Spanish-Speaking Attorneys

Erika K. Bornstein

Oakland, CA

Erika focuses her practice on personal injury and real estate litigation. Erika was a trial attorney for one of the largest insurance companies in California, and she now devotes her practice to advocating for plaintiffs in property and personal injury claims. Erika is a fierce advocate for her clients, and she commits herself to every case to ensure top compensation from settlement and verdicts. Erika has litigated hundreds of property and personal injury claims, and brings her wealth of experience to BBLG. Erika is also a native Spanish speaker and is available to assist clients who prefer a Spanish speaking attorney. Erika earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities from the University of Houston, and her Law Degree from John F. Kennedy University, College of Law.

Michael Brumer, Esq.

Miami, FL

Mr. Brumer was born in Kingston, N.Y., on October 7, 1924. He founded Brumer & Brumer in Miami in the 1950s, and the firm remains to this day one of South Florida's longest-standing and most reputable law offices. His practice areas include, but are not limited to: Personal Injury Law; Workmen's Compensation Law; Products Liability Law; Maritime Law; and Civil Litigation.

Michael E. Mazon

Seattle, WA

Michael E. Mazon is a Seattle personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience. He graduated from law school in 1984 and has experience as a prosecuting attorney, managing attorney for Hyatt Legal Services, and an insurance defense attorney before opening his own practice in 1997. He specializes in car accidents, slip and fall cases, and other personal injury cases, representing clients against insurance companies. He is fluent in Spanish.

Morton Alpert

Bronx, NY

Attorney Morton Alpert has been admitted to practice in New York for more than 53 years, graduating from Columbia University School of Law in 1958. He received his liberal arts degree from the College of the City of New York in 1954. Morton Alpert has focused his practice on personal injury throughout his legal career, starting as a defense attorney, but dedicating his practice exclusively to the needs of plaintiffs more than 40 years ago. He set up his own practice in 1961. Mr. Alpert is licensed to practice in all state courts in New York, as well as the Southern District and the Eastern District for New York's federal courts. He is a long time member of the American Bar Association, the New York Bar Association, the New York County Lawyers Association, and the American Trial Lawyers Association. Morton Alpert has spent his legal career in litigation, handling all aspects of a trial, from the evaluation of a case through closing arguments and appeals. He has extensive experience gathering and evaluating evidence, developing and implementing effective trial strategies, deposing and preparing witnesses, conducting direct and cross examination, and presenting arguments to a judge and jury. Mr. Alpert enjoys serving as a judge in the national moot court proceedings sponsored by the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. He has also sat on judiciary committees, where he evaluated candidates for the bench and has served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Temple Emanuel.

Dominic X. Genco

Denver, CO

Dominic X. Genco is the Founder and CEO of Genco Injury Attorneys. A graduate of New York Law School, Dominic began practicing law in 2010 and quickly established himself as a strong advocate for those who have been injured due to the negligence of others. He has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and combines relentless advocacy with genuine compassion.

