English-Speaking Attorneys

Kurt S. Olson

Nashua, NH

In 1991 Olson applied to the Massachusetts School of Law after selling the family business. Olson wore several hats at MSL while attending school, including bookstore manager, library desk employee, and public relations director. He also assisted the school’s dean, performing various research and writing, discovery-related, and litigation support tasks in the school’s antitrust Lawsuit against the American Bar Association. The work Olson did in connection with this lawsuit eventually led to interaction with all branches of government from litigating in courts in Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C., to testifying in front of a committee of the Department of Education in Washington, to lobbying members and committees of Congress. Olson eventually was named the Litigation Coordinator for these efforts. Despite these significant responsibilities for the school, Olson clerked for two Superior Court judges and did clinical work for a practicing attorney while attending law school. Olson graduated magna cum laude from MSL in 1996; after graduation, he continued working as the school’s public relations director and started his own small practice. Since graduation, Olson has handled a variety of both transactional and litigation work. He has honed his legal research and writing skills by handling cases in all Massachusetts trial courts, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, all New Hampshire trial courts, and the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Additionally, he has represented plaintiffs before both the New Hampshire and Massachusetts federal district courts. Olson has also represented clients in front of a variety of administrative agencies. Currently Olson vigorously represents individuals charged with crimes and prepares estate plans for clients in both states.

Tanner Harris

Las Vegas, NV

Tanner Harris is an attorney with over 15 years of experience in both criminal and civil litigation, having joined De Castroverde Law Group. Originally from Pocatello, ID, he was a high school football quarterback who earned first-team all-state honors and scholarships to Rick’s College (BYU Idaho) and Southwestern College. He completed his undergraduate studies in History at Brigham Young University and received an academic scholarship to Western Michigan University School of Law. Tanner is known for his compassionate approach, ensuring clients feel confident and supported through the legal process. He resides in downtown Las Vegas with his wife, Kelli Harris, and enjoys walking to court daily.

Abdullah E. Ali

Anaheim Hills, CA

Abdullah E. Ali is an Attorney at Ali Law Group. Mr. Ali obtained his law degree with honors from Northern Illinois University College of Law. Prior to joining Ali Law Group, Mr. Ali spent years defending insurance companies and employers first as a claims adjuster then as an attorney. Mr. Ali now uses this experience to represent the interest of injured workers. Mr. Ali proudly uses his complex knowledge and rigorous experience to zealously fight for injured workers in pursuit of benefits they are entitled to and favorable resolutions.

Kamila Marek

Union, NJ

Ms. Marek is an Associate Attorney at Wolfenson & Ashkenazi, P.C. She attended Ramapo College of New Jersey and Hofstra University School of Law. While at Hofstra, she was enrolled in the Robert W. Entenmanns Veterans Legal Clinic and served as a staff editor on the Family Court Review. Her student note, titled "Majority Rules: Establishing Postmajority Support to Disabled Children in New York," was published in the journal's April 2022 edition. Her current practice focuses on Matrimonial and Family matters. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Marek served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable James J. Guida, J.S.C., in Bergen County, for the 2021-2022 judicial term. Ms. Marek is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, NJSBA Family Section, and the Essex County Bar Association.

L. Alex Perez

Coral Gables, FL

Alex Perez is an active litigator licensed to practice law in all Florida Federal and State Courts, including Appellate Courts. Mr. Perez also routinely handles International Arbitrations pending in countries all over the world. He primarily represents passengers injured on cruise ships, crewmembers injured on cruise ships, cargo vessels, oil tankers and other commercial sea going vessels, and handles a variety of recreational marine cases involving yachts, pleasure boats and jet skis.

Fanny Medina was born in Canton, Georgia, and raised in Marietta. She graduated from Osborne High School in 2015 and began working in personal injury law in 2017. She has over eight years of experience as a pre-litigation paralegal, specializing in managing personal injury claims. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Juan Cervantes

Hoover, AL

Juan Cervantes is a bilingual legal assistant at Abogados Centro Legal, responsible for onboarding new personal injury clients, drafting legal documents, organizing court filings, and keeping clients informed. He has a background in customer service and retail, which has honed his ability to maintain firm policies and provide appropriate client responses. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and Political Science, and recently earned an Associate's degree in paralegal studies from Liberty University in March 2024.

Gary F. Maresca

Yonkers, NY

Mr. Maresca is knowledgeable in a number of areas of the law, with a primary concentration in real estate transactions. He has extensive experience in both conventional and complex residential and commercial real estate transactions and represents a number of institutional lenders as well as individuals and businesses in the purchase and sale of real estate and cooperative apartments. Mr. Maresca is also experienced in the practice of criminal defense law, landlord-tenant law, business law, estate planning, and the probate and administration of estates. Regardless of the type of case, Mr. Maresca is a zealous advocate for every one of his clients and is committed to giving prompt and personal attention to each and every matter.

