German-Speaking Attorneys

Jack Holcomb Jr. is a litigation attorney specializing in personal injury, employment, and consumer advocacy. He is licensed in Florida and California, with admissions to several U.S. District Courts and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Prior to joining Keen Law Group in 2020, he practiced law for 12 years in Los Angeles, including co-founding a plaintiff's firm. He is actively involved in community service, serving on the board of Sunrise Community, Inc., and as an advisory board member for United Way Germany.

Walter Hodynsky is an attorney with Milavetz Injury Law, P.A., assisting clients with debt relief, bankruptcy, and family law matters such as custody, divorce, and grandparent visitation rights. He also represents employees in discrimination, harassment, and unemployment compensation cases, and practices in estate planning (wills, trusts, power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney), Criminal Law, and probate. He is a Qualified Neutral Under Rule 114, Minnesota Supreme Court, and handles arbitrations under the MN No-Fault statute.

Holly D. Jensen

Janesville, WI

Holly Jensen graduated magna cum laude from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and English, with minors in Spanish and German. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1999. She worked as a Court Commissioner and Law Clerk for two years before joining the firm in 2001. She rejoined the firm in 2013 after working as an in-house litigator. Holly has a general practice including civil and family litigation, municipal law, estate planning and probate. She is licensed to practice in all Wisconsin State Courts, as well as the United States District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Wisconsin. She is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Rock County Bar Association.

Inez de Ondarza Simmons

Raleigh, NC

Inez de Ondarza Simmons is the founder of de Ondarza Simmons, PLLC. She provides legal services in civil litigation, business and real estate litigation, estate planning, eminent domain, and local counsel in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina. Licensed since 2005, she is fluent in German and English. She earned her JD from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2005 and a BS from Penn State University at Harrisburg in 1994.

Kellie A. Allen

Philadelphia, PA

Ever since becoming an attorney in 1993, Ms. Allen has focused her practice on complex litigation involving commercial, civil rights, or employment issues. Prior to her arrival at SRST, Ms. Allen handled consumer and antitrust class actions, as well as complex civil rights and commercial matters. For a reported decision reflecting Ms. Allen’s efforts on behalf of her clients in a civil rights action, see Barnes Foundation v. Township of Lower Merion, 242 F.3d 151 (3d Cir. 2001).

Eric Stoebner

Temple, TX

Eric focuses his practice on estate planning, probate, guardianships, real estate, and other transactional matters. He is a former prosecutor who also has significant litigation experience at both the trial and appellate levels, representing plaintiffs and defendants in many types of disputes.

