Portuguese-Speaking Attorneys

Sylvia Cabrera

Seattle, WA

Sylvia Cabrera is fluent in Spanish, English, French, Italian and Portuguese. Sylvia currently heads the Hispanic department of Herrmann Law Group, leading our effort to better serve the largest and fastest growing minority in Washington State. Sylvia was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. She received her J.D. from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. Later, she earned a Master of Arts in Diplomatic Studies from the Diplomatic Mexican Academy; a Global Master of Arts from Tufts University, in Boston, MA and, recently a LL.M. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. She joined the Mexican Foreign Service in 1998 and served in different areas of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico and abroad. She has alternated her professional career between the public service and the academic sector. She was a professor in the areas of public international law, multilateral and bilateral negotiations, and world legal systems. Before joining our team, Sylvia served as Deputy Consul at the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle for 6 years where she was deeply engaged in providing better opportunities to the Mexican community in Washington State. Her work there has influenced her commitment to building alliances with numerous organizations and government agencies in the Pacific Northwest to advance the rights of the Hispanic community. Sylvia is the co-founder of the nonprofit organization La TribUne dedicated to make trustworthy resources readily available for the Hispanic community in Washington through a web-based platform. From legal assistance to business and wellness, the platform is designed to walk the user through different options to solve a particular issue. You can follow on Facebook. She is admitted to practice law in Mexico.

Hamilton G. Rucker was born and raised in Houston, Texas. During his undergraduate years, he earned an athletic scholarship to play NCAA Division 1 basketball at St. Bonaventure University and the University of Texas at Arlington. Hamilton practices commercial and complex litigation throughout Texas. He enjoys traveling to South America where he gets a chance to practice both his Spanish and Portuguese. In addition to traveling, Hamilton is an avid cyclist and a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Lety Garza

Brownsville, TX

Lety Garza, a Brownsville native and Saint Joseph Academy graduate, is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. Her upbringing emphasized higher education, and she is a native Spanish speaker proficient in Portuguese. Lety believes in practicing law with honesty, commitment, and hard work. She is dedicated to helping individuals harmed by the recklessness of others, preparing each case for trial, and her persistence has led to favorable outcomes for her clients.

Bianca Trevisan

Tampa, FL

Admitted to Practice in Washington, D.C., Ms. Trevisan focuses her practice on Federal Immigration and International Tax matters. Since joining Westchase Law, P.A. in 2022 as a Law Clerk, she has gained extensive experience assisting senior attorneys with probate, estate and trust administration, marital agreements, and real estate transactions.

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.

Trial lawyer concentrating in personal injury, including car and bus crashes, trucking collisions, and slip and fall incidents. Former insurance defense attorney. Recovered millions for clients. Recognized as a SuperLawyers™ Rising Star since 2019 and a New Leader of the Bar in 2023. Member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

David Vilaca

Uniondale, NY

Mr. Vilaça is a litigation associate in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and admitted to practice law in the State of New York. He focuses his practice on defending insurance companies and municipal clients in premises liability, negligence, and tort actions. Prior to joining CFO, Mr. Vilaça was a Legal Intern at several leading matrimonial law firms and also was an intern with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in their Financial Crimes Bureau. Moreover, Mr. Vilaça has worked for a prominent Hedge Fund that specializes in small-growth companies that are overlooked or misunderstood by the market. Mr. Vilaça graduated from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University in 2024. Prior to law school, he graduated from the Hofstra University in 2020 with a Master’s of Science degree in Finance and in 2019 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. In addition, Mr. Vilaça speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently, which is a tremendous asset for our clients in providing quality litigation services and support.

Brian M. Tavares

Somerset, MA

Brian M. Tavares is an Associate at Coastal Legal Affiliates, P.C. He graduated summa cum laude from Roger Williams University (B.S. Legal Studies and English Literature, 2009) and cum laude from Roger Williams University School of Law (J.D., 2012). He is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and admitted to the United States District Court in both districts. He has experience in criminal defense, civil litigation, and family law. He is also a certified mediator and fluent in English and Portuguese.

