean County Chapter, 1998.
Community
A strong believer in giving back to her community, Ms. Matus has been involved in several pro bono work projects. She has served as General Counsel to nonprofit organizations such as Mary’s Little Children, L.L.C. and Salatine Light Community, L.L.C.. She is also the legal advisor to the Filipino American Medical Society, Inc., the Philippine Nurses Association of Ocean County and the Filipino American Association of Ocean County, New Jersey, Inc.
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey, 1995
- United States District Court of New Jersey, 1995
Bar Admissions
- J.D. Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, 1995
- B.A. Douglass College, Rutgers University, 1992
- International Criminal Law and Ethics, St. Anne’s College, Oxford University, July 1993
You can contact Ms. Matus by clicking HERE, or call the law firm at 732-281-0060 to set up a consultation.
Kristine Carranceja-Gurski
Attorney
Kristine Carranceja-Gurski was admitted to the Bar of the State of New Jersey in 2007 and the Bar of the State of New York in 2008. She graduated from St. John’s University in Queens, New York with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics in 1996 and a minor in Philosophy.
After college, Ms. Carranceja-Gurski worked for various brokerage firms, providing her with a strong background in financial services and retirement planning. In 2004, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer and attended Loyola University of New Orleans College of Law, where she graduated in 2007.
Ms. Carranceja-Gurski is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Ocean County Bar Association, and the Monmouth Bar Association. She was instrumental in the formation of the Ocean County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee and served as its first Chair.
Public Service
A long-time believer in community involvement, Ms. Carranceja-Gurski has served in various leadership roles as early as her high school years and throughout college. While at law school, she was actively involved in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. She also served as the Executive Director for the Filipino Children’s Fund, as the Treasurer and later Co-President of her daughter’s parent-teacher organization, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of her homeowner’s association.
Prior to joining The Matus Law Group, Ms. Carranceja-Gurski coordinated a pro bono program for lawyers for a non-profit legal organization, where she had the opportunity to lecture to the public on expungement law and to present at continuing legal education seminars regarding the value and importance of pro bono representation.
Personal Life
Ms. Carranceja-Gurski treasures the time she spends with her family and friends, and enjoys travel, foreign languages, and theater. She is an avid reader of inspirational books and historical fiction and on weekends can be found biking the trails of the county park, enjoying the Jersey Shore, or wandering the aisles of home decorating stores.
Kristine's Video Introduction
Brayndi Grassi
Attorney
Brayndi Grassi, Esq. is a dedicated estate planning and probate attorney at The Matus Law Group, known for her thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and compassionate guidance. She helps clients create clear, comprehensive estate plans tailored to their families’ needs, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney: Brayndi’s ability to break down complex legal concepts helps clients feel confident and supported throughout the process.
Brayndi also plays a strong role in probate and estate administration, assisting executors and families with gathering assets, preparing required filings, addressing tax matters, and ensuring smooth distributions. Her organized and proactive style makes a difficult time easier for grieving families.
In addition, Brayndi handles select real estate matters that support her estate planning and probate practice.
Brayndi earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from New York University in 2011 and her Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 2015. She was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 2015 and the New York Bar in 2016.
Clients value Brayndi’s warm communication, responsiveness, and commitment to making every legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible. She embodies The Matus Law Group’s mission of delivering knowledgeable, compassionate, and client-centered counsel to every family she serves.
Caitlin Pennell
Associate Attorney
Caitlin Pennell is an associate attorney at Matus Law Group, dedicated to guiding clients through estate planning and real estate matters with care and precision.
Born and raised in Barnegat, NJ, Caitlin’s academic journey began at Ocean County College, where she earned an A.A. in Liberal Arts in 2018. She went on to graduate from Kean University with a B.A. in History in 2020 before pursuing her law degree at Rutgers Law School. During her time at Rutgers, Caitlin honed her advocacy skills as a participant in the Hunter Moot Court Appellate Advocacy program and served as a member of the Rutgers University Law Review. During law school, she held numerous leadership positions including President of the Student Bar Association and after graduating from law school she was a law clerk in the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division, for the Honorable Joseph L. Marczyk, J.A.D.” Caitlin is also a member of the NJ bar.
