Spanish-Speaking Attorneys

Andres Montero

Miami, FL

Andres 'Andy' Montero began his career at the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s office, gaining trial skills. He tried over 40 jury cases as an Assistant Public Defender. He opened his private practice in 1995 and joined Jaime Suarez in 2004 to form Suarez & Montero. With over 25 years of experience, he is a premier civil plaintiff's attorney, having secured over $20 million in verdicts and settlements for clients.

Sandra L. Duggan

Philadelphia, PA

Sandra L. Duggan, a native of St. Louis, graduated from Washington University with Phi Beta Kappa and earned a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law in 1985. Admitted to the bar in 1986, she has focused her practice on class action and multi-district litigation since moving to Philadelphia in 1989. She has served on Plaintiffs’ Executive Committees and as counsel in significant cases, including In re: School Asbestos Litig., Diet Drugs Litigation, Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Prods. Liab. Litig., and In re: Philips Recalled CPAP, Bi-Level PAP, and Mechanical Ventilator Prod. Litig. (Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel). She negotiated a global class settlement in the Chinese Drywall Litigation and served as Special Counsel in the BP Oil Spill Litigation. Ms. Duggan is a contributing author to Newberg on Class Actions and received a Public Justice Achievement Award in 1999. She is fluent in Spanish.

Lilibeth Ruben

New York, NY

Lili is a paralegal at Sullivan & Brill. With nearly 8 years of experience in personal injury law, Lili has helped many navigate the difficult times that can follow an accident. From intake to resolution, she offers support and expertise. She is bilingual in Spanish and English

Verelle Kirkwood

Kalamazoo, MI

Verelle Kirkwood is an Of Counsel Attorney for Willis Law. His practice areas include Business Litigation, Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, Real Estate, and Construction Litigation. Verelle graduated from Michigan State University College of Law in May 2017, where he earned his Juris Doctor. While at MSUCOL, Verelle worked as a Student Clinician at the MSUCOL Immigration Law Clinic, assisting individuals to attain legal status, and defending immigrants’ civil rights against workplace discrimination and unconstitutional detention practices. Verelle also served on the executive board of the Black Law Students Association as the chapter treasurer. Since 2011, Verelle has been a dedicated service member, certified as a 27-D Paralegal Specialist in the JAG Corps. of the U.S. Army Michigan National Guard, and has received several awards for his service. Verelle has been a resident of West Michigan since 2006 where he first came from the Detroit area to attend Kalamazoo College. Besides playing NCAA Division 3 basketball, Verelle also played professional basketball in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was the boys’ basketball head coach at Phoenix High School of Kalamazoo in 2012. He is admitted to practice in the State Courts of Michigan. Verelle has extensive experience living, working, and studying abroad in both Costa Rica and in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He fluently speaks, reads, and writes Spanish.

Dennis Gonzalez, Jr.

Miami, FL

Dennis is a first-generation American of Cuban descent, and speaks fluent Spanish. He was born and raised in Miami. Dennis attended Southwest Senior High School (‘96’), and is a double Hurricane. He graduated from the University of Miami (“UM”) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2007, and then received his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Miami Graduate School of Business. Thereafter, Dennis attended St. Thomas University School of Law (“STU Law”) where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2011. Immediately upon graduating from STU Law, Dennis began working as an Assistant State Attorney for Miami-Dade County. There, he gained extensive courtroom experience by trying numerous jury trials and arguing hundreds of motions. He then used that knowledge to defend Floridians around the state. Dennis is Super Lawyer, and a member of the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. With over a decade of legal experience, Dennis has defended all forms of misdemeanor and felony cases, both at the State and Federal level. On the criminal side, Dennis has handled cases that include, but are not limited to Drug Trafficking, Cocaine Possession, Money Laundering, and Domestic Violence. On the civil side, Dennis litigates against insurance companies representing homeowners and mitigation companies to recover money for damage to homes and properties.

Emily R. Wilson

San Francisco, CA

Associate in the Immigration Practice Group. Admitted to the State Bar of California and certified as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law. Experienced with employment-based and family-based immigration petitions, and representing clients in removal proceedings. Active member of AILA, serving as AILA Northern California CBP Liaison since 2022. Proficient in Spanish.

Sydney J. Oshinski

Phoenix, AZ

Sydney J. Oshinski is a bilingual Criminal Litigation and Defense Associate at Tait & Hall, dedicated to protecting Constitutional Rights. She graduated cum laude from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Her experience includes an international criminal defense internship in Mexico City, a clerkship for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and an internship with a criminal defense firm in Chandler, Arizona. Admitted to practice in all Arizona State Courts, she focuses on criminal defense in felony and misdemeanor courts, set asides, and rights restorations. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University and her Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology.

