Spanish-Speaking Attorneys

Jose I. Bastarrika

Woodland Park, NJ

Jose I. Bastarrika is a founding partner of Bastarrika, Soto, Gonzalez & Somohano, LLP founded in 2000. He concentrates his practice in the area of Family Law and is the Managing Partner of the Firm’s Family Law Department. Mr. Bastarrika served as a Judicial Law Clerk to a Superior Court Judge in the Family Division in Passaic County. He has been a Court Appointed Guardian Ad Litem in complex child custody, child abuse and neglect actions and a Court Appointed Mediator. A Rule 1:40 Qualified Matrimonial Mediator, Mr. Bastarrika is a panel chair of a Passaic County Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel, and a former Barrister in the Justice Clifford American Inns of Court and the Northern New Jersey Family Law Inns of Court. He has been appointed to the Child Custody and Parenting Committee of the Family Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Family Law Executive Committee and appointed by the NJ Supreme Court to serve on the AD HOC Committee on Domestic Violence Reform. He was selected by the New Jersey Supreme Court to serve as Section Chair of the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee and is a former member the District XI Fee Arbitration Committee. A member of the New Jersey State Bar, Passaic County Bar and former Executive Committee member of The Hispanic Bar Associations of New Jersey, Mr. Bastarrika lectures regularly at the New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education on the issue of Professional Responsibility. He has appeared as a Legal Commentator on Court TV and, Telemundo and Univision. Mr. Bastarrika has been selected as a Super Lawyer by the New Jersey Monthly Magazine. Jose is fluent in Spanish and a proud graduate of Rutgers College in New Brunswick and Rutgers School of Law.

Ryan Samano

Las Vegas, NV

Ryan Samano is a personal injury attorney at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas, NV. He has been with the firm since he was 16, gaining extensive legal experience before being admitted to the Nevada Bar in 2021. Ryan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Spanish for the Professions from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2018, and his Juris Doctor from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV in 2021. During law school, he served as president of La Voz, the Hispanic/Latinx Law Student Organization, where he promoted access to legal education for Hispanic and Latino students, earning him the William S. Boyd School of Law Dean’s Award. Ryan is a first-generation Latino, a lifelong Las Vegas native, fluent in Spanish, and an avid runner.

Scott Templeton

San Angelo, TX

Scott Templeton is an attorney with over 20 years of experience serving the San Angelo community and West Texas. He is a trial lawyer with extensive experience in negotiations and case preparation, dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, employment law, and business litigation.

Theodore Bruce Godfrey

Silver Spring, MD

Theodore Bruce Godfrey is a partner at Zipin Amster & Greenberg with experience in wage and hour litigation, commission and bonus lawsuits, unemployment disputes, and discrimination suits. He is licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia and has been named a Super Lawyer in employment law for workers.

Solonge El-Hachem

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Solonge El-Hachem joined LaBovick Law Group in early 2024 as an Associate Attorney specializing in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claims and Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Claims for the Massachusetts Division. She helps medical providers and injured persons achieve successful outcomes against insurance carriers. Her path to law was non-traditional, starting as a paralegal and gaining experience in various practice areas before earning her Juris Doctor from The Massachusetts School of Law at Andover in 2020.

Mario Palermo

Oak Brook, IL

Mario Palermo is the Founder and Lead Attorney at Palermo Law Group in Oak Brook, Illinois. For the past 26 years, he has worked tirelessly to help injury victims and their families. He is a seasoned authority on civil litigation, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and has been named a 'Leading Lawyer' by his peers annually since 2015. He has successfully handled numerous cases that resolved in excess of one million dollars, including a defective airbag case that settled for $1,500,000.

Peter J. Eliopoulos

New York, NY

Peter J. Eliopoulos has 20 years of experience in personal injury law, battling for clients injured by negligence. With a B.A. in Philosophy from Boston University and a J.D. from Albany Law School, along with a background in marketing and insurance defense, he possesses critical skills for effective representation, including achieving 7-figure results. He is a skilled negotiator and litigator, known for his creativity, wit, and meticulous preparation in court and out.

