French-Speaking Attorneys

Richard Turbin

Honolulu, HI

Richard Turbin, an attorney in Honolulu for over 37 years, was born in New York City, graduated from Cornell University, Magna Cum Laude, and Harvard Law School where he served as Editor and Author of the Harvard Civil Rights Law Review. Since entering private practice in 1975, Mr. Turbin has concentrated in personal injury, medical malpractice and insurance claim cases. Richard Turbin was elected the 2005 President of the Hawaii State Bar Association. He was also elected to the prestigious position of Chair of the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TTIPS) of the American Bar Association from 1999-2000. With 40,000 members TTIPS is the largest organization of personal injury and insurance lawyers in the world. He also served as Chair of the International Committee of that organization. He was elected to the Hawaii Academy of Plaintiffs Attorneys and was a founder and President of the Consumer Lawyers of Hawaii. Mr. Turbin's commitment to Hawaii's community is demonstrated by the appointment by the Governor of Hawaii as the Vice Chair of the East West Center; as Chairman of the Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board, a Civil Rights Commissioner, Chairman of the Professional Liability Insurance Committee of the Hawaii State Bar Association, President of the Bishop Street Exchange Club, and the legal counsel for the Hawaii Jaycees, the Interscholastic League of Hawaii, and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association. Richard Turbin was honored by the American Bar Association's Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section in being awarded the prestigious "Pursuit of Justice Award" in 2006 and Temple Emanuel's "Justice Award" in 2005 and Player of the Year for the Hawaii Harlequin Rugby Football Club, as well as the Girl Scout Council of Hawaii for support of their programs.

Joumana Kayrouz is the founder and principal attorney of The Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz PLLC, recognized as one of Michigan's largest personal injury law firms and the largest woman-owned law firm. She has recovered hundreds of millions for clients, is fluent in English, Arabic, French, and Italian, and is known for her social activism and philanthropy. She holds degrees from American University of Beirut, Southern Connecticut State University, Yale University (Master's in Ethics), and Wayne State University School of Law (JD).

Kenneth M. Harrell

Wall Township, NJ

Kenneth Harrell is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney, a distinction held by less than 3% of all attorneys in NJ (2.2%). He has represented hundreds of plaintiffs in personal injury actions including motor vehicle accidents, explosion cases, medical malpractice cases and fall down cases. He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BA in International Studies and a minor in French. He received his JD from Seton Hall Law in 2004. He clerked for the presiding judge of the Civil Division in Union County, then worked at a large plaintiffs’ personal injury firm before starting his own firm in 2022.

John W. Redmann

Metairie, LA

Born and raised in New Orleans, attorney John W. Redmann is the son of William V. Redmann, a respected judge on Louisiana’s 4th Circuit Court of Appeal, and comes from a family with a rich tradition in legal practice. Through his work, John Redmann extends his forebears’ tradition of legal representation and service to the state he calls home and the United States for nearly three decades. Personal injury lawyer Redmann has practiced in New Orleans since graduating from Loyola University Law School in 1989, and he has since established his firm as a leader in Louisiana personal injury law. He and the other attorneys of his firm have taken hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands, of cases to court involving personal injury accidents and insurance companies. Attorney Redmann hosts an interactive television show called “John Redmann: Power of Attorney” on WLAE-TV (PBS), in which he aims to empower viewers with practical legal info provided by legal expert guests on the show (attorneys and judges) specializing in specific areas of law. John Redmann is AV Preeminent peer-review rated* through Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available. He is also a member of the Louisiana Bar Foundation. He is a member of the “Bench and Bar” section of the Louisiana Bar Association currently serving as chairman (2015-present), with the purpose of improving how judges and attorneys can work together with each other and within our communities. He is also a member of the American Association for Justice Traumatic Brain Injury Group, the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, and the Academy of New Orleans Trial Lawyers Also known by some of his clients as “Juan,” attorney Redmann speaks fluent Spanish and French. At many big firms, the named partners have little involvement with clients or their cases beyond the initial meeting. John Redmann is a hands-on attorney who is personally immersed in every case we handle, from accident investigation through settlement or litigation.

