Italian-Speaking Attorneys

Aaron J. Mohamed

Santa Cruz, CA

Aaron is a civil litigator and legal problem solver. He regularly represents individuals, businesses and families in a variety of complex disputes. He has substantial experience with real estate, business and probate litigation matters. Aaron has tried cases to verdict in both bench and jury trials and has negotiated settlements in many other cases. He also handles business and real estate transactions and advises clients on how to avoid litigation when possible. Aaron believes that a thorough understanding of client goals and expectations is paramount to the successful practice of law - he rejects a one-size-fits-all mentality. Aaron practices with a posture that is both aggressive and pragmatic. He always seeks to protect his clients' rights, property, and interests, while at the same time adhering to the highest degree of professional and ethical standards. Aaron is a founding partner of Brereton, Mohamed, & Korte LLP. Prior to his legal career, he managed a small service business in the Bay Area with thirty employees. Using his background in business and law, he has represented businesses in front of administrative agencies at the state and federal levels.

Imelda De La Torre

Orange, CA

Imelda De La Torre is a paralegal at Serendib Law Firm, experienced in Employment Law and Personal Injury matters. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Colorado Technical University and a paralegal certificate from Center for Advanced Legal Studies. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, and can dialog in Italian.

Jessica M. LeFevre Gentile

Saginaw, MI

Jessica M. LeFevre Gentile emerges as a formidable addition to the esteemed LeFevre & LeFevre, P.L.L.C., showcasing a focused dedication to the realm of social security disability law. Her practice, rooted deeply within the state of Michigan, extends her legal prowess to represent clients across the spectrum of social security challenges, ensuring their rights and benefits are vigorously defended. Beyond her specialization, Jessica’s legal repertoire includes handling intricate landlord-tenant disputes, navigating the nuances of traffic law, and defending individuals in criminal cases. Her diverse skill set allows her to cater to a broad range of legal needs, offering comprehensive support to her clients. Jessica’s approach to law is characterized by a deep-seated commitment to achieving justice for her clients. She combines her extensive knowledge of the law with a relentless determination to secure favorable outcomes, whether it’s navigating the complexities of social security disability claims, resolving disputes between landlords and tenants, or defending against criminal charges. This dedication is further exemplified through her extensive representation across Michigan. Jessica’s ability to adapt to various legal challenges, coupled with her determination to advocate zealously for her clients, makes her a standout attorney in her field. She is not merely a legal representative; she is a staunch ally, fighting to ensure that each client receives the justice and support they deserve. Choosing Jessica M. LeFevre Gentile means entrusting your legal matters to an attorney whose practice is built on the pillars of knowledge, versatility, and determination. Her commitment to her clients goes beyond the courtroom; it’s a dedicated partnership aimed at navigating the legal system’s intricacies to achieve the best possible outcomes. With Jessica, you gain not only a skilled lawyer but a dedicated advocate committed to fighting for your rights and interests every step of the way.

Kenneth T. Gallo

Fair Lawn, NJ

Kenneth T. Gallo, Esq. is counsel at Levine Law Firm. He graduated from the University of Michigan and Rutgers Law School, admitted to practice in New Jersey in 1992 and New York (retired). He has served as Public Defender of Upper Saddle River and is fluent in Italian.

Bryan Dexter is originally from Provo, Utah. He lived in Italy for two years doing volunteer church work before graduating from Brigham Young University, where he majored jointly in Psychology and Italian. Bryan co-founded DexterLaw after graduating and being admitted to the Utah State Bar in 1995. He has extensive legal experience; his varied practice includes estate planning, real property and civil matters, as well as bankruptcy. He is a member of the Utah and Colorado State Bars (inactive in CO) and is admitted to the United States District Court and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Utah.

Brent Valdez

Las Vegas, NV

Brent Valdez is a managing attorney and partner at CVBN Law LLP. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Brigham Young University in 2007 and holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the same university. He speaks Spanish and Italian.