Anthony Ortega

Alamo, TX

Anthony M. Ortega is a Rio Grande Valley native and the owner of Anthony M. Ortega Law, PLLC, based in Alamo, TX. He represents clients in personal injury, real estate, criminal defense, and divorce cases. He earned his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Texas Christian University and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Ortega is dedicated to his community, serving as a board member of Freedom Bank and supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is also a member of the Hidalgo County Young Lawyer’s Association. He is known for his caring approach, understanding, and commitment to providing effective legal services and guiding clients through complex legal processes.

Mario Alvarez

Brownsville, TX

Mario Alvarez is an associate attorney at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers. He earned his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and is also licensed in Mexico. He has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies, successfully assisting hundreds of clients in maximizing recovery for property damage and bodily injury claims. He is dedicated to protecting clients from unfair insurance practices.

Kareem A. Ramadan

Upland, CA

Kareem A. Ramadan is the Principal Attorney at Kareem Law APC, which he founded in 2012. He exclusively practices criminal defense, representing clients in state, federal, and juvenile courts across San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties. Mr. Ramadan is known for his dedication, extensive trial experience, and success in securing dismissals and reduced sentences. He holds a Bachelor's in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of California, Irvine, and graduated at the top of his class from the University of La Verne. Leveraging his training from former police officers, he identifies flaws in investigations, leading to numerous dismissed cases. He is a skillful criminal defense attorney committed to challenging the unequal justice system.

Caroline Castellani

Northfield, NJ

Caroline Castellani specializes in Personal Injury, Employment Discrimination, Contract Law, Estate Planning, DUI defense, and traffic violation defense. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University and her Juris Doctor Degree from Widener University Delaware Law School in 2019. She has been selected to the 2024 and 2025 Super Lawyers Rising Stars list and recognized as one of the Top 10 Under 40 in New Jersey by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys.

Connor Castellani

Northfield, NJ

Connor Castellani focuses his practice on Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Employment Discrimination, Contract Law, DUI defense, and traffic violations. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University and his Juris Doctor from Widener University Delaware Law School in 2019. Admitted to practice in New Jersey, he is committed to protecting clients' rights across South Jersey.

Robert H. Solomon

Long Beach, NY

Mr. Solomon began his legal career in New York City at the multinational law firm of LaBoeuf Lamb Dewey Ballantine, where he counseled private and public clients in corporate and commercial matters. In 1988, he opened his own firm on Long Island, NY, focusing on bankruptcy. He has worked with thousands of individuals seeking a fresh start through bankruptcy. He represents litigants in contested matters under the Bankruptcy Code. He has held public office as a School Board Trustee and served on the Board of Directors for several community organizations, including the local hospital, chamber of commerce, and homeowner’s association, and was president of the local bar association. He also served as Chairman of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island. He has an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale Hubbell and has been included in Who’s Who in American Law and Who’s Who in America. He has spoken on bankruptcy issues, the student loan crisis, and alternatives to repayment.

Yanet Gonzalez

Miami Lakes, FL

Yanet is an experienced Litigation Paralegal at Redemption Law, where she plays an essential role in assisting clients through the Litigation process. With a strong background in Plaintiff’s Personal Injury law, legal research, preparation of legal documents and pleadings, case management, Mediation, discovery, and trial preparation, Yanet ensures that our clients receive the legal support they need when their case arrives at our Litigation department.

Andrés E. Almanzán

El Paso, TX

Mr. Almanzán is a third-generation native and bilingual El Pasoan. For the last 26 years, he has been licensed and has maintained an active, civil defense litigation practice in both Texas State and Federal Courts, and more recently, in New Mexico State and Federal Courts as well. His clients include local companies and individuals, as well as regional, national, and international companies. Mr. Almanzán maintains a broader legal/litigation practice than many other attorneys, which entails a more diverse and thorough understanding of an exposure to various legal areas and venues which has proven to be a significant benefit to his trial practice and professional development. He is the Chief Executive Officer and a Vice-President of the Firm. He also serves as the Chair of the Firm's Recruiting Committee.

