English-Speaking Attorneys

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.

Daniel Sukhu

Beverly Hills, CA

Daniel is a second degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, and an avid golfer. Personal Injury litigation is both an art and a science - a meshing of the two realms with the human story at its core. I strive to treat each case and every client with the dignity deserved. These are the foundational values of Rafii & Associates. I look forward to embracing the necessary challenges ahead in the development of my skills as an advocate for the injured and aggrieved families and individuals injured deserving of a fair chance at justice.

Sophia R. Gustafson

Bettendorf, IA

Sophia R. Gustafson is an attorney who graduated from the University of Colorado - Boulder with degrees in Spanish Language and Literature and Sociology, and from the University of Iowa Law School with distinction in 2024. She is passionate about working for and with laborers, having received the Jurisprudence Award for Academic Excellence for her paper on minority women’s labor activism. She also received the Michelle R. Bennett Client Representation Award for her work in the Immigration Clinic.

Wayne Spivak brings over 25 years of bankruptcy experience to the Benenati Law Firm. He previously served as a senior bankruptcy managing attorney and as staff attorney for the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee Laurie Weatherford in Orlando, gaining firsthand insight into successful Chapter 13 cases. He applies this knowledge to assist clients in Orlando and Kissimmee. Before his legal career, Wayne spent 9 years in the U.S. Navy and 7 years as a Claims Representative for the Social Security Administration.

Luis Fernando Baez is an attorney who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law in Houston. Inspired by his hardworking parents, he is dedicated to serving Hispanic families, helping them navigate legal processes and secure justice. He aims to break down barriers and fears clients may have regarding courts and large companies, ensuring they feel confident and knowledgeable throughout their cases. As part of Mario Davila's legal team, he prioritizes direct client relationships, traveling to meet with clients and their families to understand their goals and concerns. His objective is to act as a bridge for clients to achieve justice, operating on a contingency fee basis. He has been a member of the Texas Bar Association since 2004.

Narae Yim

Palisades Park, NJ

Narae Yim, Esq. is a dual-licensed attorney admitted to both the Korean Bar and the New York State Bar. She graduated magna cum laude from Yonsei University Law School and ranked 7th out of over 3,000 candidates in the 2017 Korean Bar Exam. Narae began her legal career at Bae, Kim & Lee LLC, one of South Korea’s most prestigious law firms, where she advised domestic and multinational clients like Samsung, LG, SK, Hyundai, and Lotte for six years in their Corporate Practice Group. Her experience includes M&A, civil litigation, criminal defense, and compliance, with secondments as in-house legal counsel at ByteDance (TikTok) Korea, LG Chem Ltd., and an overseas financial group's Korean branch. In 2023, she earned an LL.M. in Corporation Law from NYU School of Law and passed the New York State Bar Exam. She is now admitted in New York and qualified for admission in 40 other UBE states. At Kim, Lim and Partners, Narae specializes in complex commercial/business litigations involving breach of contract, partnership disputes, business fraud, and shareholder disputes. As a native Korean speaker, she provides seamless service to Korean clients and handles Korean-language documents without obstacle.

W. Grant Bitner

McAllen, TX

W. Grant Bitner is a dedicated, versatile attorney with deep roots in the Rio Grande Valley. Raised in South Texas, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and the prestigious American Farmer Degree. He attended Texas A&M University - College Station, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and held leadership roles. He earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Agricultural Leadership & Development and Political Science. During his time at Texas A&M, Grant interned with Ag Workers Mutual Insurance Company, gaining foundational knowledge of insurance operations. He also served as a Congressional Intern in Washington, D.C. Grant gained extensive business and sales experience before enrolling at South Texas College of Law - Houston in 2019, where he was elected Treasurer of both the Student Bar Association and the Aggie Law Society. He completed judicial internships with U.S. District Judge Alan D. Albright and Justice Nora Longoria. Grant's practice includes legal research, motion drafting, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation, and he recently second-chaired an auto accident trial resulting in a no-negligence verdict. He is actively involved in community and professional organizations, including the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and Challenged Sportsmen of America.

Deveron Lamont Brown

Orlando, FL

Deveron Lamont Brown was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and raised in New Jersey. He served in the US Navy in communications. He graduated from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University with a BA in English and a minor in Political Science, and from Rutgers Law School in Newark, NJ. He has over 20 years of experience as a solo practitioner at the Law Office of Brown & Associates in Tallahassee, Florida, with extensive trial experience in felonies, misdemeanors, administrative, and DUIs.

Paula Padilla

Phoenix, AZ

Paula Padilla has practiced immigration law since April of 2012. She started practicing law at a non-profit immigration firm in Portland, Oregon, representing individuals before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and unaccompanied minors in immigration court. After this, she moved to private practice and joined Maria Jones Law Firm in March of 2015 as a supervising attorney for the USCIS Department. In April of 2017, Paula decided to work part-time as a unitary practitioner to focus on her family while still dedicating part of her time to helping immigrants. Paula returned to Maria Jones Law Firm in 2019 as a supervising attorney for Adjustment of Status, Naturalization, and U Visa cases. Paula immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was 7 years old, and as an immigrant herself, she understands the fear and struggles that many people face due to their immigration status. For this reason, Paula is passionate about helping immigrants and fights for their rights to ensure they receive high-quality support that meets their needs. During her years of practice, Paula has helped hundreds of people obtain legal status in this country. Her dedication and commitment to serving immigrants stems from her love and respect for the immigrant community, which is why she works hard to help immigrants achieve their dream of living in this country with freedom and stability.

