English-Speaking Attorneys

Robert B. Keyes

Norwalk, CT

Robert B. Keyes is an associate attorney focusing on Personal Injury, Premises Liability, and Worker’s Compensation. He has successfully represented numerous clients in civil trials, mediations, arbitrations, and worker's compensation hearings.

Susan Veltry is an attorney with over 30 years of experience, specializing in traffic tickets, aggravated unlicensed operation, suspended license restoration, personal injury, and criminal defense. She serves clients across Long Island, Upstate New York, and the 5 Boroughs.

Gabriel L. Anderson

Phoenix, AZ

Gabriel Anderson is an Senior Associate Attorney at Rafi Law Group. He has over 10 years of professional legal experience, where he has handled a wide array of different cases. He is a client-focused attorney with expertise in Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Social Security Disability, Tax Negotiation, and Product Liability cases. Gabriel prides himself on meticulous research and trial preparation. His skills range from mediation, negotiation, preparing, and arguing cases. He has a consistent, winning track record of serving clients while upholding the highest moral and ethical standards. He has also won the Attorney of the Year award from the Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association and has also provided pro bono services to the underserved. Gabriel is originally from Southern California and grew up in Torrance, CA. He then moved to San Bernardino, CA before finally moving to Phoenix in 2015. In his off time, he is an active runner and snowboarder but loves attending live music events because of his passion for the arts.

Julio A. de Armas

Miami, FL

Julio A. de Armas is a Miami-Dade native and experienced litigator. He primarily handles personal injury, contractual disputes, construction law, real estate litigation, and bankruptcy. He is licensed in Florida and New York and admitted to federal courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. He is a member of the Coral Gables Bar Association and Cuban American Bar Association.

SEAN M. WHITT

Ashland, KY

Sean M. Whitt’s practice is heavily devoted to litigation. He practices before multiple state and federal courts in Kentucky. He has argued cases before the Kentucky Court of Appeals and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on matters involving industrial personal injuries and health care breaches of contract. Sean has been involved in many jury trials, administrative hearings, arbitrations, and mediations. Sean’s practice has primarily involved matters of personal injury due to motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, medical malpractice, and premises liability for both plaintiffs and defendants. Additionally, Sean represents multiple banking institutions in lender disputes and commercial transactions, industrial manufacturers in construction disputes, interstate fuel and lubricants suppliers, insurance defense assignments and several Boards of Education throughout Eastern Kentucky. In the area of personal injury litigation, Sean has defended several personal injury and wrongful death claims on behalf of industrial manufacturers where employees of contractors were injured. In these cases, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was involved and the Plaintiffs were seeking millions of dollars in recovery. Likewise, Sean has defended physicians and medical centers for alleged medical malpractice. For a plaintiff, Sean recently litigated and settled a medical malpractice case where a surgeon and medical center left an operative sponge in the plaintiff’s abdomen. In commercial transactions, Sean recently handled financial transactions between borrowers and banking lenders for the construction of a prominent hotel chain and national restaurant franchise. The land purchase and construction costs exceed $10,000,000. In the area of construction disputes, Sean has defended several multi-million dollar disputes between industrial manufacturers and equipment and installation contractors. In one such case, Sean was a part of a defense team that arbitrated over 81 hearing days in two years time in Atlanta, Georgia. In that case, a three-member arbitration panel heard evidence concerning claims and counterclaims exceeding $200 million.

Alan Starker

Feasterville, PA

Alan Starker graduated from the George Washington University with a B.A. in International Affairs in 1982 and earned a Jurist Doctorate Law Degree in 1985 from the Delaware Law School of Widener University. Mr. Starker has extensive jury trial experience in litigation involving death and catastrophic personal injury. Over the years, Mr. Starker has worked extensively with injured plaintiffs in complex personal injury and products liability cases involving auto, truck and school bus manufacturers, seat and seat belt manufacturers, tool and die manufacturers and tire changing machine manufacturers. Mr. Starker has successfully litigated and resolved cases involving vehicle rollovers, airbag failures, liquor and dram shop wrongful death, construction and work-site injuries, architectural design, medical malpractice, fire litigation involving wrongful death, pool design, governmental entities and road design, premises liability, general negligence as well as a variety of motor vehicle liability cases. Mr. Starker has also litigated insurance coverage disputes and other business litigation involving non-compete clauses. Mr. Starker is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Mr. Starker has received an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell for both professional competence and ethical integrity.

Benjamin L. Traver

Phoenix, AZ

Benjamin Traver is a Senior Associate Attorney at Rafi Law Group, specializing in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. He is a skilled lawyer dedicated to providing excellent legal representation to accident victims to maximize their recovery. Benjamin earned his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University and his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. He was subsequently admitted to the State Bar of Arizona. Outside of work, Benjamin enjoys spending quality time with his wife McKenzie and country swing dancing.