Pamela A. Padilla

Orlando, FL

Pamela A. Padilla joined the firm in 2011 with an impressive background and remarkable trial skills. Mrs. Padilla spent years defending the interests of insurance companies and physicians in medical malpractice cases prior to turning her focus to the helping the injured. Her insight into how insurance companies evaluate and defend lawsuits along her dedication and tenacity makes her a fierce advocate. Mrs. Padilla joined the firm so that she could turn her focus to representing injured individuals and their families in cases of wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability and general personal injury actions. She is dedicated to providing her clients with compassionate, informative and quality representation. Mrs. Padilla obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies in 1993, with honors, from the University of Central Florida. Before receiving her law degree, Mrs. Padilla worked as a paralegal for ten years which provided her with a head start to her practice. She obtained her Juris Doctorate Degree in 2003 from Barry University School of Law. During law school, Mrs. Padilla received a Certificate in International Legal Studies from Tulane University after studying international law in Paris, France. Impressively, Mrs. Padilla was selected in her first year to receive the award for Best Oralist by Judges from Orange and Seminole County. During her second year, she was selected to be on the Barry University Trial Team where she went on to be a very active member as well as a director of the team. Mrs. Padilla participated in numerous Mock Trial competitions during her two and a half year tenure on the Trial Team including competitions hosted by The Florida Bar, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Association and Association of Trial Lawyers of America. After graduating, Mrs. Padilla returned, after invitation, to help coach the school’s trial team. Additionally, she was an active member and director of her law school’s Moot Court Team. She participated in several moot court competitions. By competing on the trial team and the moot court team, Mrs. Padilla developed keen advocacy skills early in her career. She also served her law school as an Honor Court Justice, a great honor. Lastly, she was an active member of the student Women Lawyers Association. Mrs. Padilla is fluent in Spanish and is a member of The Florida Bar, the U.S. Middle District of Florida and the Florida Justice Association.

Marc L. Brumer, Esq.

Miami, FL

Mr. Brumer is a Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated lawyer. Born in Miami Beach, Florida, on December 29, 1956, he is the managing member of Brumer & Brumer and is considered one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in the arena of personal injury law in South Florida, having successfully earned millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for the firm's clients over the last two-plus decades. His practice areas include, but are not limited to: Personal Injury Law; Wrongful Death Law; Products Liability Law; and Insurance Law.

Jaime Treviño

Austin, TX

Jaime Treviño is the founding attorney at Treviño Law, with over 16 years of experience in personal injury law. He previously spent over a decade defending insurance companies, giving him unique insight into their strategies. A graduate of the University of Texas Law School, he is a fierce advocate for the injured in Texas and Colorado, known for securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex cases.

Christopher W. Blaylock

Santa Monica, CA

Chris W. Blaylock practices criminal defense, expungements, traffic citations, and personal injury, accident, and wrongful death matters in Greater Los Angeles. He is a member of CAALA and NACDL, among other reputable bar organizations. Chris was born and raised in Southern California and is an active participant in his community. He lives with his wife and two children in Sherman Oaks. Chris' recent successes include millions recovered in personal injury damages and criminal dismissals in DUI and traffic matters. His recent jury trial in Ventura resulted in a verdict for Plaintiff, which beat the CIv. Code section 998 demands allowing costs to be obtained for the client.

David B. Higgins

Phoenix, AZ

David B. Higgins is an Arizona lawyer with 30 years of experience in Family Law and Personal Injury Law. He has served as a Pro Tem Judge in Maricopa County Superior Court and as an Arbitrator and Settlement Judge. He was admitted to the Arizona State Bar on May 15, 1993, after receiving his law degree from the University of Tulsa and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University. He is fluent in Spanish.

Kimberly Lynch Balkcom

Richmond, VA

Kimberly Lynch Balkcom is an experienced medical and military law attorney. She served as a civilian JAG for the U.S. Army, assisting over 250 soldiers with medical and physical evaluation boards. She is licensed in Kentucky, the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. She holds a J.D. from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, a B.A. from Georgia College, and an A.A. from Young Harris College. She is a member of several professional organizations and is recognized as a Top Personal Injury Lawyer in Richmond by Expertise.com.

Jeffrey Molchan

Beverly Hills, CA

Jeff earned his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach in 1987, and later graduated from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law in 1995. He has dedicated nearly his entire career to personal injury law. Before becoming a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, Jeff worked directly with insurance companies, helping to resolve thousands of personal injury claims. Since then, Jeff has tried dozens of cases to verdict and represented clients in a wide range of matters, including wrongful death, auto accidents, slip and trip falls, construction site accidents, dog bites, and assault and battery cases. Jeff is a proud member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation-only organization of the nation’s most respected trial lawyers. He also serves as a settlement officer for the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s alternative dispute resolution program, Resolve L.A. In addition, he is an active member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and the Consumer Attorneys of California. Beyond his work in the courtroom, Jeff is frequently invited to speak on key legal topics.

