English-Speaking Attorneys

Marc S. Ward

Frederick, MD

Marc Ward has been a well-known figure in the DUI and DWI defense community for over fifteen years. After graduating from the University of Baltimore in 1993, Marc began his legal career working in criminal defense private practice, as he knew early on that he wanted to help people who needed serious help from serious trouble. After a few years, Marc opened his own law firm and continued his career helping those who have been charged with criminal or serious traffic offenses, and later expanded the practice to include worker’s compensation, personal injury, protective orders, and MVA matters. Marc’s entire legal career has been devoted to assisting those who find themselves in seemingly “no-win” situations and working to get the best possible result. His method of defense is to not only look at the immediate issues a client faces, but looks at long-term consequences. His holistic approach and broad experience allow him to not only handle one aspect of a situation, but multiple aspects to make sure that clients’ rights and interests are respected and maintained. If you are facing a DUI charge that resulted in an accident, Marc can not only represent you for the criminal charges, but also for the MVA hearing, and for any civil suit that may subsequently result. Marc’s valuable “jack-of-all-trades” skills set allows him to help you as a person, and not just a name on a file folder. He has been practicing law for 26 years. Marc has handled a vast variety of criminal cases including felony drug cases, sex offense, domestic violence, assault, theft, arson, and most prominently, DUI and DWI cases. While he has handled hundreds of felony cases, Marc brings an equally zealous approach to representing those charged with misdemeanors, such as disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, trespassing, and traffic matters. When your liberty is at stake, Marc understands there is no such thing as a “minor trouble,” and therefore will never treat you as a “minor” client. Marc has also acquired years of experience in dealing with those who have been injured on the job and need assistance with worker’s compensation, personal injury from car accidents, and dealing with protective orders. No matter what side of the dispute you are on, you can rely on Marc and his experience to get you from beginning to end. In addition to his work as a legal professional, Marc has been active in the local community in Baltimore County, and volunteers his time and expertise for various charitable causes. Put Marc’s expertise to work for you today.

David K. Robinson

Evansville, IN

David K. Robinson is an attorney from Evansville, Indiana, specializing in Social Security Disability, Workers' Compensation, Personal Injury, and Wills & Estate Planning. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer.

Kristopher Robert Olin

Blacksburg, VA

Kristopher R. Olin is a Partner at Spicer, Olin & Associates, P.C., focusing solely on civil and criminal litigation. A member of the Virginia bar since 2009, he has represented clients in personal injury cases (auto accidents, trucking accidents, defective products, dangerous products, and medical malpractice) and criminal defense (homicides, distribution of drugs, violent felonies, DUIs, DWIs, sexual offenses, reckless driving, underage possession of alcohol, public intoxication, and speeding). He has received multiple honors including Super Lawyers Rising Stars and National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

Randall M. Taradash

McHenry, IL

Randy Taradash is a senior partner and founder of the Taradash Johnson Janezic. Founded in 1981, it is one of the most successful Injury, wrongful death and Worker's compensation law firms in McHenry County. With four attorneys and ten employees we have the Resources, Reputation to obtain superior results and a reputation of one of McHenry County's leading injury law firms. As a premier Workers' Compensation and injury trial law firm, Taradash Johnson Janezic, is represents seriously injured clients and their families throughout the Chicagoland area. We are proud of our representation of McHenry County's union members and their families. Mr. Taradash is recognized as a leader in his field. Taradash Johnson Janezic enjoys a reputation for success with members of the Iron Workers, Teamsters, IBEW, Carpenters, laborers, Bricklayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, , Roofers, Painters, Ceramic Tile Layers, Nurses Association and Operating Engineers. Mr. Taradash believes that protecting the rights of injured workers is one of the most important aims a lawyer can have. He has pursued this goal with commitment, zeal and passion since 1989. Randy is proud of his service to all of McHenry County and believes there is no higher purpose than making a difference for the people in his community. Randy is married and has two children, both of which attended Marian Central High school.

William Vasquez

Raleigh, NC

William Vasquez is the founder and CEO of Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, a results-driven firm specializing in immigration, criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and workers' compensation. A U.S. Air Force veteran and recipient of the Joint Service Achievement Medal, William is dedicated to fiercely fighting for his clients' rights. With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, William is at the forefront of legal technology and AI-driven automation, leveraging cutting-edge solutions to enhance case management, client communication, and law firm efficiency. His strategic use of AI ensures that Vasquez Law Firm remains ahead of the curve in delivering high-quality legal services. Fully bilingual, William serves as legal counsel for the Mexican and Guatemalan consulates in North Carolina and was appointed in 2024 to the North Carolina Governor's Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, where he advocates for immigrant communities. He is a trusted voice in the Hispanic community, frequently participating in community events, national news segments, and radio programs, where he provides expert legal insight and guidance. In addition to his legal and tech background, William holds a Master's of Divinity from Oral Roberts University. Outside of work, William is a devoted husband and father of four, balancing his professional success with a deep commitment to his family.