Bryant Surley-Strong

Dallas, TX

Bryant Surley-Strong is the Personal Injury Litigation Paralegal at the Brandy Austin Law Firm. As a litigation paralegal, Bryant assists the Personal Injury attorneys with managing cases in litigation. He works closely with clients to help make their lawsuit move forward as smoothly as possible. Bryant grew up in the DFW metroplex and graduated from Mansfield-Summit High School in 2005. During his senior year of high school, Bryant had the incredible opportunity to attend President George W. Bush’s second inauguration as a part of the National Youth Leadership Institute. This event helped foster his passion for politics and civic engagement. Bryant received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in German from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. At UNT, Bryant quickly became involved with student leadership, becoming a resident assistant at Kerr Hall and chairman of the North Texas College Republicans. As College Republican chairman, Bryant honed his skills as a student leader, participating in numerous televised student debates, campus political demonstrations, and campaign volunteer events. Bryant’s first job after graduating was with the College Republican National Committee. As a field representative for the CRNC, Bryant worked with College Republican chapters at colleges and universities across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania to grow their memberships and volunteer in campaigns in the 2010 midterm elections. He is proud of the work he did helping Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) and former Governor Tom Corbett (R-PA) win their elections. Bryant then returned home to DFW to work as a campaign representative for local Republican candidates. Two years later, Bryant returned to Pennsylvania to serve as the digital director for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. Working on a presidential campaign was the opportunity of a lifetime, and although Mitt Romney did not win, Bryant is incredibly grateful for the time he spent working during such an important moment in our nation’s history. Although politics will always remain a personal passion and pastime for Bryant, the life of a traveling campaign consultant had started to lose its appeal. In 2013, Bryant decided to leave Washington, DC and return home to Texas. After leaving politics, Bryant briefly pursued a career as a teacher. He taught 7th grade Texas history and 11th grade SAT English prep at a charter school in south Dallas. Although teaching was an incredibly rewarding experience, he ultimately decided that it was not for him. He entered the legal profession in 2016, working for a boutique family law practice in Dallas. When that firm dissolved, Bryant joined a civil rights firm in Arlington as a legal assistant. It was at this job that he discovered a passion for law Working in civil rights law was deeply rewarding, and Bryant especially enjoyed working with clients to defend their rights. In 2018, Bryant was thrilled when he received an offer to join the Brandy Austin Law Firm as a personal injury paralegal. New to personal injury law and a passionate lifelong learner, Bryant loved delving into the art of personal injury law. When working in pre-litigation, he loved taking all the disparate facts and figures from complicated cases and carefully crystalizing them into a single, easily understood narrative. Now as the litigation paralegal, Bryant loves working closely with clients to help them navigate the tricky waters of litigation. He is honored to work with such dedicated and exceptional team of attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and attorney liaisons. Joining the litigation side of personal injury has been an exciting and rewarding experience. Bryant has a passion for Personal Injury. In college, Bryant was once rear ended while waiting at a red light by an uninsured, unlicensed driver. He understands how difficult and devastating a car accident can be, particularly when you are not at fault. While he is forever thankful that neither he nor his passenger were injured, losing his car hundreds of miles away from home was a disaster. Bryant takes pride in helping others navigate through stressful situations like the one he had to endure years before. He firmly believes that no one should have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. In the Fall of 2013, Bryant met the man who would become his husband. After dating for a few months, Bryant knew that if he was going to make a life with his boyfriend, he would have to find a career with the stability that campaigns could not offer. Leaving professional politics was an easy choice when compared to the happiness that he had found with his boyfriend. Two years into their relationship, Bryant planned a trip for the two of them to visit the Grand Canyon. After a long day of hiking, he suggested that they stay at the park until after dark to gaze at the stars, where he then proposed. They married in the summer of 2016 and have been happily together ever since. In March of 2020, they adopted a precious baby girl, and they could not be happier! As a new parent, he cannot thank Brandy Austin and all of his coworkers enough for all the love and support they have shown him and his family. When not working, Bryant loves spending time with his family and friends, watching movies with his husband, going to the theater, playing video games, cooking, and traveling. Bryant has had the opportunity to travel abroad to countries such as Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, England, and Wales. He and his husband hope to add France, Japan, and Norway to that list soon. Bryant became an Episcopalian in college, and he and his husband are active members of their church. Bryant and his husband also have three cats: Freddy, Jason, and Michael.

Joseph M. Mazraani, formed Mazraani & Liguori LLP in 2006 with Joseph C. Liguori. Mr. Mazraani concentrates his practice on criminal and municipal court defense. Mr. Mazraani has successfully represented clients charged with offenses ranging from murder, aggravated assault, and drug offenses to driving while intoxicated and other motor vehicle violations. He has handled cases in municipal courts across the State as well as Federal District Court. Mr. Mazraani has also appeared before the Family Court in domestic violence matters. In addition to handling criminal cases in the complaint and indictment stages, Mr. Mazraani has represented clients before the Parole Board and in appeals before the New Jersey Appellate Division. He has also advised numerous clients under investigation in which his clients avoided indictment or other proceedings.

