Spanish-Speaking Attorneys

Christopher "Doc" Upshaw

Tyrone, GA

Christopher “Doc” Upshaw is a Partner at Sanchez Hayes & Associates, LLC, where he assists with the firm’s criminal, civil litigation, and employment practice. A significant part of Mr. Upshaw’s practice is devoted to criminal defense, where he represents and defends the rights of the accused in municipal, state, superior, and federal courts throughout Georgia. He has obtained many jury trial acquittals and pretrial dismissals throughout Metro Atlanta in matters ranging from DUI and Battery to Drug Trafficking and homicide. In addition, Mr. Upshaw devotes substantial time to state and federal civil litigation such as police brutality, false arrest, excessive force, contract disputes and various employment matters.

A life-long Southampton resident, Samantha graduated from Georgetown Law in 2019. She earned a B.A. in International Affairs and Archaeology from George Washington University. Samantha is admitted to the New York State Bar and the District of Columbia Bar. She is fluent in Spanish and focuses primarily on real estate matters.

Dani Scott

Walnut Creek, CA

Dani Scott received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She served in the Peace Corps as a Healthy Youth volunteer in Lesotho, where she developed a passion for advocating gender-based equality. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Golden Gate University School of Law and joined Cardoza Law Offices in February 2023. While at Golden Gate, she was a teaching assistant for torts, a research assistant in constitutional law, co-chair of the American Constitution Society, and a board member of Pride Law. She received a CALI award in Securities Regulations, was a Dean’s Scholar Recipient, and was gifted the Honor’s Lawyering Program Outstanding Student Award.

Jalitza Serrano

Winter Park, FL

Jalitza Serrano is a bilingual advocate who represents homeowners in first-party property insurance disputes. Born in South Carolina and raised primarily in Florida in a military household, Ms. Serrano brings discipline, adaptability, and Spanish-language fluency to every matter. She joined Payne Law, PLLC in January 2023 and continues to focus her practice on policyholder representation. Ms. Serrano earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Florida International University (FIU), with a minor in Political Science and a Pre-Law certificate. She received her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she served on Law Journal, competed with the Mock Trial Board, and held multiple student-leadership roles. During law school, she interned with the Florida Innocence Project and the Conviction Review Unit in Hillsborough County, and served as a Certified Legal Intern at the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit. Practicing since 2020, Ms. Serrano has obtained successful settlements for policyholders in disputes arising from cast-iron pipe failures, hurricanes and tropical storms, water leaks, windstorms, and hailstorms. Admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida, she does not shy away from litigation and is committed to zealous, client-centered advocacy.

Marco A. Cepeda

Weslaco, TX

Marco A. Cepeda se unió a Ezequiel Reyna Law Office en 2022. Marco nació y creció en McAllen, Texas, y se graduó de McAllen High School. A partir de entonces, pasó a estudiar contabilidad y comunicaciones en la Universidad de Texas en San Antonio y, finalmente, asistió a la facultad de derecho en la Universidad de St. Mary. Mientras estaba en la facultad de derecho, fue miembro del equipo de juicios simulados de la Universidad y procesó con éxito su primer caso como estudiante de derecho en St. Mary’s Clinic for Legal and Social Justice. Después de graduarse de la Facultad de Derecho de St. Mary, Marco pasó a trabajar como asistente del fiscal de distrito en la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Hidalgo. Allí, trabajó en varios asuntos legales y procesó numerosos juicios que iban desde conducir en estado de ebriedad hasta asesinato capital. Después de dejar la oficina del fiscal, Marco se unió a la oficina legal de Ezequiel Reyna. Cuando no está trabajando, a Marco le gusta pasar tiempo con su familia. Sus pasatiempos incluyen la cocina, la pesca, el excursionismo y la ganadería.

Andrew Smith is an associate attorney with experience in litigation and immigration law, having practiced at international firms in Miami, Florida. He is fluent in Spanish and gained proficiency in French, Portuguese, and Italian during his time at BYU Law School. He also serves as an adjunct professor at BYU, teaching geography courses.

Ivonne Sotelo was born in Mexico City and raised in Canton, Georgia. She graduated from Reinhardt University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is a first-generation immigrant and an experienced personal injury paralegal. She is bilingual, which helps the firm serve a diverse population.

Anabel Sanchez

Santa Ana, CA

Anabel Sanchez is a Senior Associate Attorney. Admitted to practice law in 2021, she leads the firm's Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) docket. She is dedicated to assisting underprivileged communities and vulnerable populations, having previously worked at a homeless shelter. She was nominated as the first Latina Foundation President for the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles in 2025 and received the 2024 Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award from the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law.

Adin Johnson

Portland, OR

Adin Johnson was recognized by the Clark County Bar Association (CCBA) with its Rising Star award, given to attorneys practicing for less than five years. He studied Spanish in undergrad and became interested in immigration issues at Willamette University School of Law, volunteering with Lutheran Community Services. He interned as a prosecutor and joined Philbrook Law in 2019, taking over the DUI, traffic, and criminal defense practice. He is known for his listening skills, thorough preparation, and success in trials, consistently producing not guilty verdicts.

Melanie Tobon-Zuleta began as an intern for Rob Ianuario in May 2021 and was hired as a Legal Assistant in August 2021, focusing on personal injury. She graduated from USC Upstate in December 2021 with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. She is bilingual and assists the Latino community, aspiring to attend law school to specialize in immigration and personal injury.

