American Sign Language-Speaking Attorneys

David J. Hommel, Esq.

New York, NY

A seasoned trial and appellate attorney, David achieves outstanding results in the courtroom and at the negotiation table. He practices primarily in civil rights litigation involving disability discrimination, sexual-abuse cases, and fair-housing matters. Clients praise him for his sharp advocacy and effective advice, as he navigates high-stakes, emotionally charged disputes with compassion and grace. David has served as first chair in federal trials, managing all aspects from motions and witness examinations to opening and closing arguments. In addition, he has argued several cases before federal appellate courts and led the briefing in many other state and federal appeals. He also advocates on behalf of various disability-rights organizations. For example, he has presented on behalf of the National Celiac Association and answered reader questions for the Gluten-Free Nation Magazine. In cases where settlement is not an option, his track record spans a broad spectrum of litigation. Previously, before joining the firm, David clerked for Judge Joanna Seybert in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and then served as a Court Law Clerk in the same district. Before and after his clerkship, he was in private practice managing and litigating insurance disputes. David earned his degrees from New York University and St. John’s University School of Law. At NYU, he captured the National Mock Trial Championship, receiving All-American honors. In law school, he served as the chief officer of the Moot Court Honor Society and won the National First Amendment Moot Court Competition. David lives in Queens with his wife, their children, and the family’s four-legged sidekick, Winnie. In his spare time, David is learning American Sign Language (to better engage with the Deaf community) and German (to cheer on his beloved Bayern Munich).

Sheryl Eisenberg Michalowski

New York, NY

Sheryl Eisenberg Michalowski is the Co-Director of the Eisenberg & Baum Law Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, which she co-founded in 2011. Sheryl is also a deaf advocate and liasion for our clients and in the deaf communities that we serve. Deaf since birth, Ms. Eisenberg Michalowski is fluent in American Sign Language. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and holds a master’s degree in deaf rehabilitation and mental health counseling from New York University. Ms. Eisenberg Michalowski has vast experience working with clients from a variety of backgrounds, and has a rich knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and many other relevant areas of the law.

Carmen Beasley

Dallas, TX

Carmen Beasley is a Marketing Coordinator at The Button Law Firm. She supports the firm’s marketing initiatives, including content creation, social media, and email marketing. She earned her degree in Marketing with a minor in American Sign Language from Oklahoma State University.

Colton Wakefield, Esq.

New York, NY

Colton Wakefield is an associate in the Eisenberg & Baum, LLP, where he focuses his practice on federal and state anti-discrimination cases in the Employment Discrimination Department and Law Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. During law school, Mr. Wakefield interned for the New York City Law Department in the Environmental Law Division. He also interned for Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. providing transactional legal work for organizations seeking to promote community economic developments. Mr. Wakefield was a recipient of the Archibald R. Murray Public Service Award, and he served as a Notes and Articles Editor for Fordham’s Urban Law Journal. Mr. Wakefield received his J.D. and graduated cum laude from Fordham University School of Law. He received his B.A. in Sociology from Texas Tech University and holds degrees in American Sign Language and American Sign Language Interpreting.

Aleacia Grant

Boise, ID

Aleacia has been working for Parke Gordon since February 2024. Aleacia’s main day-to-day at the firm is inquiring about final bill balances from providers, ensuring you get your full reimbursement. Aleacia feels deeply about their clients getting their deserved money as quickly and effectively as possible. Born and raised in Spokane, Aleacia has a deep love for the PNW. Before working here, they worked their seat off as an assistant manager, barista, and a sales associate for recreational cannabis here in Spokane, sometimes while going to school full time. Aleacia has an AA degree from Spokane Community College and was in the Interpreter Training Program at Spokane Falls Community College for some time, taking 6 American Sign Language classes along with some deaf culture classes. They also completed a 200 hour RYT yoga instructor certification specializing in Baptiste yoga in the Spring of 2022. Spring 2024, they are gearing up to take another teacher training specializing in 26 & 2! Teaching yoga and making coffee is definitely a love language of theirs, but they are elated to be part of the Parke Gordon team. During off time, you can find them taking or teaching a yoga class, performing with fire at live music events, sunrise/sunset chasing, or planted on the couch with their cat, Atticus.

Sharon Caserta

Orlando, FL

Sharon Caserta began her professional career as a certified American Sign Language interpreter and later earned her J.D. cum laude from Florida Coastal School of Law. She has dedicated her practice to representing persons with disabilities in ADA, employment discrimination, and employment law matters. She created the first deaf/hard of hearing litigation unit in Legal Aid and has extensive experience lecturing about the rights of persons with disabilities.