English-Speaking Attorneys

Shannon Aldous

Shelby, NC

Shannon Aldous is a Criminal Defense Attorney in Lincolnton, NC, leading the firm’s Lincoln County Criminal Division. She has operated her own law practice since 2009. She earned her law degree from Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in Orlando in 2002 and a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Central Florida in Orlando in 1998. She holds a Florida Bar License and was President of the 24th Judicial District Bar from 2014-2015.

Steven Coodin was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He received his Bachelor of Arts Advanced Degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg in 1996. He later attended law school at Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan and graduated in the fall of 2001. He has been practicing law since he was admitted to the Minnesota State Bar in 2002 and primarily works in the area of criminal defense and family law.

Bibiana A. Moncada Aristizábal

Richmond, VA

Bibiana A. Moncada Aristizábal is a highly accomplished lawyer concentrating her practice on Migration Law, leveraging nearly two decades of extensive experience gained in both the public and private sectors. She assists foreign nationals seeking to establish legal status in Colombia. Ms. Moncada’s background offers a distinct and valuable perspective on immigration matters, significantly informed by her six-year tenure (January 2010 - February 2016) working within the U.S. Department of State as a Senior Foreign Service National (FSN) - Visa Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá. This demanding role provided her with deep, firsthand insights into the intricacies of U.S. visa adjudication, consular operations, and immigration procedures from an official standpoint. Prior to this governmental service, she practiced for three years as an immigration lawyer focusing on U.S. visa matters (June 2006 - June 2009). She possesses comprehensive knowledge across a wide array of migration issues, including intricate visa application processes, strategies for regularization of status, methods for addressing and overcoming inadmissibility findings, navigating family-based petitions, and developing effective migration defense arguments. Ms. Moncada is adept at managing complex migration cases and is sought after for her bi-national advisory capabilities concerning Colombia-U.S. immigration matters. She maintains productive relationships with consulates and migration authorities. Her solid academic foundation includes a Law degree from the prestigious Universidad del Rosario (2007). This is complemented by advanced international studies specifically focused on Immigration and Rights undertaken at Universidad Europea in Spain (completed 2010), and further augmented by a U.S. Immigration Law course completed at American University Washington College of Law (2017). She also holds a Legal English diploma from Universidad Javeriana (2009) and works with professional proficiency in English. Ms. Moncada is recognized for her strategic thinking, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of migrants.

Pamela Ansari Cobiella

Myrtle Beach, SC

Pamela Ansari Cobiella received her Bachelor’s Degree Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2003 and her Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Maryland School of Law, Baltimore in 2007. She began her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in Baltimore City and continued representing clients in criminal cases in Maryland and the District of Columbia. After moving to South Carolina, she was admitted to practice law there and transitioned to civil litigation, trying numerous cases to verdict. She joined The Sansbury Law Firm in 2023, focusing on representing individuals wrongfully injured. Ms. Cobiella is licensed to practice law in South Carolina, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Nicole (Neustein) Moskowitz

Aventura, FL

Nicole (Neustein) Moskowitz is a Miami native who has been licensed to practice law since 2008. She has extensive courtroom experience as a litigator and federal law clerk, having completed clerkships for two federal magistrate judges in the Southern District of Florida. As a principal of Neustein Law Group, PA, she has experience defending foreclosure actions, commercial litigation, and representing debtors in Chapter 7 bankruptcies. Before law school, she was a mental health counselor.

Addison Hunter

Murray, UT

Addison is a dedicated attorney with a passion for advocating for individuals facing personal injury claims. A proud graduate of Creighton University School of Law, Addison earned a Juris Doctor in 2020, where he developed a strong foundation in legal principles and honed skills in litigation and negotiation. Since graduating, Addison has worked in various aspects of the law, but is now focusing on personal injury law, driven by a desire to help clients navigate complex legal processes and secure the compensation they deserve. Addison’s commitment to personalized service and relentless advocacy ensures that every client’s case receives the attention and dedication needed for a successful resolution. Whether negotiating settlements or representing clients in court, Addison brings a blend of compassion and tenacity to each case, always striving to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those he represents. Outside of his legal practice, Addison is a devoted family man, married with five children. His strong family values motivate him to provide compassionate, results-driven representation for every client, understanding the importance of protecting loved ones during difficult times. A native to Utah, Addison enjoys spending quality time with his family and staying active in the community.