Christian Soto

Syracuse, NY

Christian Soto is a 2L student at SUNY Buffalo School of Law, expected to graduate in May 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Baylor University and a Master of Public Health from The George Washington University. He is involved in various legal and community activities.

David Gutierrez

San Antonio, TX

David Guillermo Gutierrez was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. David made his way to San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from UTSA in 2004. After working in finance for seven years, and receiving a Masters in Finance from Texas A&M Intl University in the process, David attended law school at the St. Mary’s School of Law where he graduated in 2013. David practiced as an Assistant District Attorney in Bexar County for the first two years as an attorney where he honed his skills as an expert litigator and established his courtroom presence. David now works for The Law Firm of Oscar A. Garza, PLLC. in San Antonio, Texas, and continues to seek the thrill of the courtroom while fighting for the rights of his clients.

Shireen Babaee

Santa Ana, CA

Shireen was born and raised in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina. She developed a competitive edge early in life, engaging in soccer and competitive dance, both for nearly a decade. Her journey continued as a member of the varsity cheerleading team from 8th grade through senior year, where she helped secure the state championship title all FIVE years. Venturing to the West Coast, Shireen pursued a degree in Political Science at the University of California, Irvine, and became a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. The next chapter of her journey unfolded at Western State College of Law, where her knack for investigation earned her the highest honors in Evidence. Fluent in Farsi, Shireen adds a cultural touch that enriches our firm’s connection with the local community. Shireen is an active volunteer with local charities and enjoys being a mentor to young women who aspire to break through cultural and societal barriers. Beyond the legal realm, her interests span tackling challenging outdoor activities, from traversing rugged trails to maintaining fitness through regular workouts. Shireen also takes pleasure in crafting delightful meals and spending quality time with her cat, Harley.

Alma Mendez

BIRMINGHAM, AL

Almadelia (Alma) Mendez has been working at Ifediba Law Group, P.C., since 2016. Alma speaks fluently and write both English and Spanish. Alma is an experienced Spanish translator. Alma has received several Honor awards for academic performance. She has continued to excel in her position at Ifediba Law Group, P.C. She is a very experienced communicator.

Maria Chiriboga

Baton Rouge, LA

Maria Chiriboga is an Associate Attorney born and raised in Guatemala City, Guatemala. She double-majored in Psychology and Criminal Justice at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2016. She then graduated from LSU Law with a Juris Doctorate and a Degree in Comparative Law in May 2021. Maria was admitted to the Louisiana Bar in October 2021 and worked as a legal assistant before becoming an attorney. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Nathan Sandbothe

Des Moines, IA

Nathan Sandbothe is an Associate attorney specializing in immigration, criminal, post-conviction relief, and family law. A fluent Spanish speaker, he brings a personable and caring approach to legal representation and is active in the Des Moines community.

Lupe "Pita" Lujan

Abilene, TX

Lupe joined the team in the Summer of 2023 with 15 years of experience in the legal field. She was born and raised in Odessa and is proud of being a West Texas native. She is bilingual and is a hard worker and puts all her dedication into our clients. She enjoys helping people and making a positive difference in their lives. She is a people person and very outgoing. Lupe is a wonderful asset to this law firm and the whole West Texas community. When I am not helping clients at the firm, She enjoys traveling, crocheting, reading, and spending time with her husband of 17+ years, their three grown children and grandchildren.

Max Richheimer Grether

Atlanta, GA

Max Richheimer Grether was born and raised in Mexico City. He completed his law degree at Intercontinental University in 2023 and is currently pursuing a diploma in legal and commercial law. He served his social service at the National Institute of Criminal Sciences in Mexico and later worked in the legal team at Campero and Monroy law firm and Aserta Insurance, focusing on tax, civil, and commercial matters.

NATHAN E. SAXTON

Lancaster, PA

Nathan E. Saxton joined the firm in 2011 and works in the Columbia office as a general practice attorney. He is an active member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Lancaster Bar Association.

Samuel Marrero Jr. is an Illinois licensed attorney with over 15 years of experience. He graduated from DePaul University and Northern Illinois University-College of Law. He is admitted to the United States Central and Northern District of Illinois and practices in criminal law, bankruptcy, traffic, family, and civil matters. He is fluent in Spanish.

Aaron Alvarez

Chicago, IL

In his profession Aaron strives to build long-term connections and be of assistance with any and all needs that may arise in our client’s lives. He aims to work conscientiously and diligently to ensure every step of the legal process is as stress free as possible for our clients.

Lydia Vilce

Anchorage, AK

Prior to Farnsworth & Vance, Lydia spent 4 years working as a licensed insurance agent and legal assistant to one of Alaska’s largest business support law firms. Understanding the need to protect oneself in the face of injury or death, Lydia brings her insurance expertise to Farnsworth & Vance, where she helps clients navigate the complicated process of pursuing claims against the insurance industry. Her insurance background is vital for our clients who are pursuing wrongful death claims. She has the experience and empathy needed to help walk you through this difficult time. Outside of Farnsworth & Vance, you can find Lydia enjoying all of Alaska’s outdoors, including skiing, snow machining, fishing, and hiking. When not outdoors, you might find her DJing at your favorite club, or making brides look their best as Anchorage’s top make-up artist.