Amir Ghaeenzadeh

Tampa, FL

Amir Ghaeenzadeh is the head of the Personal Injury / Medical Malpractice Litigation Division at Amethyst Law Group. He is a trial lawyer specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and abuse, and wrongful death matters for more than 10 years. He is Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent, Avvo’s Client’s Choice, and Super Lawyers, “Rising Star” award recipient. He is also a Florida certified mediator.

Valerie J. Crown

New City, NY

Valerie Crown dedicates her law practice to protecting the rights of individuals with serious injuries and disabilities. For the past 40 years, she has devoted her career to helping victims of abuse and neglect receive the compensation and benefits they deserve - whether from Personal Injury, Dental Malpractice, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Wrongful Death, Social Security Disability, or Workers’ Compensation. Valerie is also a trained arbitrator and mediator and is certified as a mediator in New York State. She has participated in numerous arbitrations and mediations.

Kirk Mathis

Lufkin, TX

Kirk Mathis, a native of Lufkin, Texas, is a dedicated and accomplished attorney at CMZ Law. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.B.A. in Accounting in 1994 and Texas Tech School of Law with a J.D. in 1998. Mr. Mathis has spent his entire legal career fighting for justice, achieving numerous high-stakes verdicts including the largest Texas Tort Claims Act verdict in Nacogdoches County (1998) and the largest personal injury verdicts in Jasper (1999) and Angelina Counties (2001). He is licensed in Texas and various U.S. Federal Courts, and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and received an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He is actively involved in several prestigious legal organizations and his local community.

Herman Jimerson

St. Louis, MO

Herman Jimerson, Esq. is an attorney with over 39 years of experience, admitted to practice in Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska, Texas, and Arkansas, as well as various U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Tax Court, and U.S. Court of Appeals. He previously served as a Lead Trial Attorney for the Missouri State Public Defenders Office and is an Adjunct Professor at Saint Louis University. He has authored two books and received awards such as Super Lawyer in Missouri and the Volunteer Award from the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. He holds a JD from the University of Missouri, School of Law (1986) and a B.S. in Behavioral Sciences from George Williams College. He is a member of several legal associations and is currently learning Spanish.

Brian Hurwitz

Los Angeles, CA

Brian Hurwitz is the founding attorney at Hurwitz Law Group, specializing in criminal defense. He is known for aggressively challenging prosecutors and pursuing favorable outcomes for his clients, demonstrating compassion, and thorough knowledge of California law. He has established a reputation as an honest and trustworthy gentleman among clients, prosecutors, and judges. With years of experience in Los Angeles courtrooms, he possesses intimate knowledge of the local criminal justice scene and excels in communication with clients, ensuring they understand their options. He is dedicated to finding creative defenses and is committed to success.

Cassandra Hernandez

Dallas, TX

It is very important to me to not only counsel my clients in areas that are very complex, but to help them understand the process and take comfort in someone passionately advocating on their behalf.

Kayla O'Connor

Cranston, RI

Kayla S. O'Connor, Esq. is an experienced litigation attorney with nearly a decade of experience representing individuals and businesses in high-stakes litigation, including bench and jury trials. She focuses her practice on complex personal injury, bad faith insurance actions, and multi-million dollar property and construction-related disputes. Passionate about fighting for injured parties whether they are personally injured or suffering from significant property loss, Attorney O'Connor has built a reputation for being a fierce and compassionate advocate-especially when going up against powerful insurance companies. A native New Englander, Kayla is proud to represent clients across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and she brings unmatched dedication to every matter she handles. Whether in a courtroom or at the negotiating table, Kayla's focus is simple: hold insurers accountable and make her clients whole.

Kyra Blankenship

Lubbock, TX

Kyra Blankenship is a personal injury attorney licensed in Texas and New Mexico, with over 25 years of experience. She earned her JD and a master's degree in Financial Planning from Texas Tech University.

Marni F. Schlesinger

NEW YORK, NY

Ms. Schlesinger is a junior partner in the firm of Apicella & Schlesinger, which she joined in 2008. She graduated from Boston University in 1999 and Hofstra University School of Law in 2007. Her practice focuses on Civil Rights, Sanitation Accidents and Injuries, Personal Injury, Construction Accident Injuries, and Wills.

Rebecca A. Peterson

Lake Worth, FL

Rebecca Peterson is a Member of GFM’s Class Action Practice Group and the Managing Member of GFM’s Minnesota Office. She is a recognized expert in heavy metal litigation, focusing on consumer protection, product liability, and pet food regulation cases. Ms. Peterson has successfully prosecuted actions in state and federal courts and was recognized as Attorney of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer for her work on behalf of U.S. farmers.

Stephanie O’Connor

New York, NY

Stephanie O’Connor is a former Registered Nurse and trial attorney admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey. For nearly 30 years, Ms. O’Connor has incorporated her dual knowledge of medicine and law in representing thousands of individuals claiming injuries from defective pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices. She has served as co-lead counsel in the In Re: Proton-Pump Inhibitor Products Liability Litigation and on the Executive Committee of In Re: Actos (Pioglitazone) Product Liability Ligation.