Kenneth Ratley

Augusta, GA

Kenneth Ratley is from Charlotte, North Carolina. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. While practicing law in North Carolina, Mr. Ratley focused on the areas of criminal defense, business formation, employment and labor law policy, trademark, intellectual property, and civil litigation. He worked as a contract attorney for Clifford Chance, LLP and Bank of America in complex civil business litigation cases, advocating for victims of the BP Deep Horizon Oil Spill. When he moved to Augusta, Georgia, Mr. Ratley worked for Mrs. Jeffords and then became an Assistant Solicitor General prosecuting misdemeanor cases and successfully trying DUI cases. He is a former prosecutor for the State Court Accountability Veteran and Drug Court Team in Richmond County. Mr. Ratley returned to the Law Offices of Tanya D. Jeffords as an associate in 2017. He is experienced in trying felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, drafting criminal appeals, forfeiture actions, and complex civil litigation. He is married to Dr. Nadirah Ratley and has two children. He is passionate about giving back to the community and helping young people.

Aivet Lopez

Austin, TX

Aivet Lopez is a Litigation Paralegal with over 6 years of experience in personal injury law, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and premises liability cases in both State and Federal Court. Born and raised in Fredericksburg, Texas, she is fluent in Spanish and dedicated to helping clients with their legal matters.

Emily Rivadeneira

Los Angeles, CA

Emily Rivadeneira is a litigation associate at The Sentinel Firm where she advocates for employees in both state and federal court in individual cases involving discrimination, harassment, unpaid wages, and wrongful termination. Ms. Rivadeneira grew up in Ecuador and speaks fluent English, Spanish and Portuguese. She received her law degree from Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and was a member of the USFQ's Law School Clinic specializing in Human Rights and Public Interest, where she assessed human rights cases that were later brought before national and international tribunals. Ms. Rivadeneira also published a legal thesis, “The Nature of the Parking Contract”, uniquely supervised by the Dean, which explores comparative law concepts from both common law and civil law systems to offer theoretical and practical solutions relevant to Ecuadorian law. The combination of Ms. Rivadeneira's academic studies and extracurricular engagements propelled her towards a legal career in litigation. Upon graduating from USFQ, Ms. Rivadeneira moved to the United States and obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law, where she received the Dean's Excellence Award Scholarship. At USC, Ms. Rivadeneira served as Vice President of the International Attorneys Association (IAA).

Elizabeth Downey Barber

Prospect, KY

Elizabeth Barber focuses her practice on the complex legal and emotional matters involved with family law and criminal defense cases. Her approach emphasizes thorough preparation and carefully developed strategy to effectively counsel clients.

Todd Stanage

Macon, GA

Todd Stanage is an attorney with significant litigation and transactional experience, and extensive history with government and administrative law. He is a graduate of Denver University School of Law and the University of Georgia. He served in the US Air Force and reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019, where he also served in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. He began his legal career in District Attorney offices in Colorado and Alaska.

Dennis Fortin

Decatur, GA

Dennis Fortin serves in an 'of counsel' role with Conoscienti & Ledbetter, LLC, specializing in criminal defense. He earned his JD from Potomac School of Law and has practiced criminal defense in Georgia since 1980, including a tenure as an assistant solicitor for the City of Atlanta and a prosecutor for the Gwinnett County Solicitor General’s Office.

Richard Ross Bartels

Warrenton, VA

Mr. Bartels' practice focuses on representing companies, contractors and builders in commercial disputes. His goal is achieving great results without harming their goodwill. He files and defends commercial disputes, real estate disputes, and federal IP and criminal disputes. Mr. Bartels also assists small businesses in managing diverse portfolios of contracts and intellectual property filings, while responding to actual or threatened litigation. He applies his corporate and technology background to all manner of commercial and complex civil matters.

With a deep foundation in civil defense and over 25 years of combined legal and business experience, Arash Yaghoubzadeh brings keen insight to Tofer & Associates. Having previously defended insurance companies in high-stakes personal injury and premises liability cases, Arash understands the tactics insurers use to minimize claims.

Casey Leier

Colorado Springs, CO

Casey Leier champions the rights of employees, specializing in administrative law and public sector employee protections. He gained experience bringing cases to positive resolution before the State Personnel Board and other courts. Casey began his legal career at the Colorado Civil Rights Division, investigating workplace complaints. He has been named one of Colorado’s “Rising Stars” by Colorado Super Lawyers twice and holds Avvo’s “Client’s Choice” award. He is known for hard work, careful analysis, and client communication.

