Spanish-Speaking Attorneys

Theodore A. Maloney

Charlotte, NC

My name is Teddy Maloney, I've been representing injured people, and litigating to protect people's rights in North Carolina for more than 20 years. I am originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, then moved to Chapel Hill before the start of sixth grade. I obtained my BA from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997, from there I went straight into law school also at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 2000 with my JD. From there I moved to Charlotte and began practicing law. First with Maloney and Meier, LLC, then in 2007, I opened the Law Office of Theodore A. Maloney, PLLC. In those 20-plus years since I arrived in Charlotte and began representing the good people of North Carolina I have represented thousands of people from all walks of life, who all shared one thing in common, and that was a need for help. Help in a fight against a giant insurance company, or the State, or the Federal Government. All imposing foes to someone who has never faced them, but all welcomed challenges to us at The Law Office of Theodore A. Maloney, PLLC who love to fight to protect the rights of others.

Dillon P. Thornbury

Chattanooga, TN

Dillon P. Thornbury, a member of the firm, practices primarily in the areas of business organization, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, real estate, commercial leases, and aircraft sales and acquisitions. Dillon has significant experience advising clients on complex business and real estate matters, including structuring and negotiating mergers and acquisitions, drafting purchase agreements for high-value real estate sales and acquisitions, and providing general corporate counseling and compliance guidance. In the course of his diverse practice, Dillon has been involved in several multi-million dollar business transactions, and he has represented a wide range of clients in various industries, including distribution, advertising, banking, engineering, consumer products, and various service-based industries. Dillon received his law degree, cum laude, and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and the University of Memphis, Fogelman College of Business and Economics, respectively. While in law school, Dillon gained invaluable experience in several areas of the law by working in various law firms, working ‘in-house’ at a large, publicly traded corporation, and completing an externship with Magistrate Judge Tu M. Pham of the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Dillon received Academic Excellence Awards by earning the highest grade in his Mergers and Acquisitions and Trademarks classes. He also earned the Dean’s Award for Excellence for the best trial brief in Legal Methods II. Dillon was also recognized by the Tennessee Supreme Court as a Law Student for Justice in acknowledgment of his performance of over fifty hours of pro bono work during his law school career. Dillon has also been recognized as a Super Lawyer-Rising Star by the Mid-South Super Lawyers publication for 2024. Dillon and his wife, Miki, currently reside in North Chattanooga with their daughters, Finley and Maeve. As a former college soccer player, Dillon enjoys playing almost any type of sport and coaching in his spare time, but he has recently developed a golf habit.

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.

Benjamin C. Rosenberg

Valley Stream, NY

Benjamin C. Rosenberg, known as "The LawDoctor," is a New York attorney with over 30 years of experience. He graduated from Brooklyn College in 1985 and Brooklyn Law School in 1990. He worked as an associate at Fennell & Minkoff from 1990 to 1993 before starting his own firm in November 1993. He is known for making house calls and providing personal attention to clients, explaining legal matters in plain English. He speaks English, Hebrew, German, and some Spanish. He represents clients throughout New York City, including The Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Nassau County, and Suffolk County.

Stephanie Zaragoza

San Antonio, TX

Stephanie Zaragoza is a bicultural, bilingual Mexican-American attorney determined to seek justice for our clients on the border of El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Stephanie is a licensed attorney since 2016. She is a proud El Pasoan serving our community on the border of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. She grew up in El Paso, Texas while living in Ciudad Juarez. Through her experience living on both sides of the border, she witnessed many injustices while growing up. At a young age she was determined to seek justice for the less fortunate, which led her to previously working at Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid before joining Cesar Ornelas Law. Ms. Zaragoza attended St. Mary’s University majored in English Communication Arts, and graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2016 with The Pro Bono and Public Service Award from the State Bar of Texas. She is a member of the El Paso Bar Association and El Paso Women’s Bar Association. As a proud Loretto Angel, she serves on the Advisory Board for Loretto Academy Challenge Program. Through her work at Cesar Ornelas Law, she represents clients from beginning to end through the most difficult of times. Conviction, justice and compassion lead Ms. Zaragoza’s effective representation for our clients and is why we are proud to have her as a part of our team.

Richard Naylor is an attorney. His education includes an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Denver (2005), a J.D./M.B.A. from Samford University (2004) and a B.A. in Economics from Hampden-Sydney College (2000). He received the E. Randolph Williams pro bono award for four consecutive years (2006-2010) for his work representing victims of domestic violence. He was recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2015, 2017-18. He is admitted to the Virginia bar and the United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia.

Ryan E. Price

Woodward, OK

Ryan E. Price was born in Shattuck, Oklahoma and admitted to practice in the state of Oklahoma in 2002. Mr. Price is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit and the U.S. District Courts, Northern and Western Districts of Oklahoma, and the Northern District of Texas. Mr. Price completed his preparatory education at Oklahoma State University (B.A., 1998) and obtained his legal education at the Oklahoma City University School of Law (J.D., 2002). Mr. Price is a member of the Woodward County Bar, Oklahoma Bar, and American Bar Associations. Mr. Price returned to the Woodward area in 2004 and has been involved with various community and school events.