Keith Knight

Phoenix, AZ

Keith Knight, born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, also spent time in St. Petersburg, Florida. He earned both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor from Arizona State University, where he developed a strong foundation in advocacy and a commitment to serving others. Keith has dedicated his legal career exclusively to personal injury law. His focus, drive, and compassion make him an effective advocate for his clients, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Outside of the office, Keith enjoys biking, playing and watching soccer, and spending quality time with his family and friends.

Mackenzie A. Bettle

Phoenix, AZ

Mackenzie A. Bettle is a Supervising Attorney at Rafi Law Group. A California native, he earned his undergraduate degree summa cum laude in Business, Law, and Economics from ASU's W.P. Carey School of Business in 2016. He then worked in investment banking, accounting, and supply chain management before obtaining his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University in 2021, focusing on trial advocacy, litigation, and corporate law. Prior to Rafi Law Group, Mackenzie worked at two personal injury and civil litigation firms, where he developed a passion for fighting against insurance companies. He has secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients. In his free time, he enjoys rugby, reading, spending time with family and friends, and his two Havanese puppies. He is dedicated to community involvement, both locally and abroad.

James Eric Gabrielson

Sartell, MN

James 'Jim' Gabrielson is the Managing Partner at Gabrielson Law Offices, LTD. He has worked at the firm since he was 16, and after earning a B.S. in Business Economics from the University of St. Thomas, he served as office manager before obtaining his legal degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law. He handles personal injury and wrongful death claims. He is admitted to practice in Minnesota State Courts, the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota, and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, and outdoor activities like hunting, gardening, and landscaping. He is active in social and environmental charitable organizations and is a fan of Minnesota sports.

Christopher J. McNally

Newport, RI

The ocean is and always has been a central part of my life. I have been unable to escape it, though I have not really tried all that hard. I am always drawn back to the sea. I have studied, sailed, fished, explored, played and worked on the ocean throughout my life. I have come to respect and cherish the ocean, its inhabitants and our interactions and dependency upon the world’s oceans. Eighty percent of the world’s population lives in close proximity to the shore, and that population places significant burdens upon the dynamic systems at the interface between land and sea. I understand the conflict that exists between natural systems and our desire to live, play and work close to the ocean. I was born overseas and traveled extensively with my family as a child and then while working as a professional mariner until discovering Newport. My wife, two boys and I have made Newport our home since 2000. Newport, and Rhode Island in general, are special. Rhode Island leads the way in facing the challenges of living at or near the shore. Our extensive coastline, fantastic harbors, and prestigious maritime history in both commercial and recreational seagoing endeavors furthers our connection and interdependence on the ocean. Accordingly, we have extensive regulations managing almost all of our interactions between the land and the sea. As a Professional Mariner licensed by the U.S.C.G. and the Royal Yachting Association / Maritime and Coastguard Authority (RYA/MCA) I remain actively involved in many aspects of the Maritime industry. I maintain and sail on both my U.S.C.G. 500 Ton Master and R.Y.A. 200 Ton Yacht master licenses, both with Oceans Endorsements. My passion and understanding of the ocean combined with my knowledge of maritime and coastal law and regulations allow me to provide sound advice and counsel for my clients and to advocate vigorously on their behalf when necessary.

Sean Campbell

Atlanta, GA

Attorney Sean Campbell grew up in the Atlanta area and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia, followed by a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law. He began his legal career at a personal injury firm in Alpharetta, GA, gaining valuable experience. Sean joined Wood Craig Miller in early 2016, where he focuses on representing individuals and litigating cases to maximize client recovery.

Samir Hadeed

Pittsburgh, PA

Samir Hadeed is a Pittsburgh criminal and injury lawyer with over 15 years of experience, practicing since 2008. He is a multilingual advocate, fluent in English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, and Italian, ensuring clear communication and personalized legal guidance for his clients. Known for his compassionate, client-focused service and calculated legal strategies, he is dedicated to fighting for fair treatment and achieving results in criminal defense, personal injury, auto accidents, and traffic ticket cases.

David A. DiBrigida is a personal injury attorney and a member of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Bars since 1992. He exclusively practices plaintiff personal injury law, having personally handled thousands of cases and secured over $75 million for his clients. He is committed to providing a stress-free process and personally handles each case from start to finish.

Chris Palermo

Huntington, NY

Chris Palermo has been a partner at Palermo Law, P.L.L.C. since 2004. He takes a caring yet forceful approach, effectively aiding New Yorkers through significant life changes. He prides himself on counseling clients with extensive legal knowledge and fights relentlessly for their future security, often negotiating favorable agreements due to his tenacity in the courtroom.

