English-Speaking Attorneys

Attorney Vincent Van Deventer grew up in Bloomfield, Indiana, and now resides in Birmingham, Alabama. He earned a BA in political science and history from the University of Alabama in 2019 and a JD from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in 2024. He was admitted to practice in Alabama in 2024 and is an active member of the Birmingham Bar Association. He specializes in personal injury cases and other civil matters.

Jessica Ayala

Denver, CO

Jessica brings a diverse background and a compassionate approach to her role as an Intake Specialist. With a degree in Music and experience as a classical musician and English teacher, she made a bold shift into the legal field driven by a desire to explore new and challenging paths. Prior to joining Dormer Harpring, she worked at one of Florida’s leading personal injury law firms, handling cases involving medical and dental malpractice, criminal defense, funeral home neglect, and motor vehicle accidents. Fluent in English and Spanish, and with a working knowledge of several other languages, Jessica prioritizes clear, empathetic communication with every client. Her ability to connect across cultures and her commitment to honesty and loyalty guide her approach to intake.

Karla Gutierrez

Louisville, KY

Karla was born in California but spent her childhood in Nayarit, Mexico. Growing up, she actively assisted her parents with their family business. Her grandfather served as the mayor of her hometown, and her father was involved in politics. Karla’s mother frequently engaged in charity activities, often involving Karla and her sister. While their visits to the USA were initially for vacations, in 2007, her mother decided it was time for Karla and her sister to move to Kentucky to learn a second language. Karla attended and graduated from Waggener High School. In 2013, Karla began working in the healthcare field, starting from doctors’ offices to nursing homes due to her passion for helping others and her enjoyment of interacting with people. In 2023, Karla embarked on her legal journey with Bolus Law Offices, where she continued to expand her knowledge about the legal field. Fluent in both Spanish and English and her duties as a law clerk include retrieving information for potential clients, maintaining office files, and requesting and following up on medical records.

Mr. Weiss joined Price, Meese, Shulman & D’Arminio in 2021 and practices in the area of land use, planning, and zoning. He holds experience in the outdoor advertising permitting process on the state and local levels and in eminent domain litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Weiss was a Deputy Attorney General of the State of New Jersey in the Division of Law’s Transportation, Construction, and Condemnation practice section. He also served as the judicial law clerk to the Honorable Pamela D’Arcy, J.S.C. in Atlantic County, where he assisted Judge D’Arcy on a variety of family law matters. Mr. Weiss graduated from The College of New Jersey with a B.S. in Finance and from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. He is a member of the New Jersey State Bar.

Darius Biddings

Winter Park, FL

Darius Biddings was born in California and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended the University of Mount Olive where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He then attended Florida A&M University College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate degree. Since then, with a fierce commitment to client advocacy, Darius Biddings has been a dedicated personal injury attorney with years of experience helping Floridians who have been injured in auto accidents, commercial motor vehicle collisions, rideshare accidents, and wrongful death cases. Whether negotiating a settlement or fighting for justice in the courtroom, Darius brings an aggressive, results-driven approach to every case. Having represented countless clients in complex personal injury matters, Darius is known for a strategic approach to claims handling and litigation, ensuring that each client receives the highest level of legal care and attention. Above all, Darius values client satisfaction and strives to make sure that each person he represents is treated with respect, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in an accident, Darius is ready to fight for your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Karl E. Kolkmann

Rochester, NY

Karl concentrates his practice on creditors’ rights law and civil litigation. He represents banks, credit unions, and other creditors in the collection of retail and commercial debts throughout New York State. Prior to joining Lacy Katzen, Karl was an associate in a creditors’ rights and real property firm where he focused his practice on the recovery of loan collateral and the restructuring of mortgage loans.

Jennifer Corbalan

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL

Jennifer Corbalan specializes in Defense Base Act claims, passionate about helping those in need. She previously practiced First Party Property insurance litigation, representing homeowners against insurance companies. She is a native of Queens, New York, fluent in Spanish, and earned her J.D. from Touro College School of Law and B.S. from St. John’s University.