Michael K. Amster

Silver Spring, MD

Michael Kingston Amster is a founding partner of Zipin, Amster & Greenberg, LLC, and has significant experience in diverse areas of employment law. His practice is heavily focused on employment law, with an emphasis on wage and hour cases brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act and corresponding state statutes such as the Maryland Wage and Hour Law.

Edward C. Valdez

Fresno, CA

Edward C. Valdez has dedicated over 50 years to providing exceptional legal representation and leadership in the Central Valley community. As an award-winning and bilingual attorney fluent in Spanish, he has built a reputation for excellence in diverse areas of law, including personal injury, workers’ compensation, trucking and motor vehicle accidents, business, and real estate. His extensive legal experience is complemented by his role as a licensed real estate broker, allowing him to effectively negotiate and advocate for his clients in complex real estate and business matters. Beyond his legal accomplishments, Edward C. Valdez is a respected mentor and volunteer, deeply committed to giving back to the community. He actively participates in the Central Valley Hispanic community and is a devoted member of Saint Anthony of Padua Church, where he continues to serve and support others. A U.S. Army veteran, Edward also proudly served with the distinguished 101st Airborne Division, embodying discipline and dedication throughout his career. Recognized as one of Fresno’s top-rated workers’ compensation lawyers, Edward C. Valdez remains passionate about fighting for his client’s rights while continuing to be a pillar of leadership and service in the Central Valley and Central Coast.

Steven Flaxman

Miami, FL

Steven Flaxman is committed to continuing the Flaxman family’s tradition of providing exceptional legal representation to personal injury victims, landlords and tenants. With a strong background in trial advocacy and a passion for justice, Steven helps clients navigate the complexities of personal injury law with confidence. As the leader of Flaxman Law Group’s Denver office, he now serves individuals and families throughout Colorado, offering the same high level of care and legal expertise that the firm is known for in South Florida. Steven Flaxman has extensive experience in both trial preparation and litigation, handling a wide range of personal injury and landlord-tenant cases. His approach is client-focused-Steven believes that every client deserves personalized attention and direct access to their attorney. This commitment is reflected in his hands-on work ethic, as he personally oversees each case from start to finish, ensuring that clients are informed and supported every step of the way. Since expanding the Flaxman Law Group to Denver, Steven has been dedicated to serving the legal needs of Colorado residents. His deep understanding of personal injury law and landlord-tenant disputes, coupled with his dedication to client service, makes him a valuable resource for anyone seeking fair compensation after an accident. In addition to personal injury cases, Steven also specializes in landlord-tenant disputes, helping clients resolve conflicts related to rental properties and ensuring their rights are upheld. Whether dealing with car accidents, slip-and-falls, negligence claims, or housing disputes, Steven works tirelessly to protect his clients’ rights.

Edward Yaghoubi

Los Angeles, CA

Edward Yaghoubi is an attorney who focuses his practice on personal injury law; namely truck, motorcycle, auto and motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, assault and battery, dog bites, and general injury insurance litigation. Every day, Edward is empowered by the idea that he is helping average people who have been afflicted with devastating and debilitating injuries and family members of loved ones lost in tragedy accidents. He strives to exceed expectations by focusing on each client’s background, their special needs and goals, both short and long term, never straying from the idea that clients’ needs are the single most integral part of any resolution. He devotes his career to fighting tortfeasors and negligent defendants, who refuse to take responsibility for their actions or lack thereof. In his research and fact gathering Mr. Yaghoubi leaves no stone unturned, thereby investigating every fact and all remedies possibly available to compensate injured clients. Since 2005, Mr. Yaghoubi successfully negotiated several six figure pre and post litigation settlements.

Julio C. Argueta

Waukegan, IL

Julio C. Argueta has been with the law firm since 2003 and a partner since 2005. His practice areas include Criminal Law, Traffic/DUI Defense, Personal Injury, and Real Estate. He is fluent in English and Spanish. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as a Prosecutor for the Lake County State's Attorney's Office from 2000 to 2003.