Dennis J. Gruenke

Philadelphia, PA

Managing Attorney of the Personal Injury/Workers’ Compensation Department. Honored by Philadelphia Councilman David Oh for representing injury victims and injured workers with distinction, and received the 2018 Who’s Who Injury and Injured Workers Advocacy Honor. He was also selected as Main Line Today’s 'Personal Injury Attorney of the Year' in 2007.

Aria Miran

Irvine, CA

Since being admitted to the California Bar in 2012, Aria Miran has successfully and aggressively settled thousands of personal injury claims. Aria is an expert in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, dog bites, and slip & falls. He also operates at the cutting edge of the law by holding insurance companies responsible for their bad faith handling of insurance claims. Aria is a Super Lawyers Rising Star, which is an honor reserved for less than 2.5% of California lawyers. Aria grew up knowing he was meant to be a lawyer, but he did not know what type of attorney he would be until he was 18 years old. When he was in high school, Aria was stopped at a red light when a drunk driver rear-ended his car. His injuries from the accident initially seemed minor, but they grew progressively worse and ultimately led to major spinal surgery while he was in college. Having experienced the pain and inconvenience that comes with a spinal injury, Aria takes all of his cases very personally and has dedicated his practice to helping plaintiffs who are in a terrible position aggressively pursue their claims against the insurance companies responsible. Aria began practicing personal injury law after graduating with a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School Los Angeles. In law school, Aria was a member of the Scott Moot Court honor board, where he honed his skills in written and oral advocacy. He was also selected to judge Appellate Advocacy competitions. Aria’s deep knowledge of the nuances of insurance coverage and bad faith law have led to many incredible victories. A notable recent win involved opening the policy limits of just $100K due0 to the insurer’s bad faith conduct. Aria’s smart and aggressive lawyering resulted in his injured client being awarded an additional 5 million dollars, which is over 50x higher than the initial policy limits.

James Pak

Vancouver, WA

James ('Jim') Pak focuses his practice on personal injury/wrongful death claims, civil litigation, and real estate matters. He is well-versed in contracts and counsels small to medium-sized businesses. Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, he attended the University of Washington and Gonzaga University School of Law. He started his legal career in 1997 and later established his own firm before merging with Loren Etengoff. He is also a licensed real estate agent and a principal of Attorneys Realty, L.L.C.

Javier Espinoza

San Antonio, TX

Javier Espinoza is the founder and a partner at Espinoza & Brock, PLLC. He immigrated from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and was the first in his family to graduate college. He is a community leader, political, social, and legal advocate, and has extensive trial and arbitration experience since 2002. He is a member of ABOTA and has received numerous statewide awards. He is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

Jeffrey M. Alter

Chicago, IL

Jeffrey Alter is the President & Managing Partner with Anesi Ozmon, Ltd. He is an advocate for severely injured people, specializing in injured workers, and his practice of law is concentrated in the areas of workers’ compensation, police and fire pension, and social security disability claims. He is admitted to the bar in the State of Illinois, and in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Jeffrey is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers’ Association, and the American Association for Justice. He is also an author of two chapters in the Workers’ Compensation Notebook, published by the Illinois Trial Lawyers’ Association.

Joseph C. Maya

New York, NY

Joseph C. Maya, Esq., is the Managing Partner of Maya Murphy, P.C. He represents individuals, corporations, and employers throughout Connecticut and New York. Best Lawyers has recognized him as a leading attorney in education law and employment law. He has practiced for over 30 years.

Michael Akiva

Los Angeles, CA

Michael A. Akiva, the esteemed Managing Partner of Pre-Litigation at Jacoby & Meyers since November 2018, has been a pivotal member of the team since joining in June 2009. Based in the firm’s main Los Angeles office, Michael specializes in personal injury litigation, serving a diverse client base throughout the area. His fluency in Spanish and Hebrew, in addition to English, enables him to offer comprehensive legal support to a wide range of clients. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Southern California, graduating Magna cum laude. Michael began a distinguished legal career after earning his Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law, where he served as an Editor of the UCLA Law Review. Admitted to all California state courts since 2006, Michael has adeptly handled cases involving motor vehicle crashes, premises liability, construction site accidents, and more, securing millions in compensation for his clients. Michael’s commitment to legal excellence is mirrored in his active memberships, including the California Bar and the Los Angeles County Bar Association, where he serves on the Lawyer Referral and Information Service Committee. Additionally, his involvement with the National Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (NAPIL) and the Consumer Attorneys of California, along with recognition as a Super Lawyer, solidifies his standing as a respected advocate for those injured by negligence or recklessness.

Michael Morgan

Phoenix, AZ

Michael Morgan is a Phoenix personal injury lawyer concentrating on car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, brain injuries, and wrongful death claims throughout Arizona. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been involved in some of Arizona's largest claims.