Alexandria K. Castaldo

Boston, MA

Alexandria Castaldo joined Phillips & Angley as an associate in September 2017. In January 2023, Alexandria became one of the shareholders of Phillips & Angley. Alexandria is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts. Her areas of practice are Zoning, Land Use and Real Estate Litigation. Alexandria has trial experience in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including jury-waived cases in the Superior Court, Land Court and Housing Court. Alexandria also has practiced before municipal zoning boards, planning boards, conservation commissions and boards of selectmen, and have represented persons in zoning and subdivision appeals in the Land Court and Superior Court.

Benjamin P. Nigro

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Benjamin P. Nigro is a partner at Stok Kon + Braverman, focusing on real estate and business transactions, as well as real estate litigation. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law and has extensive experience in both litigation and transactional real estate matters.

Joanne Nwaogu

Houston, TX

Joanne Nwaogu, a Houston native, is a passionate family law attorney dedicated to child advocacy and ensuring family stability. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston and her Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2017. With over 12 years of experience, including three years at the Department of Family and Protective Services and four years as an Advocate Coordinator at Child Advocates in Houston, she focuses her practice on child custody, CPS matters, and divorce. Her legal career began at Houston’s Lone Star Legal Aid, where she represented clients in various family law cases. Joanne is an active member of professional organizations and the Houston community, participating in charity events and mentorship programs. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and her passion for makeup and styling.

Johnatan D’Alcantara

Libertyville, IL

Johnatan D'Alcantara is an Associate attorney at Salvi & Maher, LLP. Originally from Brazil, he earned his LL.B. from Faculdade Baiana de Direito in 2020 and his LL.M. from the University of Illinois College of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Brazil (2020) and Wisconsin (2025). He is fluent in English and Portuguese.

Gustavo Ponce was born in Mexico and grew up in Concord, California. He attended Holy Names University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. He earned his law degree from the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 2018. He began as an intern at Kazerouni Law Group in 2017 and became an Associate Attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is dedicated to protecting the rights of Nevadans in consumer protection cases and is fully fluent in Spanish.

Gianluca Marra graduated in Law from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano in 2009 and has been a member of the Italian Bar of Milan since 2012. He provides judicial assistance in all areas of criminal law, specializing in tax crimes, crimes against property, and Italian Legislative Decree no. 231/2001. He also attended a Specializing Master in Law at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. He speaks Italian and English.

Ashley N. Ervin

Louisville, KY

Ashley N. Ervin is an Associate Attorney at Cooper & Friedman, PLLC. She graduated from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law in 2015. While in law school, she served as Secretary of the Kentucky Student Justice Association and was a member of the Journal of Law and Education. She worked as a legal assistant at Cooper & Friedman from July 2013 before becoming an associate attorney. Her practice areas include civil litigation, automobile accidents, individual civil rights, workers’ compensation, and employment law. She is also a board member for C.H.O.I.C.E., Inc. and provides pro bono legal services.

Macarena Ortiz

McAllen, TX

Macarena Ortiz, a native of Madrid, Spain, was admitted to practice in the State of Texas in 2014 and is also licensed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. She holds a BA in Political Science, an MBA, and a J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law.

Bill Wirkus has been licensed to practice law since 2011 with a background in business, real estate, civil litigation, insurance, and elections law on behalf of businesses, individuals, and governmental entities. He has zealously represented clients in state and federal court and provided confidential, trusted counsel to clients in numerous, often sensitive, matters. Bill is committed to providing cost-effective and skilled representation to clients for all their business and real estate needs, including but not limited to setting up LLCs and corporations, reviewing and drafting contracts, and assisting with buying and selling business, real estate, and personal property. Bill offers free initial consultations and would be happy to meet with you to discuss your legal needs. Bill is married with four children and lives in Menomonee Falls, WI. He enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with family on Big Cedar Lake.

Laura Garcia-Koushel, Esq.

Miami, FL

Laura Garcia-Koushel was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2014. As an Associate at Friedman, Rodman, Frank, & Estrada P.A. she represents clients in the areas of Workers' Compensation claims and Longshore and Harbor Act based claims. Ms. Garcia-Koushel received a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Miami in 2009. She received her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center in 2014. Ms. Garcia-Koushel is a Miami native and is fluent in English and Spanish. She is also licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia.

