English-Speaking Attorneys

Thomas Paruolo

Oklahoma City, OK

Mr. Paruolo is a Cum Laude graduate of Syracuse University College of Law and a member of both the Oklahoma Insurance Defense Counsel and the Defense Research Institute. He has successfully resolved hundreds of complex litigated matters and provides consulting and training services in insurance-related areas.

David B. Higgins

Phoenix, AZ

David B. Higgins is an Arizona lawyer with 30 years of experience in Family Law and Personal Injury Law. He has served as a Pro Tem Judge in Maricopa County Superior Court and as an Arbitrator and Settlement Judge. He was admitted to the Arizona State Bar on May 15, 1993, after receiving his law degree from the University of Tulsa and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University. He is fluent in Spanish.

Kalpesh J. Patel

Independence, MO

Kalpesh J. Patel is a sole practitioner licensed in Missouri and Kansas, focusing on real estate law, personal injury, landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, debt collections, traffic violations, and DUI/DWI. He has experience as a public defender and is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Jeffrey Molchan

Beverly Hills, CA

Jeff earned his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach in 1987, and later graduated from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law in 1995. He has dedicated nearly his entire career to personal injury law. Before becoming a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, Jeff worked directly with insurance companies, helping to resolve thousands of personal injury claims. Since then, Jeff has tried dozens of cases to verdict and represented clients in a wide range of matters, including wrongful death, auto accidents, slip and trip falls, construction site accidents, dog bites, and assault and battery cases. Jeff is a proud member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation-only organization of the nation’s most respected trial lawyers. He also serves as a settlement officer for the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s alternative dispute resolution program, Resolve L.A. In addition, he is an active member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and the Consumer Attorneys of California. Beyond his work in the courtroom, Jeff is frequently invited to speak on key legal topics.

Steven Flaxman

Miami, FL

Steven Flaxman is committed to continuing the Flaxman family’s tradition of providing exceptional legal representation to personal injury victims, landlords and tenants. With a strong background in trial advocacy and a passion for justice, Steven helps clients navigate the complexities of personal injury law with confidence. As the leader of Flaxman Law Group’s Denver office, he now serves individuals and families throughout Colorado, offering the same high level of care and legal expertise that the firm is known for in South Florida. Steven Flaxman has extensive experience in both trial preparation and litigation, handling a wide range of personal injury and landlord-tenant cases. His approach is client-focused-Steven believes that every client deserves personalized attention and direct access to their attorney. This commitment is reflected in his hands-on work ethic, as he personally oversees each case from start to finish, ensuring that clients are informed and supported every step of the way. Since expanding the Flaxman Law Group to Denver, Steven has been dedicated to serving the legal needs of Colorado residents. His deep understanding of personal injury law and landlord-tenant disputes, coupled with his dedication to client service, makes him a valuable resource for anyone seeking fair compensation after an accident. In addition to personal injury cases, Steven also specializes in landlord-tenant disputes, helping clients resolve conflicts related to rental properties and ensuring their rights are upheld. Whether dealing with car accidents, slip-and-falls, negligence claims, or housing disputes, Steven works tirelessly to protect his clients’ rights.

Edward Yaghoubi

Los Angeles, CA

Edward Yaghoubi is an attorney who focuses his practice on personal injury law; namely truck, motorcycle, auto and motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, assault and battery, dog bites, and general injury insurance litigation. Every day, Edward is empowered by the idea that he is helping average people who have been afflicted with devastating and debilitating injuries and family members of loved ones lost in tragedy accidents. He strives to exceed expectations by focusing on each client’s background, their special needs and goals, both short and long term, never straying from the idea that clients’ needs are the single most integral part of any resolution. He devotes his career to fighting tortfeasors and negligent defendants, who refuse to take responsibility for their actions or lack thereof. In his research and fact gathering Mr. Yaghoubi leaves no stone unturned, thereby investigating every fact and all remedies possibly available to compensate injured clients. Since 2005, Mr. Yaghoubi successfully negotiated several six figure pre and post litigation settlements.

