English-Speaking Attorneys

Stacey Hill

Sarasota, FL

Stacey Hill is an experienced trial attorney with over 12 years of experience in criminal and personal injury law. She currently specializes in civil cases, navigating complex civil litigation with a strategic and results-driven approach. After earning her bachelor’s degree from University of South Florida, Stacey continued her education earning her J.D. from University of Florida Levin College of Law. She honed her trial skills as both a prosecutor and a public defender, and has tried over 80 cases. Her deep understanding of both the law and trial strategy allow her to provide insightful legal counsel, guiding clients through disputes, negotiations, and all aspects of litigation with confidence. Stacey is a passionate advocate for justice and believes in providing accessible, high-quality legal representation, helping individuals successfully fight against huge insurance companies. When she’s not in the courtroom, she enjoys plants, cats, and watching her son play football.

Merck Smith

Atlanta, GA

Merck was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and has always believed that people deserve excellent representation. He graduated from Lakeside High School in 1978 and earned a B.A. in Mathematics from Emory University in 1982. He then attended Georgia State University Law School, graduating in 1985 as part of its first graduating class. Merck was admitted to practice law in Georgia that same year. Focusing on representing victims, Merck has litigated cases in both State and Superior Courts throughout the Metro-Atlanta area. He has also appeared before the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals in numerous appellate cases. Merck has been recognized on Expertise.com for his zealous representation of clients. He is currently a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is licensed to practice in all of Georgia’s Magistrate, State, and Superior Courts, as well as the Georgia Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. In his spare time, Merck enjoys coaching, playing soccer, and teaching.

Baoqin Wang is the managing attorney, focusing her practice on immigration law and estate planning. She has extensive experience in business and family-based immigration, successfully assisting clients with various applications and temporary work visas. She also helps individuals and families with estate planning and asset protection strategies. She is committed to providing prompt and quality services.

Bethany Cross

St. Cloud, MN

Bethany is a Shareholder who practices in the areas of Business Law, Estate Planning, and Real Estate Law. Bethany helps her clients navigate intricate business, estate, and real estate matters with simple, yet profound life lessons of teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration. Bethany’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional life, demonstrating deep-rooted dedication to the community.

Dhespina Poreci

Boston, MA

Dhespina Poreci is an associate attorney at Thornton Law Firm LLP in Boston, Massachusetts. She began her career with the firm in 2016 as a paralegal before earning her law degree in the United States. A 2008 graduate of the University of Iasi Law School in Romania, she went on to receive her Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Suffolk University Law School in 2021. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and New York. Dhespina concentrates her practice in Massachusetts workers’ compensation, as well as toxic tort, pharmaceutical and medical device, and birth defect litigation. She is dedicated to advocating for individuals and families affected by workplace injuries, toxic exposures, and defective products.

Juan A. Salazar

Kissimmee, FL

Juan Salazar began his law career in 2000 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law, which has a nationally recognized trial advocacy program. He initially practiced as an assistant state attorney, a job that gave him considerable trial experience and a deep knowledge of Florida criminal law. He then entered private practice and in 2003 partnered with James Kelly to open Salazar & Kelly Law Group, P.A.

Damon Ellis

Charleston, WV

Bio coming soon...

Amy Morilla

Stratford, CT

Attorney Morilla is a licensed practitioner in Connecticut and New Jersey, admitted to their respective federal courts, and an esteemed member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Holding a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers Law School in Newark, she actively contributed to the Minority Student and Hispanic Student Associations and engaged in Pro Bono Clinic work. With a Bachelor's Degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish Literature from New York University, Attorney Morilla's linguistic prowess extends to fluency in Spanish, proficiency in French and Portuguese. As a first-generation Cuban American, English is her second language, akin to many of her clients. Her family's history as Cuban exiles fuels her commitment to aiding immigrant families in pursuit of the American Dream. Having personally navigated the challenges of the legalization process, Attorney Morilla is dedicated to helping families stay united. Her unique background fosters a compassionate understanding of the immigrant experience, creating a client relationship that demystifies the legalization process. She firmly believes in breaking down legal complexities for every client, regardless of their level of education, ensuring that nothing feels too daunting to comprehend.

