English-Speaking Attorneys

Lucy Benavides is a bilingual (Spanish) Litigation Paralegal and Director of Public Relations for Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys. She has been in the legal industry for almost a dozen years, categorizing and interpreting data, reviewing and analyzing reports, and drafting legal documents. She also develops relationships with media organizations and speaks on behalf of the firm.

Jose R. Robles

Santa Ana, CA

Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 2001, Jose had the opportunity to travel the world. Jose’s infantry unit was one of the first into Iraq in 2003, and then returned to Fallujah in 2004. On his own initiative, Jose self-taught himself Arabic, enhancing his unit’s capabilities during both tours. Jose went on to receive associate degrees in Biology and Chemistry, then transferred to the University of California, Irvine with the intention of going to medical school. However, in 2007, Jose chose to join Auction.com and traveled the United States selling real estate via auction. Jose’s hard work, dedication, and determination enabled him to grow within the organization, serving as the VP of Operations, VP of Portfolio Management, and VP of Legal and Compliance. While employed full-time and recently married, Jose felt the need to ensure his experience and business acumen was also supported by an education. Jose returned to school in the evenings to finalize his bachelor’s degree and then went on to pursue his law degree. Jose completed law school while working full time and supporting his wife as she gave birth to all 3 of their children during law school. Jose has a passion for problem-solving, thrives under pressure, has a proven work-ethic, and has the intelligence to utilize the tools necessary to achieve solutions and accomplish goals. Jose’s ambition naturally led to starting his own practice out of law school, and he is now looking forward to building his firm by providing exceptional customer service and client satisfaction. Jose is a certified scuba diver and pilot, enjoys boating, fishing, camping, off-roading, and all forms of sports/competition, having recently achieved a single-digit golf handicap. Jose is a Professional Services Responder with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, serving on the Search and Rescue Unit and Aero Squadron. Jose currently serves as a Board Member for the Tustin Chamber of Commerce.

Stacey Georgelis Gregory

Lancaster, PA

Stacey is an attorney who contributes 15 years of experience defending large companies and insurance companies and vast knowledge that helps injured people with long-term disability coverage and/or Social Security Disability assistance.

Iris Mora

Miami Lakes, FL

Iris is a dedicated Record Retrieval Specialist at Redemption Law, where she plays a crucial role in assisting clients through the document collection process. With a strong commitment to detail, Iris ensures that every record and bill is collected so that our clients can obtain the most favorable outcome at the end of their cases.

Melissa Villalta

Fort Myers, FL

Melissa Villalta is an attorney at Viles & Beckman with over a decade of experience in legal and nonprofit sectors. She is passionate about advocating for individuals and is bilingual in English and Spanish, ensuring comprehensive support for a diverse clientele.

Nikolaos Keffalonitis

Downey, CA

Nikolaos "Nikos" Kefallonitis was born and raised in Athens, Greece. He attended the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Law, graduating in 2016. He completed a legal traineeship and passed the Greek Bar Examination. He holds a Master of Arts degree from Panteion University and an LL.M. from the University of Virginia School of Law (2020). He is licensed in Greece and California and is currently an Associate Attorney at The Law Offices of Gavril T. Gabriel.

Albert Peña

Broadview Heights, OH

Mr. Peña has represented more than a thousand accident victims, defended the wrongfully accused, and has seen first-hand the injustices that big insurance companies and police institutions foist upon those that cannot afford even the most basic representation. Mr. Peña aggressively fights for the rights of people who need it the most because he comes from humble roots and knows the impact that even a small victory can have in the lives of those he represents. Born and raised in South Bronx, New York, Mr. Peña was born to Dominican parents who immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities. Growing up in the inner city and the poorest borough of New York City, Mr. Peña witnessed first-hand the devastating effects that poverty can have on individual human rights and basic dignity. After working for a large New York municipal bond firm and as a trial preparation associate at the New York County District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Peña discovered that his true calling was not work for these institutions, but rather to work for the people who had been marginalized by these very same institutions. These early experiences led Mr. Peña toward a career as a plaintiff’s attorney. In pursuit of his calling, Mr. Peña won the United States President’s award for academic achievement, attended undergraduate school on scholarship at the College of Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale, N.Y., and pursued his law degree from the Cleveland Marshall College of Law, where he was a student Senator and President of the Hispanic Law Student’s Association (HLSA). During law school, he saw the unvarnished, inner workings of the justice system as a clerk to judges and magistrates in the Cleveland Municipal Court and continued his commitment to helping his community by working at the Spanish American Committee of Cleveland. Since his admission to the bar, Mr. Peña has been an advocate for injury victims and continues to serve in many civic capacities. He acts as an advisory committee member for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Advisory Committee (NEORSD) and is vice president of the board of directors for the Hispanic Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program (Hispanic UMADAOP). Mr. Peña’s civic engagement has also helped him foster relationships with the non-profit organizations Esperanza and the Hispanic Alliance. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish giving him the ability to resolve his clients' dilemmas in two languages. Mr. Peña lives in downtown Cleveland with his fiancé who practices social work.