Ryan Platt has multiple six figure settlements under his belt, speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently, and has proficiency in Hebrew and Italian. He has worked as counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, and got his start representing corporations and insurers. This gives Ryan valuable insight into opposing council’s thought process and counteroffers for Workers’ Compensation cases. It allows him to anticipate arguments and formulate counter points in order to reach a quicker and move favorable outcome for his clients. “I decided to go into workers’ compensation because it means I get to represent people instead of companies,” Ryan said. “That means a lot.” One of Ryan’s most enviable traits is his ability to empathize with his clients. Fighting for their justice invigorates him. He excels in litigation and does not shy away from taking a case to court if a promising settlement can’t be reached. Ryan is not afraid of hard work. In fact, he is an avowed perfectionist. “Everywhere I go, I have an expectation that my work will be as close to flawless as possible,” Ryan said. To relax and unwind after a workday Ryan enjoys exploring his neighborhood in Portage Park, traveling, reading, and playing with his two children.

Anthony F. Santacroce

Hartford, CT

Anthony is a graduate of Quinnipiac School of Law and has been an attorney for over 30 years. He started his career as a plaintiffs' personal injury attorney at Solomon and Stanton in Meriden representing plaintiffs in personal injury matters and trials. He then worked at the Law Offices of Dahlmayer, Labiner and Santacroce as in- house counsel for Home Insurance Company, representing personal and commercial clients as defendants in personal injury lawsuits. His final position before joining in-house counsel for Nationwide Insurance was as Managing Trial Counsel for General Accident Insurance. As Managing Trial Counsel, he was in charge of the Connecticut trial office. Besides his administrative duties as manager, he maintained a full caseload and continued to do trial work. In 1989 he joined Nationwide Insurance as a senior trial attorney, in order to concentrate on trial work. In his 30+ year career with Nationwide, he has tried over 100 jury trials for both personal and commercial clients. He has also negotiated settlements on behalf of thousands of Nationwide clients. He has tried cases involving auto and boating accidents, including fatalities; dram shop (liquor liability); accidental drownings and fire legal liability for both commercial and personal clients. Some of his commercial clients were among the largest companies in the U.S. In addition to his trial practice, he brought many cases to successful conclusion utilizing arbitration and mediation hearings. Lastly, Anthony has been appointed to and has served as a Special Master in Hartford Superior Court for the past 20+ years. In that role, he has rendered written decisions in hundreds of cases that Hartford Superior Court has assigned him to adjudicate. After retiring from Nationwide, Anthony wanted to return to where he began his legal career in representing plaintiffs in personal injury matters. He is currently of counsel at Polinsky Law Group,LLC. He is involved in all aspects of litigation, including negotiating settlements and bringing cases to successful resolution by mediation, arbitration and trial.

Joseph A. Ruta, Esq., Of Counsel, is a Partner of Ruta Soulios & Stratis LLP. He is licensed in New York and New Jersey and focuses his practice on litigation involving tort and business law, as well as corporate and commercial matters. With experience trying and winning cases in state courts and arbitration forums, he has successfully represented individuals and corporations in various tort, contract, and commercial matters.

Fabrizio Ventimiglia graduated from the University of Palermo in 2001 and has been a member of the Italian Bar of Milan since 2004. He has over ten years of experience in business criminal law, representing Italian and international clients. He specializes in corporate, bankruptcy, tax, environmental, construction crimes, crimes against Public Administration, offenses against persons/property, cybercrimes, and administrative liability of corporations. He regularly collaborates with the 'Libera Associazione Forense di Milano' and writes for 'Avvocati 24'. He speaks Italian and English.