Before joining the Wetherington Law Firm, Ben worked at one of the largest personal injury law firms in the United States. Ben has helped evaluate and litigate thousands of cases and will bring his breadth of experience to your legal matter.

Jordan S. Vahdat

Livonia, MI

Jordan S. Vahdat is the co-founder of Vahdat Weisman Law and a dedicated personal injury attorney with a proven record of success in negligence, premises liability, auto accident, and insurance dispute cases. He has built his practice on a client-first philosophy, combining compassion with aggressive litigation strategies to achieve justice for accident victims across Michigan. Jordan’s reputation as a top trial lawyer stems from his meticulous preparation, sharp courtroom skills, and relentless pursuit of results. He has secured numerous favorable verdicts and settlements in both state and federal courts, tailoring his approach to the unique circumstances of each client’s case. Fluent in Spanish and deeply tied to the Hispanic community, Jordan is proud of his Venezuelan and Persian heritage, which has shaped his values of resilience, hard work, and cultural connection. Outside the courtroom, Jordan is a proud father of three and an active member of his community. He volunteers as a youth soccer and flag football coach, finding fulfillment in mentoring and supporting young athletes. A lifelong Michigan fan and devoted Eastern Michigan Eagles supporter, he brings the same passion and energy he has for his teams to the clients he represents.

Marisa Leon

Houston, TX

Marisa Leon was born and raised in Texas City, Texas. Marisa graduated from the University of Houston-Clear Lake with a degree in Healthcare Administration and earned her law degree from South Texas College of Law. Marisa is a Spanish speaking attorney who practiced family law and insurance defense prior to becoming an entrepreneur. She co-founded a nationwide court reporting firm as the Executive Vice President and assisted in the company’s growth for the next several years. Marisa returned to the practice of law where her experience as an attorney and entrepreneur have been invaluable to her in understanding the needs of her clients and helping clients achieve their desired outcome. Marisa always had a special interest in personal injury which led her to The Shellist Law Firm where she continues to assist clients with their personal injury needs. At the Shellist Law Firm, Marisa uses her prior experiences in healthcare and insurance defense to give the firm’s clients a tactical advantage. Marisa considers it a privilege to help clients get the justice they deserve. No matter what type of case a client was involved in, Marisa is there for the firm’s clients when they need her most. Marisa is a Past President and current Board of Director for the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston. She has been a Board of Director since 2010 and was awarded the President’s Award twice in recognition of her exemplary service and dedication to the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston. Marisa has two children, Daniel and Alyssa, both away at college. In her free time, Marisa enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Scott Hyland Sheffron

Hendersonville, NC

Scott Sheffron’s professional mission for over 25 years has been to do everything in his power to obtain the best possible outcome for his clients. Mr. Sheffron has been licensed to practice law in Florida & North Carolina since 1998. He received his bachelor’s degree (specializing in banking & finance) as well as his law degree (Juris Doctor) from Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, he has received diplomas from the American Institute of Banking, the Carnegie Institute, and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. In 2001, Scott became one of only a few practicing attorneys to earn the title of Certified Trust & Financial Advisor. Mr. Sheffron has tried countless “bench” and “jury” trials. He has been involved in several “high-profile” matters throughout his career including the recent case involving Top Gun actress Kelley McGillis and the NBC televised case Killer Couples “Killer Couples”. Scott has obtained numerous acquittals and produced hundreds of positive results for his clients as a result of his experience as both a trial attorney and a negotiator. Mr. Sheffron is extremely well respected and admired by his current and former clients evidenced by hundreds of thank you cards and online reviews. Scott does all in his power to obtain the best possible outcome under challenging circumstances, and after 25 years of practicing law he has a proven record of success.

