Portuguese-Speaking Attorneys

James Forcier

East Providence, RI

Jim was born and raised a “Townie” in East Providence, Rhode Island and attended East Providence High School. He studied History at the University of Rhode Island, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2000. He earned his law degree from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2003, where he earned the CALI award for Excellence in the field of Law and Medicine and was a member of the school’s ATLA Mock Trial Team. Jim furthered his studies at Boston University School of Law, earning his Masters of Laws degree in the field of Taxation, in 2006. He has focused his practice on litigation and personal injury, including Workers Compensation and General Liability matters, in Rhode Island, Massachusetts as well as the Longshore & Harborworkers’ Compensation Act. Jim has represented having both injured persons and workers as well as representing employers and insurance carriers during his career, giving him a unique opportunity and perspective to litigate from both sides of the courtroom, having been staff counsel at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and most recently, The Travelers Indemnity Company. While at The Travelers, Jim handled the litigation on all RI Workers’ Compensation defense matters in addition to General Liability defense and has routinely lectured and prepared seminars to instruct claim handlers on the topics of Workers Compensation claims. Jim resides in Smithfield with his wife and two children.

Born and raised in New York City, Daniel Levy has always been a lawyer at heart. Mr. Levy earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania ins 2000. He majored in recent American history and minored in political science. Specifically, Mr. Levy concentrated on the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing struggle of the underprivileged in American Society. Mr. Levy graduated from Fordham Law School in 2004. While at Fordham, Mr. Levy was a member of the American Constitution Society where he fought to advance a progressive vision on the American Constitution. Moreover, Mr. Levy spent an entire summer volunteering on a project at Fordham Law School aimed at preventing lawyers from neglecting their clients. After taking the Bar exams in 2004, Mr. Levy and Mr. Rios worked to assist with election protection during the 2004 Presidential race in Tampa Bay, Florida. Later, Mr. Levy spent over two years as an associate at Goidel & Siegel, LLP., a New York personal injury law firm. At Goidel & Siegel, Mr. Levy made daily court appearances and learned how to prosecute a personal injury case from start to finish. Mr. Levy’s lifelong battle on behalf of the less fortunate among us culminates in the Law Office of Daniel Levy, LLP. Those injured due to the negligence of others are often vulnerable and scared. Our firm is dedicated to getting accident victims through the trying times and to a better place physically, emotionally, and financially.

Manuela Maria Freitas

Hartford, CT

Attorney Manuela Maria Freitas has worked with Attorney Dressler & Associates, now Dressler Strickland, since 1994. "Nela" speaks three languages fluently - English, Spanish and Portuguese, and is committed to the Latino and Portuguese community. She represents personal injury cases of considerable size and scope and brings a strong work ethic along with cross-cultural understanding to her practice.

Mario R. Giommoni is an attorney at Ratzan Weissman & Boldt. He focuses his practice on catastrophic negligence, medical malpractice, products liability, wrongful death, and commercial disputes. He is fluent in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

Cassandra L. Block (formerly Dulepski)

Hartford, CT

Attorney Cassandra L. Block is a graduate of Quinnipiac University and the University of Connecticut School of Law. Her practice is focused on the areas of personal injury and workers' compensation, as well as housing and animal law matters. Attorney Block handles all aspects of the firm's cases from intake to filing suit in court, mediation, arbitration, trial and settlement. She is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, including the Young Lawyers Section, Women in the Law Section, LGBT Section, and Chair of the Animal Law Section, as well as the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association and the American Bar Association. Attorney Block is committed to pro bono work in several areas including eviction defense. She and her wife have three dogs - Everest, Logan and Ro - all of whom love coming into the office, and three cats - Bernice, Cocoa Puff and Grayson! They also welcomed their son Reilly on September 25, 2024.

Danilo A. Borgas

Warwick, RI

Danilo A. Borgas is a Shareholder at Sinapi Law Associates, Ltd and has been part of our team since 2013. He is a multi-lingual employment law and complex litigation attorney. Danilo’s practice is focused on representing employees in single and multi-plaintiff wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, medical leave, and wage and hour litigation and in negotiating executive compensation agreements, counseling/litigation regarding restrictive covenants, and reviewing/negotiating severance agreements. Danilo has substantial experience litigating single-party, multi-party, and collective actions before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. He also practices in the areas of public accommodations and civil rights. With a background in regulatory compliance, alternative dispute resolution, and computer technology, Danilo prides himself in offering creative and thorough solutions to his clients in a practical and cost-effective manner. Prior to rejoining Sinapi Law Associates, Ltd. as a Shareholder in 2019, Danilo practiced law at Peabody & Arnold LLP, one of Boston’s oldest and leading law firms, where he focused on providing advice/counsel, risk assessment, and litigation defense. Danilo is a graduate from Johnson and Wales University. He received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Roger Williams University School of Law where he earned multiple awards for achieving the highest grades in litigation and public interest law classes. Prior to attending law school, Danilo worked in the banking industry for approximately seven years in dispute resolution, quality analysis, and compliance. Danilo is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. He is licensed to practice law in state and federal courts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Courtney K. Rhodes, Esq.

