Spanish-Speaking Attorneys

Attorney David A. Baez, a Chicago personal injury trial lawyer, joined Willens & Baez in 2014 as an associate and was promoted to Partner in 2019, before becoming a named partner in 2023. Mr. Baez began his legal career working as an insurance defense lawyer for a Chicago law firm that represented defendants in personal injury cases. Over the last decade, he has become an award-winning personal injury lawyer, racking up millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for the firm’s clients, including a record-setting dog bite award for 1.5 million in 2023. Because of his tireless dedication to his personal injury clients, he was selected to the Illinois Rising Stars list early on in his career, before ultimately becoming an Illinois Super Lawyer. His prior experience working for the defense and advanced knowledge regarding insurance coverage issues give him a huge advantage in handling cases for serious personal injury victims. He has tried several cases to an excess verdict in multiple jurisdictions.

Cecilia Larios

Beverly Hills, CA

Cecilia’s journey has been defined by a passionate commitment to advocating for justice and support within underprivileged areas, particularly within the vibrant Hispanic community throughout California. For the last decade, Cecilia has immersed herself in the intricate workings of the personal injury field, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and complexities faced by individuals navigating through difficult times. Her role has been multifaceted, encompassing everything from client support and case management to community outreach and advocacy. What sets Cecilia’s approach apart is her unwavering dedication to making a difference beyond the confines of traditional legal proceedings. Recognizing the unique needs and circumstances of underprivileged communities, Cecilia has made it her mission to go above and beyond to provide assistance and support where it’s needed most. Whether it’s offering guidance through legal processes, connecting clients with essential resources, or simply lending a compassionate ear, she strives to be a steadfast ally and advocate for those facing adversity. Cecilia firmly believes that access to justice and support should be equitable for all, regardless of background or circumstance. Cecilia’s commitment to serving her community extends far beyond the confines of her professional responsibilities. Through active involvement in local initiatives, partnerships with community organizations, and targeted outreach efforts, Cecilia aims to empower individuals to assert their rights and access the assistance they deserve. With over a decade of experience in the personal injury industry and a profound dedication to serving underprivileged communities, Cecilia is honored to continue making a positive impact and fostering positive change for those in need through her role at Pathway Law Firm.

Giancarlo Irribarren

Beverly Hills, CA

As a dedicated personal injury attorney practicing throughout California, Giancarlo is driven by his steadfast commitment to serving as a voice for the voiceless and guiding individuals through the labyrinthine landscape of the insurance industry. With a focused dedication to advocating for those who have been injured, Giancarlo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every case he handles. Giancarlo’s journey in the legal profession has been shaped by a deep-seated passion for justice and a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his clients. Giancarlo understands the challenges and obstacles that individuals face when dealing with the aftermath of an injury, and his unwavering resolve to provide them with the support and guidance they need to navigate through these difficult times. One of Giancarlo’s core principles is ensuring that his clients have a strong and unwavering advocate on their side, particularly when going up against powerful insurance companies and large corporations. Giancarlo recognizes the daunting nature of the insurance industry and the complexities involved in securing fair compensation for injuries sustained. That’s why Giancarlo is committed to demystifying the process for his clients and empowering them to make informed decisions every step of the way. Beyond his legal expertise, Giancarlo prides himself on being approachable, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of his clients. Giancarlo understands that each case is unique and requires personalized attention, and he is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that address the specific circumstances and objectives of each individual he represents. With a track record of success and a reputation for excellence in the field, Giancarlo serves as a trusted advocate for those in need throughout California. Whether negotiating settlements or litigating in the courtroom, Giancarlo is fully committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients and helping them secure the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.

Victor M. Arellano

Atlanta, GA

Victor M. Arellano is a bilingual Partner/Shareholder at Arellano & Phebus, S.C., with over 40 years of combined experience, focusing on personal injury, medical negligence, employment, criminal, and immigration law.

Daniel Tamez

San Diego, CA

Daniel Tamez began his legal career in 1999 in Houston, later practicing personal injury law in San Diego since 2001. He has litigated over 1,000 personal injury cases, including automobile collisions, dog bites, and falls. Admitted to the Texas State Bar, he regularly handles catastrophic personal injury cases and assists Spanish-dominant clients.

Elizabeth Irazabal

Coral Gables, FL

Elizabeth Irazabal is a litigation attorney handling cruise ship passenger personal injury claims and crewmember claims as well as non-maritime personal injury claims. She is dedicated to providing exceptional service and representation to the firm’s clients throughout all stages of the litigation process.

