English-Speaking Attorneys

Vardan Ksachukyan

North Hollywood, CA

Mr. Ksachukyan comes from an exceptionally prestigious academic background. After graduating from UCLA with honors, he attended Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. His distinguished academic record secured him an esteemed position with California Supreme Court Judge J. Baxter. This experience, along with his extensive individual work in civil litigation and business law, makes him an invaluable member and founding partner of the YMPK Law Group. Mr. Ksachukyan is a highly respected member of the California State Bar and is also licensed to practice law in the state of Nevada. Throughout his career, he has recovered millions for his clients through vigorous litigation and strategic settlements. During his time at Southwestern Law School, Mr. Ksachukyan was an integral part of the Negotiation Team. Today, he continues to contribute to the legal community by volunteering as a judge for the team during competitions. Renowned as a master of mediations and settlements, Mr. Ksachukyan’s expertise and dedication ensure the best outcomes for his clients.

Christopher W. Shelburn

Charlotte, NC

Christopher W. Shelburn is a licensed attorney in North Carolina, focusing on trial practice. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Biology degree and earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2009. He opened his own law offices in 2009 and represents clients in District, Superior, and Appellate Courts throughout North Carolina, with recognized expertise in DWI defense strategies. He also volunteers as an Assistant Coach for The First Tee of Charlotte.

Matthew G. Sawyer

Rockville, MD

Matthew G. Sawyer is an Of Counsel attorney at Salvado Law, specializing in construction litigation, general civil litigation, and business legal issues. He is admitted to practice in Federal and State Courts in Maryland and the District of Columbia. A graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law and the University of Massachusetts, Boston, he brings years of practical experience from the construction industry. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super LawyersTM since 2020.

Stephanie Clarke Davis

Richmond, TX

Stephanie has over 20+ years of experience as an attorney, enjoying connecting with her clients and taking time to understand her client's needs. Her desire to pursue the practice of law was birthed out of a deep passion to help others and to problem-solve. One of the keys to providing quality legal services to her clients is understanding the needs of her clients and working to find solutions. Whether she is assisting clients navigate the loss of a loved one, set up estate planning, obtain a guardianship over a loved one, form a business entity, or handle a real estate matter, she brings her perspective, expertise, and attention to each matter. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, exercising, gardening, volunteering at church, and spending time with her husband, adult children, and dogs.

Dustin Butler

Fort Myers, FL

Dustin is proficient in advising clients involved in high stakes family law matters. His broad experience gives him insight to advise clients that are dissolving nine-figure marital estates to assisting young parents through the difficult process of establishing a basic parenting plan. Originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, Dustin graduated with High Distinction honors from Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI), with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. At IUPUI he was named a Masarachia Scholar, a program dedicated to worker’s rights, senior citizens, community representation and activism. He was named a Top 10 student and twice named a Top 100 student while at IUPUI. He received his JD, with Cum Laude honors, from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, where his curriculum focused on litigation. While in law school he was a Teaching Assistant for Trial Practice. He also served as a Certified Legal Intern at the State Attorney’s Office for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, preparing and presenting cases for trial before jury. Dustin has always been committed to serving those in his community. He has worked with numerous community organizations including: organizing Christmas drives and volunteer work with local schools, Special Olympics, and local legal service organizations.

James R. Kamensky is a partner in the Firm’s Personal Injury Practice. James received a B.F.A. in Theatre from New York University. He completed his J.D. at Florida International University. James joined Kanner & Pintaluga in 2019 to provide effective advocacy to individuals affected by life altering circumstances and primarily represents personal injury claimants in automobile negligence and premises liability matters. Prior to joining Kanner & Pintaluga, James served as debtor’s counsel in chapter 11 bankruptcy litigation matters. It was here James developed a passion for representing aggrieved individuals.

