FEDERAL

Matthew L. Bretz

Hutchinson, KS

Matthew L. Bretz is a trial lawyer whose life's mission was shaped by the tragic loss of his sister. He grew up with a single mother and three sisters, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and graduating college by 20. He attended Pepperdine University School of Law and worked at Engstrom Lipscomb & Lack, learning trial law. The death of his sister in 1992 profoundly influenced his dedication to helping seriously injured individuals and families who have lost loved ones. He is a faculty member of the Keenan Trial College, teaching other lawyers, and serves on the MADD National Board. He also volunteers with United Way, Red Cross, Interfaith Housing, ABATE, and the Training and Evaluation Center of Hutchinson. He handles motor vehicle, premises liability, dangerous and defective products, and nursing home cases. He has an 'AV' rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible for professional ability and ethics, and has won over 98% of his cases since 1991, recovering over $300 million for clients.

Brandon B. Rafi

Phoenix, AZ

Brandon B. Rafi, an Arizona native, embodies the values of hard work and dedication instilled by his immigrant parents. As the owner, president, and founder of Rafi Law Group, he has dedicated a decade to personal injury law and community welfare. Educated at Brophy College Preparatory, the University of Arizona, and Phoenix School of Law, Brandon aims to serve and inspire. Under his leadership, Rafi Law Group has become Arizona's top personal injury firm, with seven offices and over 250 professionals. He founded Rafi's Hope, a charitable initiative, and actively collaborates with Arizona charities. His philanthropic efforts earned him the 2023 AZ Business Angel of the Year and 2024 Philanthropic Business Leader of the Year awards. In 2024, he received the Phoenix Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award and was recognized as one of Arizona's Most Influential Minority Business Owners and in the 2023 AZ Big 100. Outside work, Brandon enjoys time with his wife Paige and two sons, supporting local sports teams, and traveling.

Don Barrett

Lexington, MS

Don Barrett is a managing partner at Barrett Law Group, P.A., focusing on product liability, consumer fraud, antitrust, and class actions. He was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1969 and has received honors such as an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell and being named a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation. He was also recognized as a National Trial Lawyer of the Year by Public Justice in 2019.

Peter McGrath has been practicing law for over 25 years and is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney with the United States Department of Justice. He concentrates his practice in personal injury law, complex litigation, and class action lawsuits. He is admitted to practice law in South Carolina, New Hampshire, the United States Supreme Court, the United States Federal Tax Court, and the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire.

Michael Harman

Huntersville, NC

As the founder and principal attorney of Harman Law, PLLC, Michael brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to advocating for the rights of employees and small businesses across North Carolina. Employment litigation is the cornerstone of his practice, where he represents clients through every stage of the employment journey, from unemployment appeal hearings to intricate cases before courts and administrative agencies. Michael’s experience spans a broad range of employment matters, including discrimination, workplace harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and wage and hour disputes, among others. With a deep understanding of the nuances of employment law, he crafts meticulous legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, ensuring their interests are protected and their voices are heard. Complementing his focus on employment law is Michael’s proficiency in civil litigation and general negligence issues, including personal injury and tort claims. Before establishing Harman Law, PLLC, he honed his skills as a Senior Associate Attorney at a prestigious personal injury firm in Charlotte, gaining invaluable experience in navigating the complexities of these cases in both state and federal courts.

Armando R. Payas

Orlando, FL

Armando R. Payas is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney. For the first ten years of practicing law, he defended insurance companies and medical providers. In the last 20 years, he joined his family’s firm, Payas, Payas & Payas, LLP, focusing on justice for the injured. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in 1980 and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from Florida State University in 1983. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1983.