Howard Kanner is a co-founding partner of Kanner & Pintaluga and oversees all trial work from personal injury matters to first party property damage claims that including both commercial and homeowners claims. Known as a driven plaintiff’s lawyer, Howard devotes his practice to representing plaintiffs throughout Florida in all types of personal injury and property damage claims. He strongly advocates for plaintiffs and tries cases to verdict which has resulted in favorable outcomes for injured clients. Howard is an active member of several legal associations, including the Florida Justice Association, American Association of Trial Lawyers, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Broward County Bar Association. Howard received a B.A., cum laude, from Florida State University, where he was a member of The National Honors Society. He completed his J.D. at Vermont Law School where he served as treasurer for the school and was selected to compete in the school’s Moot Court Competition and Negotiation Competition. Howard is a loving husband to his beautiful wife Karolina, and a dedicated father to his four amazing children Samantha, Kamila, baby Karolina and Leo. Even though very busy with family, life and other many charitable endeavors, Howard always places his clients needs first and foremost.

Michael S. Delaney

Indiana, PA

MICHAEL S. DELANEY, RETIRED, born in Indiana, PA, 1949; Millersville University (B.A. 1972); Ohio Northern University (J.D. 1977). Mr. Delaney served as Assistant District Attorney for Indiana County from 1977-1980. He served as Solicitor of White Township, starting in 1991, and of Marion Center Area School District, starting in 1987. He served as President of Indiana County Bar Association from 2007 through 2009. Mr. Delaney’s 40 year practice primarily consisted of representing clients in the business of coal, oil, and gas development including, but not limited to, title abstracts and certification; leasing issues; operation issues; and acquisitions.

ANGELA MCELROY-MAGRUDER

Augusta, GA

Angela McElroy-Magruder was the first attorney in Augusta, Statesboro and Dublin to become certified in consumer bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification. Her dedicated focus on bankruptcy and complete understanding of the law allow her to provide sound advice and effective debt relief solutions for even the most complex financial problems.

Jennifer Valenzuela is a Personal Injury Litigation Attorney and proud native of the Coachella Valley. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ms. Valenzuela is passionate about advocating for injured individuals and helping clients navigate the legal system with clarity and confidence. Ms. Valenzuela earned her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University, where she was named to the Dean’s List and served as Vice President of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund. While in law school, she participated in the Sixty Plus Estate Planning Clinic, gaining valuable hands-on experience in drafting Wills and Trusts for underserved seniors. Ms. Valenzuela also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, San Bernardino. Since entering the legal field in 2018, Ms. Valenzuela has focused on civil litigation, with an emphasis on personal injury matters. They are an active member of the Warren Slaughter-Richard Roemer American Inn of Court and the Desert Bar Association, where she continues to foster professional growth and community engagement within the legal field. Outside of work, Ms. Valenzuela enjoys exploring new places, getting lost in a good book, writing creatively, and spending quality time with her family and beloved dogs.

Sydney Dolan

Boulder, CO

Sydney Dolan is a founding partner at Dolan + Zimmerman LLP, focusing on criminal defense. She has extensive experience in jury trials and contested hearings, having worked as a public defender. She is known for her aggressive trial advocacy and creative negotiation skills.

Darren J. Van Blois

Oakland, CA

Darren J. Van Blois has over 12 years of experience in civil litigation, managing all aspects of pre-trial litigation and trial preparation. He has handled cases involving rollover accidents, traffic collisions, asbestos exposure, sexual abuse of minors, traumatic brain injuries, and paraplegia.

Thomas J. O’Brien

Dallas, TX

When you need a family lawyer, you need someone who will do more than simply push paper and file documents with the court. You need an advocate - someone who will fight for you and help guide you through the emotional and financial turbulence of divorce, child custody, and property disputes. Tom O’Brien is that lawyer.

Angel Melendez

Boston, MA

Angel Melendez is a distinguished partner and founder at Williamson & Melendez, PLLC. He was admitted to the Bar in both Massachusetts and Pennsylvania in 1986. He holds a B.A. from Rutgers University and a J.D. from Northeastern University (1983). Prior to his legal career, he served as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1974 to 1980. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and is a founding father of Lambda Sigma Upsilon, Latino Fraternity Incorporated.

