Spanish-Speaking Attorneys

Catherine A. Mancing

Miami, FL

Catherine A. Mancing is a senior attorney at Isicoff Ragatz. Ms. Mancing concentrates her practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation and employment law. Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Ms. Mancing practiced in the area of retail banking and financial services litigation for six years, and then was a senior associate at one of Miami’s premier boutique litigation firms. During law school, she was a member of the International Law Moot Court Team, and her team won best brief award at the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Toronto, Canada. She was also an Articles and Comments Editor for the University of Syracuse Law Review, a member of the Women’s Law Student Association, provided services to non-profits in the Transactional Law Clinic and was a teaching assistant for the Legal Communications & Research class.

Randall Noakes Jr.

Prospect, KY

Mr. Noakes has been the Chief Medical Officer for Noakes Law Group since its inception and has been, and still is active in all client’s medical treatment reviews. Mr. Noakes reviews all medical malpractice client cases that come into the firm. Mr. Noakes has now assumed the role of the Chief Executive Officer, which allows him to focus more on business development and the upcoming growth of Noakes Law Group. Mr. Noakes continues to bring a unique skill set to clients due to several years in medicine before attending law school. Mr. Noakes complements Ms. Noakes's skillset, as they both have grown the practice through hard work and compassion for clients.

Danny Upton

Hoover, AL

C. Daniel Upton provides representation and guidance on a wide range of immigration matters at Abogados Centro Legal. He graduated with honors in International Studies from Birmingham-Southern University and received a full scholarship to the University of Alabama School of Law. After graduating, he was commissioned as a missionary attorney for the United Methodist Church, working with Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) in North Alabama and Western Michigan, providing free legal representation to vulnerable immigrants. He returned to Alabama in 2010 and was a lead plaintiff in challenging the Anti-Immigration Law HB 56 in 2011. He has been with the firm for 8 years (as of 2021).

Jessica Mikale, a St. Louis resident since 1993, joined Wegmann Law Firm in Jefferson County after graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2003. With a focus on family law, real estate law, and municipal law, she has established herself as an accomplished attorney. Jessica is a Missouri Supreme Court approved civil and divorce mediator and holds leadership positions in various legal associations. She is also actively involved in community organizations, including the Girl Scouts.

Daniel J. Barraza

Phoenix, AZ

Daniel J. Barraza is a Senior Associate Attorney at Rafi Law Group, providing effective and aggressive defense to his clients. He is passionate about ensuring clients receive the best representation and personalized attention. A Tucson native, Daniel's family has deep roots in the community, with the Barraza-Aviation parkway named in part after them. He attended Salpointe Catholic High School and the University of Arizona, then returned to Tucson after law school to work at the DeConcini U.S. Courthouse and U.S. Bankruptcy Court. He also served the Tucson community by representing employees at the Tucson V.A. hospital.

Rachelle Staley

Laguna Beach, CA

Rachelle Staley graduated from UC Hastings College of the Law in 2004 and has been a licensed member of the California Bar Association for 20 years. She joined Case Barnett Law as Managing Attorney in 2019, bringing years of experience in injury law to advocate for accident victims and survivors of sexual abuse. Her mission is to connect survivors to the justice they deserve.

Anton O. Serikov is a civil litigation attorney dedicated to representing homeowners in community association disputes and business disputes. Born in Ukraine and raised in Canada, he brings a unique global perspective and multilingual capabilities to his practice.

Edward Ramos

Coral Gables, FL

Edward Ramos is a graduate of Yale Law School and a partner with KKTP. Edward's practice focuses on litigating immigration-related cases in the federal courts. He has helped clients overcome denials in a broad range of practice areas, including employment-based visa petitions (such as H-1B, and I-140 petitions), family-based visa petitions, terminations of regional centers in the EB-5 Program, and EB-5 visa petitions (I-526 and I-829). Several of Edward's cases have been national class actions. He has represented the American Immigration Lawyers Association and immigrants' rights organizations in several friend-of-the-court briefs in the Supreme Court of the United States. Edward also assists clients with complex matters before administrative immigration agencies, including United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the immigration courts, and the Board of Immigration Appeals. Edward is passionate about immigration law, and he enjoys the challenge of litigating novel and complex issues to help his clients obtain their immigration goals.

Kirk Melton

Twin Falls, ID

Kirk Melton began his legal career in 2011 clerking for then-District Judge G. Richard Bevan. He spent several years as an associate for a local law firm in Twin Falls, Idaho, representing companies and individuals in a wide array of litigation matters before all levels of the Idaho judicial system. He also assists clients with business, estate, and probate needs. Mr. Melton represents a diverse group of clients, including homeowner’s associations, landlords/tenants, businesses, insureds, and contractors. He graduated magna cum laude from the Brigham Young University Law School, where he served on the BYU Law Review as a Senior Editor. He also received his B.S. from Brigham Young University magna cum laude. He is licensed to practice law before all State and Federal courts of Idaho.