Jessica Davis Triebe

Coon Rapids, MN

Attorney Jessica D. Triebe was raised in Peoria, IL and later moved to the Chicago area to attend Benedictine University as an undergraduate. She earned a B.A. in International Studies from Benedictine, which included a semester studying abroad in France to complete her French Language minor. After graduation, Jessica worked for two years as a paralegal in a Chicago metro area bankruptcy and foreclosure law firm. She then decided to pursue her legal degree and spent one year at Gonzaga School of Law in Washington State before transferring to and graduating from DePaul College of Law. During her law school career, Jessica was an active participant in school volunteer organizations. She interned at the Washington State Department of Social and Human Services in the Adult Protective Services division pursuing elder abuse violations and at the Cook County Public Guardian's Office in the Adult Guardianship division maintaining guardianship estates. She also volunteered at the Domestic Violence Project in Chicago as a Supervising Attorney responsible for dozens of law students aiding individuals in obtaining Orders or Protection. Outside of the law, Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding horses, watching foreign films, and traveling. In recent years, with support of Midwest Disability, she has worked with several pro bono clients on Social Security Disability overpayment cases. Jessica has remained focused on using her legal knowledge and skill to help those that are disabled, elderly, or abused. This focus and motivation keep her firmly committed to Midwest Disability's clients in their pursuit of much-needed benefits.

Kate Gagutlova

Seattle, WA

Kate Gagutlova moved to the U.S. from Russia and earned a master’s degree in linguistics and interpreting, then a bachelor’s degree in Business and Innovation in Technology from the University of Washington. She attended Seattle University School of Law, where she worked as a research assistant and in the Defenders Clinic. She is fluent in Russian, English, and French, and studied Arabic, Spanish, Italian, and Turkish.

Sthefany Cayer is a Paralegal with an international bachelor’s degree in Law and a Master of Corporate Law & Social Security. She has been a paralegal since 2011. Prior to joining Curcio Anderson Law, she worked as a senior paralegal at a major immigration firm in Charlotte. She assists in personal injury, family law, traffic citations, civil, and immigration cases, effectively communicating with clients and tracking case information. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Mark W. Greene is an attorney who represents clients in connection with public contracts, commercial leasing, commercial and residential real estate transactions, mortgage foreclosure, tax certificate foreclosure, and eminent domain matters. He also practices in the areas of commercial law and creditors’ rights, including the representation of banks and other major secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy proceedings. Mr. Greene has represented wireless telecommunication carriers and outdoor advertising companies with respect to public bidding and municipal contracts, commercial leasing, and land use and zoning. In recognition of his experience and leadership in the bankruptcy field, Mr. Greene was named a Barrister with the New Jersey Bankruptcy Inn of Court for the 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 programs. He has lectured regarding bankruptcy issues at business and professional seminars. Mr. Greene is a graduate of Rutgers University where he earned a BA in Political Science. He earned his law degree from Vermont Law School. Mr. Greene is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and Bergen County Bar Association. Mr. Greene is admitted to practice in the State of New Jersey, the State of New York and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He currently serves as Special Procurement Counsel for the Bergen County Utility Authority.

Matthew S. Ferris

Corona, CA

Matthew S. Ferris is an associate attorney at Tiedt & Hurd, practicing in business law, personal injury, and real estate law. He earned his J.D. in 2023 from Western State University College of Law and is admitted to the California Bar.

Yulianna Yagoudaeva

Huntingdon Valley, PA

Yulianna Yagoudaeva is the founder of Yagoudaeva Law Group, P.C. She is a passionate and driven advocate with experience as a Judicial Law Clerk in New York Family Court and the Commercial Division of the New York Supreme Court. Her practice areas include Family Law, Estate Planning, and Civil Litigation, with a focus on Guardianships, Medicaid, Trusts, and Estate Planning. She is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Federal District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Caitlyn A. Iwamura

Honolulu, HI

Caitlyn A. Iwamura is an associate focusing on estate planning & probate, collections, and real estate law. She graduated cum laude from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and California Western School of Law, where she was Senior Lead Articles Editor of the California Western Law Review and received multiple academic and leadership awards.