Nicole Payne

Winter Park, FL

Nicole Payne, a native of Orlando, Florida, has deep roots in her community and a lifelong passion for justice and law. Immediately after completing law school, she founded her own law firm with a commitment to establishing meaningful connections with clients. Recognizing that strong relationships lead to better outcomes, Nicole takes pride in being part of a law firm that delivers personalized service to her clients. Nicole’s passion for the law is complemented by her extensive experience and courtroom success. Throughout the legal process, Nicole Payne guarantees to keep clients well-informed and at ease, maintaining open communication to address any calls or questions. Her legal career commenced as a private registry attorney for dependency cases, trials, and juvenile delinquency at the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. She also served as the judicial assistant to the Honorable Linda D. Schoonover, Circuit Judge in Seminole County. Nicole further contributed her expertise to the Orange County Office of the Public Defender and other reputable law firms. In 2013, Nicole earned her Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law, following her earlier achievement of a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Central Florida in 2010. Currently residing in Orlando with her husband and two children, Nicole not only excels in her legal career but also strives to be the best wife and mother possible. Outside of work she enjoys cooking and dining at some of Orlando’s fine eating establishments, hanging out with friends, traveling, reading, and practicing the late Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality”: the constant quest to be the best version of oneself.

Andrew S. Rawlings

Bountiful, UT

Andy comes from a long line of Utah lawyers. His older sister, father, both grandfathers and several cousins are all attorneys. Initially, however, Andy veered far afield from the family profession; after graduating from Olympus High School, he signed with a talent and modeling agency in Los Angeles and spent the next couple of years working as a model and actor in Hollywood and New York. In 2010, Andy graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French. In 2014, Andy graduated from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law with his Juris Doctorate. After nine years of practicing exclusively family law and criminal defense, Andy decided he needed a change and joined the team at Hepworth Legal in order to expand his practice into general civil litigation. In his free time, he and his partner André enjoy weightlifting, cooking (they are both proud vegans), being outdoors, films and stand-up comedy.

Jon is an honors graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law who began his career representing general liability insurance clients in California. He later moved his family to Minnesota where he focused his practice on construction litigation before joining McCollum Crowley as a shareholder and taking up residence in Colorado. Jon is an exceptionally experienced litigator who’s tried many cases to verdict and written/argued literally hundreds of motions. Jon has served in leadership roles with trade associations, authored numerous articles related to his areas of practice, presented at many seminars, and appeared regularly on the radio as a guest legal analyst. His practice in multiple jurisdictions and areas of law allows Jon a unique insight into the defense of claims and ultimately the expeditious resolution of disputes and litigated issues.

Rachel C. Perler

Seattle, WA

Rachel Perler is an associate attorney specializing in insurance law, personal injury defense, medical malpractice, and appellate practice. She earned her J.D. from Yale Law School, where she served as lead editor for the Yale Journal of Health Law, Policy, and Ethics.

Dennys Hyder

Seattle, WA

Dennys is a bilingual English and Spanish paralegal, intake specialist, and a true luminary in the field of personal injury. Dennys possesses a remarkable proficiency that extends beyond the realm of legal matters, as she excels in assisting clients with the intricacies of property damage and vehicle repair aspects within their Seattle personal injury cases. Her unwavering commitment ensures that our clients consistently receive the highest level of care and support.

Brett J. Bennett is a partner with the firm who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding Criminal Law and Vehicle and Traffic Law. As a former staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County, Brett has handled thousands of criminal and traffic cases, including arraignments, negotiated pleas, hearings, and trial work. Working as a former associate with Reynolds, Caronia, Gianelli & La Pinta, P.C., Brett managed a heavy and diverse caseload in a high volume general practice firm specializing in criminal and traffic law. He has regularly appeared in courts throughout Suffolk County, Nassau County, and all five boroughs of New York. Additionally, he is admitted and has practiced in Federal court. Brett resides in Suffolk County with his wife. He is an avid sports fan and outdoorsman, with hobbies that include kayaking, skiing, and traveling.