Mr. Kawato attended high school in Visalia, California, where he played golf and electric guitar. After graduating from high school, he attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics. His goal upon entering college was to one day influence economic posture on a national level. However, while in college, his career and interests veered more towards startup companies and technology. During college, he was a part of two startup companies that eventually closed, but taught him a variety of skills that would later be important for his legal clients. After college, Mr. Kawato earned his J.D. from Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, Virginia as an honors student. He was subsequently admitted to practice law in Colorado and is a member of the Colorado Bar Association. In his work with Anzen Legal Group, Mr. Kawato provides his clients with estate, probate, and business law services. His estate planning practice focuses on drafting wills and trusts that fit the needs, goals, and assets of his clients. He also provides trust administration services, managing the assets of trusts and ensuring the assets are protected and administered according to the document’s terms. Mr. Kawato also advises and guides his clients through the probate process. He can act as the executor, the personal representative of an estate, or represent the heir of an estate. He works to ensure the estate’s assets and property are distributed fairly and properly in either situation and has overseen the proper execution of many estates. His business creation and planning services help individuals and business owners plan for the future and protect their finances. Mr. Kawato’s extensive prior experience of starting and running his own businesses is a great advantage for his clients. Before practicing law, his interest in the startup business field led him to executive leadership in several businesses. Not only does he understand the legal side of your business, but also the operational side of your business. Mr. Kawato’s past business experience includes his role as Chief Financial Officer of Weekendr Corporation and President of 10k Trading. He is currently the President of Purple Wisteria Holdings, a real estate investment firm and President of Picco Publishing, a firm that he self publishes books through. His experience gives him unique insights that he applies in his business legal practice. Mr. Kawato lives in Fort Collins with his dog Zora. At the end of 2021, he picked up a new hobby in tennis, which he continues to pursue. He speaks some Italian and expects to have dual US and Italian citizenship by 2025. His favorite accomplishment is publishing the Italian children’s book “La Leggenda di una Bambina.”

Kayvon Hashemian is an Attorney at Law from Cypress, CA, born in Tehran, Iran. He is fluent in Farsi, Spanish, French, and Italian, which allows him to communicate effectively with diverse clients. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where he focused on giving back to the community, including helping low-income individuals with criminal convictions. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. Kayvon is known for thriving in overcoming challenges and is motivated by the litigation process. He is an avid tennis player and coach.

Zoe E. DiDomenico

Youngstown, OH

Zoe DiDomenico joined Manchester Newman & Bennett as a law clerk in 2022 and became an Associate Attorney in 2023 after successfully completing the July 2023 bar examination. Ms. DiDomenico practices in the firm’s Estate Planning and Probate Law, Business Law, and Real Estate Law sections.

Gianluca Marra graduated in Law from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano in 2009 and has been a member of the Italian Bar of Milan since 2012. He provides judicial assistance in all areas of criminal law, specializing in tax crimes, crimes against property, and Italian Legislative Decree no. 231/2001. He also attended a Specializing Master in Law at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. He speaks Italian and English.

James Adams Close, 'Jim', (or 'Sunshine') was a lifelong Harford County resident who passed away on August 13th, 2020 at the age of 71. He graduated from Harford Day School and Bel Air High School, and attended Temple University and the University of Baltimore Law School, passing the bar in 1978. He worked in private practice in Bel Air and became a Public Defender for Cecil County in 2005, retiring in 2018 but continuing private practice in Cecil County. He was survived by his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and siblings.

John P. Pedranghelu, Jr. is a Managing Partner at Russo & Pedranghelu. He was admitted to the New York bar and the US District Court Eastern District of New York in 1982. He received his Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law in 1981 and a BA in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Hofstra University. He has been a member of the New York State Bar Association since 1982 and is fluent in Spanish and Italian.

Lauren A. Favret

New Orleans, LA

Lauren A. Favret is the firm's managing partner. She received her B.A. from McGill University and her J.D. from Loyola University College of Law. She was Chairwoman of the Moot Court Board and inducted into The Order of the Barristers for excellence in oral advocacy and brief writing. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a Senior Assistant District Attorney for the Parish of Orleans, trying over forty judge and jury trials.

Flora Palladino is a certified paralegal and notary public who has been with Wocl Leydon for over 20 years. She handles discovery and prepares case files for trial in personal injury and medical malpractice cases, primarily for Andy Savvaides and Nick Wocl. She is fluent in Italian and interprets for Italian-speaking clients.

