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Mr. Barnard assists clients in many areas of civil litigation with an emphasis on serious personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. He is a graduate of Texas Christian University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Prior to joining civil practice, he worked as an assistant prosecutor in Platte County, Missouri, where he was able to grow his passion for the courtroom by taking several jury trials to verdict. Mr. Barnard also supervised Platte County’s Mental Health Court treatment program and served as the main author and attorney for the creation of the county’s first diversion program. He currently serves as Chair of the CLE Committees for the Missouri Bar Young Lawyers Section Council and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Board of Directors. Mr. Barnard is also a proud member of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.

Mr. Crompton specializes in complex civil cases across the United States. He has led numerous large-scale litigations, obtaining significant verdicts, settlements, and results on behalf of his clients. A native of Herrin, Illinois, he grew up in a hardworking, union family. Mr. Crompton’s family and close family friends have worked in heavy, dangerous industries, trades and services including railroading, agriculture, mining, natural resources, manufacturing, construction, labor, maintenance, machinery, transportation and trucking, towing/road service, electrical linemen, structural/steel, teaching, and engineering. He has successfully taken on some of the largest, most aggressive corporations and industries, including pharmaceutical, agricultural, asbestos, petroleum/oil, banking, automotive, and manufacturing. Mr. Crompton’s cases have been featured in various media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Time, CNBC, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, Law360, New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Missouri Lawyers Media, St. Louis Post Dispatch, St. Louis Business Journal, and the St. Louis Record, to name a few. Additionally, his legal writings, teachings, and materials have been published in and widely circulated by well-known industry publications. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including a Martindale-Hubbell preeminent AV rating (5.0/5.0), a Top 100 Trial Lawyer, in the Global Directory of Who’s Who (Top Lawyers), a designation by Super Lawyers, and being ranked in the top 5% of private practice attorneys nationwide by Best Lawyers in America.

Ms. Crompton is an experienced trial attorney and dedicated advocate for justice. Her passion to try cases led her to join the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s office prosecuting some of the most serious and egregious offenses in St. Louis City. Ms. Crompton tried over 40 jury trials and countless bench trials during her 11+ year tenure, having an impressive record of felony convictions. It was during her time there that she sought justice on behalf of many women and children who were survivors of sexual crimes and domestic violence. Standing up and giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves is the reason she chose to attend law school. Ms. Crompton continued her career at a woman owned plaintiffs law firm concentrating her practice in the areas of catastrophic trucking cases, product liability, wrongful death, medical negligence, employment litigation, and personal injury. Just prior to joining the firm, she operated in a business role as Director and Counsel for a private legal services company. There she managed all services to facilitate resolution of civil litigation matters. Additionally, she was accountable for training and management of employees and independent contractors, marketing, sales, purchasing, budgeting, and ultimately viability. She also created and managed a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program offering insight on a wide range of legal topics to lawyers and other professionals across the country. Ms. Crompton is committed to assisting many causes and organizations including the Missouri Bar and local affinity bar associations. She is a past President of the Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis (WLA) and currently serves as Vice President for the Missouri Bar. Ms. Crompton is actively involved with many committees furthering the missions of access to justice, women in the profession, and educational outreach including past Chair of the Government Lawyers Committee, Chair of the CLE Committee and co-Chair of the ADR Committee. She serves as an adjunct professor of law at St. Louis University School of Law teaching courses on Mediation and Trial Advocacy.

Mr. Kurtz practice includes wrongful death personal injury, products’ liability, medical malpractice probate law, elder law, wills and trusts, business and tax law, and real estate. His personal injury practice allows him to help people who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in an accident. Mr. Kurtz has extensive trial experience and works hard to get clients the compensation they deserve. He is admitted to practice in Missouri, Kansas, and before the U.S. Federal Courts. Mr. Kurtz earned his A.B. degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, his M.A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and his J.D. degree from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Law.

Ms. Longfellow is a civil trial lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in civil litigation. She is admitted to practice in both Missouri and Kansas. Ms. Longfellow regularly defends companies and individuals in lawsuits in state and federal courts, including class action litigation. She also routinely defends employers facing charges of discrimination filed with local, state and federal agencies. Ms. Longfellow’s clients include companies in a variety of different industries, including real estate development, entertainment districts, construction, as well as the retail and service sectors.
In addition to her litigation practice, she regularly trains, counsels, and advises her clients on various employment issues, workplace policies, and compliance with local, state and federal laws. Ms. Longfellow understands the importance of providing practical and preventative advice to assist her clients in assessing and minimizing their risks in a cost-effective and efficient manner. She regularly prepares policies, employee handbooks, employment agreements, including non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, as well as severance agreements for her clients. Ms. Longfellow is a frequent speaker on a wide range of employment-related topics both regionally and nationally.

In over 35 years of practice, Mr. Monsees has handled cases in over 20 states. In the past, he worked for law firms specializing in defense of insurance companies and product manufacturers. That experience now helps him understand his opponent, since he restricts his practice to representing victims of wrongdoing. Mr. Monsees is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he attended both undergraduate and law school. A Kansas City, Missouri native, he returned home to practice law upon graduating law school in 1981, where he graduated in the top 10% of his law school class and was awarded the distinction of “Order of the Coif.” In 2011, he was honored to become a member, by invitation, to the American Board of Trial Advocates, the most prestigious organization of trial attorneys in the United States. In 2021, Mr. Monsees was recognized by Missouri Lawyer’s Media, the publisher of the primary legal publication for Missouri attorneys, as an “Icon” of the profession, recognizing his career achievements in the practice of law. A year later, he was similarly honored by the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association as a “Dean of the Trial Bar.” In 2013, Mr. Monsees published Preparing For a Personal Injury Case, a quick and comprehensive guide to the most commonly asked questions about personal injury cases and what to expect. It continues as a solid reference to the kinds of questions clients can and should ask as they choose an attorney and venture into personal injury litigation.