Eric L. Toscano

San Francisco, CA

Eric brings over twenty years of entrepreneurial and legal experience to his role as Chief Executive Officer of Tenant Law Group, a firm recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area in 2024; by Law Firm 500 for the past six years as one of the 100 fastest growing law firms in the United States; by Inc. 5000 in 2022, 2024, and 2025 as one of the fastest growing private companies in the country; and by Great Place to Work® every year since 2021 as a Great Place to Work. In less than ten years, Eric has grown Tenant Law Group from a de facto solo practice to the largest law firm in California (and arguably the United States) dedicated exclusively to tenant representation. Named Super Lawyers® Rising Star every year from 2015 to 2019, and Northern California Super Lawyer® every year since 2021, Eric is passionate about entrepreneurship, litigation, and social justice. Although he practiced as an attorney at the firm from 2016 to 2020, he now dedicates 100% of his time to running it. As Chief Executive Officer, his primary focus is on leading a team of nearly forty legal professionals, recruiting and retaining top-tier legal talent from around the world, attracting and onboarding new clients, building the firm’s technology infrastructure, overseeing all finances, and continuing to scale the firm to serve approximately 17 million tenants in California. Born in the South Bay and raised in the Central Valley and Wine Country, Eric earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University, where he was actively involved in Stanford Student Enterprises (an organization of student entrepreneurs); studied abroad in Florence, Italy for a quarter; and played on the Stanford Rugby Team. Before attending law school, Eric spent three years living in Italy. There, he founded an English language school (The English Language Institute of Montebelluna) in Montebelluna, Italy, and launched an online company that helps people with Italian ancestry be recognized as Italian citizens (Italian Citizenship & Genealogy Services). He earned his law degree from UC Davis School of Law, where he was President of the Student Bar Association, a member of the Moot Court Board, and one of ten students in his class selected to be a member of The Order of Barristers, a national honor society dedicated to excellence in oral advocacy. During law school, Eric also worked as an intern in the Government Division of the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, and as a judicial extern for the Honorable Morrison C. England, Jr. of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. After law school, he spent two and a half years working on behalf of large technology companies as a patent litigator for an international law firm. Although he found the work interesting, he was frustrated by the lack of skilled management and clear expectations (beyond billable hours) and by a culture he felt was driven by organizational hierarchy and office politics. When he founded Tenant Law Group (originally, Toscano Law Group) in January 2016, his goal was to build a different kind of law firm: one that fostered critical thinking and innovation; one focused on the personal, professional, and economic growth of its team members; one operated by clearly documented policies, systems, and procedures; one that offered a positive and supportive environment and took no team member for granted; and one that was committed to growing rapidly to serve an expanding and underserved clientele-in this case, tenants. While an attorney at Tenant Law Group, Eric dedicated 100% of his practice to tenant rights. He defended tenants in unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings and pursued cases against landlords on behalf of tenants arising from illegal rent-controlled apartment evictions, harassment, unsafe conditions and repair issues, rodent and other pest infestations, and floods and fires. Eric has given back to the legal community through his involvement with his alma mater, UC Davis School of Law (King Hall), the Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF), and the San Francisco Eviction Defense Collaborative. In July 2025, he was elected President of the UC Davis School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors. As President, Eric will work with the Board to strengthen connections among the Law School’s approximately 8,800 alumni worldwide; support current students through mentorship, networking, and professional development; and celebrate and amplify the achievements of the UC Davis Law School alumni community. He regularly returns to King Hall as an alumni panelist in the school’s Legal Research and Writing and Lawyering Process courses. He served on the Barristers Club of the BASF Board of Directors for two years (and was Vice President of the Board for one of those years), and was named Barrister of the Year in 2014. From 2015 to 2019, he served on the Board of Directors of the Eviction Defense Collaborative, a San Francisco nonprofit that helps low-income tenants defend themselves in unlawful detainer lawsuits. He has also given talks to UC College of the Law (formerly UC Hastings) students on entrepreneurship and tenant law.

Evan W. Horner

Carrollton, TX

Evan Horner is a strong litigator who was selected for the Order of Barristers, an honor society for trial advocacy, during law school. He has obtained many “not guilty” verdicts for clients in criminal trials. He is a dynamic young attorney with more than a decade of combined experience in delivering results for clients in personal injury, criminal defense and other litigation.

Christopher Bandas

Corpus Christi, TX

Based in Corpus Christi, Chris Bandas successfully puts his experience to work for plaintiffs, consistently obtaining substantial recoveries against big business nationwide. A native Texan, Chris’s legal skills have been called on across the state and across the nation. Having practiced defense litigation for the first half of his career in some of the state’s most prestigious law firms, Chris has insight into the tactics and strategies of corporate giants and their insurance companies. Since then, Chris has successfully put his experience to work for plaintiffs, consistently obtaining substantial recoveries against big business. He speaks fluent Spanish and has a reputation for keeping his clients informed and empowered. He was also an Associate Editor for the University of Houston Law Review from 1992-1993.

