English-Speaking Attorneys

Mario Davila is a Texas-born attorney who began his legal career in 2000, gaining experience as a litigator in accident cases while still in law school. After obtaining his law degree in Texas in 2004, he established his own legal practice in Rio Grande Valley, focusing on representing Hispanic clients in personal injury cases such as car crashes, slip and falls, and more. He has successfully helped over 10,000 clients secure compensation. Recognizing the needs of the Hispanic community, he expanded his firm to include offices in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, Texas. He and his team are driven by the goal of achieving justice and compensation for clients involved in various accidents, including those involving automobiles, public transportation, and 18-wheelers.

Christopher Roberts

Beverly Hills, CA

Chris is a seasoned trial advocate with over fifteen years of experience litigating cases of involving catastrophic personal injury, brain injury, toxic exposure, product liability, tractor-trailer collisions, and public transportation accidents, both on the defense, and plaintiff’s side. For more than ten years Chris has dedicated his career to assisting the catastrophically injured in achieving justice in both trial, and arbitration, including a trial verdict in the conservative jurisdiction of Chatsworth, Ca in which he obtained pain and suffering damages for his client twenty-one times larger than her medical expenses. He has successfully represented plaintiffs in multiple state jurisdictions, in Federal Court, and before the California 2nd District Court of Appeals. In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, following MLS and English Premier League soccer, as well as participating in long-distance road cycling.

Christopher Roberts

Beverly Hills, CA

Chris is a seasoned trial advocate with over fifteen years of experience litigating cases of involving catastrophic personal injury, brain injury, toxic exposure, product liability, tractor-trailer collisions, and public transportation accidents, both on the defense, and plaintiff’s side. For more than ten years Chris has dedicated his career to assisting the catastrophically injured in achieving justice in both trial, and arbitration, including a trial verdict in the conservative jurisdiction of Chatsworth, Ca in which he obtained pain and suffering damages for his client twenty-one times larger than her medical expenses. He has successfully represented plaintiffs in multiple state jurisdictions, in Federal Court, and before the California 2nd District Court of Appeals.

Matt Swain

Norman, OK

Criminal Defense Attorney Matt Swain grew up with a passion for the law and a commitment to justice. He founded Swain Law Group, which has grown into a highly successful practice with 14 attorneys. He provides personal, one-on-one attention to clients, ensuring they understand their options and case progression. He has experience interning at the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office, handling plea negotiations, preliminary hearings, and trials.

D. Alex Palmer

Oklahoma City, OK

D. Alex Palmer is an attorney at Jacqui Ford Law, focusing on criminal defense. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, he comes from a family of lawyers and is guided by a lifelong respect for justice. He previously spent over two years in the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office and led criminal, family, and civil cases in courts throughout Oklahoma City, including trial and federal court. Alex is known for his calm presence, clear communication, and meticulous preparation, ensuring every client receives respect, honesty, and dedication. He is a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and founded the Oklahoma Film Society.

Sara Wang

Lynnwood, WA

Sara Wang joined Lee & Lee, PS in 2010, focusing on immigration and civil litigation. She has extensive expertise in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor visa program, assisting individuals seeking U.S. permanent residency through investment. She also specializes in legal issues faced by immigrant investor families after gaining U.S. entry. Prior to joining the firm, she interned and worked at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and worked in media and employment law in Shanghai, China.

Matthew Taylor

Saginaw, MI

Matthew Taylor is an attorney at Freid, Gallagher, Taylor, & Associates, P.C. He specializes in Social Security Disability/SSI and Unemployment Claims. He was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1984.

Payman Tehrani

Rockville, MD

Payman Tehrani is a civil litigator and criminal defense lawyer. He has successfully tried and settled hundreds of cases in Maryland and Washington, D.C. state and federal trial courts. He is well regarded for his zealous representation, perseverance, knowledge, and creativity. Mr. Tehrani is a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he was the Managing Editor of the Journal of Environmental Law. He served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Alexander Williams, Jr., and for two years as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Ann S. Harrington. Prior to co-founding the firm, he was an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Rockville, handling various municipal matters including zoning, contract disputes, and labor issues. He is licensed to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Phyllis Widman

Philadelphia, PA

Practiced various areas of law, including civil vaccine injury law in Federal Court, criminal defense, and civil litigation for 25 years. She is a Rule 1:40 qualified Civil Mediator. Her litigation experience spans several counties in New Jersey and Federal Court.