William F. Dow

New Haven, CT

Willie Dow is one of Connecticut’s most experienced and effective criminal defense lawyers. Since 1993, he has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America®. This year, he was named the 2026 New Haven “Lawyer of the Year” for Criminal Defense: White Collar. He has been recognized by Connecticut Magazine as a Connecticut Super Lawyer® in Criminal Defense from 2006 to 2025. Since 2006, he has been voted numerous times by his peers as a Top 10 & Top 50: Connecticut Super Lawyer and Top 100: New England Super Lawyer in Connecticut Magazine. Willie’s practice focuses on criminal and white collar defense in both state and federal courts. He has represented clients in cases ranging from homicide and crimes of violence, drug offenses and theft, to sophisticated white collar litigation. He has defended individuals and organizations in the trial courts and has argued appeals in the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts and the Federal Courts of Appeals in the Second, Third and District of Colombia Circuits. Willie has tried to verdict more than 100 criminal cases. He secured a complete acquittal in a high-profile white-collar prosecution brought by the Connecticut United States Attorneys Office. His client, an environmental remediation company, was found not guilty on all eighteen counts of a mail fraud/wire fraud indictment after a three-week jury trial in the US District Court in Bridgeport. Early in 2011, together with attorney Rosemarie Paine, Willie secured an acquittal in a murder trial in which the State prosecuted a twenty-year-old “unsolved” killing based on DNA found on the clothing of the victim. Willie also obtained a not guilty verdict on a charge of sexual assault before a jury in New Haven Superior Court, prevailed on two additional sexual assault claims before disciplinary bodies at a local university, and secured a dismissal on a highly publicized flag-burning incident. He also secured a new trial for a teacher accused of risk of injury in a computer pop-ups case that received national media attention. Most recently, Willie secured a not guilty verdict after a jury trial in a motor vehicle homicide case. He also convinced the state to dismiss all charges in a high-profile First Degree Assault case by providing evidence of his client’s complete innocence, and obtained a dismissal as well for a defendant who had been wrongfully accused of a narcotics transaction. He also secured a dismissal of disciplinary charges against an attorney. Widely admired for his courtroom skills, Willie is also regarded as a seasoned and effective negotiator who has gained the trust of prosecutors and judges in both state and federal courts. His negotiating skills and creative solutions to seemingly unwinnable cases have benefited his clients throughout Connecticut.

Melissa Odama Hart

Seattle, WA

Melissa Odama Hart is the founding attorney at Seattle Car Accident Law Firm. She graduated cum laude from Seattle Pacific University in 2000 and earned her JD from Seattle University School of Law in 2003. After passing the bar in 2003, she served as a public defender for eight years and later worked as in-house counsel for a large insurance company. In 2011, she was accepted into the prestigious Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College. She is admitted to practice in Washington State and the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Washington, and is a member of the Washington State Association of Justice, King County Bar Association, and National Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

Sarbdeep Atwal

Sacramento, CA

Sarbdeep Atwal is an attorney specializing in Criminal Defense, DMV hearings, Social Security and Disability, and Real Estate Issues. He holds a Juris Doctorate from Trinity Law School and was admitted to the California Bar in June 2010. He is trained by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and speaks fluent Punjabi and conversational Spanish. He has over 10 years of experience.

Joseph Spinuzza

Louisville, KY

Joseph Spinuzza is a seasoned personal injury attorney licensed in Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin. He has experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex litigation and is known for securing favorable settlements and trial outcomes. He previously served as a trial attorney for a major insurance company in Chicago. He advocates for injured clients, including Spanish-speaking individuals.

Paul H. Janda

Las Vegas, NV

Attorney Paul H. Janda, Esq., Wharton MBA, FAAN, is the only Board-Certified Neurologist, Certified Life Care Planner, and trial attorney with an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He offers unmatched expertise across medicine, law, and business. He served as the expert in the largest single-plaintiff verdict in Nevada history ($160 million judgment) and has been honored with Top Doctor and Top Lawyer awards, recognized by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.