Diana Santa Maria

Davie, FL

Diana Santa Maria is the Founding/Managing Attorney. She received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Miami, graduating Cum Laude and inducted into the Order of Barristers. Since 1985, she has focused on representing individuals injured due to negligence, specializing in Plaintiff’s Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Wrongful Death. She is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (past President of Fort Lauderdale Chapter), a Sustaining Member of the American Justice Association, and a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association (Executive Board Member). She has served on the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission and the Florida Bar Board of Governors for the 17th Judicial Circuit. She is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Civil Mediator and founder of Bilingual Mediators, Inc. She is recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Florida Super Lawyers, and is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Armando R. Payas

Orlando, FL

Armando R. Payas is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney. For the first ten years of practicing law, he defended insurance companies and medical providers. In the last 20 years, he joined his family’s firm, Payas, Payas & Payas, LLP, focusing on justice for the injured. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in 1980 and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from Florida State University in 1983. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1983.

Mary Parker

Brentwood, TN

After earning her degree from the University of Tennessee School of Law, Mary Parker began her legal career in private practice. Thereafter and for more than 30 years, Parker has been a partner at Parker & Crofford law firm. Her practice has encompassed areas including medical cannabis law, representation of consumers in product liability matters, medical malpractice, car accidents, and civil rights litigation with a particular focus on sexual harassment and Title IX violations. During her time at the Bar, Parker has received numerous honors and accolades, among them: being featured as one the Nation’s 10 Top Litigators in the United States by the National Law Journal. Parker is an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest rating available and distinguishes Parker as having preeminent legal ability and very high ethical standards, judged by the judiciary and fellow attorneys. She is past president of Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, which she co-founded in 1982 with Ralph Nader and other lawyers across the nation. TLPJ (now Public Justice) is a national public interest law firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. dedicated to using trial lawyers’ skills and resources to create a more just society. Parker also chaired numerous sections and committees of the American Association for Justice, having been a member since law school. Parker is a lifetime member of the National Cannabis Bar Association (NCBA) and now directs a significant portion of her time, legal talents and energies to the world of medical cannabis law. She was recently elected President of the Tennessee Medical Cannabis Alliance, representing the organization in its efforts to bring legal medical cannabis to patients in Tennessee. Over the past 2 years, Parker has worked with lawmakers, drafting expanding legislation, researching comparative marijuana laws, advising clients in the Medical Marijuana industry, and assisting clients in multiple states with license applications. During her legal career, Parker served as lead counsel in many highly technical and scientific cases, including a Clean Water Act case which was one of the largest environmental cases in the southeast, and involved her immersion in scientific data, coordinating scientific research, testing and presentation. The case was one of the largest environmental cases in the southeast, setting the standards for corporate compliance with regulations in clean water. Throughout her legal career Parker has taken on significant cutting edge issues involving complex engineering, medical research and scientific analysis. Parker is ideally suited for advising clients on unique legal issues, and the rigorous compliance and auditing requirements, involved in the medical marijuana industry, as well as providing support for the scientific operations.

George V. Choulos

San Francisco, CA

George V. Choulos is a driven, safety-oriented partner who doesn’t shy away from difficult cases and fights for the underdog. He provides personal service and attention to his clients, motivated by making a difference in their lives. He advocates for change, particularly in the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, and is an avid cyclist and motorcyclist himself. George is professionally recognized, lectures for various legal associations, and continually improves his skills through educational seminars.

Charles C. DeStefano

Staten Island, NY

Charles C. DeStefano is an attorney with over 35 years of experience in personal injury law, licensed in New York and New Jersey. He holds a BA from Fordham University and a JD from Pace University School of Law. He is highly active in the legal community, serving as Chairman of the Mayors Committee on City Marshal and President of the Staten Island Trial Lawyers Association. He has received multiple awards, including 'Super Lawyers' recognition for several years and humanitarian awards for community service. He is fluent in Spanish and conversant in Italian.