Benjamin L. Falkner

Andover, MA

Attorney Benjamin Falkner joined Krasnoo, Klehm & Falkner LLP in 2006 and has over eighteen years of experience. He devotes his practice to criminal and civil litigation in state and federal courts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He has tried cases in U.S. District Court, Massachusetts and New Hampshire Superior Courts, and Massachusetts District and Juvenile Courts, and has argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Appeals Court. He represents individuals accused of various crimes, children and adults, and those facing job loss or school suspension, as well as clients before administrative agencies.

Mengting Xu

Daly City, CA

Mengting was born and grew up in China. She earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 2022. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in China and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at the University of Hong Kong. During law school, Mengting developed a passion for public interest work through her pro bono involvement in the Berkeley Law Afghanistan Project, where she worked to help Afghan nationals with their Humanitarian Parole applications during the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. She earned Pro Bono Honors from Berkeley Law. After graduation, Mengting worked as a Legal Service Funders Network (LSFN) public interest fellow at the LGBT Asylum Project, where she provided legal representation for LGBT asylum seekers who are fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Prior to joining the firm, Mengting had six years of legal and regulatory experience in Hong Kong (2015 to 2021). In her spare time, she likes watching movies, playing badminton and hiking. She is fluent in Mandarin and English.

S. Denise Watts

Shallotte, NC

S. Denise Watts is an attorney who focuses her practice on serving the estate planning, estate administration, probate, and homeowners/property owners' association issues for the citizens and residents of North Carolina and South Carolina. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2002, where she was managing editor of the North Carolina Central University Law Review. After successfully completing the North Carolina bar exam, Mrs. Watts joined a general practice firm in Wake County, North Carolina where she practiced law in five counties. In 2006, Mrs. Watts was sworn in as a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar and moved to Brunswick County, North Carolina to practice law, where she continues today as the Managing Partner of Watts Law Group PLLC. In 2013, after successfully completing the South Carolina bar exam, Mrs. Watts and the firm opened a law office in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. At Watts Law Group PLLC, Mrs. Watts counsels individuals on their estate planning issues and provides representation to homeowners/property owners' associations. She is an active member of several professional organizations. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Meredith College in 1999, magna cum laude, and has worked in a law firm since she was sixteen. Mrs. Watts treats every client with respect and integrity, and each client's case is treated with exceptional care and attention. She is a happy person, full of energy, and very aggressive, open, easy to talk to and is very attentive to her clients.

Sheeba Ajwani was born and raised in Mumbai, India, where she completed her law degree (L.L.B) in 2005 and worked as an attorney. She moved to the United States in 2015 and completed her Masters in Law from the University of Miami School of Law in 2016. She is a dual licensed attorney in NY, Texas, Florida, and India. Sheeba was recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch attorney in the 2026 Edition and has several years of international corporate law and litigation experience. At The Downs Law Group, she is part of the litigation team for the BP Oil Spill cases.

Brett Miller

Atlanta, GA

Before representing victims of injury, Attorney Brett Miller spent the first 10 years of his career defending insurance companies. This experience gives him an understanding of how these companies operate and the strategies they use to downplay liability, which he now uses to fight for his clients. He prepares every case for trial, even if it resolves through settlement. Brett views his role as a counselor, providing straightforward advice on both positive and negative aspects of cases to help clients make informed decisions. He emphasizes patience, focusing on client recovery while he handles the legal work. Brett, born and raised in Atlanta, resides there with his wife and daughter, enjoying golf, endurance sports, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.

Gary D. Monaghan

Uniontown, PA

Attorney Gary Monaghan has been practicing law in southwestern Pennsylvania since 1981. He is a founding partner of Monaghan & Monaghan, L.L.P., concentrating his practice in Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability. He is certified as a specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association and has been honored as a Top-rated Workers’ Compensation Attorney Superlawyer since 2013.

Rafat Abdeljaber is the founding attorney at RAJ Law, specializing in personal injury, vehicle collision, premises liability, wrongful death, and insurance bad faith cases. He graduated from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in 2019, where he earned the distinction of Trial Advocacy Fellow. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Arizona State University. Rafat's passion for victims' rights stems from his personal experience with a serious car accident in 2003.

Ryan Fowler

El Segundo, CA

Ryan Fowler has over 19 years of experience practicing law in the greater Los Angeles area, successfully litigating cases for both plaintiffs and defendants. He has a passion for justice and focuses on helping those who have been wronged achieve fair results. He was named a 'Southern California Rising Star' by Super Lawyers from 2012-2016.