Ryan Berchelmann

Houston, TX

A Houston native with a global outlook, Ryan Berchelmann brings extensive litigation experience and an international perspective to his legal practice. With a background in business, recruiting, and law, Ryan is deeply committed to pursuing justice for his clients with skill, tenacity, and compassion. Ryan grew up in Cypress, Texas, but his formative experiences extended far beyond. Summers spent in Ecuador not only gave him fluency in Spanish but also shaped his understanding of different cultures-an asset he brings to every case. He earned his BBA in International Business and Economics, as well as an MBA in Management, from Sam Houston State University. He later earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law Houston. Before entering the legal field, Ryan spent four years as an executive recruiter in the airline industry, conducting high-level searches throughout the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Panama. While attending law school, he also clerked for an immigration firm, where he deepened his commitment to advocacy and client service. Now a licensed attorney in both Texas and Georgia, Ryan is admitted to practice in the Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas. He has successfully tried over 20 cases and reached settlement agreements totaling in the multi-millions. His reputation as a skilled litigator is matched by his dedication to each client he represents, especially in complex personal injury matters. Outside the courtroom, Ryan is an avid traveler with a passion for international cultures. He has visited six continents and over 30 countries. A lifelong language learner, he is fluent in Spanish and actively studies French, Portuguese, and Italian. Ryan is the proud father of two sons, ages 15 and 13. He values the time they share together and strives to model perseverance, integrity, and curiosity both at home and in his legal career. If you’re seeking a seasoned attorney with global insight and courtroom experience, Ryan Berchelmann is ready to stand by your side and fight for the outcome you deserve.

David Lozner

Brooklyn, NY

David Lozner is cofounder and managing partner of Lozner & Mastropietro. He provides clients and their families with personal and professional guidance, counsel and support after a serious accident or the death of a loved one. Born in Ukraine, he immigrated to the US in 1981. After graduating from University at Buffalo Law School, he worked in the legal department of a major insurance company, handling numerous cases. He later became the managing attorney for the Brooklyn office of a large plaintiff's personal injury law firm. His vision was to create a firm with caring service and successful lawyers. He is known for his artful negotiation skills and winning record.

Jorge Green

BROWNSVILLE, TX

Jorge Green was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. He is bilingual and bicultural, speaking both Spanish and English. His parents, both educators, instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. An experienced courtroom lawyer, Jorge has successfully tried lawsuits to juries across Texas, handling cases from minor car accidents to those involving multiple deaths. He is Board Certified as a Personal Injury Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, recognizing his superior courtroom competency in major disputes.

