Spanish-Speaking Attorneys

Samantha A. Cedeno-Cassinelli

Cranston, RI

Samantha Cedeño-Cassinelli, Law Clerk (Class of 24'), to our labor and employment practice! Samantha was born and raised in Ecuador and speaks Spanish fluently. She earned her undergraduate degree from University of Maryland, College Park. She is currently a third-year student at New England Law | Boston, where she takes evening classes to complete her law degree. Samantha has several years of legal experience working as a labor and employment paralegal. She has handled wage and hour claims and various unlawful discrimination matters. Prior to joining our team, Samantha assisted a New York-based firm in restructuring its Wage & Hour process by creating guidelines and templates for its prospective client screening and intake systems. She also has worked on class action litigation for a Boston-based firm. Overall, Samantha has assisted attorneys with the completion of preparing, drafting, and e-filing complaints, motions, and other legal documents in Federal, State, and Appellate Courts in California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and the District of Columbia. We are extremely grateful that Samantha has decided to join our team, and our clients are lucky to have her on their side. After law school, Samantha will sit for the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). Our firm has offered her continued employment as a Litigation Associate after she graduates and passes her examinations.

Katherine E. Cervantes

Fresno, CA

Katherine Cervantes is a litigation attorney who focuses her practice on real estate, business, and employment disputes. She is known for her clear communication, creative problem-solving, and strong courtroom presence. Katherine builds lasting relationships with clients by taking the time to understand their goals and tailoring strategies to achieve practical, effective results, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial. At Webb Law Group, Katherine has served as first chair in both jury and bench trials, including securing a six-figure punitive damages award in a property dispute. She played a key role in a two-week arbitration that resulted in a $1.5 million award with additional punitive damages. Her litigation experience includes managing an active docket of cases, conducting and defending depositions, and handling all aspects of motion work, discovery, and trial preparation. Katherine earned her Juris Doctor from Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Public Affairs from UCLA, where she was named on the Dean’s List and held several leadership and community roles. Prior to becoming an attorney, Katherine was a Graduate Fellow with JusticeCorps at the Los Angeles Superior Court, where she led bilingual workshops and assisted self-represented litigants. She continues to bring that same client-focused, accessible approach to her legal practice today. Katherine is bilingual in Spanish and an active member of the Fresno and San Diego Bar Associations and the La Raza Lawyers Association.

Anthony Morales

Calabasas, CA

Anthony Morales is a civil litigation attorney and Assistant Professor of Law with extensive experience in case management, litigation, and client advocacy. He began his legal journey at 19 as a file clerk. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge, and his Juris Doctor from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law, where he now teaches. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Jamie L. Griffin

Granger, IN

Jamie L. Griffin is a Paralegal who received her Associates of Applied Science degree from ITT Technical Institute with a Paralegal degree. She assists attorneys in preparing for depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials, and handles discovery requests, client interaction, witness interviews, and medical record management. She is a member of the Michiana Paralegal Association.

Rashel Crey Prieto

Santa Ana, CA

Rashel Crey Prieto joined the team in January 2024 from Colombia, known for her caring and thoughtful approach. From a young age, she has had a strong sense of helping others, enhancing her communication and listening skills. Her commitment drives her to continually improve and build strong client connections. Her passion and unwavering commitment ensure high-quality service. Fluent in Spanish and English, she is studying Business Administration at Universidad del Atlántico. Outside work, she enjoys cooking with her mom, hiking, swimming, and studying personal marketing. She is also a member of 'Florecer en el Desierto,' supporting women with breast cancer.

Jennifer Montgomery

Granger, IN

Jennifer Montgomery is the Billing Administrator for Gardner & Rans P.C. She grew up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and moved to Berrien Springs, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Coastal Carolina University with a major in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy, and a Paralegal Certificate from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). She previously worked as a full-time paralegal for the firm.

Sandra T. Parga

Aurora, IL

Sandra T. Parga came to the law firm from the Kane County Public Defender's Office. While at the Public Defender's Office, Ms. Parga represented persons charged in both criminal and civil proceedings. Ms. Parga spent a substantial amount of time dealing with both pre-trial felonies and domestic violence cases. In addition, Ms. Parga is very familiar with the juvenile court system in both delinquency and dependency cases. Ms Parga was also part of the defense team in serious felony and murder cases. Prior to her service with the Public Defender's Office, Ms Parga worked for Prairie State Legal Services. At Prairie State, Ms. Parga became familiar with civil litigation including all phases of divorce and family law. Ms. Parga also represented persons in claims for social security benefits and landlord/tenant disputes. Ms. Parga came to the practice of law from Cornell Law School, a nationally ranked law school, considered one of the top 10 law schools in the nation. At Cornell University, she served as secretary of the Latin American Law Student Association. Ms. Parga's practice is concentrated in criminal and civil litigation including family law. Ms. Parga is fluent in English, Spanish, and speaks some French and Italian.

Cynthia Colin

Urbandale, IA

Cynthia joined the law firm in September 2022 as a legal assistant. Cynthia was born in Northern California and raised in Des Moines from the age of 2. She graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising. She likes coming to the office and working with Nick and Linda as well as connecting with the clients. Cynthia spends her free time with her two young children, doing activities and making creative projects. She enjoys being outdoors, painting, sewing, reading and watching a fair share of reality TV.