Timothy D. Belt

Pittston, PA

Attorney Timothy D. Belt is the son of Reverend James and Patricia Belt, and he has resided primarily in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area since 1985. Timothy graduated from Lackawanna Trail High School and is a 1996 summa cum laude graduate of the University of the Ozarks. Timothy graduated from Villanova University School of Law in 1999 and shortly thereafter began practicing law in the Wilkes-Barre area. Timothy’s practice focuses on workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation. Timothy is a frequent speaker in regard to workers’ compensation issues to business and union organizations. Timothy is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association, and Wyoming/Sullivan County Bar Association. Timothy is also certified as a specialist in the practice of workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Section on Workers’ Compensation Law as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Matthew A. Lopez

Corpus Christi, TX

Matthew A. Lopez is an attorney who earned his J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and passed the bar in July 2024. He focuses on Family Law, Civil Litigation, and Personal Injury.

Robert Harrison

Sarasota, FL

Robert Harrison is a fifth generation Floridian, born and raised in Sarasota. Mr. Harrison graduated from Riverview High School where he was a member of the World-renowned Kiltie Marching Band and then performed with the Gator Marching Band at the University of Florida. Mr. Harrison obtained both his law degree and a degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Mr. Harrison began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Tampa in 1986, where he gained extensive trial experience prosecuting serious felony cases including armed robbery, drug trafficking, and homicide. He joined the Venice law firm of Kanetsky, Moore and DeBoer in 1990. In 1996, he founded Robert N. Harrison, P.A., a private law practice focused on DUI defense and criminal litigation. His firm is known for its rigorous advocacy, strategic case handling, and commitment to protecting the rights of individuals across Sarasota County and beyond. Mr. Harrison joined the Law Place in 2025. Throughout his career, Mr. Harrison has been at the forefront of DUI defense in the State of Florida. He has been a frequent speaker at the Florida Bar’s Masters of DUI Seminar and at the Blood, Breath and Tears Seminar presented by the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. Harrison is the former President of the Venice-Englewood Bar Association, President of the Sarasota County Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a member the organization’s Statewide Board of Directors. In 2014, Mr. Harrison received the DUI Gladiator Award presented by the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for his outstanding work and dedication to DUI defense. Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Harrison is deeply rooted in his community, actively participating in local civic groups such as the Sertoma Club of Venice and the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce.

Michael E. Gutmann

Piqua, OH

Michael E. Gutmann is a lifelong resident of Piqua, OH. He has a varied legal practice concentrating in small business and corporate law, real estate, estate and succession planning, probate and trust administration, and municipal law. He has served as Solicitor for the Village of Bradford for over twenty-five years and is active in community service.

Lars Bergstrom

Greenwood Village, CO

Lars Bergstrom is an accomplished trial attorney who has represented many clients as lead counsel in civil and criminal trials in state and federal courts in Colorado and Nebraska. He worked for many years and was a partner at one of Colorado's top insurance defense firms. He now uses his knowledge and experience working with insurance companies to help injury victims. Military service members and veterans occupy a special place in Mr. Bergstrom's heart. He spent 20 years on both active duty and in the reserves with the Army JAG Corps. He has represented hundreds of Service Members facing courts-martials and adverse administrative actions and has litigated military justice cases throughout the United States. He has lectured on many issues related to military justice. Lars enjoys hiking and skiing and spending time with his wife, two teenage boys, and his dog.

Peter T. Nguyen

Bronx, NY

Peter T. Nguyen developed an interest in bankruptcy law because he is passionate about helping people overcome their financial burdens both legally and emotionally. He wants clients to understand that bankruptcy is a fresh start and a new beginning in life, rather than the end of an unsuccessful business venture, a failed marriage, or a loss of employment. Being part of the process of getting clients’ lives back on track is his where he gets the greatest job satisfaction. Attorney Nguyen treats each and every case as if its outcome would impact him personally. His compassion and empathy for his clients give him the ability to offer unique, individually-tailored solutions to address the challenges they face. He works to be a calming and comforting presence when the bankruptcy process can be such a stressful one.

Olena Bedenko-Zvarydchuk

Seattle, WA

Olena Bedenko-Zvarydchuk is an Associate Attorney at HWS Law Group, based in the firm’s Seattle office. She brings a thoughtful, analytical, and globally informed approach to litigation and client advocacy. Olena supports clients across a wide range of civil litigation matters, with a focus on delivering practical, result-oriented legal solutions.