English-Speaking Attorneys

Seth Russell

Portland, ME

Focused on client-centered solutions, Seth’s practice spans business law, cannabis businesses and licensing, and family law, including divorce matters. Seth views each client as the captain of their journey, with him as their first mate-guiding, advising, and ensuring they understand all available paths to reach their goals. When conflict arises, Seth is there with a plan of action to get his clients their desired results. In business law, Seth assists clients with everything from the initial structuring of their business to drafting contracts and managing disputes, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Whether his clients are launching a startup, expanding operations, or restructuring, Seth works closely with them to protect their interests and maintain momentum. His goal is to provide legal structure and support they need to focus on growth, innovation, and achieving their vision. Since the cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing and most heavily regulated sectors, Seth helps navigate complex licensing, regulatory requirements, and any legal disputes that may arise in the course of their operations. From understanding state-specific licensing processes to ensuring compliance with evolving laws, Seth’s role is to help clients avoid legal pitfalls, secure the necessary permits, and operate confidentially. When it comes to family law, Seth works with clients during some of life’s most challenging transitions, including divorce, custody disputes, and financial settlements. Seth approaches each case with empathy, dedication, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients and their families, whether through negotiation or in court. Seth Russell is dedicated to empowering his clients with clear, strategic guidance that aligns with their unique objectives. Whatever their legal journey, he is committed to being a steady and trusted advisor, helping them navigate the complexities of law with confidence. Seth’s clients set the destination, and together, they chart the court to reach it. Seth Russell grew up in Falmouth, Maine, and earned his law degree from New York Law School. While Seth loved the big city, he missed the fresh air and beautiful coasts of Maine and returned to the Portland area to join the team at Zerillo Law Firm, LLC. When not assisting clients, Seth spends his time playing golf, snowboarding and, in his words, "being an all-around nerd.”

Adam J. Scholl

Chicago, IL

Adam J. Scholl is a partner with Strom Yen Workers' Compensation Attorneys, bringing over three decades of dedicated service in workers’ compensation law. He has successfully represented countless individuals injured on the job, including CTA Bus Drivers and Rail Operators, Ford Employees, United Airlines Workers, Members of the Trades, and Police Officers and Firefighters. His approach is rooted in compassion, diligence, and a thorough understanding of the complexities of workers’ compensation law.

Allison B. Garren

Shelby, NC

Allison B. Garren was recognized as a Board-Certified Specialist in N.C. Criminal Law by the North Carolina State Bar in December 2020. She has practiced law with Teddy, Meekins & Talbert since 2014, concentrating in criminal defense, family law, and Social Security disability law. She received her B.A. in Political Science with Distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law, and her Masters in Public Health from Tufts University School of Medicine. She is a recent graduate of the N.C. Bar Association Leadership Academy Class of 2020. She serves as vice-chair for the criminal defense section of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and as the President of the Cleveland County Bar.

Allison Melendez

Redondo Beach, CA

Allison Melendez is a personal injury attorney focusing on litigation and trials. In 2023, she secured a $3.1 million verdict for a pedestrian client. She is skilled in depositions and client communication, and leverages her background as a defense attorney to foster good relationships with opposing counsel, achieving millions in settlements through mediation. She is a first-generation college graduate, holding a B.A. from California State University Long Beach and a J.D. from Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law.

Arlo Dequito

Los Angeles, CA

Aurelio “Arlo” Dequito is an associate attorney at Ariel Law Group. Before moving to the US in 2003, Mr. Dequito was an attorney in the Philippines specializing in tax and corporate law. At Ariel Law Group, Mr. Dequito practices in the areas of personal injury, including catastrophic injuries, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and product liability. His education from Jesuit and Benedictine institutions has molded him to always strive to be a “man for others.” When not advocating for his clients, Mr. Dequito plays guitar for the music ministry of his church and serves as its youth coordinator.

Laura Fedorko

Olympia, WA

Laura Fedorko is an attorney who graduated magna cum laude from Boston College and earned her J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She is licensed in Washington.

Dmitri N. Chtyrev is responsible for the advertisement of Westside Injury Lawyers, a firm with over 40 years of experience in personal injury law.

Todd Reeves

Monterey, CA

As a former insurance claims adjuster, Todd Reeves understands the emotional toll an accident takes on injured individuals. He is committed to providing empathy and compassion to every client while handling their personal injury claim. He finds satisfaction in ensuring clients receive everything they are entitled to, whether it's a multi-million dollar case or a smaller claim. Growing up, he was a multi-sport athlete and now enjoys hiking, walking, and volunteering backstage for theater productions.

Almir Hot

New York, NY

Almir Hot is an Of Counsel Attorney with Urban Thier & Federer, P.A., based in the New York office. His practice focuses on family law, real estate law, and immigration law, with extensive experience in complex matters and Civil and Supreme Court litigation across the tri-state area. He also represents clients in Immigration Courts. Prior to this, he worked at prestigious New York City law firms and prosecutor’s offices in criminal defense, immigration law, and civil litigation. Born in Montenegro, he is fluent in English and the languages of former Yugoslavia (Bosnian, Montenegrin, Serbian, Croatian). He was admitted to the New York and New Jersey State Bars in 2012.