Leah Rhydderch

Leah Rhydderch is a Senior Associate and Head of the Private Family Team at Watkins & Gunn, with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in all aspects of Family Law, including complex financial cases, cohabitation disputes, pre/post nuptial agreements, and Children Act cases. She is a Welsh speaking Resolution Accredited Specialist and regularly appears on BBC Cymru.

Jacob T. Casso

Brownsville, TX

Jacob T. Casso was born and raised in McAllen, Texas and returned to South Texas after graduating from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2019. He has devoted all of his legal career on the defense side, representing large corporate clients across the State of Texas.

Raymond Hay

New York, NY

Raymond Hay received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Public Policy from UCLA and attended law school at the University of California Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. He is a member of the California Bar. Raymond began his legal career in 2016 as a workers’ compensation defense attorney, gaining insight into the workers’ compensation system from the defense perspective. He joined Goldberg & Loren in 2018, representing injured workers throughout California, handling all phases of litigation from AOE/COE issues to appeals. Raymond is a zealous advocate, implementing an aggressive strategy that has resulted in over $10 million in settlements for his clients. He strongly believes in the importance of early treatment for injured workers. Raymond is fluent in Farsi and enjoys playing chess and basketball in his spare time.

Taylor Wood

San Antonio, TX

Taylor Wood began working with Ramos & Del Cueto in 2018 as a law clerk and was hired as an associate attorney upon earning her law license in 2019. She focuses on mitigation of punishment. Ms. Wood earned a bachelor's degree in English with a specialization in Writing from Texas Lutheran University and studied Law and Criminology at Vrije Universiteit - Amsterdam. She earned her Juris Doctorate from St. Mary's University School of Law in 2019. She is known for her tireless work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and personal touch with clients.

John Edmond Westfield

St. Augustine, FL

John graduated from Flagler College with a BA in business administration in 2005. He worked as a licensed commodities broker before earning his M.B.A from the University of North Florida in 2008. During his time at UNF, John served as an assistant to the economics department and became a certified associate in project management. John owned and operated successful wholesale businesses before enrolling at Florida Coastal School of Law in 2013 as a member of the school’s inaugural Fastrack Program. John earned his J.D. in just over two years, graduating in the top 10% of his class. John has interned and volunteered regularly with Saint Johns County Legal Aid. He has also served as a volunteer assistant state attorney in St. Johns and Flagler counties before accepting a position with Canan Law in 2016.

Nathan C. Stein

Richmond, VA

Nathan C. Stein is an international lawyer who helps individuals, families, and businesses Handling the complexities of planning their lives and operations across borders. His practice is centered on international estate and wealth planning, family law, corporate law for small businesses and nonprofits, and advising on legal frameworks for corporate sustainability and resilience. Nathan is known for his ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear, understandable advice, ensuring his clients are empowered to make informed decisions. He takes a proactive, long-term view, working to predict and prevent legal issues before they arise. This client-first approach, combining rigorous analysis with a dedication to his clients’ goals, has earned him the respect of clients and colleagues alike. Nathan’s perspective is shaped by a unique blend of academic achievement and hands-on experience. He is a candidate for a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Global Business Law from Columbia Law School, holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from New York University School of Law, and graduated cum laude with a degree in Economics from the University of Florida. His professional background is equally diverse, including founding a non-profit organization, serving as chief of staff for a family office, and owning a research corporation. He has also published numerous articles and contributed to a textbook on international law. Nathan has worked in multiple jurisdictions on a wide range of cross-border legal matters. His background includes litigation, mediation, and arbitration, giving him a valuable perspective on dispute resolution and prevention. He finds professional fulfillment in guiding clients toward their goals. In addition to his native English, Nathan speaks Spanish, French, Portuguese, and several other languages, helping him connect with clients and partners around the world. Admitted to practice in New York. Areas of Focus Estate, Wealth & Family Planning • Family Law • Wills, Trusts & Estates • Wealth & Succession Planning • Health Care Directives & Powers of Attorney • Family Offices • Pre-Immigration & Retirement Planning Corporate & Commercial Law • Corporate Law for Businesses & Nonprofits • Contract Drafting, Negotiation & Enforcement • Partnerships & LLCs • Employment Law Cross-Border & Dedicated Matters • Foreign Investment • Corporate Sustainability & Resilience Compliance • International Human Rights Law • Civil Rights & Immigration

Diana Novo

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL

Diana Novo, born and raised in Miami, Florida, is fluent in Spanish and dedicated to serving her community. She specializes in Defense Base Act claims, leveraging her litigation expertise to secure benefits and compensation for injured clients. She earned her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University and a degree in Political Science and International Relations from Florida International University.