David McDivitt

Colorado Springs, CO

David McDivitt is a nationally recognized trial lawyer, serving as Executive Vice President and CEO of McDivitt Law Firm. He manages daily operations and leads the firm's litigation and trial group. Formerly a Deputy Public Defender, David is known for his success in personal injury cases, including auto accidents, drunk driving victims, and defective products. He is active in the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, advocating for injured victims' rights and testifying before the Colorado State Legislature.

David W. Singer

Hollywood, FL

David W. Singer is one of Florida’s best known personal injury attorneys, practicing law for over a quarter of a century. He is dedicated to representing victims of accidents in Broward, Miami-Dade County and across Florida and the U.S. His firm has successfully represented thousands of accident victims. He is admitted to practice law in Florida, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and the Federal Trial Bar of the District. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, the Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County Bar Associations and the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He is a frequent guest lecturer to other lawyers, law students and civic groups, and has written articles for various publications. He is also actively involved in community charities, including serving as Chairman of the American Cancer Society’s biggest fundraiser, President of the South Broward Unit of the American Cancer Society (1996-1998), and a founding Board Member of the Professional Lions Club of Hollywood, UJCBA (Jewish Federation of Broward), and Jewish National Fund. He has been honored twice by the American Cancer Society as 'Volunteer of the Year' and recognized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce as 'Small Business Person of the Year' and winner of their 'Annual Community Service Award'.

E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi

Oradell, NJ

E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi is an experienced, skillful, and trial-tested attorney dedicated to defending clients in traffic, criminal, and personal injury cases. He has over 30 years of experience, including roles as an adjunct professor, arbitrator, and mediator. He is known for his aggressive representation and client communication, aiming for optimum monetary results for injured clients and the best possible outcomes in criminal defense. He is licensed in New Jersey and New York.

Wayne Powell

N. Chesterfield, VA

Wayne Powell is a multilingual attorney fluent in Spanish and French, with over 40 years of experience as a trial lawyer. He served 30 years in the Army Reserve, retiring as a Colonel, and held positions as Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Commissioner of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission. He founded Powell Law Group in 1999, focusing on personal injury, workers' compensation, and criminal defense.

A.P. Pishevar

Rockville, MD

A.P. Pishevar is an AV rated attorney and Managing Attorney at Pishevar & Associates, P.C. He is a seasoned trial attorney with over 30 years of experience, admitted to the bar in 1993. His practice areas include Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, and Trial Practice. He has been recognized with numerous awards including an AV (Preeminent) rating from Martindale Hubbell, a 10/10 score from AVVO, and the 'Top 100 Trial Lawyers' Award. He has been a keynote speaker at Cleveland-Marshall Law School and is a Captain in the Maryland Military Defense Force JAC Corps.

Michael Bersani

Auburn, NY

Michael Bersani is a partner at Michaels Bersani Kalabanka, P.C., specializing in personal injury, product liability, and professional malpractice litigation in Central New York. He has been recognized multiple times as 'Lawyer of the Year' by Best Lawyers in America for personal injury and professional malpractice in the Syracuse metropolitan area. He is also listed as a 'Super Lawyer' and holds the highest 'AV' rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Bersani is an avid cyclist, fluent in Spanish and French, and has authored a book titled 'Understanding Your New York Personal Injury Claim'. He is also known for his pro bono work for immigrants and children.

Evan M. Oshan

Seattle, WA

Evan Oshan is the founder of Oshan & Associates P.C., with over two decades of experience in personal injury law. He graduated Cum Laude from UCLA and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of California Hastings College of The Law. Evan served as an international law intern at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and an intern for a United States Senator. He is licensed in New York and Washington and has a reputation for aggressive and direct representation, achieving multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. He is recognized by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Top 100 Lawyers, and Lawyers of Distinction.