Mr. Uhrig’s firm focuses on auto and truck crashes, personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, nursing home abuse, and workers’ compensation claims. He is a renowned personal injury attorney with over 24 years of experience in representing clients who have been harmed due to the negligence of others. His unwavering commitment to justice and his compassionate approach to client care have made him a trusted advocate in the legal community. Mr. Uhrig earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri after completing his undergraduate studies also at Mizzou. Early in his career, Mr. Uhrig worked with Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, where he honed his skills in litigation and victim advocacy. This foundation laid the groundwork for his successful career in personal injury law.

Mr. Baker’s practice centers on intellectual property, competition, antitrust, and complex corporate litigation. Outside litigation, he assists clients with devising internal policies to ensure compliance with state and federal antitrust regulations. Mr. Baker earned his B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from Tulane University and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Minnesota.

 Ms. Bartels areas of practice include family law, guardianships and corporate law. She is a member of the Nebraska Bar Association and the Omaha Bar Association. Ms. Bartels earned his B.A. degree, summa cum laude, and her J.D. degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Ms. Miller is also Director of the ABA approved Legal Studies Program at College of Saint Mary and the College’s pre-law advisor. Prior to becoming a full-time faculty member, she taught as an adjunct instructor in the program for ten years. Licensed to practice law in Nebraska and Iowa, Ms. Miller has worked in several corporate legal departments, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, real estate, lending and general financial services. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from Creighton University and her J.D. from Drake University School of Law.

Mr. Waite has forty-seven years of trial practice, including scores of Jury trials to verdict, and twenty-nine years’ experience as an Approved Federal Court Mediator. He is a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and an approved mediator with the Federal Court, District of Nebraska since 1995. Mr. Waite earned his B.S. degree from the University of Nebraska and his J.D. degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Ms. Barker brings over three decades of dedicated paralegal experience to her clients. Starting her career in 1989, Ms. Barker has a rich background in litigation across civil, family, and criminal law. She has attended numerous criminal trials at counsel table and has managed family law cases through both court processes and mediation. Her experience includes thorough document preparation, individual client meetings, and maintaining client relationships without direct attorney supervision. Later in her career, Ms. Barker transitioned into estate planning, assisting with trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and deed transfers into trusts. Her extensive experience spans working with one firm from 1989 to 2012, two firms from 2012 to 2018, and providing contract services to attorneys from 2018 to 2023. In 2024, she retooled her business model to extend her services directly to individuals, making her valuable legal support more accessible. Ms. Barker holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Her educational background enhances her ability to support clients, especially those facing stressful legal situations.

Ms. DeBernardis has worked all over the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New Hampshire, and she has a vast amount of experience in many areas of law. Ms. DeBernardis has worked with clients from all walks of life ranging from representing indigent clients through appointment by the Court to private clients in all areas of law in lower and higher Courts throughout each state. Over the years, she has been a member of the Essex County Bar Advocates, Inc., and a panel attorney for the Appellate Division of the Committee for Public Counsel, providing counsel to indigent defendants. Ms. DeBernardis’ practice focuses on family law, criminal law, and appellate law in Massachusetts and family law in New Hampshire. Ms. DeBernardis earned her B.S. degree in Psychology and Law at the College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) in 1996. She continued her education at the New England School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts, where she earned a juris doctor degree in 1999. Attorney DeBernardis was admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1999, the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts in 2003 and the State of New Hampshire in 2007.

Mr. Gabor has extensive experience in human resources, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. His human resources practice includes compliance, drafting policies, preparing manuals, conducting training, handling workplace investigations, conducting auditing, and counseling clients in all aspects of the employee-employer relationship. Mr. Gabor’s litigation practice includes employment discrimination, harassment, employee classification, wage and hour, unfair competition, non-compete, and ERISA matters. He conducts regular seminars, workshops, and webinars on matters concerning employment law and human resources. Mr. Gabor has been recognized as a Best Lawyer in America and Super Lawyer in New York, Massachusetts, and New England. He earned his B.A. degree from the University of Michigan and his J.D. degree from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

Mr. McMahon’s main areas of practice include personal injury, employees’ rights and probate controversies. He was most recently an attorney with Rath, Young and Pignatelli. Mr. McMahon earned his B.A. degree from Boston University and his J.D. degree from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.

Ms. Buchanan has handled trucking crash cases, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and employment cases in more than 20 jurisdictions. As former BigLaw and in-house counsel to a Fortune 500 company, she traveled the country advising corporate executives and litigating multi-million dollar disputes for insurance companies and large corporations. Now she teaches other lawyers about how to take on these big companies using her training and experience from the other side. Ms. Buchanan is board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in trucking crash cases, making her one of the first few women in the nation to achieve that honor. In 2024, Ms. Buchanan was elected to the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group Executive Board, which oversees motorcarrier and owner-operator liability legal matters in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Ms. Padilla’s legal practice focuses on issues involving family relationships, including adoption, divorce, and child custody. Ms. Padilla received her J.D. degree from The University of New Mexico School of Law. Previously she served as an associate attorney at Atencio Law Office, an attorney with Wolf & Fox, PC, and an attorney with New Mexico Legal Group, P.C.