Livia DiScioscia

Clearwater, FL

Livia DiScioscia is a Florida Registered Paralegal and subcontractor at Coleman Law Firm since 2011. She specializes in estate planning and has experience in securities fraud and general litigation. She received her Florida Registered Paralegal certification in January 2018 after 16 years in the legal field. She is pursuing a degree in Paralegal Studies and Public Policy and Administration and is fluent in Italian and Spanish.

Benjamin Hasty is a Fort Mill & Greenville criminal defense lawyer with a background as a former prosecutor. He brings his experience from both sides of the courtroom to aggressively fight for and defend your rights. Ben was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. From there, he moved to Greenville, South Carolina, in 1991. Since moving, Ben attended Greenville County public schools and finished Eastside High School in 2006. Upon graduation, Ben moved to Genoa, Italy, where he played semi-professional football and attended language school. Following living in Italy, Ben enrolled at Clemson University and graduated in 2015 with a double major in Political Science and Italian Language. Continuing his studies, Ben attended the University of South Carolina, School of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate in the Spring of 2015. Ben is a member of the South Carolina Bar. Ben previously worked in the Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office as an Assistant Solicitor, focusing his time on the prosecution of Drug-related charges and Driving Under the Influence offenses. Ben led the DUI Unit in York County for over two years, during which he prosecuted hundreds of DUI cases and instituted many of the systems the DUI Court and Solicitor’s Office use today. While in the Solicitor’s Office Drug Unit, Ben focused on prosecuting drug crimes ranging from Simple Possession of Marijuana to the trafficking of illicit drugs and pills. In 2019, Ben left the Solicitor’s Office to work as a criminal defense attorney. Ben applies the knowledge and experience he has earned to help clients and win results.

Nadia Partsch

Sarasota, FL

Nadia Partsch is the dedicated Assistant to the Law Firm Manager at Mallard Perez, PLLC, responsible for ensuring that the daily operational duties and responsibilities are efficiently carried out. Her role encompasses a broad range of administrative and clerical support tasks, essential to the smooth running of the law firm. Nadia completed her secondary education at Sir John Gleed Girls High School in Spalding Lincolnshire, England. She then went on to study Office Administration at Boston College. With a diverse career spanning over 25 years across the Education and Medical fields, Nadia brings a wealth of experience to her role. Having worked internationally, she's bilingual in Italian and adds to the diversity of the team. Nadia's proven track record and teamwork skills make her an asset to the firm. Outside of work, Nadia has a passion for health and fitness. She is a certified AFAA, Group Fitness, and Zumba Instructor, with over 20 years of experience in Yoga. Her belief in "looking after yourself so you can take care of others around you" has influenced and inspired her fitness journey. Overall, Nadia's commitment to excellence and unique skills make her a valuable member of the Mallard Perez, PLLC team.

Anchorage personal injury attorney Claire Crowson is deeply committed to using her legal education and experience to help level the playing field between insurance companies and injured Alaskans. Claire is a Swiss American citizen who is fluent in French, German, Italian and English. She graduated from St. Lawrence University and leveraged her language skills for the US Army prior to going back to school to get a master’s degree in business. Although Claire was happy using her languages and business experience for large, multinational companies, her desire to help ensure that everyone receives fair and equal treatment led her to pursue a law degree and to focus on serving injured Alaskans. Claire has been part of Crowson Law Group for over 20 years and has helped with all facets of the business. In her free time, Claire enjoys spending time with her family, running on the Anchorage trails, and playing with her English Bulldog, Jack.

Sonia Randazzo is a qualified Italian Lawyer specializing in Immigration Law. She practices in both contentious and non-contentious matters, providing advice on human rights, asylum law, citizenship rights, and mobility for European and non-European citizens in Italy. She gained significant experience working with immigration law firms and organizations. Sonia is a member of ASGI and CLEDU. She speaks Italian and English.

Mauricio Guevara

Houston, TX

Mauricio Guevara was born in Cali, Colombia, and immigrated to the U.S., growing up in Houston. He studied at the University of St. Thomas and later pursued law at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he blended his passion for legal technology and trial advocacy. He was invited to join Chicago-Kent’s nationally recognized trial advocacy team. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and visiting Italy. He is fluent in Spanish and Italian.