Michael Bersani

Auburn, NY

Michael Bersani joined Michaels Bersani Kalabanka in 1995 after clerking for 2 years at the Appellate Division, Fourth Department. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 1993, where he was a law review editor and inducted into the Order of the Coif and Justinian Society, also receiving the “Scribe Award” for legal writing. He holds a Master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College. He is fluent in Spanish and French, and speaks basic Italian, serving many Spanish-speaking personal injury clients. Bersani has been recognized as “Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year” (2021) and “Professional Malpractice Lawyer of the Year” (2022, 2024) by Best Lawyers in America. He holds the highest “AV” ranking from Martindale-Hubbell and is consistently selected as a “Super Lawyer” and a “Blue Ribbon Panelist” by Super Lawyers. He is also listed in The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and is a member of the Multi-million Dollar Advocates Forum. Bersani is a Board Director of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, a respected legal writer and lecturer, and author of "Understanding Your New York Personal Injury Claim". He is also a community activist, serving on boards for the Worker Justice Center of New York, Geneva Human Rights Commission, Auburn YMCA, and Boys & Girls Club of Geneva, and was named 2009 Citizen of Year by Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

David W. Barlow

Honolulu, HI

David W. Barlow is a highly experienced personal injury attorney in Hawaii, specializing in auto accident and slip-and-fall cases. He has a proven track record of securing millions in settlements for his clients and is recognized among the top attorneys nationally and in Hawaii by various prestigious organizations. Mr. Barlow is known for his client-centered approach, offering personalized representation, prompt communication, and a contingency-based fee structure. He served in the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps and as a law clerk, and holds a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law and a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Weber State University. He is actively involved in the legal community, including serving on the Board of Governors of the Hawaii Association for Justice and as an Arbitrator for the Hawaii State Court Annexed Arbitration Program. He is proficient in French.

Harold A. Parra

Edison, NJ

Partner at Cahn & Parra, a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Civil Trial Attorney, and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He has been recognized as a "Super Lawyer" by the New Jersey Law Journal every year since 2015. He practices primarily in civil litigation, personal injury, and employment law, and is fluent in Spanish and French. He also serves as Municipal Prosecutor for the Township of Woodbridge and Monroe.

Nikki Nicole Hurtado is a litigation attorney at Ferraro Law, specializing in product liability and environmental toxic tort litigation. A native of Miami, she is known for her advocacy and commitment to community service. She earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law and her B.S. from the University of Miami, graduating magna cum laude from both. Ms. Hurtado is licensed in Florida and Georgia, fluent in Spanish, and has limited working proficiency in French.

Raymond P. Reid, Jr.

Jacksonville, FL

At only 16 years old, Raymond started college more than 800 miles away from home. Raymond is the firm’s Renaissance Man - speaks French and Creole; is well-traveled; serves as the resident technology and computer guru at Pajcic & Pajcic plus lectures nationwide. After law school, Raymond made Jacksonville home and started his legal career as an assistant state attorney for our Fourth Judicial Circuit. Unlike ordinary prosecutors assigned to a single division, Raymond quickly earned the distinction of simultaneously prosecuting two county-court divisions, putting him in the courtroom daily while successfully managing a 500+ caseload. Raymond was soon promoted to the felony division where he also served as the ROC Juvenile attorney for his division. Next, Raymond transitioned to civil law serving as an assistant general counsel for the City of Jacksonville. There, he was initially assigned to its Tort Litigation Department where he defended the City, its independent agencies and constitutional officers in tort litigation matters ranging from trip/falls to wrongful death cases. He also handled administrative matters (employee discipline) before the Civil Service and Sheriff's Review Boards in addition to fee payment cases. Raymond then rotated to the Governmental Operations Department where he prepared contracts and legislation, counseled various clients (including, but not limited to constitutional officers such as the Supervisor of Elections, to independent agencies such as the Duval County School Board to various city departments such as the Procurement and Supply Division) on the law relating to their endeavors and challenges. Raymond also served as the General Counsel designee for both the City's Professional Services Evaluation Committee and its General Awards Committee which were responsible for evaluating/ranking/awarding city contracts. Raymond also served on the Better Jacksonville Plan ($2.2 Billion) Legal Team and the office's Technology Committee. Raymond then joined Pajcic & Pajcic, where he has been lead counsel in countless cases and involved in two of the firm's highest jury verdicts. Raymond's success includes seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. As early as 2005, Raymond earned an AV-rated distinction from Martindale Hubbell, a designation reserved for an attorney recognized (by peers and the judiciary) for the highest levels of skill and integrity. In 2009, Raymond was named as a Super Lawyer Rising Star. Raymond is one of few Jacksonville attorneys to earn U.S. News & World Report's annual "Best Lawyer" designation for 2015 in plaintiff's personal injury practice and he has earned that distinction again in the following years. In 2016, Raymond was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the invitation-only organization (comprised of an equal number of plaintiff and defense attorneys, plus judges) that recognizes an attorney for high personal character and honorable reputation. In addition to earning the 2019 President’s Award, Raymond rose in the ranks and served as the 2023 President of the Jacksonville chapter of ABOTA. He has also been inducted into the International Society of Barristers, also an invitation-only group reserved for the best attorneys worldwide. As to character, in 2020, Raymond earned dual recognition as the recipient of the Professionalism Award from both the Jacksonville Bar Association (3000+ members) and the Jacksonville Chapter of ABOTA. Then, in 2023, the Jacksonville Justice Association (JJA) bestowed Raymond its Inaugural Michelline Haynes-Ruth Award further recognizing his noteworthy legal accomplishments, active interest in and positive influence upon the profession plus constructive contributions in civic and community matters, leadership, mentoring, activism, and for providing opportunities to others. Overall, in addition to straightforward cases, Raymond's experience includes complex multi-party litigation, lengthy product liability and medical malpractice trials, some lasting four to six weeks at a time. Also, obtaining a claim bill against a governmental entity is difficult and requires specialized knowledge and handling. Raymond has the distinction of obtaining not just one but two claim bills on behalf of clients. Raymond shares his knowledge and experience by lecturing locally, statewide, and nationally for meetings of groups such as the Florida Bar, ABOTA, AIEG, AAJ, the D.W. Perkins Bar, the FJA and JJA to name a few.