Dayana Pinto

Albany, CA

Dayana is a proactive and strategic Business Development Case Manager with a strong background in strategic planning, financial analysis, and organizational management. She specializes in identifying growth opportunities, optimizing processes, and building strong relationships to drive business success. With dual degrees in Business and Social Work, Dayana combines analytical expertise with a deep understanding of human behavior, allowing her to develop tailored solutions that enhance efficiency and impact. Her ability to bridge business strategy with social insights makes her a dynamic professional in case management and business development. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Dutch, she seamlessly navigates international markets and diverse professional environments. Beyond her career, Dayana values quality time with family and enjoys sports.

Benjamin Skelton

Fullerton, CA

Benjamin Skelton began working as an Associate Attorney at Thakur Law Firm, APC in January 2024, after working as a Law Clerk at the firm since June 2022. Ben works on matters in a variety of different practice areas, including: corporate and business law; healthcare law (e.g., Stark, Anti-Kickback Statute); real and personal property; mechanics liens; social media defamation, invasion of privacy, and copyright infringement law; sports-related personal injuries; defaults and default judgments; indemnification disputes; employment law; and, produce law (e.g., PACA). He has developed significant litigation experience and has guided numerous clients to favorable settlements and results, including through litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Ben earned a JD/MBA from Chapman University, graduating in May 2023. The decision to earn an MBA was driven by his desire to not only provide clients with sound legal advice, but to understand their business decisions at hand as well. Prior to graduate school, Benjamin earned his BA in Political Science from California State University Fullerton. Ben is fluent in Spanish after four years of study, six weeks in Mexico City, and nearly two years living in Chile.

Erick Vargas

Atlanta, GA

Immigrated from Costa Rica to the United States. Graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Pre-Law with the purpose of becoming an attorney. Graduated from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Due to an experience with a potential foreclosure on his home during the Great Recession, and the subsequent legal assistance that his family received from a Non-Profit organization, Erick pursued a career in Public Service Law, and joined Atlanta Legal Aid. During his time there he administered the Spanish Outreach Project, as well as the Landlord Tenant Clinic in Gwinnett Couty, as well as providing pro bono representation for low income families and clients.

Rosse Cardenas (also known as Rosa Cardenas) is an immigration paralegal at the Law Offices of James A. Welcome. She is committed to guiding clients through immigration law complexities, fluent in Spanish and English, ensuring no language barrier. She approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail and empathy, playing a crucial role in document preparation, government agency communication, and client support.

Courtney is a financial expert with over 8 years of experience helping small businesses with their accounting and tax preparation needs, both as an individual accountant and as part of an accounting firm. Courtney grew her career working for an accredited 'Best Accounting Firm' in Richmond for many years before joining VIL. She prides herself on ensuring that our clients receive their settlement proceeds as efficiently as possible with excellent customer service experience, while also maintaining the financial health of our firm.

Kenyi was born in San Jose, Costa Rica, and came to the United States in 1997. For the past eight years, Kenyi has worked side by side with the attorneys, paralegals and clients at Trueb Berne & Beard, LLP providing legal and administrative support. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Samantha Malano

Oakland, CA

Samantha Malano is our dedicated Case Manager, committed to guiding clients through their workers' compensation journey with care and expertise. Drawing inspiration from Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," Samantha embraces the transformative power of self-discovery and personal growth in her role. In her role, Samantha finds fulfillment in helping clients during tough times, providing support and guidance when they need it most. She values empathy and compassion in her interactions, making her an invaluable asset to our team. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Samantha finds joy in spending time outdoors, hiking, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Her love for Italian cuisine reflects her appreciation for quality and authenticity.

Dr. Leonidas Oliveira

Frisco, TX

Dr. Leonidas Oliveira is one of the senior attorneys managing the Oliveira Lawyers group. A former candidate to the Senate in Brazil, Dr. Leonidas Oliveira has decades of experience in bringing success to our clients.

Teresa Cisneros is a Case Evaluation Specialist with 10 years of experience in the legal field. Her passion for helping others began in 2006 while working as an office coordinator and legal assistant for a non-profit organization.

Gabriela Betancourt Castro

Hoover, AL

Gabriela Betancourt Castro is an executive assistant and lead generation specialist at Abogados Centro Legal. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she is currently finishing her university degree in Industrial Relations. She works with the marketing department and is responsible for qualifying potential clients, booking appointments, and providing empathetic support, understanding their daily needs and problems.

Jenny Vasquez

Los Angeles, CA

Jenny Vasquez is a Case Manager with two years of experience, one of which has been with the firm. She handles customer accommodations, follows up with clients and insurance companies, and manages property damage claims. Jenny is bilingual.

Mr. Fine works with the firm’s business transactions group. He advises clients in a variety of business law matters including entity formation, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, finance, venture capital funding, service contracts, and other transactions and agreements.

Hillary Andrade is a Medical Records Coordinator at Wocl Leydon, an educator, and a global explorer. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Franklin & Marshall College and an M.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport (4.0 GPA). Her career path includes lifeguard, bilingual paraeducator, and working abroad in Munich, Germany. She is fluent in English and Spanish, and has studied French and German.

Maria Tobon

Humble, TX

Maria has been the glue that keeps the office together ever since she started in 2017. Whether its ordering supplies, organizing case files or taking a trip to the post office, Maria devotes her time to our clients. Maria says, “I always wanted to work in an office with a team environment... I found that years ago at The Stano Law Firm. I LOVE MY JOB! I also enjoy seeing joy in the eyes of our clients and feel their appreciation.” Maria is originally from in Medellin, Colombia. When Maria isn’t taking care of business at the office, you can typically find her traveling the world or exploring new restaurants with her grandchildren.