Jared Favero

Woodland, CA

Jared Favero is an attorney 'Of Counsel' specializing in criminal defense. He previously served as a Deputy District Attorney for seven years in Yolo County, handling a wide range of cases from DUI to violent felonies. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

Jeff Rifleman received his Bachelor of Science in Consumer and Community Studies from the University of Utah and his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law (San Antonio). He manages Rifleman Law and Mediation, a successful private law practice representing clients in a variety of legal matters, and has appeared before administrative, city, state and federal courts. Previously, he was the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer of a top Inc. ranked cosmetic manufacturing company where he advised the board and C-Suite on a broad range of matters, including coporate governance, compliance, regulatory, intellectual propery, commercial transactions, contracts, privacy, employment and litigation issues. He is a Master Mediator and Mentor on the Utah Court Roster, an active member of Utah Council on Conflict Resolution (UCCR), AFCC Utah Chapter, and an arbitrator for class action settlements.

Paula Boa Sousa

Danbury, CT

PAULA BOA SOUSA practices in the areas of Estate Planning, Trusts & Estates, Probate, and Elder Law, including Medicaid applications. Attorney Sousa is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Fairfield University. She earned her J.D. and Certificate in Tax Studies from the University of Connecticut School of Law and is admitted to practice in Connecticut. Prior work experience includes internships with the Danbury Probate Court and the Honorable Joan G. Margolis, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Connecticut, in New Haven. In November 2010, Attorney Sousa was named to the Legislative Committee of the Elder Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. This role provided Attorney Sousa with the distinct opportunity to advocate for Connecticut’s seniors and play a vital part in passing legislation for the improvement of state programs for the elderly in order to protect them from abuse and improve their overall quality of life. In addition to serving on the Legislative Committee, Attorney Sousa previously served as treasurer for the Elder Law Section. Attorney Sousa is a member of the Western Connecticut Estate & Tax Planning Council and the Portuguese Cultural Center in Danbury. She previously served on the Board of Directors of Ann’s Place, a cancer support services organization located in Danbury, and on the Board of Directors for the Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT from 2011 to 2014. Attorney Sousa is fluent in Portuguese and conversant in Spanish. She is a life-long resident of Danbury, Connecticut and presently resides there with her husband and family.

Emily Rivadeneira

Los Angeles, CA

Emily Rivadeneira is a litigation associate at The Sentinel Firm where she advocates for employees in both state and federal court in individual cases involving discrimination, harassment, unpaid wages, and wrongful termination. Ms. Rivadeneira grew up in Ecuador and speaks fluent English, Spanish and Portuguese. She received her law degree from Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and was a member of the USFQ's Law School Clinic specializing in Human Rights and Public Interest, where she assessed human rights cases that were later brought before national and international tribunals. Ms. Rivadeneira also published a legal thesis, “The Nature of the Parking Contract”, uniquely supervised by the Dean, which explores comparative law concepts from both common law and civil law systems to offer theoretical and practical solutions relevant to Ecuadorian law. The combination of Ms. Rivadeneira's academic studies and extracurricular engagements propelled her towards a legal career in litigation. Upon graduating from USFQ, Ms. Rivadeneira moved to the United States and obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law, where she received the Dean's Excellence Award Scholarship. At USC, Ms. Rivadeneira served as Vice President of the International Attorneys Association (IAA).