Ms. Palomares has worked with RMC since 2016. She graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2015. She briefly worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Second Judicial District, prosecuting domestic violence and DUI cases. Ms. Palomares has extensive experience in litigation in domestic relations, criminal, and children’s court matters. She is committed to ensuring that clients receive the expert guidance they deserve. She manages a diverse caseload, handling everything from litigation and motions practice to negotiation in domestic relations, guardianship proceedings, conservatorship proceedings, and guardian ad litem work. Ms. Palomares is fluent in Spanish and, in her spare time, she performs and records New Mexico Spanish music and performs with Mariachi Calor.

Mr. White is a frequent guest lecturer to his peers on his representation of victims of heavy truck crashes and oilfield, pipeline and industrial incidents. His practice focuses heavily on catastrophic truck wrecks and oilfield/pipeline incidents in New Mexico and Texas. Mr. White has never advertised as he believes his work is his advertisement. This has led him to receive client referrals from judges, from jurors that have sat in cases he’s tried, from defense lawyers he’s done battle against, from experts that have been hired in past cases, and from other lawyers. More importantly, a significant portion of his work at Liles White is focused on representing people referred to him by his current and past clients, who are proud to spread the word about his work for them. The best compliment he’s gotten as a lawyer is that he doesn’t act like, talk like, or dress like a lawyer. Despite his primary office being in Texas, Mr. White was asked to author the New Mexico Truck Crash Law Overview for the AAJ Interstate Trucking Litigation Group.

Mr. Amir is co-chair of the Westchester County Bar Association’s Section on Real Estate, Construction and Land Use, a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Sections on Real Property Law, and Local and State Government Law, and sits on the Legal Advisory Committee of the Associated General Contractors of New York State. Jacob is also Chair of a lower Westchester, New York Zoning Board of Appeals. He represents property owners, developers, financial institutions and other stakeholders on all real estate, construction projects and business transactions in the Hudson Valley and New York City, and in litigation in the federal and state courts in New York. Jacob earned his J.D. degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he was a Jacob Burns medal recipient and editor of the Moot Court Honor Society, and holds a Bachelor of Arts from New York University.

Mr. Dexter focuses on complex, real-estate, and commercial litigation. He also serves as an outside general counsel to businesses, advising them on various legal issues, including laws relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the CARES Act and its Paycheck Protection Program. He was co-counsel of record in Manning v. Merrill Lynch, in which the United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously in his clients’ favor. Prior to the grant of certiorari, Mr. Dexter was the primary brief writer in the U.S. Supreme Court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Those underlying motions, made by several of the country’s largest financial institutions, were resolved entirely in favor of his clients. In 2018 and 2019, Mr. Dexter secured reimbursement of substantial attorneys’ fees under contractual fee-shifting provisions; reimbursement of attorneys’ fees as frivolous-litigation sanctions; multiple post-judgment awards enforcing his clients’ judgments and court orders; spoliation sanctions against litigants who destroyed evidence, including an adverse-inference charge that promptly resolved his client’s case favorably; significant insurance coverage settlements; and favorable summary-judgment decisions, including a decision that clarifies the scope of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act in real-estate transactions. A 2009 graduate of Tulane University, cum laude, and from Temple University School of Law, cum laude, in 2012, Mr. Dexter was a member of the Temple Law Review and has been published in multiple law reviews.

Professor Wetmore joined Albany Law School in August of 2022 as a Visiting Assistant Professor. He teaches Evidence, Criminal Law, and Trial Practice. He previously taught at Albany Law School as an adjunct professor. Prior to joining Albany Law School, Professor Wetmore served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, where he worked as both a trial and appellate prosecutor. In all, he has practiced in state and local trial courts, intermediate appellate courts, and the New York Court of Appeals. Professor Wetmore is also regularly asked to serve as critiquing faculty for the New York Prosecutor’s Training Institute and the New York State Bar Association’s Trial Academy where he provides feedback to newly admitted attorneys learning trial skills. A 2014 graduate of Albany Law School, Professor Wetmore was an active competitor in the Anthony V. Cardona ’70 Moot Court Program. He is a former winner of both the Donna Jo Morse Negotiations Competition and Client Counseling Competition; the latter of which he has assisted coaching since 2014. Professor Wetmore is also the current faculty advisor to the law school’s Karen C. McGovern Senior Prize Trial Competition.

Ms. Abernethy joined The Noble Law employment law firm in January 2018 following more than 15 years in the defense bar at large international law firms. Ms. Abernethy has represented clients in matters arising under Title VII, the North Carolina Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (“REDA”), the North Carolina Whistleblower Statute, the North Carolina False Claims Act, the North Carolina Wage & Hour Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and other state and federal employment statutes. Ms. Abernethy has extensive background and experience as a litigator in class and collective action cases. She has also developed significant experience with navigating the regulatory frameworks surrounding medical practice and related industries. She also has extensive experience in arbitration, mediation and in courts of appeals. She is admitted to practice before the State Bars of both North Carolina and Illinois, and in the United States Courts of Appeals for the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Seventh Circuits. She has written and presented on topics relating to e-discovery, civil procedure, insurance coverage and the Medicare payment process. Ms. Abernethy received her J.D. degree from Washington University School of Law in 2001. She graduated Order of the Coif (top 10% of law school graduating class), and was an articles editor for the Washington University Law Quarterly. She has a B.A. degree in History from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. While practicing as an employment attorney in Chicago, Ms. Abernethy was named a “Rising Star” by SuperLawyers Magazine in 2010 and 2011. She was named a North Carolina “Super Lawyer” in 2022.