Margaret Shugart

Brattleboro, VT

Margaret joined Costello, Valente & Gentry in fall of 2019. Before becoming an attorney, she was an anthropologist-focused on Indonesia and organic rice farming, then a sommelier, working in several aspect of the wine business including provisioning yachts in South Florida and as a wine writer. She has traveled all over the world, from backpacking and conducting research, to leading cycling tours in France. The first day she moved to Vermont, she knew she wanted to stay. She lives in Brattleboro with her delightful toddler daughter, sweet scaredy-cat Squeak and hyper hamster, Monster.

Bianca L. Chow

Denver, CO

Bianca L. Chow is a first-generation Chinese American and Colorado native, serving as Firm Receptionist / Client Onboarding at Fang Accident Lawyers. She grew up working in her family’s Chinese restaurants and assisting her stepfather’s acupuncture practice. Bianca graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in Sociolinguistics and minored in Japanese, having studied the language for 7 years. She is fluent in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin Chinese. Prior to joining the firm, Bianca gained years of office administrative support experience in an acupuncture clinic and another personal injury law firm, becoming skilled in communicating with insurance companies, managing records, and aiding injured clients. She is passionate about helping people overcome difficult situations and enjoys hiking, art, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and her two cats.

Fabrizio Ventimiglia graduated from the University of Palermo in 2001 and has been a member of the Italian Bar of Milan since 2004. He has over ten years of experience in business criminal law, representing Italian and international clients. He specializes in corporate, bankruptcy, tax, environmental, construction crimes, crimes against Public Administration, offenses against persons/property, cybercrimes, and administrative liability of corporations. He regularly collaborates with the 'Libera Associazione Forense di Milano' and writes for 'Avvocati 24'. He speaks Italian and English.

Liya Arushanyan

Van Nuys, CA

Liya Arushanyan began her legal career representing insurance companies but quickly realized her passion was fighting for individuals who had been wronged. She partnered with Mher Asatryan, sharing a drive to protect individual rights. She considers representing clients an absolute privilege and fights hard for maximum recovery on every case. Her strongest character trait is compassion, and she genuinely strives to do her best for each client. In her free time, she enjoys family, concerts, travel, water sports, and good food.

Adalia Durrette is an associate attorney at Virguez Law LLC. With a career spanning since 2012, she has focused her legal practice on immigration issues, in addition to addressing matters related to family and criminal law. Attorney Durrette lived in Mexico during part of her childhood, making her a bilingual professional capable of providing legal services in both English and Spanish. She graduated with honors Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts in February 2003, where she earned a double major in Sociology and Social Thought and Political Economy. After graduation, she worked in various non-profit organizations dedicated to social and humanitarian services until 2009. Subsequently, she earned her Juris Doctor from the Western New England College School of Law (now known as Western New England University) in May 2011. After completing her studies, Attorney Durrette moved to Georgia, where she established her own law firm, practicing there for 6 years. Later, she continued her work at a larger legal firm before joining the Virguez Law LLC team in 2020.

Jensen L. Polizzotto

Brooklyn, NY

Jensen Polizzotto is an associate at Polizzotto & Polizzotto, LLC. Her practice focuses on Elder law, Immigration, Real estate transactions and litigation, General civil litigation, Estate planning, and Estate administration (probate).

Jose Ignacio Silva is an Associate Attorney at Virguez Law, LLC. He practices exclusively in all areas of immigration and nationality law, including family and humanitarian-based petitions; waivers and inadmissibility issues; and naturalization. Jose has experience working with individuals seeking adjustment of status, citizenship, professional employment, as well as provisional waivers for unlawful presence. As the son of two immigrants from Latin America, Jose first discovered his passion for immigration law while completing his undergraduate studies at Villanova University, where he assisted clients with humanitarian-based applications as a volunteer interpreter for law students at the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law’s immigration clinic. He then attended the University of Miami School of Law, where he further developed his understanding of immigration law. While in law school, Jose served as a law clerk at Catholic Charities Legal Services, where he assisted staff attorneys in the preparation of asylum applications for unaccompanied minors, among others, by conducting legal research, investigating adverse country conditions impacting particularly vulnerable social groups, and interpreting for Spanish-speaking clients at their asylum interviews. He also collaborated with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Louisiana office on a project geared towards the conditional release of individuals inhumanely detained in holding centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jose graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in May 2021, receiving distinctions for his commitment to pro bono work serving disadvantaged communities across Miami. Jose is admitted to practice law in the state of Florida and is a member of the Florida Bar Association. Jose is fluent in English and Spanish.

Ramon Gonzalez, hailing from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, embarked on a transformative journey when he arrived in the United States at the age of 11. This early exposure instilled in him a profound understanding that the road to success is paved with hard work and unwavering perseverance. His academic journey reflects his commitment to excellence. Ramon earned a B.A. in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, a Master of Public Service and Administration degree from the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M University, and a Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University. Each milestone in his education has fortified his foundation, equipping him with the knowledge and skills necessary for his impactful legal career. As a personal injury attorney, Ramon has earned a stellar reputation for his skillful advocacy and personal investment in each case’s success. His passion lies in championing the rights of those who feel powerless against the injustices perpetrated by big corporations and government entities, empowering his clients to hold them accountable. Beyond the legal arena, Ramon finds solace in the company of his canine companion, cherishing moments spent with his dog. Additionally, he channels his creative energies into playing the piano, demonstrating a harmonious balance between his professional rigor and personal pursuits. Ramon Gonzalez’s narrative is one of resilience, academic achievement, and a commitment to justice that extends beyond the courtroom. His journey reflects not only the triumph of an individual but also the embodiment of a compassionate advocate striving for positive change in the lives of those he represents.

