Spanish-Speaking Attorneys

Partner in Ferguson Case Orr Paterson’s business department. Over a decade of experience as a litigator. Represents clients in contract disputes, shareholder-management disputes, partnership disputes, and white-collar and other fiduciary-duty related disputes. Counsels clients about board governance, dispute-resolution alternatives, pre-litigation settlements, and litigation risk management.

Erin Hughes

Douglasville, GA

Erin Hughes concentrates her practice on residential and commercial real estate transactions and general business law. She previously practiced real estate finance, foreclosures, and commercial/residential closings. She also has experience in general business law and estate planning, including wills, power of attorneys, and medical directives.

Julia Nordlinger

Seattle, WA

Ms. Nordlinger’s practice focuses on civil defense litigation, including first- and third-party insurance defense. Previously, Ms. Nordlinger practiced a broad array of civil litigation and appellate work.

Simon has been practicing in South Florida for 28 years, primarily in the area of workers’ compensation. He is fluent in Spanish and French. This fluency has empowered Simon to better serve the diverse South Florida community. In addition, to his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, he obtained an LL.M from The American University in Washington, D.C. Simon is fortunate to live in Florida and to be able to enjoy everything that it has to offer. When Simon is not working he is put enjoying South Florida’s beautiful beaches, horseback riding in Wellington or antiquing wherever he can. He also is greatly fond of classical music, opera, and travel.

David Bonilla, Esq.

New York, NY

David Bonilla is a zealous advocate for his clients' rights, having pursued law after witnessing injustices. He leads one of EEP Law's discovery teams and has successfully obtained millions of dollars for injured clients. Born in Cali, Colombia, and raised in Queens, New York, his bilingual abilities (Spanish) serve a wide range of the firm's clientele.

Gianni Avalos is an associate attorney at Calhoun Meredith. She is a north Texas native who received a Bachelor of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University. She earned her Juris Doctorate at South Texas College of Law, where she previously served as a law clerk for Calhoun Meredith. She provides attention to detail, organization, zealous advocacy, and empathy to her clients’ matters and can represent both English and Spanish speaking clients.

Eric Backstrom

Rogers, AR

Eric began his legal career in the Air Force with the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. He joined the firm in winter 2011. He is passionate about helping people and enjoys spending time with his family, cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks, and playing ultimate Frisbee and softball.

Diego Gil Jr., Esq.

Fort Myers, FL

Diego Gil Jr., Esq. was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, embarking on a path of unwavering public service and a relentless pursuit of justice. Diego is bilingual and fluent in Spanish. Diego Gil Jr., Esq. began this journey as a Master at Arms and Military Police Officer in the United States Navy in 2003, serving two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, attached to Joint Task Force Guantanamo from 2005 to 2007. Following an honorable discharge, Diego Gil Jr., Esq. made the decision to relocate to Cape Coral, Florida, to be closer to family and to pursue higher education, furthering his career in the legal field. Diego Gil Jr., Esq.’s steadfast commitment to justice led to the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Southwest Florida College. During this academic journey, he discovered a true calling for the law. His passion for justice was further ignited during an internship with the Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida, where he witnessed the profound impact of a dedicated attorney on people’s lives. This experience served as the catalyst for Diego Gil Jr., Esq.’s decision to enroll at Ave Maria School of Law, where an unwavering dedication to the study of law flourished. During this period, he was honored with the prestigious Robert Bork Appellate Competition award, reflecting exceptional legal skills. Additionally, Diego Gil Jr., Esq. had the privilege of serving as the President of the Veterans Law Student Association on campus, further cementing his commitment to veterans’ rights and advocacy. Beyond the legal arena, Diego Gil Jr., Esq. actively participates in the community by serving on the Board of Directors for Wounded Warriors of Collier County. In this role, he provides invaluable assistance to all veterans in Collier County, addressing their housing, education, and mental health needs. His commitment to support those who have made tremendous sacrifices for the nation extends to his legal practice. With a unique background encompassing military service and legal education, Diego Gil Jr., Esq. brings a distinctive perspective to the practice as a personal injury attorney. His practice area focuses on helping those injured and handling personal injury cases with the same dedication and discipline that characterized his military service. His areas include: Car Accidents, Slip and Fall Injuries, Medical Malpractice, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death Claims, Veterans’ Rights Advocacy. As a personal injury attorney, Diego Gil Jr., Esq. is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients, approaching each case with a sense of duty, integrity, and unwavering commitment reminiscent of his military service. When clients choose Diego Gil Jr., Esq. as their attorney, they gain more than just a legal representative; they secure a passionate advocate who leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. His mission is to ensure that the rights of those who have suffered harm are upheld and defended, fighting tirelessly on their behalf. Diego Gil Jr., Esq. is ready to serve as a trusted guide through the legal process, working together to seek the justice and compensation clients rightfully deserve.