Anchorage personal injury attorney Claire Crowson is deeply committed to using her legal education and experience to help level the playing field between insurance companies and injured Alaskans. Claire is a Swiss American citizen who is fluent in French, German, Italian and English. She graduated from St. Lawrence University and leveraged her language skills for the US Army prior to going back to school to get a master’s degree in business. Although Claire was happy using her languages and business experience for large, multinational companies, her desire to help ensure that everyone receives fair and equal treatment led her to pursue a law degree and to focus on serving injured Alaskans. Claire has been part of Crowson Law Group for over 20 years and has helped with all facets of the business. In her free time, Claire enjoys spending time with her family, running on the Anchorage trails, and playing with her English Bulldog, Jack.

Michelle Moran is an experienced Immigration Attorney and Family Law Attorney. Her addition to the firm has enabled McGuire Peláez Bennett & Belcastro, P.C. to expand its legal services to include immigration law. Ms. Moran brings extensive experience in immigration law and family court matters. Before joining the firm, she worked at the Law Office of Alexandra Mayen Rivera, P.C. in Huntington, where she handled hundreds of immigration cases, including representation in New York State family courts, handling custody and guardianship petitions with Special Findings Motions for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, as well as removal defense work within the New York Immigration Courts. In addition to her expertise in Immigration Law, Ms. Moran also practices in Family Court handling cases pertaining to custody, visitation, child support, Orders of Protection and Neglect and Abuse Cases. Earlier in her career, Ms. Moran served as a Legal Clerk with the Law Offices of Jacob Aronauerin New York City, conducting legal research and drafting memoranda on the Fair Labor Standards Act, New York Labor Law, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. She is admitted to the New York State Bar and is certified as a New York State Electronic Notary. Ms. Moran has also been actively involved with many community organizations, including minority rights groups, Outlaw, Make the Road New York, and the Safe Passage Project. While attending law school, she volunteered at the Hofstra Law Immigration Clinic and the Asylum Clinic while completing multiple legal internships.

Sonia Randazzo is a qualified Italian Lawyer specializing in Immigration Law. She practices in both contentious and non-contentious matters, providing advice on human rights, asylum law, citizenship rights, and mobility for European and non-European citizens in Italy. She gained significant experience working with immigration law firms and organizations. Sonia is a member of ASGI and CLEDU. She speaks Italian and English.

Federico A. Dumenigo, Esq.

Miami, FL

Mr. Dumenigo is a transactional and civil trial attorney whose practice includes advising domestic and international clients on the acquisition and sale of commercial real estate, complex transactional law, healthcare law, commercial and residential property insurance claims, and community association law. Mr. Dumenigo has considerable experience in the hospitality industry, representing large-scale international clients in connection with services agreements, and in the healthcare industry, representing physicians and healthcare facilities with joint ventures and compliance.

Maria Merman

Chicago, IL

Maria was born in Moscow, Russia and moved with her parents to Chicago at the age of fourteen. As a first-generation immigrant, Maria learned first-hand the value of hard work in order to excel and achieve her dream of becoming an attorney. She brings the same work ethic to the courtroom, tirelessly advocating for her clients. Being fluent in Russian, Maria understands the challenge that some non-native English-speaking clients face when trying to navigate their legal rights. Maria’s goal is to ensure that all individuals, injured due to no fault of their own, are treated fairly and not taken advantage of by insurance companies.

Devon Puriefoy's practice focuses on complex civil litigation with an emphasis on business and construction disputes. He regularly handles matters, representing both plaintiffs and defendants, at the state, federal, and appellate level. In addition to his extensive litigation experience, Mr. Puriefoy regularly advises both international and domestic businesses of all sizes on issues relating to structuring, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions in South Carolina and beyond, including Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Texas, Puerto Rico, Germany, India, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. He is admitted to practice law before the South Carolina State Court, District of South Carolina, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In 2018, Mr. Puriefoy was honored to be named Best & Brightest 35 and under by Greenville Business Magazine for his commitment to the legal community. Although a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Puriefoy grew up in the small town of Abingdon, Virginia, located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He received his undergraduate degree from King University, located in beautiful Bristol, Tennessee and earned his J.D. from Charleston School of Law in 2014, where he served as Student Works Editor of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Law Journal. Mr. Puriefoy began working with the law offices of Truluck Thomason, LLC in October 2014. Mr. Puriefoy also regularly participates in pro bono and other civic projects and is currently a member of the Greenville County Bar Associations, the SC Bar Association, and the Greenville Kiwanis Club. Mr. Puriefoy is happily married to his wife and best friend Larissa who he shares three beautiful children with, Sonny, Roman, and Henna.

Jorge A. Calil

Hollywood, FL

Jorge A. Calil is a Senior Trial Attorney at Barzakay Law Firm with over 20 years of litigation experience in personal injury, insurance disputes, civil rights, and complex tort cases. Fluent in English and Spanish, he is recognized for his courtroom strength, strategic thinking, and successful track record in securing verdicts and settlements for his clients.

Layla Benjamin

Dallas, TX

Layla Benjamin is a native Texan who graduated from Texas A&M University School of Law. She represents injured individuals in claims against insurance companies and has successfully helped hundreds of people. Layla is active in her community and enjoys traveling.