Outside of her legal career, Caitlin enjoys spending time by the water —whether it’s fishing, crabbing, or paddleboarding — and loves diving into books about history.
Caitlin joined us in 2024 and is excited to bring her passion and dedication to the Matus Law Group, helping clients navigate important legal decisions with confidence and clarity.
Our Team
The Matus Law Group | Meet Our Team
The legal team at The Matus Law Group is dedicated to making a difference to the families and individuals we serve in estate planning and special needs matters. With a coordinated team approach, we offer the most beneficial and efficient service possible to our clients.
We are ready and able to assist you in getting the help you need. Each member of our law firm draws on a wealth of knowledge and deep compassion to provide personalized, attentive assistance to each of our clients.
Jo Ellen
Lead Paralegal
Jo-Ellen has worked as a legal assistant for the past decade, changing careers after many years in the banking industry. She is an avid reader, cook and loves to host parties. Jo-Ellen is married and the mother of a son and daughter. She is passionate about helping people in need and can be found a few weekends a month volunteering at her local food pantry with her entire family. If not volunteering, she can be found at her favorite place, the beach or hiking with her dog. Jo-Ellen is also passionate about customer service and has received many awards throughout her banking and legal career for outstanding customer service.
Kathleen Taranto
Paralegal
Kathleen graduated from Liberty University in July 2019 with her Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies. She previously attended Ocean County College where she earned an A.S. in Criminal Justice, followed shortly thereafter with her A.S. in Business Administration, and later an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies in 1994. Kathleen has been a paralegal for many years and has been involved in various areas of the law. She enjoys helping clients and she is very excited to share her experience with the Matus Law Group team.
Kathleen is also very active in her local church and is a member of the local District NMI council where she serves as Zone Chairman for the Central Jersey Zone. One aspect of the NMI is the providing of Crisis Care Kits through Fawn Grove Compassion Center to areas hard hit by natural disasters throughout the world. Kathleen also spends time with her parents, and also enjoys knitting and scrapbooking, gardening, as well as reading a good book and spending time playing with her cat.
Lori Levites
Paralegal
Lori Levites began her career at AT&T Corporate Offices in New Jersey from 1995 to 2001. Starting as a Senior Records Clerk, she worked her way up to the position of Manager. In 2008, Lori joined Humana Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky, where she served as an Administrative Coordinator until 2009. She decided to leave this role to focus on her family.
From 2012 to 2016, Lori embarked on her legal career, working as a Legal Secretary for three female attorneys. Her direct supervisor was the Master Commissioner, who also managed a private family law practice. In 2016, Lori returned to New Jersey and took various temporary roles through an agency until she secured a position with a law office. Between 2019 and 2021, she worked for Jennifer Armstrong as the Client Services Coordinator. From 2021 to 2023, Lori served as a Paralegal, managing the practice for a solo attorney. As of November 2023, Lori is thrilled to be part of The Matus Law Group.
Personal Information
Lori is passionate about spending time with her grandchildren, who are 2 and 3 years old. She enjoys basking in the sun and engaging in water-related activities during the summer months, while she prefers to hibernate during the winter. Recently, Lori has taken up crocheting and is excited to create blankets, hats, scarves, and other items for her beloved grandchildren.
Mariana Aguirre
Marketing Assistant
Mariana has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Spaces Design, upon graduating she worked mainly in product and graphic design. In 2016 she traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam to do an internship as a graphic designer for a social enterprise focused on rescuing the art of papermaking through a Vietnamese artisanal process. Upon her return she was selected for two workshops, one on a national level by the federal government focused on the collaboration between artisans (craftsmen) and designers, which led to collaborations involving leathergoods and textiles.