Joshua T. Ortega

Pasadena, MD

Attorney Joshua T. Ortega is dedicated to advocating for clients in complex legal matters, leveraging his extensive experience in criminal defense. He successfully represents clients facing a range of charges from serious felonies like murder and drug offenses to common misdemeanors such as DUI and theft. Mr. Ortega is known for his strategic approach, working closely with clients to develop effective legal strategies that protect their rights both in and out of the courtroom. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Ortega serves as an assistant coach for the University of Maryland’s National Mock Trial Team, where he mentors aspiring attorneys in essential trial skills. He graduated magna cum laude from Charlotte School of Law and actively contributes to the legal community as a board member of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association and a member of various legal organizations. He has been recognized as a top practice attorney by achieving awards such as Rising Star, and most recently in 2024, Super Lawyer.

EricaRae Garcia is an associate attorney in Weitz & Luxenberg's Drug and Medical Device Litigation group. She focuses on cases involving defective devices and products, including JUUL e-cigarettes and hair relaxers causing cancer. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Cinthia Chou-Chan

Los Angeles, CA

Cinthia Chou-Chan is an Associate Attorney at Arash Law, dedicated to civil litigation and personal injury law. She earned her Juris Doctor in 2024 from Southwestern Law School and holds CALI Excellence for the Future Awards. She is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

James Randall Krenis is an attorney with over 25 years of legal experience. He founded Krenis Law in 2015. He formerly served as a hearing officer for the Tennessee Board of Ethics and was a member of the Board of Governors for both the American Association for Justice and the Tennessee Association for Justice. He is bilingual in Spanish and English and is a member of Mensa International. He has been recognized as a 'Rising Star' by Super Lawyers and received the Platinum Client Champion Award in 2018 and 2024, and the Clients' Choice Award in 2018.

Giorgi Goshadze

Chicago, IL

Giorgi Goshadze is an associate attorney with the firm. He began his career with the Law Office of Kevin M. O’Brien in 2017 as a law clerk before becoming an attorney with the firm. Giorgi focuses his practice on plaintiff personal injury and workers’ compensation litigation, including automobile and trucking accidents, wrongful death, dog bites, premises liability, and bicycle and scooter accidents, with a special focus on trucking cases. Throughout his career, he has recovered multiple six- and seven-figure settlements on behalf of his clients. Giorgi earned his Bachelor of Laws from Tbilisi State University in 2015. He later received both his LL.M. and J.D. (cum laude) from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2017 and 2020. Giorgi is a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. He speaks English, Georgian, and Russian languages.

Fred graduated from The John Marshall Law School (now UIC John Marshall Law School). While in law school he served on the Moot Court Council. Fred represents employers and insurers in workers compensation claims. Fred brings over fifteen years of experience as an attorney. Ten years of his practice was as Field Legal Counsel for a large insurance company. As Field Legal Counsel Fred oversaw the company’s workers compensation resolution team where he was responsible for management and resolution of workers compensation claims for the entire state. In addition to management of those claims, Fred tried numerous workers compensation claims and has successfully represented employers and insurers in workers compensation appeals. Prior to joining McCollum Crowley Fred was employed as an attorney in County Government, serving as both in-house legal counsel and representing the Texas Department of Children and Family Services in Child Protective Services cases.

John P. Schwulst

Bloomington, IL

John P. Schwulst has been practicing law for 37 years in Bloomington, Illinois, and is also licensed in Florida. He has 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law, with extensive criminal law experience spanning over 6,000 cases, including 3,000 felony cases. His practice areas also include estate planning, real estate, construction and business law, and he has extensive experience in construction and building contract law.

Jon Heck

Louisville, KY

Jon Heck is a Managing Attorney at Isaacs & Isaacs. He earned his J.D. from the University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law in 2001, and holds a double major in Philosophy and History from Bellarmine University. Jon previously served eight years as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Kentucky, specializing in violent crimes. He is licensed in Kentucky state and federal courts and is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association. Jon has secured several multi-million dollar settlements and is proud of his work for abused children, which led him to become Chairman of Star Duck Charities. He enjoys family time and playing guitar.