Ms. Harris established The Law Office of Neubia L. Harris, PLLC, in August 2018, and she brings a wealth of experience in education law and civil litigation. Before launching her own practice, Ms. Harris served as an associate attorney at a local education law firm and as a staff attorney at Legal Aid of North Carolina. Her firm reflects her commitment to protecting children and her passion for entrepreneurship. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. She is licensed to practice in the State Courts of North Carolina and the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina. An active member of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) and the Wake County Bar Association (WCBA), Ms. Harris was inducted into the NCBA’s Leadership Academy in 2017, one of only 16 lawyers selected statewide. She is a published author in the fields of diversity, equity, inclusion, and education rights, and she regularly teaches continuing legal education courses and speaks at community events on education law topics.

Mr. Hood is a trial attorney in a wide-ranging civil practice with over 200 jury trials to his credit. His concentration includes business disputes, construction law, personal injury and collections. He is also a certified mediator, helping to settle cases pending in both state and federal court and served as president of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, the organization for lawyers representing business interests in civil litigation. Mr. Hood’s involvement in the legal community includes service on the Section Council for both the Insurance Law and Dispute Resolution Sections of the North Carolina Bar Association, and on the boards of the UNC Law Alumni Association and the Equal Access to Justice Foundation. In his local community, he serves on the Board of the Historical Association of Catawba County and has served on the county’s Board of Elections for 25 years, including four years as board chair.

Mr. Litrenta is a litigator who focuses his practice on commercial litigation, construction law and defects, general liability, governmental and municipality liability, premises liability, transportation and professional liability matters. His litigation background spans both prosecution and defense, bringing a comprehensive perspective to each case he handles. Mr. Litrenta began his legal career as a prosecutor, where he gained significant courtroom experience conducting multiple jury trials. His ability to build and present cases in court led him to transition to criminal defense, where he effectively leveraged his trial skills and knowledge of evidence to defend his clients. This diverse background has equipped him with a deep understanding of both sides of the legal process, which he now applies to his civil litigation practice. With trial experience in multiple states, Mr. Litrenta is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. He is known for his tireless work ethic and strategic approach to litigation. In addition to his practice, Mr. Litrenta is passionate about teaching and regularly presents on topics such as jury selection, evidentiary issues, and trial advocacy. He earned his J.D. degree from Barry University and holds a B.S. degree in Anthropology and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Ms. Viera’s intimate knowledge of the North Carolina family court system began as a child amidst a domestic violence and child abuse situation. Although tumultuous, she was inspired by her childhood to pursue the goal of a legal career helping families in similar situations. She conducted her undergraduate studies at George Washington University in Washington, DC. She pursued her law degree at the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill where she was able to hone her skills as an orator, writer, and legal thinker. As a family law attorney, Ms. Viera utilizes the tools of negotiation, mediation, and litigation to find solutions for families navigating the legal system. She was named a Top 40 Young Lawyer by the American Bar Association in 2020, a North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Power List Attorney in Family Law in 2022, and has received the designation of Super Lawyers Rising Star, Best Lawyer Ones to Watch, and Legal Elite by Business North Carolina. Modern Legal is based in the South Park area of Charlotte, and her team provides legal, mediation, and arbitration services to clients in North Carolina and South Carolina. Learn more at ModernLegalNC.com.

Ms. Weyandt’s practice focuses exclusively on family law, including issues related to child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, and domestic violence, as well as the issues of alienation of affection and criminal conversation. Ms. Weyandt is a magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University. She earned her J.D. degree from Wake Forest University School of Law, where she served as Senior Notes and Comments Editor of the Wake Forest Law Review. While in law school, Ms. Weyandt was also a member of the Moot Court Board, where she competed as a member on the Gabrielli National Family Law Moot Court Team; worked as a research assistant for Dean Suzanne Reynolds in researching and editing her North Carolina Family Law treatise; and served as a teaching assistant and Academic Engagement Group Leader for various subjects.

Ms. Bernton focuses her work on all types of commercial disputes, with an emphasis on complex real estate litigation. She advocates for multinational companies, regional companies, and local businesses to help them achieve their goals through trial and dispute resolution. Ms. Bernton represents businesses in state and federal courts, as well as in administrative settings including private mediation and in judicial settlement conferences. Prior to joining Tonkon Torp, she was an attorney with the Eugene, Oregon, law firm Gleaves Swearingen LLP. Ms. Bernton attended the University of Oregon School of Law where she graduated Order of the Coif and served as editor-in-chief of the Oregon International Law Review. She was also an O’Connell Fellow with the Public Law and Policy Program and a recipient of the Laird Kirkpatrick Book Prize.