Emily Crouse

Denver, CO

Emily Crouse is a dedicated law student at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, passionate about advocating for justice and community well-being. With a strong focus on personal injury law, she is committed to fighting for fair treatment and financial recovery for her clients. Emily brings a diverse background to her legal studies. She previously worked as a fundraiser for a food bank and other local non-profits in Broomfield, where she honed her skills in community engagement and advocacy. Her experience at Bike Law Colorado, where she supported injured cyclists, has further fueled her commitment to advocacy and public service. She also served as Assistant Vice President of a bank, adding a unique perspective to her legal expertise. As a member of the William E. Doyle Inn of Court and Vice President of the DU Student Plaintiffs Bar, Emily is actively involved in the legal community, continually seeking opportunities to develop her skills and network with other professionals. Inspired by the legacy of Thurgood Marshall, Emily is deeply committed to examining and addressing the systemic injustices that affect marginalized communities. She believes in the power of law to create a more loving and just world, and she is determined to use her legal expertise to promote civil rights, increase housing affordability, and improve access to mental health care. Fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese, Emily aims to bring her language skills into her professional life, enhancing her ability to serve a diverse clientele. Outside of her legal pursuits, she enjoys traveling, exploring Colorado via her gravel bicycle, reading, public speaking, participating in LGBTQ activities, and playing the piano. Emily is on a mission to balance her role as a devoted mother and a successful lawyer, with aspirations to become a philanthropist and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Michael Joe Silva

Turlock, CA

Michael Joe received his law degree from Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts from Brigham Young University. Michael Joe was born and raised in the Central Valley to Portuguese immigrant parents from the Azores Islands of Portugal. He is fluent in the Portuguese language. When he is not working, he is spending time with his beautiful wife (high school sweetheart) and three daughters. Michael Joe enjoys fitness training, wildlife, scary movies, theater, and listening to The Beach Boys. With an unwavering commitment to securing justice for his clients, Attorney Silva has earned a reputation as a trusted ally for those who have suffered due to the negligence of others. He possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of personal injury cases, including incidents involving dog bites, slip and falls, and motor vehicle accidents. He believes in the power of empathy and personalized attention, ensuring that each client’s unique circumstances are thoroughly comprehended and vigorously represented. Combining his legal expertise with a compassionate approach, Attorney Silva tirelessly advocates for rightful compensation, medical care, and emotional healing. At Silva Injury Law, we stand by our clients every step of the way, providing unwavering support as they navigate the complexities of the legal process and work towards rebuilding their lives.

Raquel M. Teixeira is an associate with O’Cathain Law Group, exclusively practicing family and matrimonial law. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey. She graduated cum laude from Seton Hall University in 2019 and magna cum laude from Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in 2022. Raquel has extensive experience in family law matters, including domestic violence, child custody, and matrimonial matters, and is committed to achieving the best possible resolution for her clients. She is bilingual in Portuguese and English.

Karina Asvolinsque

Coral Gables, FL

Karina Asvolinsque is an Associate Attorney at Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt. At the beginning of her career, she represented clients in a wide range of immigration matters, including removal defense, asylum, and petitions for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Karina earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, where she served as a student intern with the Human Rights Clinic. In that role, she contributed to Shpagina v. Russian Federation, a case decided favorably by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). She also co-founded and served as Vice President of the Human Rights Society. In addition to her J.D., Karina holds an LL.M. in Intercultural Human Rights from St. Thomas University School of Law, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review. Her commitment to international human rights advocacy includes speaking engagements and collaborations with Brazilian-American non-governmental organizations on anti-human trafficking initiatives aimed at prevention, particularly for vulnerable populations. Karina previously served as Volunteer Counsel to the Consulate General of Brazil, assisting Brazilian nationals with U.S. immigration matters. Earlier in her career, she worked for the Consulate General of France in Miami in the Press and Public Affairs Division. She earned her double Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science, from Florida International University. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Russian, Karina serves a diverse clientele with empathy and clarity, guided by the belief that justice begins with giving every client a voice.

Kirby Nix

Fayetteville, AR

Kirby Nix grew up in Lima, Peru, and Southwest Arizona, gaining a deep appreciation for the Hispanic community and Spanish language. He graduated from UALR William H. Bowen School of Law in 2024 and Arkansas Tech University in 2021. He focuses on family law and estate planning, driven by personal experience. He is conversational in Spanish and German.