Luis A. Muniz

New York, NY

Luis A. Muniz is a Trial Attorney for The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff. He has been litigating cases since 1993. He began his career in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, assigned to the Domestic Violence, Child Abuse and Sexual Abuse Unit.

Raymundo Reyes

Phoenix, AZ

I am passionate about advocating for our clients and giving them my best effort to achieve the best results. I enjoy opportunities to cultivate effective professional relationships with clients, so that my efforts on their behalf truly reflect their unique needs and goals. Ray Reyes launched his immigration and litigation practice at Schneider & Onofry after excelling academically at the University of Arizona. He is an immigration and civil litigation attorney, a 2016 graduate of the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona, where he was Articles Editor of the Arizona Law Review, earned the Dean’s Achievement Scholarship, and received the Outstanding Performance in Legal Writing Award. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. In the community, Ray has taught English to refugee children through Community Outreach & Advocacy for Refugees (COAR). His hobbies include gardening, reading, and playing Rummikub.

AnnMarie M. Sylla

Waukesha, WI

AnnMarie Sylla is a shareholder and attorney focusing on litigation, primarily in family law and Social Security Disability. She represents clients in complex family cases across southeastern Wisconsin. A member of the State Bar of Wisconsin since 2013, she serves on its Board of Governors and is President of the Waukesha County Bar Association. She is also a member of the American Bar Association and Association for Women Lawyers. Ms. Sylla is proficient in Spanish and graduated from New England School of Law after studying at Marquette University.

Anthony Shively

Boise, ID

Tony joined Litster Frost in 2006 as a case manager and paralegal. He obtained his JD in 2015 from Condordia University School of Law in Boise, Idaho. He is experienced in all aspects of personal injury law from the initial stages, negotiating settlements and trial. He has since proven integral to the astonishing growth and success of our firm and he handles all types of personal injury and worker’s compensation cases. He is bilingual in both English and Spanish and has helped many clients with immigration matters including obtaining citizenship, student visas, U-visas, defending deportees, obtaining prosecutorial discretion and navigating the DACA program. His familiarity with immigration law is a great benefit to our clients whose workplace issues often intersect with immigration law or have immigration consequences. Anthony is a forceful advocates for our clients. His many years of experience allows him to anticipate client needs, help them explore all their legal options so that our clients can make the best decisions for their individual circumstances. Anthony knows that you may have a great deal on your mind, but he is here to make sure the other side knows you are a top priority. He wants to make this as easy on you as possible by fighting to get you the result you’re entitled, so that you can concentrate on what’s important to you. Please contact him today to set up an initial consultation.

John Morrison, Esq.

Marietta, GA

John E. Morrison, Jr. was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia. He graduated Georgia State University in 2003 with magna cum laude honors. He obtained his law degree with Honors in Litigation from Georgia State University. Upon graduation, Mr. Morrison practiced liability and workers’ compensation law for one of the largest claimant law firms in East Georgia. He has never worked for an insurance company or a defense law firm, and he never will. He enjoys helping injured parties receive the benefits to which they are entitled. Mr. Morrison is fluent in Spanish.

Tim Hunt

Santa Ana, CA

Mr. Hunt’s primary focus is personal injury and civil litigation. Mr. Hunt strives to zealously ensure his clients are compensated for their suffering. Mr. Hunt has worked in multiple fields of law ranging from Intellectual Property, Immigration Law, to Entertainment Law which has provided him with an in-depth knowledge of the litigation process and experience beyond his years. Mr. Hunt attended Chapman University School of Law under a Full Merit-Based Scholarship. While attending Chapman, due to his academic achievements he was invited onto the prestigious Chapman Law Review where he honed his research and analytic skills. Mr. Hunt received a CALI Excellence for the Future award in 2020. In his free time, Mr. Hunt enjoys weightlifting, painting, and going to the beach.

Ariana Saadipour

Pinellas Park, FL

Ariana Saadipour is a powerful advocate for the injured, blending legal savvy with an unwavering dedication to justice. She fights fiercely for clients who have suffered injuries due to negligence, using her insider knowledge of insurance companies to secure the best possible outcomes. Ariana started her academic journey in the sciences, earning a degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Puerto Rico. She then took her analytical mind to Syracuse University College of Law, where she discovered her love for legal advocacy. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she ensures her clients feel heard, understood, and empowered-no matter their background.