Ms. Brittle grew up in SE Portland, Oregon, and is a third-generation native Oregonian. She attended Portland State University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, graduating with high honors. In 2002, she began law school at Lewis & Clark Law School. Throughout college and law school, Ms. Brittle worked full time in the Portland legal community. She spent five years working at the Oregon Law Institute, where she supported Assistant Dean Elizabeth Stephens in organizing continuing legal education seminars for local professionals. This afforded her the opportunity to work with well-respected attorneys and judges and solidified her love of the law. Ms. Brittle spent her last year of law school clerking at the Department of Justice in the Family Law Section. She appeared in court on behalf of the State of Oregon in cases involving the termination of parental rights, child support enforcement, and mental health issues. This allowed her to gain a unique insight into the challenges faced by Oregon families in the family law arena. Ms. Brittle began her private practice in 2006, which has focused on helping families as they transition through a divorce, or as they modify their agreements post-divorce or post-separation. Her passion is helping clients make good decisions as they reform their families, or as they make adjustments to prior agreements that support their children’s best interests. She is also passionate about protecting children and providing access to the legal system for women and minorities. Her pro bono work as a court-appointed attorney for children in high conflict cases allows her to support families in yet another way.

Mr. Burke brings 24 years of experience as a litigation attorney in Oregon, Washington, and federal courts. Since retiring from law, he has embraced his role as a senior paralegal, where his legal insight continues to benefit clients and colleagues alike. Mr. Burke has also served as a pro tem judge for the Beaverton Peer Court for seven years and has held directorships with several nonprofit organizations.

Erika-Leigh “E-L ”Goodwin is a seasoned paralegal with experience handling divorce, custody, parenting time, child support and psychological parent and third-party cases, complex legal issues, and a wide range of clients, all of which contributed to her professional growth and expertise. Ms. Goodwin believes that paralegals should demonstrate attention to detail, strong research skills, and the ability to work well under pressure, all of which are crucial when handling complex legal cases, which often involve extensive documentation, multiple parties, complex legal information, and a significant amount of evidence. She earned an AAS Paralegal from the ABA-approved program at Portland Community College. With a robust background in family law, immigration law, and federal criminal defense, Ms. Goodwin is a highly skilled and dedicated paralegal professional with over 15 years of experience in the legal field. After more than 6 years and as the lead paralegal for Kramer & Associates in Portland, Oregon, Ms. Goodwin began Pragmatic Paralegal Services and now works as an independent contract paralegal. She successfully completed the rigorous curriculum and testing by the Oregon State Bar to become a Licensed Paralegal authorized by the Supreme Court of the State of Oregon to perform limited legal services within a defined and endorsed scope of practice (Family Law) and was admitted to the Bar in May 2025.

Mr. Kramer specializes in family law and civil litigation including personal injury, civil rights, and employment cases. He has more than 35 years of trial experience and extensive experience in family law issues ranging from adoption and contested custody to grandparent and psychological parent rights. Mr. Kramer serves as a pro-tem judge for the Multnomah County Circuit Court. As co-counsel for the Oregon State Judiciary Committee and in private practice, he drafted family law legislation that is now Oregon law. Mr. Kramer is the author of several articles about family law and is a frequent speaker on the subjects of grandparent and psychological parent rights. He graduated with honors from Cornell University and then received his law degree from Northeastern University. Mr. Kramer has completed a 40-hour mediation training through Clackamas County Resolution Services; 40 hours of advanced mediation training through Multnomah County Family Resolution Services and further training through Mediate.com. Mr. Kramer is a member of the Oregon Mediation Association and the Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners. He co-founded the Domestic Relations Alliance of Mediators and Attorneys. Mr. Kramer is listed as a 2025 Distinguished Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell.

Mr. Laidlaw’s main areas of practice include family law, mediation and collaborative law. He is a member of the Clackamas County Bar Association and is admitted to practice in Oregon and before the United States District Court, District of Oregon. He earned his B.A. degree from the University of California and his J.D. degree from the University of San Diego School of Law.

As an associate in the Litigation Department with Sussman Shank LLP, Ms. Marino focuses on business and employment litigation. She is involved in every stage of the litigation process, from conducting legal research and drafting motions to managing discovery and preparing cases for trial. Ms. Marino also provides strategic support throughout the case, ensuring detailed preparation and a focused approach at each phase. In addition to her work in employment law, she gained significant experience in immigration law during her time in law school, which enhances her ability to navigate intricate and sensitive legal issues that intersect with her clients’ livelihoods. Her deep understanding of the complexities of civil matters is further enriched by her experience updating the Wright & Miller Federal Practice and Procedure treatise during her time at Lewis & Clark, providing her with a comprehensive grasp of federal litigation practices. Ms. Marino earned her B.S. degree, summa cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago and her J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Lewis & Clark Law School.

Ms. Huey has been fighting for businesses and individuals for more than 20 years in both state and federal courts. After a career with a major regional law firm representing businesses ranging from multinationals to small local companies, Ms. Huey turned her attention for a number of years to serving those going through divorce and living with its aftermath. She was chosen to serve as a member, then panel chair and finally district chair of the District 6 Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas. In addition to business litigation, her practice now focuses on legal ethics and professional responsibility. She helps lawyers navigate the disciplinary process and counsels law firms and individual attorneys on matters of professional responsibility and malpractice. She brings to this practice the same commitment to excellence and the needs of her clients that she has always brought to business and other cases. Ms. Huey is the author of the “Legal Ethics Today” blog found at legalethicstoday.com. She is also a frequent speaker on ethics and professionalism issues to local and national bar associations. She is the web content editor for the Ethics and Professionalism Committee of the American Bar Association Litigation Section and the program coordinator and immediate past chair of the Dallas Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Section.