Paul J. Russo

Warwick, RI

Paul J. Russo was a partner at Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, focusing his practice on Family Law. He was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar in 1964 and received his J.D. from New England School of Law. He is mentioned as 'In Memoriam'.

Andrew Tarry

Cape Girardeau, MO

Andrew Tarry is the founding attorney with over 20 years of legal experience, including four years as a local prosecutor. He is skilled in anticipating and countering opposing arguments, enhancing negotiations, and developing effective strategies for success.

Citlali Mascorro is an associate at Weiss Ortiz, where she concentrates her practice on civil litigation, family law, and immigration. She brings a strong foundation in both advocacy and legal support, having previously served as a paralegal at a Chicago law firm specializing in commercial litigation, real estate, finance, and corporate law. Ms. Mascorro earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science from Loyola University of New Orleans in 2016 and her Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School in 2022. During law school, she worked with Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) in El Paso, Texas, where she supported legal efforts on behalf of unaccompanied children in custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Fluent in English and Spanish, Ms. Mascorro is committed to serving clients from diverse backgrounds with compassion and diligence.

Thomas P. Gay Jr.

Taunton, MA

Attorney Thomas P. Gay Jr. serves as the Managing Partner of our esteemed firm, bringing a legacy of legal excellence spanning three generations. As the grandson of our founder, Peter B. Gay, and the son of Thomas P. Gay Sr., Thomas’s dedication to providing exceptional legal services is deeply ingrained in our firm’s history. Thomas joined our office in 2012 as an associate and has since demonstrated outstanding leadership and legal acumen. His practice areas encompass Municipal Law, Real Estate Development and Conveyancing, Zoning, Estate Planning, Landlord Tenant matters, Civil Litigation, and Probate and Trust Administration. Thomas’s comprehensive understanding of these areas allows him to provide strategic counsel and representation tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. In addition to his role at the firm, Thomas has served as associate Town Counsel and Assistant City Solicitor for various local municipalities, further enhancing his expertise in municipal and governmental matters. Outside of his legal practice, Thomas maintains a passion for real estate investment and development, leveraging his knowledge to contribute to both personal and community projects. He also enjoys spending leisure time with his family, whether it’s relaxing at the beach, by the pool, or out on the boat. An avid reader and traveler, Thomas values these experiences as opportunities for personal growth and rejuvenation. Thomas P. Gay Jr. is committed to upholding our firm’s tradition of integrity, professionalism, and client-focused service. His blend of legal proficiency, leadership capabilities, and commitment to community involvement makes him an invaluable asset to our team and a trusted advocate for our clients’ legal needs.

Matthew L. Skinner Sr.

Rapid City, SD

Matthew L. Skinner Sr. has been a practicing attorney in South Dakota for over 25 years. He has made a name for himself in both the law and his personal life in the surrounding area. Matt Sr. has nine children, two of which work in his law office, and another one currently in law school. He has made it a priority in his firm to make sure that his clients receive the care that is needed for their individual cases. Although Matt Sr. has been an attorney for over 25 years, he knows that there is a reason his profession is called the practice of law, as an attorney you are always practicing and always trying to be a better attorney than you were the day before.

Lucy Freeman

Hoover, AL

Lucy Freeman is an associate attorney at Abogados Centro Legal, evaluating and investigating personal injury, workers' compensation, and immigration cases. She has prior experience as a paralegal assisting immigrants with immigration courts and USCIS, specializing in Adjustments of Status and Waiver Petitions. She obtained her J.D. from Cumberland School of Law and a double major in Psychology and Latin American Studies from UAB. Born in Dothan, Alabama, and having lived in Latin America, she is bilingual and bicultural, committed to serving the Hispanic community.

Mona Amini earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California at Riverside and her J.D. from Whittier Law School with a Concentration in Business Law. She volunteered at Legal Aid Society of Orange County and served as a judicial extern. Ms. Amini has litigated numerous consumer rights cases, including individual matters and nationwide class actions against major corporations, under various consumer protection statutes.

Andrew P. Dunning

Las Vegas, NV

Andrew P. Dunning is a Business Law Attorney with a strong connection to Nevada. His practice covers complex commercial litigation, consumer fraud, business disputes, tort cases, and transactional matters. He served as a judicial law clerk for the Eighth Judicial District Court and a judicial extern for the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. He earned his J.D. from William S. Boyd School of Law (2015) and a B.A. from the University of Nevada, Reno (2012). He is recognized by Nevada Business Magazine and Super Lawyers.