Adam V. Schenk is a managing partner and founding member of Schenk Podolsky Attorneys at Law. He is devoted to assisting injured individuals and their families, handling cases from pre-litigation through arbitration and trial, and briefing cases at the Arizona appellate level. He is fluent in Spanish, which allows him to better serve clients.

Jaqueline Cortez Avila

McDonough, GA

As a first-generation Mexican American, Jackie brings more than just legal knowledge to the table-she brings lived experience. She understands the frustration of feeling overlooked, the fear of not being heard, and the weight of navigating complex systems that weren’t built with you in mind. That’s why she’s dedicated her career to giving a voice to the unheard and power to the overlooked. Jackie’s strength as an attorney comes from this deep connection to the communities she serves. She represents people-not case numbers-who are often facing powerful forces: the criminal justice system, insurance companies, or legal structures that can feel impersonal and overwhelming. With every client, she brings empathy born of experience, and determination rooted in a lifelong understanding of what it takes to overcome adversity. Her bilingual skills don’t just allow her to translate language-they allow her to build real trust across cultures, ensuring that Spanish-speaking clients aren’t just included in the process but truly understood and advocated for. Jackie also knows that representation matters. She became an attorney not just to practice law, but to help change the face of the legal profession-bringing greater diversity, compassion, and cultural awareness into spaces where they are often lacking. Clients who work with Jackie find a fierce advocate who listens intently, investigates thoroughly, and fights tirelessly for fairness and justice. If you want an attorney who sees you, who hears you, and who will stand up for you no matter the odds, Jackie Cortez Avila is someone you can trust to be in your corner.

Ernesto Usma

Hoover, AL

Ernesto Usma provides legal assistance for Abogados Centro Legal in a wide range of immigration matters. He is a licensed attorney in Colombia, where he practiced as a legal advisor for various government entities. He moved to the United States over 15 years ago to work with the Latino community before returning to Colombia. He holds a specialization in Digital Marketing and a Master's in Law. He is dedicated to helping immigrants achieve their dream of living legally in the United States, assisting with family petitions, immigration waivers, and naturalization.

Franeka Taylor

Shreveport, LA

Our dynamic newest attorney, Franeka Taylor brings fresh energy, exceptional credentials, and a competitive spirit to every case. Her experience in both civil and criminal law, combined with her competitive spirit demonstrated through numerous trial competitions, ensures your case gets innovative and dedicated representation.

Kate Sinkins

Lincoln City, OR

Kate earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Kate received her law degree from American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington D.C. During her 2nd and 3rd year of law school, she drafted decisions for four immigration judges at the Arlington, VA Immigration Court. She also taught legal research to first year law students and served on the Journal of Gender and the Law for two years. She studied comparative law in Santiago, Chile for seven weeks and fell in love with the culture. She clerked at the Baltimore, MD Immigration Court (whose jurisdiction encompassed the York, PA and the Philadelphia, PA Immigration Court) through the Department of Justice Honors Program. She has represented both immigrant children and adults in private practice, worked for two faith-based nonprofit immigration organizations and worked as an asylum officer, a policy analyst and an immigration attorney for 3 federal agencies. She has given more than 15 Know Your Rights presentations in Virginia and Oregon and has traveled extensively. She is a member of the Virginia and Maryland Bars and speaks Spanish.

Victor M. Arellano

Fresh Meadows, NY

Victor M. Arellano is a bilingual partner and shareholder at Arellano & Phebus, S.C., focusing on personal injury, medical negligence, employment, criminal, and immigration law. He has been recognized as a lawyer of distinction with high ratings in legal ability and ethical standards.

Magdalena R. McQuilla

Santa Rosa, CA

Magdalena R. McQuilla is a shareholder in the firm. Her practice focuses on general civil litigation matters, with a particular emphasis on employment law, including small business counsel, independent workplace investigations, and plaintiff-side employment issues such as retaliation, discrimination, and harassment. She also regularly helps clients with plaintiff-side personal-injury cases, consumer and business disputes, property disputes, and matters involving public-entity liability. A Santa Rosa native, Magdalena grew up in the Roseland neighborhood and now raises her family there. She graduated from USF School of Law in 2015, where she was active in the American Constitution Society, La Raza (now Latinx) Law Students Association, and Law Review. She also externed for the Honorable Judge William H. Alsup of the Northern District of California and published a research article, _Down by Law: Police Officers as Gang Sociology Experts_ (52 No. 4 Crim. Law Bulletin ART 7 (Summer 2016)). Magdalena has been with the firm since 2016. In her free time, Magdalena enjoys visiting Sonoma County’s beautiful open spaces, sharing delicious food and wine with friends, and serving on the Board of Directors of Sonoma County Mothers of Multiples.