Mr. Hunt is a Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer with more than 35 years of trial experience in state and federal courts. He has a national ADA and FHA consulting and defense practice representing real estate developers, retailers, restaurants, shopping centers, banks, apartment owners and managers, hotels, single family developers and governmental entities in ADA and FHA accessibility litigation and administrative proceedings. Mr. Hunt speaks frequently on ADA and FHA accessibility issues to both national and local organizations, including the International Council of Shopping Center Developers, the Society of Exchange Counselors, the National Retail Tenants Association and similar groups. He has been interviewed for and quoted in articles appearing in Forbes, The Economist, and other publications. His consulting practice includes private client training and public webinars on avoiding and winning ADA and FHA lawsuits. He has served as an adjunct professor of Disability Law at the SMU Dedman School of law and as an adjunct professor of Trial Advocacy at the former DFW School of Law. His blog, Accessibility Defense serves as a national resource for hundreds of attorneys, accessibility experts and others involved in ADA and FHA litigation.

Ms. Khan’s practice is 100 percents devoted to representing healthcare providers. She is currently a partner in Cooksey Khan Quiñones, PLLC, where she represents doctors and hospitals all over Texas. She previously worked for a defense boutique representing hundreds of doctors in lawsuits and before the Texas Medical Board. Ms. Khan attended the University of Houston Law Center and graduated cum laude in 2003. She also holds a master’s degree in Medical Humanities from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She has been licensed to practice law since 2003. She has volunteered for the State Bar of Texas on the CLE Committee and on the Law Practice Management Committee. Outside of work, Ms. Khan enjoys spending time with her family and giving back to her community. She is a member of the inaugural class of Leadership CFISD, a leadership program for the third-largest school district in Texas. She is a Patroness of the National Charity League, Cypress Belles chapter. Finally, she serves as the Finance Vice President for Multiples of America, a national support organization for parents of twins and triplets.

Ms. McQuilliams has been a litigation defense paralegal/medical consultant for 29 yrs, specializing in medical malpractice, pharmaceutical, medical device, toxic tort and product liability. She has attended and managed 30-40 trials in Texas and Oklahoma. In addition to her paralegal background, she has been a Licensed Paramedic for 23 yrs. Ms. McQuilliams experience as a paramedic, including many years in the ER, allows her to assist attorneys and claim professionals with medical record review/analysis, witness/expert interviews, liability/damage determinations and medical research.

Mr. O’Toole’s practice is focused on business litigation, as well as construction matters. He regularly handles cases involving issues such as shareholder or partner disputes, real estate matters, and contract disputes. Mr. O’Toole has represented clients in the Austin business community for over thirty years. In addition to being Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he is a former Certified Public Accountant. This unique combination of skills and expertise positions him exceptionally well to represent clients in litigation involving complex accounting and financial transactions. Mr. O’Toole is also honored to have been admitted to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He has also participated as lead litigation and counsel in contested administrative proceedings with The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, The Texas Lottery Commission, The Racing Commission, The Texas Department of Banking, and The Texas Public Utility Commission. Mr. O’Toole earned his B.B.A. degree from the University of Oklahoma and his J.D. degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Mr. Adams has used his experience as an insurance defense attorney to become a proficient and successful plaintiff’s personal injury attorney. He understands how insurance companies work and think, and he uses that knowledge to get the best possible outcome for his clients. Mr. Adams was trained in a litigation/trial firm and is not afraid to take a case from inception to trial. His goal is to help his clients recover from their injuries. His main areas of practice include personal injury, family law, and mediations and arbitrations.

Jill L. Coil was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated with honors from Brigham Young University with a B.A. degree in Political Science. She received her J.D. degree at Texas Southern University in Houston. She is dually licensed in both Texas and Utah where she has focused her practice on Family Law. Ms. Coil founded CoilLaw in December of 2014 with the goal of empathizing, protecting, and advocating for families through legal representation. She has received many awards in Utah for her on-going work in family law cases and her avocation for her clients. Ms. Coil also has a tech startup called Simpleending.com bringing affordable quality online divorce technology to the public without the need to hire an attorney. She also recently launched a female led personal injury firm, Moxie Law Group. She is the bestselling author of the book No One Dies from Divorce – How to Survive and Thrive when Your Marriage Ends and the host of the podcast with the same name. She is actively engaged in her community through charitable work through The Coil Foundation which she started with her husband. She also volunteers her time on many projects to help inspire, motivate and help other woman pursue their passions. She is also a business coach and motivational speaker. She is a mother of four children and when possible, loves to travel the world. Ms. Coil has been a practicing attorney for over 15 years. She has grown CoilLaw in Utah to be one of the biggest family law firms in the state.

Ms. Couser practices family law, adoption, assisted reproduction, and LGBTQIA+ law, and she is regularly appointed by the courts as a private guardian ad litem. She is the owner and managing attorney of a small firm in downtown Salt Lake City, Jess Couser Family Law. She believes that family law matters require legal skill and strategy, but that they also require compassion, creativity, and fortitude. Family law attorneys should have specific knowledge of child development, trauma, communication and coping mechanisms; and should be prepared to advocate for and educate every client on the legal and practical matters they may be facing. While Ms. Couser excels in negotiation and prioritizes settlement opportunities whenever possible, she is also an accomplished trial attorney. She has completed more than 50 domestic trials and evidentiary hearings, litigating the entire spectrum of contested domestic matters from high-asset and complex financial divorce to high conflict and difficult custody disputes, contested adoptions, and terminations of parental rights. Ms. Couser earned her B.A. degree from the University of Utah and her J.D. degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.