Gianpiere J. Alcantara

Boston, MA

Gianpiere J. Alcantara is an Associate Attorney at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC. Gianpiere is fluent in Spanish - both verbal and written. Gianpiere is a graduate from New England Law in Boston and is a licensed attorney in Massachusetts. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts (Boston) in Criminology, Sociology, Philosophy and Law. Gianpiere has over 10 years of experience working as a personal injury legal assistant and law clerk before graduating from law school. He is a team player who is friendly, personable and strives to provide the best customer service experience to our clients.

Alejandro “Alex” Cobar

Metairie, LA

Alejandro “Alex” Cobar is a bilingual and bicultural civil litigation attorney with more than 25 years of courtroom experience. Alex earned his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and holds a Master’s Certificate in Business Management from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business. He proudly served in the Louisiana Army National Guard, including active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and is a Veteran. Alex earned a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and considers himself a bit of a nerd. Before joining the firm, Alex spent nearly two decades defending insurance companies where he gained valuable insight into how insurance companies evaluate and defend claims. Today, Alex uses that knowledge to help injured individuals and their families recover the compensation they deserve. His unique background gives his clients a distinct advantage when standing up to large insurers. He is skilled in all aspects of litigation, including jury trials and appeals, and has represented clients in both state and federal courts throughout Louisiana. When Alex is not practicing law, he values spending time with his family. Alex considers himself a man of faith, loves to travel, and hopes to return to martial arts to eventually get his 4th Degree Black Belt.

Maria del Pilar Vargas

Kenner, LA

Maria del Pilar Vargas was born in Puerto Rico and is fluent in both Spanish and English. She graduated Magna cum laude from Louisiana State University in 2008 with a B.A. in Political Science. She received her J.D./D.C.L. from LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2011. Upon admission to the Louisiana Bar, Maria has concentrated her practice on family law, personal injury, immigration, and criminal law with an emphasis on benefiting the Hispanic community.

Priscilla De La Garza

McAllen, TX

Priscilla De La Garza is admitted to practice in Texas, the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas and in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Priscilla graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 2017 and was licensed to practice in the State of Texas that same year. Her main practice areas are employment law and personal injury. Priscilla is also fluent in English and Spanish, allowing her to serve all members of the Rio Grande Valley and Eagle Pass communities.

Emily Fuller

Washington, DC

Emily Fuller focuses on personal injury cases, including workers' compensation, car accidents, and premises liability, and is dedicated to providing aggressive representation to her clients.

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.

Paola Usquelis

Sarasota, FL

Paola Usquelis was born and raised in France, where she earned a bachelor's degree in law and an MBA from Grenoble. Pursuing her American dream, she moved to Miami in 1992 and subsequently graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami in 2000, passing the Florida Bar exam the same year. She has been practicing law in Miami ever since, specializing in immigration law and personal injury cases. She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.

Stephanie Emanuel

Bronx, NY

Stephanie Emanuel is a second-generation lawyer with a successful track record in personal injury and business law, often collaborating with her father, Douglas. She holds a Bachelor of Science (2004) and Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (2007) from Rutgers University, a Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University School of Law (2010), and an MBA from Rutgers (2012). Bilingual in English and Spanish, Stephanie is known for her strategic abilities and client-focused approach. She is a member of the bar in New York, New Jersey, and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Her practice areas include motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, dog bites, slip and fall, truck/bus accidents, nursing home negligence/abuse, premises liability, construction accidents, and estate law.

Angel C. Melendez

Boston, MA

Angel C. Melendez is a dedicated attorney specializing in Personal Injury, Workers Compensation and Landlord/Tenant cases. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 2016 and the Massachusetts Bar in 2018. He holds a J.D. from City University School of Law (2016) and a B.A. from Fordham University (2012). He is proficient in English and Spanish and has a background in representing underserved communities, including low-wage workers and undocumented individuals.

Ingrid M. Freire specializes in civil litigation and personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, and wrongful death. She also handles criminal cases such as narcotics possession, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, and DUI. She received her Diploma in Humanities from Boston College and her Doctorate in Law from Northeastern University. She interned with Liberty Mutual and Judge Nancy Gertner. She is licensed in Massachusetts and Florida and is a member of the Florida Bar, American Bar Association, and Boston Bar Association.

