English-Speaking Attorneys

Steve Garrison

Minneapolis, MN

Steve Garrison, Attorney at McCollum Crowley Moschet Miller & Laak, Ltd., and President of the Twin Cities Claims Association, is featured in the November/December 2015 issue of Minnesota Claims magazine.

Chris is a New Client Liaison/Admin Assistant for Crowson Law Group. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and moved to Alaska at a young age. He is bilingual in Spanish and English and is learning Swedish. Chris enjoys traveling and seeing the world whenever he can. In his free time, Chris enjoys nature walks, family, friends, and online gaming.

Taylor Bennett is the Marketing Director & Legal Assistant of AZ Law Firm. Taylor’s philosophy is passionately aligned with AZ Law Firm’s core values of being compassionate and creative while exhibiting excellent communication skills. In addition to being the legal assistant here, she is the head of marketing working around the clock to ensure that AZ Law Firm is well represented in the community. Taylor is usually the person that will be on the other line when you call us. She is heartbeat of the firm, we are confident you will love her as much as we do! Taylor obtained her Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas A&M University in 2014. Since graduation, she taught English abroad in Prague, Czech Republic; the rumors are true, Prague is a love affair that never leaves the soul. Upon returning to the States, she began her career in Marketing at an Austin startup which allowed her to hone her skills leading her to her new home here at AZ Law Firm. Taylor thrives at creative problem solving, editing broken code, and copywriting. During her free time, Taylor Bennett enjoys getting lost in her neighborhood, binging Luminary podcasts, and showing love to all the animals in her life.

In the spring of 2024, Anthony graduated from Dominican University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor Criminology. During his time at Dominican University, Anthony was a four-year member of the Varsity baseball team, receiving All-Conference Honors in his senior season. Currently, he is working on completing his ABA Paralegal Certification at Elgin Community College. Following the competition of this program, he aspires to continue his academic journey at an ABA-approved law school in the fall of 2026. Meanwhile, Anthony has been part of the Weiss Ortiz, P.C. legal team since January of 2025.

Mae is an integral part of our virtual team, specializing in records retrieval. Originally from Manila, Philippines, she now resides in Canada with her family. Despite the geographical shift, Mae remains deeply connected to her roots and brings a global perspective to her work. Her academic journey reflects her dedication and determination. Graduating Cum Laude with a major in Management while balancing full-time work is a testament to her exceptional work ethic and resilience. Mae’s professional journey began at a remarkably young age, starting as a customer service representative for a U.S. financial company at just 18. Over the years, she has honed her skills and diversified her expertise, transitioning seamlessly into the world of technology. From technical support to quality assurance coaching for Fortune 500 electronic companies, Mae has consistently demonstrated versatility and excellence. Her decade-long tenure in the industry has been marked by collaboration with clients from diverse backgrounds worldwide. Mae’s commitment to continuous learning and mastery of her craft has propelled her career forward, leading to numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. In addition to her professional pursuits, Mae finds joy in various creative outlets. From digital art to interior design, her innate talent shines through. She also delights in culinary experimentation, constantly exploring new recipes to share with her loved ones. Driven by a profound curiosity for new experiences, Mae embraces spontaneity and adventure wholeheartedly. Whether it’s discovering new destinations or immersing herself in different cultures, she approaches each opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity. Mae’s unwavering dedication, diverse skill set, and passion for exploration, make her a valuable asset to our team.

Gabriella LeBlanc, a committed scholar, is nearing the culmination of her undergraduate journey. Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Loyola University New Orleans, she concurrently delves into the intricacies of the Spanish language. With aspirations set on graduate studies, Gabriella is passionately steering her path toward a career in counseling, to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas. Currently serving as one of the legal assistants at Trujillo Gonzalez PC, Gabriella enriches her professional repertoire with diverse experiences. Her tenure at the firm provides her with invaluable insights and skills, contributing significantly to her professional growth. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Gabriella finds solace and fulfillment in various interests. A voracious reader, adept crocheter, and devoted pet parent to two dogs, she cherishes moments of leisure spent immersed in these passions.

Meet Marie Stiphany Rafanan, originally from the Philippines, where her passion for Information Technology sparked. After earning her B.S. degree from ABE International Business College, she dove into the world of Business Process Outsourcing in 2007. Marie’s journey has been all about serving customers worldwide with top-notch service and tech support. From troubleshooting to quality evaluation, she’s done it all, picking up valuable skills like problem-solving, flexibility, and time management along the way. Off-duty, Marie’s a proud parent to her two-year-old, Ocean-named for the calming vibes of the sea. And let’s not forget her furry family: a Chihuahua, an American Bully, and a French Bulldog.

Melissa Rodelo, a native of the vibrant DFW area, embodies a passion for making a positive impact on people’s lives that has defined her from a young age. Her journey is marked by a genuine commitment to helping others, steering her towards a fulfilling career in service. A proud alumna of Tarleton State University, Melissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies with a concentration in Pre-Law. Her academic pursuits were complemented by a double minor in Spanish and Criminal Justice, reflecting her dedication to acquiring a diverse skill set. Melissa’s professional trajectory began to take shape just before her graduation from college when she joined Trujillo Gonzalez, PC. In this dynamic environment, she has been on a continuous learning curve, gaining invaluable insights into her chosen field. Melissa’s enthusiasm for her work is evident in her dedication to her professional growth and her genuine desire to contribute positively to the lives of those she serves. While Melissa thrives in her professional pursuits, her heart lies in spending quality time with her family. In moments of relaxation, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of watching movies at home, creating a balance that underscores the importance of both personal and professional fulfillment in her life. Melissa Rodelo’s story is one of passion, dedication, and the seamless integration of her love for helping people into both her career and her personal life.

Nathaniel D. Scripa is a trusted and skilled attorney focusing on criminal defense. Known for a relentless commitment to client advocacy and a strategic approach to legal challenges, Nathaniel has built a reputation for achieving favorable outcomes both in and out of the courtroom. After earning a J.D. from the Charleston School of Law and being admitted to practice in North Carolina, Nathaniel has worked with clients on a wide range of legal matters. When it comes to defending clients in criminal cases, Nathaniel brings both expertise and empathy to each case. Nathaniel is originally from Syracuse, New York and has lived in the Lake Norman area for over ten years. He enjoys spending time with his dog and playing golf. Nathaniel is a member of the State Bar of North Carolina. Clients value Nathaniel’s dedication, clear communication, and ability to simplify complex legal issues, ensuring they understand their rights and options every step of the way. If you are looking for a lawyer who will fight for your best interests with integrity and skill, Nathaniel D. Scripa is ready to help.

Raisa Leal

San Diego, CA

Raisa Leal brings a dynamic, international perspective to the practice of law, combining deep legal expertise with a sophisticated, cross-jurisdictional understanding of complex legal matters. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, Raisa’s practice is characterized by a polished, detail-oriented, and results-driven approach, ensuring effective communication and strong relationships with attorneys and clients alike. Her dedication, adaptability, and breadth of experience make her an invaluable asset in navigating complex legal challenges across jurisdictions.

I believe that every client deserves strong advocacy, clear guidance, and a legal strategy tailored to their unique situation. Whether you’re seeking justice after an injury, navigating a complex family matter, or defending yourself against criminal charges, I am here to fight for you. I am a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience as an Assistant District Attorney and a proven track record in jury trials. This background has equipped me with an in-depth understanding of courtroom dynamics and the strategic insight necessary to navigate complex legal challenges. I earned my J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 2022. Before that, I graduated with a B.S. in Business-Finance from UNC-Wilmington in 2019 with the distinction of magna cum laude.