Madison Marchus

Fargo, ND

Madison Marchus focuses her practice on Criminal Defense and Personal Injury cases. She graduated from North Dakota State University with a major in Criminal Justice and double minors in Business Administration and Psychology, and earned her law degree Cum Laude from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. She previously worked as a Public Defender in Fargo and joined O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys in March 2023.

Woodburn Spencer Wesley Jr.

Fort Walton Beach, FL

Woodburn S. Wesley, Jr. has served clients since 1975, practicing primarily in personal injury and workers' compensation law. He is a seasoned trial attorney admitted in Florida and the U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida. He previously served as a Florida Assistant State Attorney and a Captain in the U.S. Army.

Julio C. Argueta

Waukegan, IL

Julio C. Argueta has been with the law firm since 2003 and a partner since 2005. His practice areas include Criminal Law, Traffic/DUI Defense, Personal Injury, and Real Estate. He is fluent in English and Spanish. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as a Prosecutor for the Lake County State's Attorney's Office from 2000 to 2003.

Ryan Berchelmann

Houston, TX

A Houston native with a global outlook, Ryan Berchelmann brings extensive litigation experience and an international perspective to his legal practice. With a background in business, recruiting, and law, Ryan is deeply committed to pursuing justice for his clients with skill, tenacity, and compassion. Ryan grew up in Cypress, Texas, but his formative experiences extended far beyond. Summers spent in Ecuador not only gave him fluency in Spanish but also shaped his understanding of different cultures-an asset he brings to every case. He earned his BBA in International Business and Economics, as well as an MBA in Management, from Sam Houston State University. He later earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law Houston. Before entering the legal field, Ryan spent four years as an executive recruiter in the airline industry, conducting high-level searches throughout the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Panama. While attending law school, he also clerked for an immigration firm, where he deepened his commitment to advocacy and client service. Now a licensed attorney in both Texas and Georgia, Ryan is admitted to practice in the Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas. He has successfully tried over 20 cases and reached settlement agreements totaling in the multi-millions. His reputation as a skilled litigator is matched by his dedication to each client he represents, especially in complex personal injury matters. Outside the courtroom, Ryan is an avid traveler with a passion for international cultures. He has visited six continents and over 30 countries. A lifelong language learner, he is fluent in Spanish and actively studies French, Portuguese, and Italian. Ryan is the proud father of two sons, ages 15 and 13. He values the time they share together and strives to model perseverance, integrity, and curiosity both at home and in his legal career. If you’re seeking a seasoned attorney with global insight and courtroom experience, Ryan Berchelmann is ready to stand by your side and fight for the outcome you deserve.

Michael C. Dalton

Wilmington, DE

Michael C. Dalton is a Partner concentrating on complex civil litigation in the areas of medical malpractice, business and corporate litigation, and products liability in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Scott Anthony Isles Hart

Peachtree Corners, GA

Scott Anthony Isles Hart is an attorney at Hart Law LLC, driven by a desire to advocate for those in need. He earned his J.D. from Willamette University College of Law in 1996 and a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley. With over two decades of experience, he focuses on personal injury and workers' compensation law, securing significant recoveries for clients. He is a member of several professional organizations and has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. He is also an active supporter of charitable organizations.

David Lozner

Brooklyn, NY

David Lozner is cofounder and managing partner of Lozner & Mastropietro. He provides clients and their families with personal and professional guidance, counsel and support after a serious accident or the death of a loved one. Born in Ukraine, he immigrated to the US in 1981. After graduating from University at Buffalo Law School, he worked in the legal department of a major insurance company, handling numerous cases. He later became the managing attorney for the Brooklyn office of a large plaintiff's personal injury law firm. His vision was to create a firm with caring service and successful lawyers. He is known for his artful negotiation skills and winning record.

Jorge Green

BROWNSVILLE, TX

Jorge Green was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. He is bilingual and bicultural, speaking both Spanish and English. His parents, both educators, instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. An experienced courtroom lawyer, Jorge has successfully tried lawsuits to juries across Texas, handling cases from minor car accidents to those involving multiple deaths. He is Board Certified as a Personal Injury Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, recognizing his superior courtroom competency in major disputes.