Carlos Martinez, born in Brownsville, Texas, developed an interest in investigations during high school, winning a research contest in 1991. He worked as a traffic accident supervisor before earning his law degree from Universidad Valle del Bravo in 2001. Initially practicing commercial law in Mexico, he later returned to Texas, assisting U.S. law firms with investigations of vehicle accidents in Mexico involving U.S. residents. This experience led him to specialize in accident cases, helping thousands secure compensation. In 2008, he joined Mario Davila Law Firm as 'of counsel' and later became the firm's Director of Negotiations. He is a member of the U.S.-Mexico Bar Association and has served as an advisor to Mexico's Senate of the Republic, bringing extensive experience in accident investigation and insurance negotiations to protect clients' interests.

Ernestina Chavez Carosella

Kingston, NY

Ernestina joined the firm as our Director of Marketing. Ernestina was born in Mexico but grew up in Kingston. She is a 2008 graduate of Kingston High School. She received her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and her Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in Boston. Ernestina is fluent in Spanish and was sworn into the New York Bar in the Spring of 2022.

Yuvanna M. Diaz

Oakland, CA

Yuvanna M. Diaz is a dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorney committed to advocating for injured workers and ensuring they receive the maximum benefits possible. With a strong background in workers' compensation law, she provides knowledgeable and compassionate legal representation, guiding her clients through the complexities of the system with clarity and confidence. Fluent in Spanish and English, Yuvanna understands the importance of clear communication and personalized legal support. She is passionate about protecting the rights of injured workers and works tirelessly to secure the medical treatment and compensation they deserve. Yuvanna takes pride in her ability to navigate complex cases, advocate for her clients, and deliver results. Whether negotiating settlements or representing clients in court, she is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes. Her approach is client-focused, strategic, and results-driven, making her a trusted advocate for those facing challenges in the workers' compensation system.

Alexa Chavez

Beverly Hills, CA

Alexa Chavez is a personal injury attorney at Omega Law Group, specializing in various personal injury cases including auto accidents, slip and fall incidents, wrongful death, and motor carrier liability. She previously represented plaintiffs at a large litigation firm, preparing cases for trial. Alexa earned her Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School through the Two-Year Accelerated J.D. SCALE Program, where she was a Dean’s Merit Scholar and received multiple honors, including the Wildman/Schumacher Scholarship and the Excellence in Preparation for Trial Practice Award. She was also an advocate in the Trial Advocacy Honors Program, winning national awards. Fluent in Spanish, Alexa effectively communicates with diverse clients and is committed to fighting for their rights and securing favorable outcomes.

Eric Hager is a Senior Partner in Conrad & Scherer’s Quito, Ecuador office, focusing on commercial, appellate, human rights, and trust litigation. Fluent in Spanish, he advises clients on cross-border disputes across Latin America and the United States. He played a pivotal role in securing a $38 million jury verdict against Chiquita Brands International in June 2024 and a $832 million jury verdict against Wells Fargo Bank in March 2025. His experience includes complex litigation in state and federal courts, managing multinational teams, and representing diverse clients from the U.S. and abroad.

Gabriela Picazo Batista is a fully bilingual Associate Immigration Attorney at Virguez Law. Born in Puerto Rico with Cuban and Dominican ancestry, she is passionate about serving the immigrant community and works vigorously to help those who are seeking immigration relief. Gabriela graduated summa cum laude from Georgia State University, with a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in Sociology. During her undergraduate career, she received multiple awards and recognitions, such as the Student Government Associations Senator of the Year, MGC Woman of the Year, and Lucille Ausborn’s New Member of the Year. She subsequently graduated cum laude from Georgia State University College of Law, with an honors pro bono distinction. Her commitment to community and helping others earned her the Georgia State University Public Service Award. She participated in various programs such as the Landlord Mediation Clinic and the Alternative Spring Break program. Simultaneously, she was a full-time law clerk, where she focused her work on immigration, criminal defense, and family law. She also interned for the public defender’s office and a personal injury firm. Since graduating from law school, she has focused her career in immigration removal defense, humanitarian relief, and other immigration related matters. She also addresses legal matters related to family and criminal law. Gabriela continues her commitment to community and enjoys spending time with her family. She serves as a mentor for young women pursuing higher education, and actively participates in volunteer opportunities. She loves to spend quality time with her husband, her dog Killa, and cat Sir Waffles.