Linzui Vergara

El Paso, TX

Linzui Vergara is a formidable trial attorney and co-founder of the Law Office of Abrar & Vergara, representing clients in high-stakes civil litigation and criminal defense across Texas and New Mexico. Her practice is built upon a foundation of exhaustive preparation, strategic acumen, and a powerful courtroom presence honed over years as a chief prosecutor. A proud native of El Paso’s Lower Valley, Linzui’s commitment to excellence was evident early on. Her career as a multi-sport athlete in golf, track, and cross-country at Del Valle High School instilled the discipline and resilience that define her legal advocacy. As a first-generation graduate, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from St. Mary’s University, with honors, and her Juris Doctor, with honors, from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Her dedication to continuing legal excellence is demonstrated by her membership in the State Bar College, an honorary society of top attorneys committed to professional education. Linzui’s distinguished prosecutorial career provided her with an unparalleled trial pedigree. She served as a Chief Prosecutor in the 34th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in El Paso, supervising felony prosecutions across three district courts. She further honed her skills as a Deputy District Attorney in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she specialized in prosecuting violent crimes, including sexual assaults and homicides; while supervising a team of attorneys. Her fearless advocacy and exceptional results earned her recognition as “Best Prosecutor,” a testament to her relentless pursuit of justice. At the Law Office of Abrar & Vergara, Linzui leverages this extensive trial experience to secure favorable outcomes for her clients in civil courtrooms. She and her partner, Arif Abrar, have consistently achieved significant verdicts and settlements in complex personal injury and civil rights matters. Linzui is renowned for her ability to master intricate case details and distill them into clear, persuasive narratives that resonate with judges and juries alike. Her profound commitment to advocacy extends beyond the bar. As the President of GiGi’s Playhouse El Paso, Linzui channels her passion into creating transformative opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, reflecting a deep-seated belief in service and community. Linzui balances the demands of a thriving legal practice with her role as the wife of an active-duty U.S. Army Major and mother to their child. This life of service and sacrifice informs her perspective, bringing profound empathy and unwavering strength to her client relationships. Outside the office, she finds inspiration in afternoon walks with her dogs and, as the firm’s resident “Swiftie,” in the storytelling of Taylor Swift - a reminder that courage and authenticity are powerful assets in every fight worth having. Backed by a record of success in courtrooms across two states, Linzui Vergara provides her clients with tenacious representation, strategic judgment, and an unwavering dedication to achieving justice.

Natalie B. Holm is the Managing Attorney for Holm Law Group, PC’s Nursing Home Abuse Practice. She has dedicated her entire legal career to fighting for victims of Elder Abuse and Neglect both inside and outside of the courtroom. Not only has Natalie obtained tens of millions in compensation for her clients, but she also educates the local legal community on elder law issues as the Elder Law Column Editor for Consumer Attorneys of San Diego’s Trial Bar News, spends time each year traveling to Sacramento to lobby in support of legislation that will protect California’s elderly population, and has a passion for using her social media platform to share critical information regarding California Elder Abuse laws, nursing home regulations, and the nursing home industry with the public.

Mark Montanaro

Farmingdale, NY

Mark Montanaro leads the firm at MontanaroLaw, P.C., and has customized the firm’s practice areas to broadly serve the legal needs of local community residents and business-minded individuals. Since the firm’s inception in 2014, Mark has become a trusted adviser and counsel to local business and property owners who need not only legal advice, but also someone who can provide business strategy as well. This is where Mark’s skills shine the brightest. Mr. Montanaro has extensive expertise in assisting small businesses and individual clients in connection with complex contract negotiations in areas including real estate, intellectual property, digital media rights, entertainment, software licensing, and business law-related areas, including the purchase and sale of enterprises. Mark’s professional background and continued practice in these areas allow the firm’s clients to benefit from a broad range of services related to the varying legal issues they face in their business. Mark is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for marketing, technology, social innovation, and helping others. He has been active in the entertainment industry and entrepreneurship well before earning his law degree. Mark has worked in the legal department of multiple cable television networks, giving him the rare opportunity to negotiate and draft high-level contracts with famous talent, leading production companies and major advertising and marketing agencies. Mr. Montanaro also manages the firm’s Estate Planning practice group, enabling individuals and business owners to safeguard their assets as they build their individual and business portfolios which may include real estate, business shares, financial accounts, and pensions. Mr. Montanaro also manages the firm’s Criminal and Driver Defense practice group. Mark is regularly sought out by individuals who find themselves fighting the justice system in connection with a motor vehicle related issue such as DWI/DUI/DWAI or charged with some sort of criminal activity. Mark appears in local courts defending his client’s rights.

Yvonne Kafor

Richardson, TX

Yvonne Kafor is the founding attorney at Kafor Law Firm, PLLC, with nearly 15 years of legal experience. She provides personalized representation in family law, personal injury, and mediation services. As both a mediator and lawyer, she empowers clients with legal options, helping resolve civil legal disputes and family law concerns including divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption. She is also an assertive personal injury lawyer dedicated to securing compensation for accident injuries. Her experience includes serving as a judicial law clerk and working on high-profile litigation cases for major law firms.