Porter Solomon

Mesa, AZ

The Solomon family has lived in Arizona since the 1870s, with many generations living in the east valley. Porter was born in Mesa as the fifth of ten children. When he was three years old, his father and oldest siblings completed the construction of the Solomon family home in the small farming community of Queen Creek. He grew up spending most of his time outside with his siblings and cousins running around the cotton and corn fields, milking the family cow, swimming in the irrigation ditches, and building forts in the salt cedar trees lining the Queen Creek Wash. He also has fond memories of camping and hunting in the desert and in the pines with his father and siblings, which is an activity he still enjoys today. Porter grew up in a musical household, with all ten children learning to play the piano. He plays the piano, the cello, and the bagpipes (from the ages of 15-16 he played as a volunteer with the Mesa Fire Department’s Pipes and Drums band), and he sings as a First Tenor in the Grand Chorus of the East Valley Millennial Choirs and Orchestras organization. After a two-year mission in southern Chile where he learned to read, write, and speak Spanish fluently, he finished a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Arizona State University. He attended law school at Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law in Knoxville, Tennessee where he received a juris doctor and master’s degree in public administration. He also received the President Abraham Lincoln Pro Bono Award for working more than 250 pro bono hours while in law school. Porter is honored to represent his fellow Arizonans in their personal injury cases. He and his lovely wife Lauren live in the east valley with their two adorable children, Adaline and Knox.

Ronald F. Johnson Jr.

West Columbia, SC

Ronald Johnson, the founding attorney of The Law Offices of R.F. Johnson Jr., has more than 20 years of legal experience in a variety of practice areas. Licensed to practice in both state and federal court, he can help with criminal defense, family law, immigration, personal injury, and workers' compensation matters. He speaks fluent Spanish and is dedicated to protecting clients' rights.

Daniela Martinez

Atlanta, GA

Daniela Martinez, originally from Puerto Rico, is an Associate Attorney with a passion for justice. She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She interned at the District Attorney’s Office and served four years as a Victim Witness Legal Assistant in Union County, North Carolina. She discovered personal injury law in law school, where she was a Student Ambassador, Vice President of the Public Interest Law Society, Director of the Peer Mentoring Program, ABA student representative, and Kaplan representative. She joined NSLF as an intern, transitioned to Legal Assistant, and was promoted to Associate Attorney after passing the Georgia Bar Exam.

A long-time Californian, Fenja is a 2002 graduate of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and has accomplished some impressive feats over the last decade. While working with nationally recognized and successful firms as a trial attorney and class counsel, she has proven her expertise and her dedication to her clients again and again. Fenja isn’t afraid to take on big, complex cases, and she has made herself known as an accomplished orator and sharp negotiator. Fenja has an impressive track record for going up against some of the largest corporations in the nation- and even some of the largest corporations in the world. Fenja has also successfully represented clients in cases against large city and county entities right here in California, including Orange County, Long Beach, and the City of Los Angeles. When she’s not in the courtroom, Fenja likes to bring her motivation, focus, and tight organization to the community. She takes pride in her work with the Be Perfect Foundation, a charity that helps victims who have suffered spinal cord injuries, and the Hafif Family Foundation, a private charity that helps raise funds for other non-profit and charitable organizations. In the past, she has also enjoyed supporting and working with political fundraising campaigns for local and state officials in California. Fenja is a thrill seeker who enjoys the outdoors and has accomplished the daunting task of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. She also enjoys running half marathons, sky diving, and white water rafting.

Patrick Scarlett

North Charleston, SC

Patrick Scarlett, originally from Greenville, South Carolina, practices in the North Charleston office of George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, where he has been since 2008. He serves as personal injury practice manager and chief operating officer. Patrick studied physics at the University of Notre Dame and earned his law degree and International M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina, graduating Cum Laude with distinctions. He has practiced in motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, and social security disability.

Steven H. Dorne

Rockville, MD

Attorney Steven H. Dorne is an accomplished lawyer who practices in state and federal courts in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. He brings more than 30 years of experience and a long record of success to each case. His law practice is distinguished by careful preparation and thorough analysis of each case. Clients appreciate the personal attention he provides to their legal matters and his accessibility to them throughout their cases.

Gabriela Pulla

New York, NY

Gabriela Pulla is an associate attorney at Block O’Toole & Murphy, fluent in Spanish and English. She began as a paralegal at the firm and is now dedicated to representing injured clients, particularly within the Spanish-speaking community. She graduated with honors from New York Law School and is recognized for her community outreach efforts.

Justin L. Ward

Sacramento, CA

Justin has seen both sides of criminal defense and personal injury cases. He is a former prosecutor and handled personal injury cases while working for an insurance defense firm. This experience has provided him extensive knowledge into the way these cases are approached by the other side. He will use this information to prepare a strong case that helps you achieve your goals. He is also versed in Employment Law and advocating for the rights of employees.