Mark A. Levine

Doral, FL

Mark A. Levine is one of the Founding Partners of Pacin Levine, P.A - a firm with the strength, resources, and talent to fight powerful insurance companies for the full compensation our clients deserve. Through skilled negotiation and highly detailed preparation, Mark delivers unparalleled results for his clients. He utilizes his prior inside knowledge of insurance company legal tactics to aggressively defend his clients’ interests and fight for what is fair. Mark obtained his Juris Doctor Law from the Florida State University where he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Florida State University Business Law Review. Upon receiving his legal degree at the age of 24, he began his career as a trial attorney with the State Attorney’s Office for the Second Judicial Circuit in Leon County, Florida. Once Mark left the State Attorney’s Office, he served as federal and state litigation and appellate counsel for various well known multi-state insurance companies and private corporations, learning the intricacies of insurance company defenses. After realizing the tactics insurance companies use against their own insureds, he co-founded Pacin Levine, a law firm dedicated to using that knowledge to his clients’ advantage. Mark has been published by academic journals and his work cited by the courts. He has also been voted by his peers as one of Florida Trend Magazine’s “Legal Elite.”

Carlos M. Calderón

White Plains, NY

Carlos M. Calderón, a native of Puerto Rico, has litigated for both plaintiffs and defendants since 1995. He is fluent in Spanish and has served as an Assistant District Attorney. He was a partner at Weisman & Calderon LLP and holds leadership roles in various bar associations.

Caroline M. Carollo, Esq.

Miami, FL

Ms. Carollo is a managing partner at Valiente, Carollo & McElligott, PLLC and focuses her practice on Commercial & Residential Property Insurance matters. With over eight years of expertise in First Party Property Insurance claims and Assignment of Benefits matters, she has achieved an outstanding track record in building strong attorney-client relationships and successfully resolving claims for her clients. In the realm of property claims and insurance policy complexities, Ms. Carollo excels at guiding her clients through the often daunting process. A relentless advocate for her clients, Ms. Carollo’s commitment knows no bounds. She remains readily accessible, going above and beyond by working tirelessly after hours and weekends to deliver the exceptional service her clients deserve. Her unwavering dedication ensures that each case is handled with utmost care, securing the best possible outcomes for her clients. Homeowners & Business owners facing property damage or those involved with water mitigation, mold remediation, or mold assessment companies can place their trust in Ms. Carollo as their skilled advocate. Her prowess in the legal arena makes her the ideal champion to fight ardently on their behalf, safeguarding their rights and interests.

Aggeliki Psonis

Miami Beach, FL

A graduate of Boston University, with a JD from CUNY law school, Aggeliki focuses her practice on real estate transactions, estate planning and administration, business law and general litigation. She has extensive experience representing buyers, sellers, investors and business owners based in New York and internationally. Aggeliki is admitted in the states of New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, as well as in the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York. She is also a licensed Real Estate broker. She is a proud member of the Inspiring Women in Law League (IWILL) and the Hellenic Lawyers Association. She speaks fluent Greek and conversational French and Spanish. Aside from lawyering, she enjoys being a radio producer and performing artist.

Johnathan Padilla

Miami, FL

Johnathan Padilla is an Associate at Perkins Law Offices. Born and raised in Florida, he is the son of Nicaraguan immigrants and is fully bilingual. He attended Florida International University on a full academic scholarship, earning degrees in International Relations and Criminal Justice. He then earned his Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University on a merit scholarship, graduating Cum Laude and receiving a CALI award, all while working full-time at the firm.

Manuel Mendoza

Jacksonville, FL

Manuel Mendoza is an attorney at Shuster Saben Estevez, practicing Personal Injury Protection and Bodily Injury Law. He received his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law in 2005. He has experience in commercial litigation and insurance defense, having worked as in-house counsel for a major national insurance company. He is fluent in Spanish.

Julia A. Cryne

Omaha, NE

Julia is a bilingual immigration attorney representing clients from every inhabited continent. With her deliberate approach to casework that involves giving each client one-on-one attention and creating accurate plans for their path to success, Attorney Julia Cryne has enjoyed many impressive immigration case successes throughout her career. Recently, Julia helped a renowned Russian biologist who was working on critical disease research, treatments, and cures to obtain a National Interest Waiver and green card. She guided a Navy veteran in applying for rapid citizenship due to his honorable service. She helped a young son who had been separated from his mother in a refugee camp in Uganda for more than 7 years to reunite with her and gain a green card. She also aided a Guatemalan family in obtaining political asylum status before the Immigration Court. When asked about what inspires her to continue to do great work, Julia often notes her clients’ courage. Immigrating to a new country, often without speaking the same language or knowing how to get by, figuring out how to survive, working so hard to support themselves and their families, and contributing to the great American melting pot all take bravery and great strides. She respects her clients as people, as well as valuing the skills and knowledge that they possess, and she is a tremendous advocate for their rights and petitions before immigration agencies in their names. Attorney Cryne is compassionate, listening to her client’s stories and finding ways to help wherever possible. She is an immigration specialist who takes the time to stay current with the constant stream of changes in this area of law to best serve her clients. She is also fluent in English and Spanish. Julia grew up right here in Omaha, Nebraska, where Carlson & Blakeman is headquartered. When not working on a case for a client, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to distant places, playing the piano, and horseback riding. She is a big fan of the music by The Beatles.

Keith C. Mackenzie

Los Angeles, CA

Keith C. Mackenzie practices Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability Appeals (SSD) law. He approaches his practice with a keen analytical eye and is fluent in Spanish.