Mark Montanaro

Farmingdale, NY

Mark Montanaro leads the firm at MontanaroLaw, P.C., and has customized the firm’s practice areas to broadly serve the legal needs of local community residents and business-minded individuals. Since the firm’s inception in 2014, Mark has become a trusted adviser and counsel to local business and property owners who need not only legal advice, but also someone who can provide business strategy as well. This is where Mark’s skills shine the brightest. Mr. Montanaro has extensive expertise in assisting small businesses and individual clients in connection with complex contract negotiations in areas including real estate, intellectual property, digital media rights, entertainment, software licensing, and business law-related areas, including the purchase and sale of enterprises. Mark’s professional background and continued practice in these areas allow the firm’s clients to benefit from a broad range of services related to the varying legal issues they face in their business. Mark is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for marketing, technology, social innovation, and helping others. He has been active in the entertainment industry and entrepreneurship well before earning his law degree. Mark has worked in the legal department of multiple cable television networks, giving him the rare opportunity to negotiate and draft high-level contracts with famous talent, leading production companies and major advertising and marketing agencies. Mr. Montanaro also manages the firm’s Estate Planning practice group, enabling individuals and business owners to safeguard their assets as they build their individual and business portfolios which may include real estate, business shares, financial accounts, and pensions. Mr. Montanaro also manages the firm’s Criminal and Driver Defense practice group. Mark is regularly sought out by individuals who find themselves fighting the justice system in connection with a motor vehicle related issue such as DWI/DUI/DWAI or charged with some sort of criminal activity. Mark appears in local courts defending his client’s rights.

Patricia Francois

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Patricia is a Georgia native and moved to Florida in 2016 to pursue her legal career. Patricia received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Kennesaw State University. While attending Kennesaw State University, Patricia began her legal journey by interning at the City of Atlanta Public Defender’s Office and aiding those who needed representation the most. Upon graduating from Kennesaw State University in 2015, Patricia became an investigator for the City of Atlanta Public Defender’s Office before beginning law school. In 2016, Patricia moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL to attend law school at Nova University. During her time at Shepard Broad College of Law, Patricia was selected to become a member of the Moot Court Honor Society, Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society, received Pro Bono Honors, and received a CALI Excellence for the Future Award for receiving the highest score in Current Constitutional Issues. Throughout her law school career, Patricia gained invaluable experience by serving the Fort Lauderdale community while interning at Broward County Public Defender’s Office. Patricia has always had a passion for fighting for those who need legal representation the most and transitioned to Plaintiff’s Personal Injury work as an intern during her third year of law school. After graduating cum laude from law school in 2019, Patricia was sworn into the Florida Bar and began her career as a personal injury attorney. Patricia’s area of focus is personal injury, representing those who had been injured in car accidents, slip and falls, and other victims of negligence. In March, 2021, Patricia took her talents to the Demesmin and Dover, PLLC, where she continues to thrive in the personal injury realm. With her unwavering dedication to her clients and passion for personal injury law, Patricia has quickly cemented herself as an invaluable asset to the Demesmin & Dover family. Patricia is a very active member of her community and is also fluent in Haitian Creole. Patricia is a current member of the Florida Bar Association, Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division, the Broward County Bar Association, the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association, Haitian Lawyers Association, and Caribbean Bar Association. When Patricia is not zealously advocating for her clients, she enjoys spending time at the beach and attending musicals at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Patricia has always believed in using her education as a way to aid people through the most difficult times in their life. She treats every case with the avid attention it deserves and fights for the needs of the client. Her dedication to her work is reflected in her favorable client outcomes.

Yvonne Kafor

Richardson, TX

Yvonne Kafor is the founding attorney at Kafor Law Firm, PLLC, with nearly 15 years of legal experience. She provides personalized representation in family law, personal injury, and mediation services. As both a mediator and lawyer, she empowers clients with legal options, helping resolve civil legal disputes and family law concerns including divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption. She is also an assertive personal injury lawyer dedicated to securing compensation for accident injuries. Her experience includes serving as a judicial law clerk and working on high-profile litigation cases for major law firms.