Valerie B. Calistro

Danbury, CT

Valerie B. Calistro is the Managing Partner of Ventura Law, specializing in Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Mass Torts, and Complex Litigation. She also represents victims of sexual assaults and traumatic brain injuries. She has successfully handled thousands of civil cases, many exceeding a million dollars, in Connecticut and New York state and federal courts. She is proficient in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.

Melissa Bryan

Orlando, FL

Melissa Bryan is an accomplished Associate Attorney at HAWM Law, PLLC, currently pursuing a master’s in business administration at Campbellsville University with a perfect 4.00 GPA. A cum laude graduate of Barry University School of Law, Melissa ranked in the top 20% of her class and earned the Litigation Honors Certificate. She co-authored the influential article “Environmental Law as Segregation” published in the Howard Law Journal. Melissa has received the Best Lawyers One to Watch Award for 2024 and was recognized as a Rising Alumnus by Omicron Delta Kappa Circle of Saint Leo University. She co-authored an article for the Orange County Bar Association’s The Briefs Magazine and has spoken at the Florida Caribbean Student Association Leadership Conference. Her professional roles include Vice Chair for the Education & Budget Committee at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and Co-Chair of various committees at the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association. She is also Chair of the Grants & Awards Committee for the Seminole Florida Association of Women Lawyers (SFAWL) and is active in the Orange County Bar Association’s Law Week and Immigration Committees. Melissa’s legal experience spans roles as an Associate Attorney Intern and Law Clerk at HAWM Law, where she contributed to the Business Immigration Section and managed personal injury cases. She also served as an Advanced Law Student Legal Representative at the Barry Immigration Clinic and supported litigation attorneys at Foley & Lardner LLP. Fluent in Patois, with intermediate Spanish and basic French, Melissa is a licensed Florida attorney proficient in various legal research and case management tools. Her commitment to justice and extensive legal expertise makes her a valuable asset to her clients and the legal community.

Manuel Rivera is the founding attorney at The Law Offices of Manuel Rivera, Esq. & Associates, P.C. With over 22 years of experience, he provides legal representation in immigration law, workers' compensation, personal injury, federal litigation, criminal law, family law, and traffic law. He serves clients in the Washington D.C. metro area, including Maryland and Virginia, as well as throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.