Jonathan S. Brown

Phoenix, AZ

Jonathan S. Brown is an Associate Attorney at Rafi Law Group. An Arizona native, he earned his undergraduate degree cum laude in Business Law from ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business in 2016 and his Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2021. His diverse legal background, including complex insurance defense litigation, provides him with a strategic perspective to anticipate defense tactics and negotiate effectively for maximum client compensation. Known for thorough preparation, practical insight, and a compassionate approach, Jonathan is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in clients’ lives. Outside of work, he is an avid sports fan, enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and mentoring first-generation college students at ASU.

Penny Wu

Fremont, CA

Penny joined Derek Lim’s team in July 2017. Her expertise includes assisting with family-based immigration as well as employment-based immigration for large and small companies. She additionally has expertise in handling personal injury cases. Penny serves as a liaison between attorney and clients while providing timely and professional service to all. Penny, alongside attorney Derek Lim and senior paralegal Christine Chao, have handled multiple immigration cases, including L1, H-1B, E1/E2, PERM, family-based petitions, and other nonimmigrant visas. In addition, Penny has aided the attorney on complex immigration matters, such as Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) claims, I-601 waivers and appeals. Clients have frequently lauded her consistent communication and periodic updates regarding their case. Before joining the Law Office of Derek Lim, Penny worked as an attorney and practiced law in China for more than three years. She is also fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese.

Theodore A. Maloney

Charlotte, NC

My name is Teddy Maloney, I've been representing injured people, and litigating to protect people's rights in North Carolina for more than 20 years. I am originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, then moved to Chapel Hill before the start of sixth grade. I obtained my BA from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997, from there I went straight into law school also at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 2000 with my JD. From there I moved to Charlotte and began practicing law. First with Maloney and Meier, LLC, then in 2007, I opened the Law Office of Theodore A. Maloney, PLLC. In those 20-plus years since I arrived in Charlotte and began representing the good people of North Carolina I have represented thousands of people from all walks of life, who all shared one thing in common, and that was a need for help. Help in a fight against a giant insurance company, or the State, or the Federal Government. All imposing foes to someone who has never faced them, but all welcomed challenges to us at The Law Office of Theodore A. Maloney, PLLC who love to fight to protect the rights of others.

Andy Nguyen is an attorney at Maaswinkel Law, P.A., specializing in personal injury, workers' compensation, and immigration law. He graduated from Barry University Dwayne O’Andrea School of Law in 2022 and is fluent in English and Vietnamese. He advocates for individuals against insurance companies and assists with immigration matters.

Varinia Van Ness

Sarasota, FL

Varinia Van Ness, a naturalized citizen originally from Bogota, Colombia, received her Juris Doctor Degree in May 1991 from Stetson University College of Law. Prior to attending Law school, Varinia lived in Bern, Switzerland for 4 months, after receiving her degree Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Cum Laude from the University of Florida, Gainesville in May 1988. She was an assistant state attorney in Sarasota, Florida from 1991 to 1998 handing all types of cases, including major crimes. Varinia opened her own practice, Van Ness Law Group, P.A. in 2002, practicing exclusively in the area of criminal defense amassing over 100 jury trials both as a prosecutor and defense lawyer. She is a member of the Supreme Court of the United States and The Florida Bar and a former member of the Federal Middle District of Florida and the Sarasota Bar Association. Varinia served the Florida Bar as a member of the Criminal Law Section for 2 consecutive terms and served on the 12th JNC for 2 consecutive 3-year terms, first appointed by Governor Scott. As a local attorney for over 30 years in the 12th Judicial circuit, both as a prosecutor and defense lawyer, Ms. Van Ness is well versed in guiding her clients through complex legal matters with skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. Aside from serving her profession, Varinia also served her community for 10 years as a member of the Junior League of Sarasota, also taking leadership responsibilities within the organization. Varinia is mother to 3 successful sons and grandmother to 2 grandchildren. Aside from her legal career, Varinia is an entrepreneur investing heavily in real estate, including but not limited short term rentals on Siesta Key. On her time off, Varinia enjoys travelling, boating and spending time with her family and friends.