Craig R. Chlarson

Salt Lake City, UT

Craig R. Chlarson is known as one of the most aggressive and highly skilled criminal defense attorneys in Utah. He has represented thousands of clients over thirty years, with less than 1% ever incarcerated. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law and a B.A. in Economics/German from the University of Utah. He is a member of the Utah State Bar Association since 1984 and a recipient of the America Juris Prudence Award.

Mark Worthley

Valparaiso, IN

Mark Worthley grew up in Central Indiana and earned his law degree from the Valparaiso University School of Law in 2007. He is admitted to practice in Indiana and Illinois. Before law school, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 2003. Mark founded Worthley Law in 2014 after practicing as a Deputy Prosecutor in Indiana for over six years. As a prosecutor, he handled various criminal cases including narcotics, burglary, rape, arson, gang, and firearms. He regularly practiced in the courtroom and represented the State in hundreds of trials. He handles criminal cases, wills and trusts, family law, and municipal matters while also serving as a Porter County Public Defender. Mark takes a hands-on approach to his cases to ensure his clients know they are his top priority.

Nicholas C. Poppe

Denver, CO

Nicholas C. Poppe graduated in the top 5% of his 2014 class from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. He was Managing Editor of the Transportation Law Journal and obtained dual certificates in Constitutional Rights & Remedies and Workplace Law. He interned for Judge Berryhill and the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office. His practice focuses on representing governmental entities in civil rights lawsuits, employment-related claims, and land use disputes, and also assists in insurance defense litigation and premises liability claims. He received his B.A. in History and German from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Hendrick Vandamme

New York, NY

Hendrick was born in the Czech Republic. He is fluent in Czech, German, and French. He graduated from Essex University in England and Fordham University Law School. Hendrick gained experience at a securities litigation firm before joining a major North American insurance company as the attorney of record and trial counsel. On multiple occasions, Hendrick has served as a correspondent to Radio Journal in Prague where he uses his expertise to discuss American legal issues of international interest. Hendrick also serves pro bono as the Treasurer and Vice President of the Olga Forrai Foundation, which provides support for opera singers and classical music conductors. He is admitted to practice in New York and in the US District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts.

Rich Green

Akron, OH

A native Clevelander, Richard A. Green received his undergraduate degree from Miami University in 1995 and his JD from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1998, passing the Ohio bar exam that same year. He is licensed to practice in the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio and meets regularly with foreclosure defense, bankruptcy and debt settlement clients. Rich has worked in many fields and in many locations including law, insurance and teaching. Rich has spent almost half of his adult life working overseas in Germany, Spain and China for organizations like the British Counsel, German Chamber of Commerce and Beijing Technology & Business University. He speaks German, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, and he had plans for more, but he finally returned to America to settle down and start a family. Rich has spent over seven years helping thousands of people get out of debt and is very conscientious about helping clients who are going through hardships. Financial difficulties may be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but they should never be shameful - because they can happen to anyone. Rich lives on the east side of Cleveland with his wife and two young children but he works in the main office on the west side of Akron. When he has any free time and excess energy, he enjoys watching movies in foreign languages and picking out the discrepancies between the subtitles and dubbing in various foreign languages.

Sarah L. Merkatoris

Schaumburg, IL

Sarah L. Merkatoris is an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Associate Attorney at Glasgow & Olsson, bringing sharp analytical skills, innovative problem-solving strategies, and a relentless commitment to client success in criminal and family law. She joined the firm in 2023, contributing her strategic insight to a firm known for excellence in litigation and negotiation. Sarah earned her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2022, graduating in the top 25% of her class and receiving multiple CALI Awards. Prior to law school, she built a career in supply chain management, mastering high-stakes negotiation and strategic planning. Her legal experience includes serving as a municipal prosecutor and an associate attorney at a general practice firm, handling local prosecutions, civil disputes, and administrative appeals. She has successfully litigated and secured orders of protection, won her first felony trial, and skillfully settled financially significant cases. Sarah is also a published author, contributing a chapter on defending DUI cases for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education manual. She holds a Certificate in Healthcare Compliance, providing specialized knowledge in healthcare regulations and professional licensing.