Pedro Morales

Lakeland, FL

When looking at qualities in a lawyer, I believe one of the most important and overlooked is the capacity to listen. Listening is the way that we as lawyers understand our clients and their needs; this helps us to connect with them and, ultimately, better serve them. I find this is true with all of my clients, whether they be English- or Spanish-speaking clients. We can never lose sight of the personal relationship we build with our clients and the individual connection that enables all of us to become better advocates. In his legal practice, Attorney Morales is driven by a desire to help people who are facing big, well-funded insurance companies. He believes in developing meaningful, personal relationships with his clients, as well as the importance of having honest conversations with them. Attorney Morales always tells his clients the truth while also ensuring they know he will fight for them. Attorney Morales views his role in the attorney-client relationship as a guide. He works to help his clients navigate challenging, difficult circumstances and come out the other side. He draws on his past experience helping clients in similar situations to act fast, anticipate issues, and develop strategies to overcome them. He also understands that every case is different and, as such, every client deserves personalized attention and solutions tailored to their unique needs, concerns, and goals.

Daniel S. Pelaez

Los Angeles, CA

Daniel S. Pelaez is a bilingual Spanish speaker focusing on high-value civil litigation, including mass tort, product liability, and personal injury matters. He is a graduate of the CAALA Plaintiff Trial Academy and an active member of the legal community.

Mr. Joe Pluta

Bakersfield, CA

Mr. Joe Pluta works hard to meticulously uphold the legal standards set by his father, Mr. Joseph Pluta, to carry on his rich legal legacy. His multifaceted expertise is attributable to his diverse early school interests, including football, soccer, and track and field. He constantly strives to serve Bakersfield’s Spanish-speaking residents by improving his Spanish proficiency.

David Abrego

Weslaco, TX

David Abrego was born in Weslaco and raised in Mercedes, Texas. He focuses his practice on personal injury law and brings additional experience in criminal law and estate planning. His motivation to pursue personal injury law is deeply personal and rooted in family history. When Abrego’s mother was just three years old, his grandfather was tragically killed by a train at a dark, unmarked intersection in Indiana while on his way to work at a packing plant. The train was operated by companies tied to major grocery brands. His grandmother, a young widow who spoke only Spanish, was taken advantage of during the legal process and received just $350 as a settlement. That experience left a lasting impression on Abrego and drives his determination to fight for those who are vulnerable, overlooked, or exploited-especially when language or background becomes a barrier to justice. Abrego considers it a privilege to serve individuals and families during their most difficult times. He is proud to be part of the Ezequiel Reyna Law Office and to stand alongside a team committed to advocating for the injured. Raised in a humble neighborhood in Mercedes by parents who were former migrant workers with limited education, Abrego grew up with the belief that hard work and perseverance could overcome any obstacle. All five of his siblings excelled academically, including two valedictorians, and Abrego became the first in his family to earn a doctorate and become an attorney. He is also a proud father-his oldest daughter serves our country as a Federal Agent in the Border Patrol. His oldest son is currently a student at Baylor University and preparing to apply to medical school. Outside of the legal profession, Abrego is a talented musician. He is a professional pianist and keyboardist, singer, and songwriter who enjoys performing and composing music. He also values spending time with his wife and children.

Lillian Rivera has been the backbone of our paralegal department for many years. A certified paralegal from Berkeley College since 1994, we have been blessed to have Lillian on our team for over two decades. She has specific expertise with all the Surrogates Courts, is instrumental in getting Infant Compromise Orders signed, as well as drawing up Letters of Administration and Wrongful Death Decrees for our clients. Referred to as “Senora Lillian” by many of our clients, she is always available to help exuding genuine concern for our clients as well as grace, a smile, competence and class.

Lindsay D. Solon

Fort Wayne, IN

Lindsay D. Solon practices Social Security disability and family law. She is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) and of the Allen County Bar Social Security and Family Law Sections. Her focus is helping clients with their disability claims and assisting with complex family law problems.

Maria C. Lomeli

Phoenix, AZ

I have a long-held passion for the law. My goal is to help others and make a positive difference in their lives. My passion, experience and determination help me represent my clients’ interests and help them achieve their goals. A partner in the firm, Maria joined Schneider & Onofry in 2014 after completing a distinguished academic career at the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law, where she was an Articles Editor for the Arizona Journal of International & Comparative Law, received the Award for Outstanding Brief in Advanced Legal Writing, and was a member of the Latino Law Student Association and the Immigration Law Student Association. Maria also worked as a law clerk with the Arizona Capital Representation Project in Tucson. Maria is an avid traveler, having backpacked for two months in South America and backpacked on safari in South Africa. Maria loves learning about new cultures and the people and makes it her goal to travel to a new country each year (most recently Peru, Ecuador and Argentina).

Travis Black serves of counsel at the firm. He is a former police officer and prior insurance adjuster, taking a tough stance in fighting for justice for personal injury victims.

Brian W. Copley

Lexington, NE

Brian W. Copley is an attorney admitted to practice in Nebraska and U.S. District Court since 2013. His practice areas include business law, real estate law, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, title insurance, and litigation. He is involved with the Nebraska State Bar Association and Dawson County Bar Association.