Gabby Parra

Culver City, CA

For over 10 years, Gabby has been a dedicated paralegal, delivering exceptional legal support with precision and compassion. Her deep knowledge of personal injury cases, combined with her empathetic approach, ensures that every client feels understood and supported throughout the legal journey. Gabby’s keen attention to detail and expertise are invaluable assets to our team, helping clients confidently navigate even the most complex aspects of their cases.

Romina Cimpoes, Esq. is an associate attorney at Avenue Law Firm, admitted to practice law in the State of New York. Her practice concentrates on real estate transactions and title matters. Before joining Avenue Law Firm, Romina developed extensive experience in real estate law through her work in the title industry. She managed a wide range of responsibilities, including title review and clearance, preparation of transfer documents and closing packages, resolution of complex ownership and title issues, and underwriting files for closing. Romina earned her first law degree abroad before relocating to the United States, where she obtained her LL.M. in Real Estate Law from Fordham University School of Law. Her academic training, coupled with her practical experience, enables her to approach each matter with both a global perspective and a deep understanding of New York real estate law. Romina represents buyers, sellers, and lenders in transactions involving condominiums, cooperative units, single-family and multi-family residences, and investment properties. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail, responsiveness, and commitment to protecting her clients’ interests throughout every stage of a transaction.

Sandy Yeung is an Of Counsel attorney at Avenue Law Firm. She obtained her Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law and is admitted to practice in the State of New York. While at Hofstra, she co-founded the First-Generation Law Student Association, an initiative supporting students who are the first in their families to pursue a legal career. Prior to law school, Sandy worked as a real estate paralegal for nine years, gaining extensive hands-on experience in transactional matters. Sandy’s practice focuses primarily on residential real estate transactions, guiding buyers, sellers, and investors through all stages of the closing process. She represents clients in the purchase and sale of co-ops, condominiums, townhouses, and single-family homes throughout New York. In addition to residential matters, Sandy handles commercial real estate transactions, commercial leasing, and general business law. She takes a practical, detail-oriented approach to every deal, ensuring that her clients understand each step and feel confident in their decisions. Sandy also drafts and negotiates operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and other transactional documents for her business clients. Outside of work, Sandy is an avid board game enthusiast who enjoys game nights with friends and discovering new strategy games.

Jazmyn S. Weber

La Grange, KY

Jazmyn S. Weber joined Pearson & Paris, P.S.C. as an associate attorney in September of 2023. Ms. Weber received her Juris Doctorate from Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. During her law school career, Ms. Weber was a member of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society, Arbitration Moot Court, the Student Bar Association where she served as Social Chair, and she worked as a legal research assistant for various professors. Ms. Weber comes to us from Stillman Valley, Illinois. However, she has called Louisville home since 2015 when she began her undergraduate career at the University of Louisville. Ms. Weber is an avid Cards fan and enjoys spending time outside of work attending games. In addition to attending Cards games, she loves spending time at Churchill Downs, playing sand volleyball, and trying out new restaurants and breweries throughout the city of Louisville. Outside the office, you will almost always find her with her dog, Brew! Ms. Weber is licensed to practice law in the State of Kentucky. She serves the greater Louisville metro area including Oldham County, Jefferson County, Bullitt County, Henry County, Shelby County, Trimble County, and Carroll County. Whether you’re facing complex legal challenges or seeking proactive counsel, Ms. Weber is here to guide you through the legal maze with unwavering determination and attention to detail. Her commitment to providing personalized, strategic, and results-driven legal representation makes her a trusted advocate for her clients. Ms. Weber’s experience in legal writing and communication continues to prove her ability to fiercely advocate for her clients’ rights and interests.

Isaac Ortiz

Isaac Ortiz is an attorney practicing real estate law in Greenville, South Carolina. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, he graduated from The Ohio State University and passed the South Carolina bar exam in 2022. He also studied legal ethics at the University of Oxford. Isaac is bilingual in English and Spanish, ensuring clients are comfortable in their native language during real estate closings.

Jason R. Powalisz

Southborough, MA

Attorney Jason R. Powalisz has practiced labor law exclusively on behalf of unions since joining the firm in 2006. He represents various employee groups at grievance arbitrations, interest arbitrations, prohibited practice charge hearings, and unfair labor practice investigations before arbitrators, the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations, the Joint Labor Management Committee, and the National Labor Relations Board. He also appears in state and federal court, including defending favorable arbitral awards. Attorney Powalisz negotiates collective bargaining agreements and counsels union clients on day-to-day issues.

Barbara received her B.S.B.A. from Southern Illinois University in 1985 and her J.D. in 1988 from the University of Denver College of Law. She joins the firm after 21 years as a Colorado Administrative Law Judge. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Barbara worked as a litigation attorney representing both claimants and respondents. She has been a speaker at many CBA and CTLA seminars over the years. Barbara is a member of the Colorado Bar, Denver Bar, and Professionals in Workers’ Compensation.

A partner and co-owner of the firm, Maggy earned her law degree from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 2010. Her practice focuses on estate planning, business and corporate law, and civil matters. She is licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland, federal court in the Western District of Virginia, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. She is also a leader with the American Bar Association and serves on the board of directors of the Danville Regional Foundation.