Since qualifying as a solicitor in 1983 Chris has worked for the members of a wide variety of trade unions and professional organisations assisting them with a broad range of legal issues including personal injury, employment and professional conduct matters, contractual and intellectual property issues, and defamation. He has a BA in politics from Sussex University and can speak French and German

Aaron J. Racine is an attorney practicing in Estate Planning, Family Law, and Real Estate Law, with 50% of his practice devoted to litigation. He was admitted to the bar in Illinois (1997), Missouri (1996), and Kansas (1997), and is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for Western District of Missouri and District of Kansas. He earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1996 and a B.A. with Honors from Stanford University in 1993. He is a member of several bar associations and speaks German.

Peter Classetti has practiced and specialized in workers’ compensation law in Pennsylvania for nearly 35 years. He is a certified specialist in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law and has lectured on legal and ethical matters.

Valerie L. Lord

Naples, FL

Ms. Lord’s practice is focused on community association law, offering comprehensive legal services to condominiums, homeowners’ associations, and cooperatives. Her expertise encompasses drafting, amending, and interpreting governing documents and statutes, ensuring her clients are in full compliance with current laws. She also provides strategic advice to community association boards on governance, legal updates, contract administration and negotiations, and handling violations effectively. With a background as a community association manager, Ms. Lord brings a unique perspective to her legal practice. Her hands-on experience managing various community associations has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both members and directors. This insight into community governance allows her to develop practical, tailored solutions that address immediate concerns while promoting long-term stability and harmony within associations. “My greatest professional accomplishment occurred the day I took my oath as an attorney. I will always remember the awe I felt, and the sense of responsibility to others to become the best I could be and give my best at all times.”

C. Randall Austin

Naples, FL

(Charles) C. “Randall” Austin, Esq. was born in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1960. Randall was educated at West Virginia University (WVU) in Accounting/Business and received his J.D. from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center. Randall has been practicing law for over 30 years as admitted by the Supreme Court of the State of Florida to the Florida Bar.

Sandra Navidi

New York, NY

Sandra Navidi is admitted to practice law in Germany and New York. She holds a law degree from the University of Cologne School of Law and an LL.M. in Banking Corporate and Finance Law from Fordham University School of Law. She also passed the tax lawyer's exam in Germany. Ms. Navidi specializes in alternative investments, corporate, tax, and regulatory law, and cross-border business transactions. She is the founder and CEO of BeyondGlobal, LLC, and previously served as Director of Research Strategies and Senior Relationship Manager at Roubini Global Economics. She is a frequent commentator on financial markets and author of '$uperHubs: How the Financial Elite and their Networks Rule Our World'.

Angelika Laich

New York, NY

Angelika Laich is a Senior Attorney with Urban Thier & Federer, P.A., based in the Munich office. Her practice focuses on corporate law, inheritance law (including estate tax matters), and real estate law (including residential and commercial landlord-tenant law). She has a long-standing client base of private individuals, family businesses, and small to medium-sized companies. She is a member of the German Bar and the German Attorney Association, admitted to practice in Germany since 1987. She is fluent in English and German.

Jürgen Linden

New York, NY

Dr. Jürgen Linden has been working as a lawyer since 1974 and is admitted in Germany, managing the Urban, Thier & Federer, P.A. office in Aachen. He served as mayor of Aachen from 1984 to 1989 and Lord Mayor from 1989 to 2009. He is chairman of the board of directors for the International Charlemagne Prize to Aachen. He was an active member of the Presidium of the German Association of Cities and a member of Aachen's city council. He is an honorary citizen of the Euroregion Aachen, Heerlen, Liege, and Hasselt, and the European Academy of Science in Salzburg. He was awarded the Golden Medal of Honor of Maastricht and the French Order Grand Officier of the Ordre national du Merite.