East Providence, RI

Courtney graduated from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2004, where she was a competing member of Trial Team and became a Certified Mediator. She has been practicing law for over two decades, during which time she has gained extensive experience in the areas of personal injury, workers’ compensation, and social security disability. She is licensed to practice law in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the United States District Court for the District of Rhode island. Courtney is a past president of the Barrington Neighbors & Newcomers and previously was vice president of the PTO at her sons’ school. She is an active member of the Rhode Island Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Courtney resides in Barrington, Rhode Island with her two sons and yellow lab, Winnie.

Heather Bittker

Dania Beach, FL

Heather Bittker is a personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Scott Jay Senft, part of a multilingual team serving clients in English, Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese.

Lawrence L. Goldberg is the owner of Lawrence Goldberg Law Associates, practicing law as a trial attorney since 1975. He represents clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts in various areas including business & commercial law, contracts, criminal law, family law, landlord/tenant, litigation & appeals, personal injury, probate & estate administration, and workers’ compensation law. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in both states and is a member of the Rhode Island State Bar Association, Massachusetts State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association, as well as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

Sabrina Victor is a personal injury trial attorney in Connecticut and New York. Originally from Brazil, she is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. She previously worked as senior trial counsel for a major insurance company and as an advocate for asylum seekers at the Refugee Clinic at the University of Cape Town.

Kyle Johnston

Atlanta, GA

Attorney Kyle D. Johnston spent the first half of his career working as an insurance defense lawyer for workers’ comp cases. Today, he fights for the rights of workers and people wrongfully injured in motor vehicle accidents. He has 15 years of experience in workers’ comp and personal injury cases. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Portuguese at Brigham Young University and his law degree from University of Miami, graduating in 2007. He is fluent in Portuguese and proficient in Spanish.

George Fernandes

Danbury, CT

Attorney George Fernandes is a valuable asset to Ventura Law’s litigation department, focusing on Civil Litigation, Complex Litigation, and Mass Torts. He previously served as senior trial counsel for a major insurance company. He is licensed in Connecticut and Florida and is a member of numerous bar associations.

Andréa Vieira is a seasoned trial lawyer with more than 25 years of legal experience, specializing in personal injury and civil rights cases. She is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, and conversational in French. She is admitted to practice in Nevada, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. She has received multiple awards for her pro bono work and community involvement.

Aimee E. Sportini

Hartford, CT

Attorney Aimee E. Sportini is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and Quinnipiac University School of Law. During her time at Quinnipiac, she was an associate editor of the Probate Law Journal and was an active member in the Human Trafficking Prevention Project. Her practice is focused on the areas of personal injury and workers' compensation. Attorney Sportini is involved in all aspects of the firm's cases from intake to resolution, including negotiating settlements and through litigation. She is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, including the Litigation Section, Young Lawyer's Section and Workers’ Compensation Section. She is also involved in the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association and the American Association for Justice. Attorney Sportini loves spending time in the gym and trying new restaurants and enjoys returning to her hometown of Stratford, CT to spend time with her family.

Barbara Melendez

Salt Lake City, UT

Barbara chairs the firm’s Immigration Law practice group. She focuses primarily on family and employment immigration, as well as employment immigration compliance matters. She represents multi-national corporations, educational institutions, religious organizations, and employers on all immigration-related matters including inter-company transfers, temporary and permanent work visas, and investment visas.

Luciano Oliveira

Frisco, TX

Mr. Oliveira is an attorney licensed in Texas and California. His experience in personal injury and litigation has helped clients like you get the compensation they deserved.

Miranda Condra

Irvine, CA

Ms. Condra has been practicing law since 2013 and has always represented those in more vulnerable positions of power; be it against insurance companies, employers or the government. With a passion for litigation and defending her clients’ rights, Ms. Condra interned for the Office of the San Diego Public Defender while still in law school. Afterwards, she assisted in representing low-income and indigent persons accused of committing federal crimes. In workers’ compensation, Ms. Condra tenaciously fights for the rights of injured workers. Due to her passion for injured workers, she has been a long standing member of the California Applicant’s Attorney Association (“CAAA”). She served as the Vice President of the CAAA San Diego Chapter for several years, and is now serving as the President of the CAAA San Diego Chapter.