Matt Thompson

Houston, TX

Matt Thompson is a client-focused litigation attorney specializing in personal injury. He gained valuable experience as a legal intern in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and practiced corporate transactions. Before law school, he served as an Officer and pilot in the United States Marine Corps, including multiple deployments, and continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the reserves. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

Nayelli Nava

Conroe, TX

Attorney Nayelli Nava joined the firm on July 2023. She attended law school in Oklahoma at Oklahoma City University School of Law and graduated in 2020. During her time in law school she obtained a Pro Bono Service Award for the pro-bono hours she dedicated to Legal Services of Oklahoma, a non-profit organization that provides legal services to indigent citizens. After graduating law school, Nayelli moved back to Texas and was licensed in December 2020. Nayelli is fluent in Spanish and one of her greatest joys is assisting clients who not only need someone to represent them, but also someone who can understand them. Aside from doing criminal law, she also handles certain immigration matters. During her free time, she enjoys being with family and watching her favorite shows and teams play.

Yemil Aragon

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL

Yemil Aragon specializes in Defense Base Act cases, ardently advocating for injured workers globally. He earned his J.D. from Florida International University after completing a B.A. in English and a minor in Photography from the same university. He previously fought for homeowners against insurance companies.

Sean E. Suhar is a principal at Nagle & Zaller, P.C., with over two decades of experience in community association law in Maryland. He provides general legal representation and debt collection services, specializing in governing document review, compliance, and civil litigation. He is admitted to practice in Maryland and is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association and Anne Arundel County Bar Association.

Kimberly A. Scarano

Brooksville, FL

Kimberly A. Scarano joined Jeffrey P. Cario, P.A. in 2015 after working for seven years as a senior attorney at the Florida Department of Children and Families and previously as an assistant state attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. She has 20 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge on criminal and family law, as well as great insights into the inner workings of the Florida legal system.

Rita Stirparo

Miami Lakes, FL

Rita is a dedicated Negotiation Specialist at Redemption Law, where she plays a crucial role in assisting clients through the legal process. With a strong background in client relations, psychology, and negotiations, Rita ensures that every client receives the support and guidance they need from the moment they contact our firm.

Sergio S. Garza

McAllen, TX

Sergio Garza is a valley native from Pharr, Texas. He practices with an emphasis in governmental liability, employer disputes, appeals, civil rights, and business litigation, and also provides transactional advice and documents. He holds a J.D. from South Texas College of Law - Houston and a B.A. from the University of Texas Pan American.

JoAn E. Abreu

Huntington Station, NY

Daughter of immigrants from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She received her undergraduate degree at St. John’s University and completed her law degree at Touro Law, where she was elected president of the Latino Law Students Association. She began her legal career at Siben & Siben as the first and only bilingual Hispanic attorney, and joined Cannon & Acosta in 2012 as a partner, presenting cases in New York State Supreme and U.S. Federal courts. She is also a lead flamenco choreographer and performs with Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company.

Nathan 'Nate' Allen is an associate attorney at The Brasher Law Firm, representing clients in bad faith insurance and personal injury matters. He graduated from South Texas College of Law Houston in 2024 and Brigham Young University in 2020. He is licensed in Texas and focuses on helping individuals and families wronged by insurance companies or others' negligence.

Verdie Atienza

Fresno, CA

Verdie J. Atienza is a Senior Attorney with 10 years of solid experience with employment-based and family-based petitions. He is a dual qualified lawyer in the State of New York and in the Philippines and is qualified to practice immigration law in any state of the U.S. For employment-based petitions, he has worked mostly on E-1 Treaty Trader, E-2 Treaty Investor visa applications and L-1 intracompany petitions for executives, managers and specialized knowledge employees. He has also worked on employment-based petitions for multinational managers and executives to allow them to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. Verdie evaluates the credentials of prospective applicants and beneficiaries to determine best nonimmigrant or immigrant visa options for them. He closely works with company executives, managers and entrepreneurs to determine the best strategy to attain their goals. In his years of practice, he has dealt with numerous U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world and has gained significant knowledge of the guidelines and procedures that are unique for each embassy/conulate. Verdie has strong interest in various immigration issues as a first generation immigrant himself. He first gained experience when he personally handled his own adjustment of status application. Upon his admission to New York State Bar in 2014, he started giving pro-bono legal advice on immigration to members of the Filipino community in the US and handled immigration cases of family members. Prior to moving to the US, Verdie was a public defender in the Philippines and staunchly protected the constitutional rights of indigents. He effected the speedy release of long-term detainees by filing releases on recognizance motions and directed verdicts. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree (Major in Political Science) from Ateneo de Manila University and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of the City of Manila (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila). Verdie is fluent in English and Filipino (Tagalog).

Derek Freeman

Taylorsville, UT

Derek W. Freeman is an aggressive litigator with many years’ experience advocating for the rights of individuals with life-altering injuries. Before joining Fielding Law, Mr. Freeman practiced in disability law, bankruptcy, family law, and criminal defense. He studied law at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he participated in the international law moot court team and earned honors as an editor for the Colorado Law Review. Before law school, he studied international studies with a focus on east Asia, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He traveled across Asia and interned in South Korea, teaching English and appearing on a radio talk show. Mr. Freeman has been a teacher at both the high school and college level. As an attorney with Fielding Law, he zealously advocates for clients injured due to negligence.

Tracey Thomson is a partner in the Firm’s Personal Injury Practice. Tracey specializes in representing injured people and their families. Tracey holds a B.A. in Criminology from the University of Florida as well as a M.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. She completed her J.D. at the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

Attorney with more than 25 years of experience. primarily practices in Worcester County districts court, Worcester superior court Worcester probate & family court and Worcester hearings division of office of Hearings and Appeals Social Security Administration.

Connie J. Stevens graduated from The Dickinson School of Law in 1996 and magna cum laude from Georgian Court College in 1993. She received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Juvenile Law and is admitted to both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey State Bars. Her primary practice area is estate administration and planning.