Anthony Cecala

Frederick, MD

For over fifteen years, Anthony Cecala has dedicated himself to the practice of criminal law. After graduating from the Catholic University Columbus School of Law in 1995, he worked in Washington D.C. on domestic violence cases. In 1999, Anthony was appointed as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Frederick County, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases in District, Circuit and Juvenile Courts. After handling various types of criminal cases for the State’s Attorney’s Office, Anthony joined Marc Ward in criminal defense practice. Utilizing the invaluable trial and negotiation skills he has accumulated over the years, Anthony brings a zealous approach to his representation of those charged with criminal and serious offenses, which includes a strenuous attention to detail and experience from both sides of the table. In addition to the vast variety of his legal experience, Anthony is known for his calm and reasonable demeanor, as well as his keen attention to current legal trends and developments. His practice is concentrated in criminal cases, serious traffic and protective orders. Beyond being a skilled legal practitioner, Anthony also speaks Spanish and is happy to provide criminal representation service to the Spanish-speaking community. Beyond his professional obligations, he also volunteers time for church and community activities, and speaking engagements.

Edward A. Buchanan

Vero Beach, FL

Edward A. Buchanan is a licensed attorney with over 15 years of experience in Florida, specializing in business transactions, real estate, general litigation, and jury trials. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Victor M. Arellano

Huntington, NY

Victor M. Arellano is a bilingual Partner/Shareholder at Arellano & Phebus, S.C., focusing on personal injury, medical negligence, employment, criminal, and immigration law in Wisconsin.

Hector J. Torres

Brownsville, TX

Hector J. Torres was born in McAllen, Texas. He earned a BBA degree in 1985 from the University of Texas at Austin and attended law school at Arizona State University. He returned to Texas and began working for a law firm, later serving as an Assistant District Attorney for Hidalgo County.

Joe Stanley

Dover, DE

Attorney Joe Stanley is a workers' compensation and personal injury attorney with Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, P.A. He is dedicated to protecting clients' rights after preventable accidents or work-related medical conditions, striving for the best possible outcome. He helps clients navigate the workers' compensation system, from application to appeals, and represents individuals and families in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and defective products, holding negligent parties accountable.

Dave Villalobos is a passionate personal injury attorney at Thompson Legal, P.A. in Davie, Florida. He holds a B.A. in English from Rutgers University and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCF. He graduated seventh in his class from Florida International University College of Law in 2019, where he achieved the highest grade in six classes and competed in the Texas Young Lawyers Association National Trial Competition. He is fluent in Spanish. After practicing first party property insurance defense, probate/trust, and commercial litigation, he found his calling fighting for injured people in auto accidents and premises liability. He is licensed in Florida state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He is involved with the Broward County Bar Association.

Jacqueline Carranza, Esq.

New York, NY

Jacqueline Carranza is a staunch advocate for those confronting discrimination and sexual harassment. She is licensed in New York and the USDC Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, with expertise in Title VII, the American Disabilities Act, and New York State and City Human Rights Laws. She is fluent in Spanish and has a strong track record of successful management in mediations and settlement conferences, including a recent courtroom triumph against a Motion for Summary Judgement in a workplace sexual harassment and retaliation case.

Jessica A. Gomez

Encino, CA

Jessica has broad experience litigating claims of workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour, and other employment related claims under various state and federal laws. She handles claims in all stages, from case inception through trial, and practices in both state and federal court. She regularly responds to charges brought before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Department of Fair Employment and Housing, conducts workplace investigations, successfully compels matters to arbitration pursuant to arbitration agreements, and resolves pre-litigation claims. Jessica also provides day-to-day counseling to employers in matters such as employment and labor policies, human resources decisions, the drafting of separation agreements, discrimination and harassment complaints, disability accommodation, and retaliation. She is also fluent in Spanish. Prior to joining the firm, Jessica was an extern for Judge Susan Illston of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. She also clerked for the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Zain M. Jaffry joined Sherwood Law Group in June of 2023. Born in the vibrant city of Toronto, Ontario Canada; Zain Jaffry brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to the world of law. As a young and upcoming attorney he has already made his mark as a tenacious litigator known for his unwavering dedication and relentless work ethic. Zain understands that legal matters can be incredibly daunting. His clients often describe him as a tireless advocate, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their interests are protected. He is committed to providing his clients with the utmost care, attention, and personalized legal solutions. His approach is characterized by diligence, where no detail is too small to escape his scrutiny. He strives to make the legal process as smooth and transparent as possible, ensuring his clients are well-informed every step of the way. Zain has prosecuted cases and specializes in representation of Plaintiff’s in motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, trucking accidents, premises liability, and third party actions stemming from a work injury. Beyond the courtroom, Zain enjoys studying languages and is able to speak Urdu, Chinese, French, and is currently learning Spanish. He believes that his versatility in language not only aids him in breaking down language barriers but also fosters a deeper understanding of the unique needs and perspectives of his clients. When Zain isn't fiercely advocating for his clients, you'll often find him embracing life's adventures. He's an avid cyclist, frequently pedaling along the scenic Lakefront Trail. His passion for rock climbing and the thrill of conquering new heights keeps him grounded and motivated. On the basketball court, he showcases the same tenacity and competitiveness that make him an excellent litigator.