Lynette Silon-Laguna

Tampa, FL

In 1997, Lynette Silon‐Laguna established what is now known as All Family Law Group, P.A. (AFLG)-a firm dedicated to providing compassionate and experienced legal support in family and criminal law matters. In 1992, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from UCF, graduating summa cum laude, and in 1995, she received her Juris Doctor with honors from UF’s Fredric G. Levin College of Law. Lynette assembled a team of skilled attorneys and legal professionals who share her passion for helping clients navigate complex legal challenges. The firm focuses on divorce, family law, stepparent and relative adoptions, legal name changes, and criminal defense. Each team member is committed to securing the best possible outcome for every client. AFLG is devoted to providing legal services that are not only professional and ethical, but also responsive, communicative, timely, and cost-effective. Having served thousands of individuals and families across Tampa Bay, the team understands the life-changing impact quality legal representation can have. Whenever possible, they strive to reach amicable solutions to help clients avoid the emotional and financial strain of litigation. However, when a peaceful resolution is not an option, the firm’s attorneys are well-equipped to litigate aggressively and effectively, ensuring their clients’ rights are fully protected in and out of the courtroom. Clear, consistent communication is a top priority, and clients are kept informed throughout every stage of their case. Ultimately, AFLG remains devoted to guiding clients through the legal process efficiently and effectively, always working to achieve not only the best legal outcomes-but also to exceed expectations. Their ongoing mission is to prioritize clients’ needs, keep them fully informed, and address any concerns that might arise to ensure every client feels heard, respected, and well-represented.

Sara Azari

New York, NY

Sara Azari is Of Counsel to Tacopina, Seigel & DeOreo, a bi-coastal trial attorney with over 20 years of experience in complex criminal, civil, and administrative matters. She specializes in white-collar defense, including cryptocurrency fraud and IEEPA violations, and is a frequent media commentator and legal analyst. She has been consistently named a California Super Lawyer since 2008.

Luis Huguet

Coral Gables, FL

Attorney Luis Huguet, born in Peru, earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from Saint Thomas University. As an undergraduate, he earned a scholarship playing tennis for the Bobcats, where he competed all over the State representing his alma mater. Luis joined The Law Offices of Gonzalez & Associates in 2013. His main practice focuses on Personal Injury Protection and Bodily Injury, however, Luis has ample experience in Bankruptcy Law as well. Luis currently serves as the managing attorney of our Orlando, Florida office. The administrative portion of his job is something that Luis has appreciated very much since it provides new dares in his professional career. Luis decided to transfer to Orlando after he was offered the position in 2015. His Bar and Court Admissions include Florida Bar 2012, United States District Court Southern District of Florida 2013 and the United States District Court Middle District of Florida 2016.

Nicolas A. Treptow

Hialeah, FL

Nicolas “Nick” Treptow brings a strong commitment to serving the Hialeah community. A Miami native and Christopher Columbus High School graduate, he earned his B.S. in Sport Management from Florida State University in 2019 and his J.D. from Florida International University College of Law in 2024. Nick's legal experience includes working with personal injury law firms in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. At FIU Law, he led the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) chapter as President, organizing events and receiving the Student Member of the Year Award. His participation in the Trial Advocacy program further developed his litigation skills. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, Nick effectively communicates with clients, ensuring their needs are met.

Mario A. Pimentel

New Bedford, MA

Mario A. Pimentel is a partner at Hamel, Waxler, Allen & Collins P.C., joining the firm in 1986. He previously worked as a claims representative for Travelers Insurance Company. Born in the Azores, Portugal, he is fluent in Portuguese and can communicate with Spanish-speaking clients. Attorney Pimentel concentrates in civil litigation, including serious automobile accidents, Workers' Compensation, construction accidents, premises liability, animal attacks, and wrongful death cases. He is admitted to practice in the United States District Court, United States Appeals Court, Massachusetts Trial Courts, and the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents.

W. Nate Irvine

Naples, FL

Mr. Irvine focuses his practice on insurance defense litigation. He defends insurers against first-party property claims and provides third-party liability defense against personal injury and wrongful death claims. Mr. Irvine has represented various clients, including insurance companies, municipalities, administrative agencies, trucking companies, restaurants, etc. “I learned early in life what it means to serve by walking the streets of Sao Paolo, Brazil, 12 hours a day, for two years as a community service volunteer. I provide that same level of fearless service and dedication to my clients.”

Scott E. Winer is a trial attorney and litigator since 1990. He has extensive litigation experience and has been with the Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman since 1996. He represents plaintiffs in various personal injury claims including complex construction site accidents, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and work-place accidents.