Muaath Ali

Anaheim Hills, CA

Muaath Ali is a Partner at Ali Law Group. Since graduating from Michigan State University College of Law, Mr. Ali has devoted his legal practice to the field of workers’ compensation. Mr. Ali spent years working for one of the largest workers’ compensation defense firms in California, defending employers and insurance companies. After honing his skills, he is now using those skills to work against employers and insurance companies, representing injured workers. Mr. Ali’s belief that injured workers should have the very best representation has led him to become a co-founder of Ali Law Group, where he is able to blend his compassion for injured workers and knowledge of the law to bring about swift and superb results for his clients. Mr. Ali has devoted his entire legal career to aggressively litigating workers’ compensation cases. He has litigated hundreds of cases before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Boards throughout California. Mr. Ali’s experience makes him well-equipped to handle the complexities of workers’ compensation law from both a legal and practical perspective. As a result, Mr. Ali has been able to maximize monetary settlements for his clients while also providing them with access to the medical treatment necessary to cure and relieve the effects of their industrial injuries. Mr. Ali has been a featured speaker for various workers’ compensation and employment seminars, including the annual Work Comp Central Conference and the California Society of Industrial Medicine and Surgery Conference. Mr. Ali is also a proud member of the Alumni Board of Directors at California State University, Los Angeles, where he serves on multiple committees.

Bonnie Spaccarelli Hannon

Barrington, IL

Bonnie Spaccarelli Hannon (In Memoriam) was an attorney who focused on probate, guardianship, elder law, estate planning, and real estate. She was licensed in Illinois and Massachusetts.

Kyle Konhauzer is a partner in Kanner & Pintaluga’s Personal Injury Practice and is the managing attorney of the Firm’s Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Louisiana teams. Kyle received a B.S., cum laude, from the University of Central Florida. He completed his J.D. at Nova Southeastern University where he was a Dean’s List student. Kyle was a summer clerk at Kanner & Pintaluga throughout law school and as a 3L he participated in the Personal Injury Litigation Clinic. He was subsequently hired by the Firm after passing the bar and now devotes his time to effectively representing injured clients and making sure that they are fully compensated for their losses.

Paula Candea

Arlington Heights, IL

Paula Candea is an attorney who uses her trial skills to advocate for injured clients, having previously served as an assistant state’s attorney prosecuting felony crimes. She is passionate about fighting against insurance companies on behalf of her clients. Born in Romania, Paula immigrated to the U.S. as a child and is fluent in Romanian and English. She treats clients with respect while being a zealous advocate.

Benjamin C. Rosenberg

Valley Stream, NY

Benjamin C. Rosenberg, known as "The LawDoctor," is a New York attorney with over 30 years of experience. He graduated from Brooklyn College in 1985 and Brooklyn Law School in 1990. He worked as an associate at Fennell & Minkoff from 1990 to 1993 before starting his own firm in November 1993. He is known for making house calls and providing personal attention to clients, explaining legal matters in plain English. He speaks English, Hebrew, German, and some Spanish. He represents clients throughout New York City, including The Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Nassau County, and Suffolk County.

Stephanie Zaragoza

San Antonio, TX

Stephanie Zaragoza is a bicultural, bilingual Mexican-American attorney determined to seek justice for our clients on the border of El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Stephanie is a licensed attorney since 2016. She is a proud El Pasoan serving our community on the border of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. She grew up in El Paso, Texas while living in Ciudad Juarez. Through her experience living on both sides of the border, she witnessed many injustices while growing up. At a young age she was determined to seek justice for the less fortunate, which led her to previously working at Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid before joining Cesar Ornelas Law. Ms. Zaragoza attended St. Mary’s University majored in English Communication Arts, and graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2016 with The Pro Bono and Public Service Award from the State Bar of Texas. She is a member of the El Paso Bar Association and El Paso Women’s Bar Association. As a proud Loretto Angel, she serves on the Advisory Board for Loretto Academy Challenge Program. Through her work at Cesar Ornelas Law, she represents clients from beginning to end through the most difficult of times. Conviction, justice and compassion lead Ms. Zaragoza’s effective representation for our clients and is why we are proud to have her as a part of our team.