Lydia Pizzonia

Albuquerque, NM

Lydia Pizzonia was born in Amarillo, Texas, and moved to New Mexico in 1989. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from UNM School of Law in 2019. Prior to law school, she earned a BSBA in finance from Adams State University in 2006. She worked in the UNM law clinic, practicing Indian Law, and received the 'Outstanding Clinical Student Award'. She has worked as CFO for Pizzonia Law since 2014 and became an associate attorney after graduating law school. She is licensed to practice in New Mexico since 2019.

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago is an energetic and passionate immigration attorney, focusing exclusively on helping foreign nationals and immigrants with business, investment, and residency in the U.S. She received her law degree in June 2003 from Interamerican University School of Law and has extensive experience in U.S. immigration and nationality laws, representing clients from over 15 countries.

Scott L. Richardson

Orlando, FL

Scott L. Richardson is an attorney dedicated to defending the rights of individuals in central Florida, known for providing aggressive yet comprehensive representation. He incorporates high goals, creativity, and an unconventional approach in his law practice. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Political Science and later from the University of Florida College of Law. He worked in complex civil litigation in the U.S. Virgin Islands before opening his own firm in Orlando in 1989. Mr. Richardson prides himself on being accessible and responsive to his clients, responding to communication 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He has defended professional athletes, local doctors, and lawyers, aiming to achieve client goals swiftly and discreetly.

Alex Benjamin Rabinowitz

Naples, FL

Alex Rabinowitz is one of Boatman Ricci’s Associate Attorneys, contributing to the firm in its commercial litigation matters. Originally from South New Jersey, outside of Philadelphia, Alex moved down to Fort Myers just before starting Canterbury High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in both International Studies and Spanish from the University of Florida, after which he spent time working in an account executive role for a software sales company in Miami. Alex thereafter earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Ave Maria School of Law, where he had the opportunity to work in various litigation capacities at several local firms, while also gaining valuable transactional experience in a law clerk position assisting the general counsel of Jersey Mike’s. While in law school, Mr. Rabinowitz was a Senior Editor of the Law Review, a Business Law Institute Fellow, and a Research Assistant to the Dean. During his time with the Law Review, Alex received the honor of having his Note selected for publication, where he wrote about the correlation between traumatic brain injuries and ineffective return-to-play policies among youth athletes. Finally, while fulfilling his role as Research Assistant, Mr. Rabinowitz contributed to the publication of two novels and several scholarly articles relating to Fourth and Fifth Amendment constitutional rights. Outside of the office, Alex enjoys being active, whether it be in traveling to support a Philadelphia sports team, taking a yoga class, playing ping pong, or golfing. He also has a passion for Latin American culture, always looking to refine his Spanish-speaking skills.

Brian holds both a Finance and Law degree from the University of Florida. Brian began his Orlando law career defending insurance companies. Since 2000, Brian has dedicated his practice to representing injured parties and their families.

Michael Hendricks

Albuquerque, NM

Michael Hendricks is the owner of Hendricks Law, specializing in Immigration Law, including family immigration, green card applications, Naturalization, deferred action/expert release, employment immigration, and deportation defense. He was raised in Central Mexico, giving him unique language skills and cultural knowledge. He attended the University of New Mexico and University of New Mexico School of Law. He studied immigration under John W. Lawit and worked for his firm, then was managing attorney for Whittenburg Law Firm and Beacon Immigration. He founded Hendricks Law in 2015. He has received many awards for his work, shares knowledge at events, provides pro bono services, and served as consulting attorney for the Mexican Consulate in New Mexico and as a board member for TNTI Ministries and a human trafficking organization.

Samantha Martinez

San Antonio, TX

Samantha M. Martinez is an attorney specializing in personal injury law, currently practicing in San Antonio, Texas. Born and raised in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Samantha pursued her academic journey in the United States. She graduated from St. Mary’s University with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2018, followed by a Master’s in Public Administration in 2019. After gaining experience at a San Antonio law firm, Samantha pursued and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law in May 2023. She excelled academically, receiving a CALI award in the Elements of Legal Analysis class. During law school, Samantha gained diverse experience in immigration law, medical malpractice defense, and insurance defense firms. She also prosecuted civil cases for the City of Dayton Law Department, handling a substantial caseload under a limited practice license obtained as part of her externship. As President of the Hispanic Law Student Association, she furthered her leadership and advocacy roles within the legal community. Since obtaining her license to practice law in Texas, Samantha has focused her career on advocating for individuals in personal injury cases, ensuring that her clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. She is committed to serving her community and making a positive impact through her legal career.

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.

Kimberly D. Padilla grew up in Abilene, Texas, and graduated with honors from Abilene High School and Texas Tech University with a Political Science degree. She worked in education and medical fields before entering the legal field in 2000 as a legal assistant. She earned her law degree from the University of Miami, School of Law in 2008 and returned to Texas to practice. She gained experience working with personal injury lawyers and on contract cases against insurance companies during law school. She is proficient in Spanish and actively represents Spanish-speaking clients.