Erika Portillo is Of Counsel to Guichard Teng & Garrett. Ms. Portillo is a highly experienced immigration lawyer whose interest and passion in law makes her a skillful advocate on behalf of her clients. Her knowledge and experience in immigration law and her passion for the subject have helped many foreign nationals secure immigration status and pursue their dreams in the United States. Her work as a compassionate immigration attorney is enhanced by her experience as a government attorney in Mexico. She has experience in family immigration, removal defense, U Nonimmigrant visas, VAWA cases, asylum, and naturalization, among other immigration matters. Her experience in the subject allows her to comprehensively advise clients on the full range of immigration options and risks.

Jorge Alvarez

San Antonio, TX

Jorge Alvarez graduated from BYU Law School in 2017 and began his career in Las Vegas, Nevada, practicing personal injury litigation. He has represented injured victims against large corporations, including trucking companies, casinos, and hotels, achieving seven-figure results. Prior to law school, he worked in the insurance field in San Antonio, Texas. He is a native Spanish speaker from Ecuador and recently relocated to San Antonio.

Helena Jordan

Monterey, CA

Helena Jordan is a personal injury attorney committed to ensuring everyone receives just treatment, regardless of their background. She finds it rewarding to guide clients through complex legal processes, especially when they are in vulnerable positions due to life-changing injuries. Helena enjoys understanding her clients' needs and utilizing her legal knowledge to prevent exploitation. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is working towards becoming trilingual.

Jared Comstock was hired as an associate attorney with Avera & Smith in 2016. He focuses on personal injury, workers’ compensation and creditors’ rights cases. He graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2011 in the top three percent of his class, where he was a member of the Florida Coastal Law Review and earned Book Awards. Prior to law school, he graduated cum laude with a degree in finance from Georgia Southern University, where he was a member of the baseball team, the Student Athlete Advisory Board, and the Honors Program.

Cecilia Sardiña Guzman

Saddle Brook, NJ

Cecilia Sardiña Guzman is an aggressive, straight forward, and experienced attorney provides personal attention to each client’s individual circumstances and takes great satisfaction in vigorously representing their positions. Ms. Guzman graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor in Spanish Literature. Prior to attending law school, she studied Constitution Law at the University of Miami and thereafter attended Western New England University School of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctorate in 1999. Following law school, she clerked for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office handling complex municipal appeals. In 2002, Ms. Guzman expanded her practice to include Family Law when she began practicing at the Law Firm of Fusco & Macaluso where she managed the matrimonial unit. In 2005 Ms. Guzman expanded further by signing on as an associate for the Law Firm of Bastarrika, Guzman & Soto. In 2010, Ms. Guzman launched her own law firm, the Law Office of Cecilia Sardiña Guzman, LLC, in Totowa, New Jersey. In September 2014 she was appointed as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Paterson and also served as the Municipal Court Judge for the Town of Dover from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020. Ms. Guzman closed her practice after 8 years to focus on her judicial responsibilities. As an attorney with over 20 years of experience, Ms. Guzman has litigated virtually every aspect of family law, including divorce, custody disputes, child support hearings, removal applications, domestic violence restraining orders, palimony matters, same-sex and civil union disputes, contested adoptions and DCPP matters. Ms. Guzman continues to be Court Appointed Guardian Ad Litem in complex child custody, child abuse and child neglect actions and also handles international custody matters and matters dealing with the Hague Convention. Ms. Guzman is also certified as a mediator. Ms. Guzman volunteered as an expert panelist on the Passaic County Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel. She also volunteers her time as an advocate for victim’s rights and as an inspirational speaker to young girls at school assemblies throughout the state. Ms. Guzman missed the practice of law and is now working per diem for Peter Van Aulen in addition to continuing as a Municipal Court Judge. Ms. Guzman has a reputation for being a strong advocate by her adversaries but is also known to be an understanding and compassionate voice for her clients.

Ivetta Avanesov is a Beverly Hills personal injury lawyer who approaches the practice with professionalism and respect. She advocates for the injured, harmed, and mistreated, driven by a passion to be a voice for the unheard. She earned her Juris Doctor from Arizona Summit Law School and founded Viciti Law in 2018, focusing on personal injury and insurance claim denials. She emphasizes compassion, balance, resilience, and empathy in her practice, working closely with clients and utilizing mock trials for case preparation.

Partner at Mexlaw, Charles graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1982 and has been a member of the Bar of Quebec since 1983 with occasional practice at the Bar of Ontario. His career spans more than 35 years during which he has litigated civil matters before all instances in Canadian courts. Charles is also a successful entrepreneur and has participated in multiple real estate transactions and commercial negotiations. He is an Attorney and CEO of Tibshirani Avocats, a respected law firm in Montreal, Canada.