R. Daniel Craven

Indianapolis, IN

R. Daniel Craven practices personal injury law, including motor vehicle accidents, and also handles wills, trusts, and probate. He is a member of the American Trial Lawyers and Indiana Trial Lawyers.

Douglas A. Gessell

Stockton, CA

Douglas A. Gessell grew up in the Stockton area. He obtained his Bachelors of Arts degree from Brigham Young University in 1993. After working as a Public School Teacher, he returned to obtain his Juris Doctor degree from J. Rueben Clark School of Law, at Brigham Young University in 2000. Upon graduating, he promptly passed the California Bar exam and started working as an associate for a civil defense firm in Redding, California. He then began working as an associate with the plaintiff’s firm of Sayre & Chavez in Sacramento. In 2005, he and Steven L. Brown formed their current firm. He is fluent in Spanish and works as a consulting attorney for the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento.

Catherine T. Berriz

Agoura Hills, CA

Catherine T. Berriz graduated from UCLA in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Italian, and obtained her Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School in 1989. She immediately passed the California Bar Exam. She focused her practice on Law and Motion and Appellate work in personal injury and fatality cases. She joined Alfonso and Berriz in 2017 and manages the Client’s Trust Account.

John B. Richards

Santa Barbara, CA

For over 30 years, John B. Richards has dedicated his career to representing individuals harmed by the wrongful actions of others. He has built a reputation as a record-breaking personal injury attorney who aggressively protects the rights of injured victims across Central and Southern California.

David L. Woloshin

Philadelphia, PA

David L. Woloshin is the Chairman of the Astor Weiss Personal Injury and Litigation Department. He has over four decades of experience in personal injury law and has been selected as a Super Lawyer for 14 years. He is also on the Board of Directors for two brain injury associations in Pennsylvania.

Cary C. Woods II

Miami, FL

Cary C. Woods II is a Miami-based attorney and the founder of the Law Office of Cary Woods II. With 15 years of experience, he began his career as a civil defense attorney, representing insurance companies and corporations. He now focuses his practice on personal injury cases, including premises liability, auto liability, liquor liability, insurance coverage, products liability, and general civil litigation. Mr. Woods earned his BA in Political Science and International Affairs from Florida State University and his JD from St. Thomas University School of Law, where he received two book awards. He is admitted to the Florida Bar (2006) and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. He has been recognized by The National Black Lawyers Top 100 and holds an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association, American Bar Association, and Miami-Dade Bar Association. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

David L. Lybbert

Moses Lake, WA

Active in litigation and representation of clients regarding Social Security disability and workers compensation claims since starting to practice law in the summer of 1986. I have handled cases involving injuries to the back, the neck, severe head injuries, shoulders, knees, hips, ankles and feet. I have represented clients regarding heart attacks that occurred at work, strokes that occurred at work. I have litigated and obtained coverage for my clients regarding major depressive disorder, aggravation of bipolar disorder, PTSD, adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders etc. I have litigated the allowance of occupational disease claims for hearing loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lung disease. I have represented clients whose claims are being adjudicated by the Department of Labor and Industries, or by way of hearings presented to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, as well as, appeals to Superior Court, regional Courts of Appeals, and the Washington State Supreme Court. I have tried cases to juries and to Judges in multiple counties in the state of Washington, including, but not limited to, Grant County, Adams County, Lincoln County, Stevens County, Okanogan County, Chelan County, Douglas County, Spokane County, Walla Walla County, Columbia County, Garfield County, Franklin County, Benton County, Yakima County, Snohomish County, and King County. My representation of a client at the Washington state Supreme Court led to a landmark decision regarding how time loss benefits are to be calculated when dealing with wages for farmworkers. The ruling made in my case have been followed, and cited as the law of the state, by other courts for decades. I love languages. Having served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in France and Switzerland, I am fluent in French. I have conversational abilities in Spanish. I also understand some German. When not practicing law, my time is absorbed with hobbies that include fishing, golfing, and raising grandchildren.