Keith Carlson

Chicago, IL

Over his three decade long career, Keith’s approach as an insurance coverage attorney, resulted in numerous victories for his clients and setting legal precedents in the field of insurance coverage law. He had an adventurous spirit and a zest for life and travelled to over 50 countries making friends all over the world. He will be remembered for his numerous contributions to the legal profession and he will be missed by those who knew and loved him. Over Keith’s three decade long career, his approach as an insurance coverage attorney Chicago resulted in numerous victories for clients and resulted in setting legal precedents in the field of insurance coverage law. He had a practical and common sense style which meant his clients’ best interests were served and justice prevailed.

Jason Hargadon

Lexington, KY

Jason is an accomplished attorney with over 18 years of professional experience in all aspects of business law, ranging from business inception, organization and funding to mergers, acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution. He has particular expertise in the financial aspects of corporate practice, handling securities matters, venture capital and capital markets. He has counseled businesses of all sizes, from small-scale local startups to private equity investors engaging in close to $1 billion (US dollars) worth of transactions. Jason has a proven ability to facilitate complex corporate transactions requiring strategy, negotiation, execution, integration and implementation. Jason’s practice covers a large range of industries and transactions in developing and emerging markets. His clients have successfully been granted in excess of $100 million (US dollars) from the International Finance Corporation, Inter-American Development Bank and ProMexico. He has extensive experience in bio-renewable energy and agricultural technologies with market expertise in Latin America. A native English speaker, Jason is also conversational in Portuguese. Jason has been lead counsel in numerous cases involving securities fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, trade secret infringement, tortious interference, and white collar crimes. Jason has tried civil and criminal cases in various courts ranging from the Southern District of New York to Simpson County Circuit Court, Franklin, Kentucky. He has successfully defended brokers, broker-dealers, investment advisers in FINRA, SEC and DFI enforcement proceedings. Jason is retired from the United States Marine Corps where he served as Infantry Unit Leader and a Scout Sniper.

Karleana L. Farias is a native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and a partner at Farias Law Firm since 2013. She earned her bachelor's degree in political science from American University in 2006 and her law degree from South Texas College of Law in 2010. Her diverse experience includes working at an immigration law firm, the U.S. Department of Justice (Environment and Natural Resources Division, and U.S. Attorney's Office), interning for a federal judge, and working in the litigation department of El Paso Oil and Gas Company. She has successfully represented clients in family law, criminal matters, and immigration, and is certified as a specialist in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

Kevin R. Davies

West Palm Beach, FL

Attorney Kevin R. Davies heads the firm’s PIP division. He graduated magna cum laude from the University at Albany (SUNY) in 2003 and obtained his Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School in 2007. A combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Mr. Davies has extensive experience working for insurance defense firms, which he now uses to benefit his clients. He is a member in good standing with the Florida Bar.

Elizabeth Mullins is a second-generation native Arizonan. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies with a concentration in Psychology from Arizona State University and her Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2006. She became a Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization in 2015 and is licensed in Arizona and Maryland. She is fluent in Spanish and conversational in European Portuguese.

Arinda Brooks

Chelsea, MA

Arinda Brooks founded Brooks Law in 2013 after specializing in Workers' Compensation law for seven years while employed at a boutique Boston worker's compensation law firm. During this time, Arinda honed her skills representing injured workers at the Department of Industrial Accidents, successfully taking hundreds of cases from initial claim filing, through final Hearing disposition and settlement. When she opened her own practice, Brooks Law, P.C. in 2013, she continued to focus on representing injured workers in their pursuit of workers' compensation benefits. Since opening Brooks Law, Arinda has added two additional attorneys, Jennifer Gesuladi and Ioana Conley to help manage her busy practice. Brooks Law is committed to serving a wide range of Massachusetts residents. The majority of the Brooks Law staff is bilingual and staff members speak Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese and Romanian. In 2018, Arinda was the recipient of the Brazilian Worker's Center Award for Outstanding Legal Representation of the Brazilian Community. Arinda is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association Workers' Compensation Section and the Massachusetts Women's Bar Association.