In 2018 she started working in a private art gallery where she was in charge of managing the space, as well as doing the design and promotion of the art exhibits and the campaigns for the promotion and sales of art workshops. Along with this work, she has done freelance design involving museography and exhibit design for local museums and collaborations with diverse non-profits.
She enjoys doing yoga in the mornings and loves swimming. She has a cat and a dog, named Otto and Oliver respectively, that have their moments of adoring each other.
Gina Venitelli
Client Relations
Gina Venitelli, a New Jersey native, started working on 2022 at the Matus Law Group as our Client Relations Coordinator. This role involves many one-on-one meetings with potential new clients, during which Gina assesses the client’s needs and diligently dives into diverse criteria that will help each and every client in their own unique way. Gina’s role is to engage the new clients and make them feel like they are a top priority here at the firm, as well as planning life’s goals and having every one of them walk away from the firm with Peace of Mind.
Ms. Venitelli has a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Interior Design. Her professional career began by working as a Project Engineer for a high-end custom window and door manufacturer in NJ. She later started working for American Defense Systems Inc. where she again used her engineering skills working with manufacturers overseas.
After having children and moving down to Toms River her career path changed which helped her expand her skills in customer and client service as she became involved in different restaurant and management roles while also working as a high-end custom Kitchens and Bath Designer.
In her spare time, she explores her songwriting talent and has written many pieces in her own studio and as well as with various producers and sound engineers across the globe.
She is an active member of the community and attends various events involving educating families in need of Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning. She is also a member of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce.
Cindy Solorzano
Executive Assistant
Cindy Solorzano is the current Executive Assistant at The Matus Law Group, joining the team in late 2022. In 2015 she earned her Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design from Ocean County College after obtaining a Certificate of Design and Visual Communications from Ocean County Vocational-Technical School in 2011.
Ms. Solorzano has worked as a Mortgage Sales and Administrative assistant with tasks ranging from customer service, assisting with onboarding processes to social media marketing and mass mailing.
She is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently and in her spare time she enjoys learning more Excel (for her Excel=FUN), designing party invitations for friends & family, and doing DIY crafts with Cricut. She is also an avid tea drinker.
Pamela Morton
Administrative Assistant
Pamela Morton is the current administrative assistant at The Matus Law Group, being the first point of contact for the firm. She was born and raised in Toms River and was part of the first graduating class of Toms River High School East in 1981.
Her professional background started when she was 17 years old in the Automobile Industry. Later in life, she balanced work and studies by attending Casino school at night. Ms. Morton received her state license and soon after went to work for Hotel Casinos.
She worked at the Hilton Casino and the Borgata Hotel & Casino for thirteen and a half years, until she eventually went back to the Automobile Industry to be closer to family.
Pam enjoys bike riding in the parks around her town as well as riding her Peloton at home. She loves walking and being outdoors. In her time off she enjoys being with her family and friends for happy-hour dinners, and family gatherings. Some of the hobbies she practices are golfing, skiing and bowling.
MacKenzie Cardwell
Billing Clerk
MacKenzie Cardwell joined The Matus Law Group in 2024 as a Billing Clerk, bringing a background in business, marketing, and customer service.
She earned an Associate’s Degree in General Business from Ocean County College before completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing at Kean University. With plans to attend law school, MacKenzie is passionate about expanding her knowledge in the legal field.
Before joining the firm, she worked at Target for seven years, where she held roles as a Beauty Consultant and Visual Merchandiser, honing her attention to detail and client service skills.
Outside of work, MacKenzie enjoys exploring new vegan restaurants, thrifting and authenticating vintage clothing from the 1960s-1990s, and restoring antique cameras to shoot on film.
As part of The Matus Law Group team, MacKenzie is committed to ensuring accuracy and efficiency in billing processes while providing excellent support to clients.