Sean M. James

Lincoln, NE

No area of immigration law is off limits for Sean M. James. In his decade of practice, he has handled an expansive and ever-evolving range of legal matters - from removal, deportation, and naturalization to family-based petitions, employment-based visas, and appeals. A proud humanitarian and Lincolnite at heart, James fervently defends the local immigrant and refugee communities. While his current focus lies in removal court cases, appeals, waivers, and consular processing, his previous roles at various immigration law firms have provided him big-picture knowledge of all other aspects within the area of practice, making him a versatile and zealous advocate for both his clients and nationwide immigration reform. Bilingual in English and Spanish, James is a true “student of the world” who’s lived in Spain and visits Mexico regularly. His initial dream of becoming a United Nations interpreter pivoted to the legal field after he realized his talents and skills would best be exemplified through hands-on immigration defense. James received a J.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2014 and has since successfully helped countless clients realize their American dream.

ASHRAF DUGUM

San Diego, CA

Ashraf Dugum joined Aminpour & Associates in 2008 prior to graduating law school. Ashraf has a strong foundation in both business and law. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a focus on Marketing and a minor in Economics, from California State University Northridge. In 2009, he graduated from California Western School of Law and gained valuable experience interning for Congressman Brad Sherman. Ashraf has a deep connection to his community, having worked in his family business from a young age and continuing to do so throughout his academic career. Bilingual in Arabic and English, he maintains strong ties to the Middle Eastern community. Outside of his legal work, Ashraf is passionate about coaching kids’ basketball and enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and their dog Harley. He is also an avid video game enthusiast, balancing his professional and personal passions.

Craig Call

Savannah, GA

Since joining Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C. in 2010, Craig Call has become an indispensable member of our legal team, offering a broad range of expertise in civil litigation, local government law, corporate/business law, and criminal defense. His diverse legal background allows him to tackle complex cases with precision and unwavering dedication, ensuring that each client receives comprehensive and personalized representation. Currently, he serves as the City Attorney of Pooler, demonstrating his continued dedication to public service and municipal law. Craig’s journey to becoming a respected attorney is rooted in his deep connection to Savannah, Georgia. Born to military parents at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, Craig experienced frequent relocations before settling in Savannah, where he proudly calls home. He graduated magna cum laude from Armstrong-Atlantic State University in 2004 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Before pursuing his legal career, Craig managed a River Street location for Par Management Group, now Live Oak Restaurants, showcasing his leadership and commitment to the local community. Craig earned his Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was a recipient of the Governor’s Scholarship and consistently made the Dean’s List. His passion for justice was evident through his involvement in the pro bono Consumer Law Clinic, where he represented indigent clients in financial litigation. During his time in law school, Craig also gained invaluable experience working for the prominent firm Barnes & Cohen, where he collaborated with Glen Cohen, renowned for representing PGA Tour golfer Phil Mickelson. After graduating in 2009, Craig continued his work with Barnes & Cohen before returning to Savannah in 2010 to join Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C. His practice primarily focuses on civil litigation, which constitutes 60% of his caseload, but his expertise spans multiple areas of law, ensuring well-rounded legal solutions for his clients. Craig is admitted to practice in Florida and Georgia, and he holds bar admissions to several courts, including the U.S. District Court and Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Georgia, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. His representative cases, such as Ragan v. Mallow and Chatham County v. Massey, showcase his ability to handle complex legal challenges successfully. Beyond his legal practice, Craig is a devoted family man and an active member of the Savannah community. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Brooke, and their three sons, Cooper, Jackson, and Harrison. An avid golfer and passionate fan of Georgia Bulldogs football, Craig also has a love for music and animals, enriching his life outside the courtroom.

Norley E. Castañeda

Central Islip, NY

Norley E. Castañeda is an attorney who began her legal career in 2005 at the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County, New York, specializing in Criminal Law. She has extensive experience representing clients accused of various felonies, misdemeanors, and violations, including DWI, violent offenses, drug-related offenses, theft, and domestic violence. Known for her professionalism and effective negotiation and litigation skills, she consistently achieves successful outcomes. Ms. Castañeda holds an LL.M. in American Legal Studies from Hofstra University and a J.D. with honors from Universidad Nacional de Colombia. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Zachary K. Kondo

Honolulu, HI

Zachary Kondo is a partner with extensive experience representing servicers, lenders, and government-sponsored enterprises in residential mortgage foreclosures across Hawaii. He also has experience in Hawaii condominium and real estate law and manages a dedicated legal team.