Joel Roettger

Knoxville, TN

Mr. Roettger is a shareholder with the firm. He represents individuals, fiduciaries, entities, and charities in the areas of estate planning, estate administration/probate, trust law, taxation, business succession planning, tax-exemption issues and charitable giving. He frequently speaks to professionals and lay groups on issues related to estate planning and estate administration. He has been certified as an Estate Planning Law Specialist by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils since 2013.

Cheryl E. Heffernan

Hamden, CT

Attorney Heffernan was born in New York City, has lived in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Vermont, all before moving to Connecticut to attend law school the University of Bridgeport School of Law, now Quinnipiac University School of Law. Having come to love the State of Connecticut she chose to establish herself and her practice here. Attorney Heffernan has been a trial attorney for over thirty years, working tirelessly to obtain justice for her clients, whether they are accused of a crime, injured as a result of negligence, or pursuing the dissolution of a marriage. Attorney Heffernan practices in our State and Federal Courts, handling a wide range of matters from murder cases to insurance disputes to custody cases. More than comfortable with the idea of going to trial, Attorney Heffernan's primary goal is to obtain the best result for her client, however that outcome might be achieved through our legal process.

Christopher Hedges

Charleston, WV

Chris Hedges joined Calwell Luce diTrapano PLLC in 2013 and works mainly in the areas of employment law, toxic torts, consumer law, products liability, and personal injury. Chris has extensive experience in matters relating to product defects, unfair discrimination, complex consumer fraud, and wrongful death. Before joining the firm, Chris was Senior Assistant Attorney General at the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s office where he focused on product defects, consumer fraud, consumer credit, and pharmaceutical law. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to litigation matters against manufacturers, medical providers, financial companies, employers, and other companies which harm and injure ordinary citizens due to carelessness, discrimination, and fraud. Chris lives in Charleston and enjoys traveling, spending time with his son, and the outdoors.

David A. Kaufman

La Jolla, CA

Attorney David A. Kaufman is a native of San Diego, California. He earned his B.A. in History from Claremont McKenna College in 2001 and his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Law in 2009. Admitted to practice in California in 2011, he gained experience in construction, contract legal services, and healthcare contracting at UCSD and Rady Children's Hospital. He transitioned to civil litigation, focusing on employment and personal injury cases, and founded the Kaufman Firm in 2018, which later became the Law Offices of David A. Kaufman, APC in 2019. His practice areas include personal injury, employment litigation, civil litigation, real estate, probate, and insurance issues, with a dedication to representing victims and fighting for justice.

Jack E. Gritton, II

Murfreesboro, TN

Since 1995, Attorney Jack Gritton has represented clients throughout his community with distinction. Throughout his career as a Murfreesboro personal injury lawyer, he has helped his clients secure damage awards in the millions of dollars, earning a reputation for relentless advocacy when it counts. He has handled hundreds of cases and has brought lawsuits against some of the nation’s largest insurance carriers. Jack is a graduate of the Nashville School of Law, and he has a background in economics. This background helps him evaluate his clients’ situations more accurately to help them obtain the best possible outcome for their situation.

Jeff Diamond

Lakeland, FL

I started my career representing the county of Pinellas in 1995. After almost five years, I entered the private sector working for a statewide law firm representing large corporations and insurance companies. This was a great experience for me, as I worked hard and learned a great deal about the practice of law. I did, however, feel like something was missing. I eventually changed course and began representing those people who were injured. One of the biggest reasons was so I could help people. Helping people, I learned, was the element missing from my practice. I found it difficult working hard to minimize people’s losses and vigorously representing my clients while devaluing the claims of those who were hurt. In representing those who are injured, I am able to seek full value for their claims. I fight against the insurance companies, the entities with all the power that can afford to spare no expense. Attorney Diamond views the attorney-client relationship as a partnership. While he does not experience the physical pain they are enduring, he does feel the immense difficulties their injuries have caused in their lives. He is passionate about helping his clients through the incredibly difficult times they are facing and believes that the cases he handles are not about him or the firm but about the clients. Attorney Diamond believes it is a privilege to help people and strives to effectively represent his clients’ best interests against the interests of large corporations and insurance companies. In addition to drawing on his extensive trial experience, Attorney Diamond makes a conscious effort to connect with each and every one of his clients. His goal is to be there for them, keep them informed, and remain reliably available for them throughout a very challenging time. To prepare a case, Attorney Diamond takes the time to get to know his client, learn about their medical history and care, and understand any unique issues affecting the case. When it comes to fighting for justice, he believes that he and his clients are in it together.