Gabrielle Jones is the managing attorney with CoilLaw, LLC. During law school, she interned for the American Civil Liberties Association of Utah and externed for the Honorable Judge Ann Aiken of the U.S. District Court of Oregon. After law school, Ms. Jones moved back to Utah to be closer to family and to serve the people of her home state. She began her legal career by providing low-cost legal services to low-income and at-risk populations all over the state of Utah. Ms. Jones is a Private Guardian ad Litem and an active member of the AFCC. She graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law, located in Eugene, Oregon in 2019.

Mr. Baez is a highly experienced trial lawyer offering a strong track record of courtroom success. He practices in the areas of family law, criminal law, and personal injury. Mr. Baez understands the difficult challenges and stressors when faced with criminal charges, a divorce or separation, or an injury. Mr. Baez is a compassionate advisor for each and every one of his clients. He offers exceptional communication during every step of the legal process and works hard to achieve commonsense solutions. Mr. Baez is ready to be your dedicated advocate so you can have confidence and peace of mind knowing your legal troubles are safe in his capable hands. He has served as a Guardian Ad Litem for children and incapacitated adults. Mr. Baez’s experience as a Guardian Ad Litem is invaluable as he advocates for his clients with custody and visitation legal issues. He has successfully litigated cases in Virginia’s General District Courts, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, and the Circuit Courts. Mr. Baez has also appeared before the Virginia Court of Appeals and the Virginia Supreme Court. He was born and raised in Holbrook, Long Island, New York. Mr. Baez is a graduate of McGill University and the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. During law school, he was an editor on Penn State Law’s Yearbook on Arbitration and Mediation and he was actively involved with his school’s trial advocacy team. Two of Mr. Baez’s scholarly articles were published during his second year of law school. He also worked for the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, First Judicial Department, and the New York City Comptroller’s Office during his time at Penn State Law.

As a bilingual certified paralegal from Puerto Rico, Mr. Figueroa helps both English and Spanish speaking clients. He manages the office as well as provides assistance in discovery, scheduling, case filings, and research. Mr. Figueroa also helps coordinate Hague family matters. He cares deeply about working in an efficient manner and making sure that legal services and accessibility are available at reasonable costs. Many clients have noted his patience, easy manner, and pleasant demeanor.

Mr. Mims, at 33 years old, brings over seven years of dedicated experience to the legal field, with a passion for family law that spans more than three years. His unique blend of legal expertise and a background in technology and mathematics enriches his approach to complex cases, allowing him to find innovative solutions and provide exceptional support to clients. Outside the courtroom, Mr. Mims enjoys immersing himself in the world of video games, indulging in the latest shows and movies, and pursuing self-development. His diverse interests reflect his commitment to continuous growth and his ability to adapt to various challenges in both his personal and professional life. Mr. Mims is a paralegal who thrives on the intersection of law, technology, and a genuine desire to help families navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Mr. Suits is the Chief Executive Officer of Suits Litigation, Inc., a plaintiff personal injury firm based in San Jose, California, which he founded in 2012. With 22 years of legal experience, he focuses his practice on advocating for individuals who have sustained serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Mr. Suits earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1997 before obtaining his law degree from the University of Southern California Law School in 2003. Prior to establishing his own practice, he worked as a litigation attorney for the firms of Tharpe & Howell, LLP and Robinson & Wood, Inc.

Ms. Dineen has been a paralegal for 36 years, first starting out in California and then in Spokane since 2000.   For the past 25 years that she has been at EMLVO where she has assisted her attorneys with cases in criminal law, personal injury and business litigation.  Her “super powers” are managing large volumes of discovery, preparing for trial and attending trial as a “Jodi of All Trades”.

Mr. Gonzales is Litigation Counsel and Assistant Vice President at Fidelity National Financial (FNF), the nation’s largest provider of title insurance and related services. As a member of FNF’s in-house litigation department, he represents insured homeowners in quiet title actions and easement disputes and represents the company and its subsidiaries in commercial litigation and consumer matters. 

Before beginning his legal career, Mr. Gonzales developed extensive experience in information technology, server administration, data privacy, and software design. He continues to draw on this technical background in his legal practice, particularly in matters involving technology, information systems, and data privacy. Mr. Gonzales also holds the Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credential. 

Mr. Suits is the Chief Executive Officer of Suits Litigation, Inc., a plaintiff personal injury firm based in San Jose, California, which he founded in 2012. With 22 years of legal experience, he focuses his practice on advocating for individuals who have sustained serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Mr. Suits earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1997 before obtaining his law degree from the University of Southern California Law School in 2003. Prior to establishing his own practice, he worked as a litigation attorney for the firms of Tharpe & Howell, LLP and Robinson & Wood, Inc.

Mr. Tollefson is a principal at Black Robe Dispute Resolution Services, PLLC. He also serves as a pro-tem judge for Pierce County Superior Court. Previously, he served as a judge for Pierce County Superior Court for more than 27 years. During his time on Superior Court, he was on the Executive Committee, served as presiding judge, and participated on a number of local Superior Court committees. He served on several committees in the Washington State Superior Court Judges Association and as a trustee on the Association’s board of trustees for five years.

Ms. Dineen has been a paralegal for 36 years, first starting out in California and then in Spokane since 2000.   For the past 25 years that she has been at EMLVO where she has assisted her attorneys with cases in criminal law, personal injury and business litigation.  Her “super powers” are managing large volumes of discovery, preparing for trial and attending trial as a “Jodi of All Trades”.

Mr. Gonzales is Litigation Counsel and Assistant Vice President at Fidelity National Financial (FNF), the nation’s largest provider of title insurance and related services. As a member of FNF’s in-house litigation department, he represents insured homeowners in quiet title actions and easement disputes and represents the company and its subsidiaries in commercial litigation and consumer matters. 

Before beginning his legal career, Mr. Gonzales developed extensive experience in information technology, server administration, data privacy, and software design. He continues to draw on this technical background in his legal practice, particularly in matters involving technology, information systems, and data privacy. Mr. Gonzales also holds the Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credential. 

Mr. Suits is the Chief Executive Officer of Suits Litigation, Inc., a plaintiff personal injury firm based in San Jose, California, which he founded in 2012. With 22 years of legal experience, he focuses his practice on advocating for individuals who have sustained serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Mr. Suits earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1997 before obtaining his law degree from the University of Southern California Law School in 2003. Prior to establishing his own practice, he worked as a litigation attorney for the firms of Tharpe & Howell, LLP and Robinson & Wood, Inc.

Mr. Tollefson is a principal at Black Robe Dispute Resolution Services, PLLC. He also serves as a pro-tem judge for Pierce County Superior Court. Previously, he served as a judge for Pierce County Superior Court for more than 27 years. During his time on Superior Court, he was on the Executive Committee, served as presiding judge, and participated on a number of local Superior Court committees. He served on several committees in the Washington State Superior Court Judges Association and as a trustee on the Association’s board of trustees for five years.

Mr. Golding’s firm serves the wide-ranging legal needs of Indian tribes and other Native American entities and individuals, as well as non-profit conservation and community groups. In addition to defending treaty hunting and fishing rights, the firm’s work involves tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction, taxation, land and water rights, federal government contracting, and natural and cultural resource protection. Mr. Golding specializes in litigation involving the intersection of environmental law and federal Indian law, Washington State water law, and administrative environmental appeals.

Mr. Jones is a federal Indian law attorney whose practice focuses on advocating for tribal sovereignty through litigation, contract negotiation, and legislative support. Mr. Jones has litigated in federal, tribal, state, administrative, and alternative dispute resolution forums. He has experience with Treaty rights, gaming, economic development, cultural and natural resources, land use, environmental protection, water rights, construction, taxation, and federal contracting, as well as forestry and wildfire, hunting and wildlife, and fishing and fisheries management. Before joining Galanda Broadman, Mr. Jones worked in-house as lead attorney for a tribal government. He has served in leadership roles for the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, Washington State Courts Board for Judicial Administration, Washington State Bar Association Indian Law Section, and the Yakima County Bar Association.

Mr. Schlosser represents Tribes in fisheries, timber, water, energy, cultural resources, contracting, tax and federal breach of trust. He is a director of Morisset, Schlosser, Jozwiak & Somerville, where he specializes in federal litigation, natural resources, and Indian tribal property issues. He is also frequently involved in tribal economic development and environmental regulation. In the 1970s, Mr. Schlosser represented tribes in the Stevens’ Treaty Puget Sound fishing rights proceedings. Mr. Schlosser is a founding member of the Indian Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association and also served on the WSBA Bar Examiners Committee. He is a frequent CLE speaker and moderates an American Indian Law discussion group for lawyers at http://forums.delphiforums.com/IndianLaw/messages. Mr. Schlosser is a part-time lecturer at the Seattle University School of Law.

Mr. Sexton’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation defending indigenous rights and litigating tribal environmental and cultural resources disputes in federal, tribal, state, and administrative forums. He has litigated indigenous civil rights matters on behalf of individuals and represents tribal governments outside of the courtroom in economic development and natural resources matters. Mr. Sexton has also successfully represented individuals in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases against private parties and governments. He has argued before the Washington State Supreme Court and the Washington Court of Appeals, and he has litigated in Washington State, Oregon, and United States District Courts in both states, and he has represented clients before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mr. Sexton was named a Rising Star for the years 2016-2018 by Super Lawyers® magazine. Before joining Galanda Broadman, he worked in-house for a tribal government. His legal advocacy there resulted in the development of tribal government programs, including a first-of-its-kind tribal vehicle licensing program and associated tribal code revisions. Mr. Sexton also successfully fought in courts and administrative forums to protect his client’s tribal sovereignty, the rights of Tribal citizens, and threatened cultural resources. In addition, he negotiated contracts and worked to close the purchase and sale of businesses and lands. His experiences before practicing law—including service in the United States Marine Corps and working on human rights issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina—equipped him to thrive in diverse communities, work efficiently and effectively under pressure, relentlessly pursue his clients’ objectives, and serve American indigenous communities.

Mr. Smith exclusively practices federal Indian law. Mr. Smith advises Indian tribal clients on all aspects of federal, state and tribal law, including tribal sovereignty, economic development, natural and cultural resource protection, taxation, and gaming. He is dedicated to helping Indian tribal governments achieve their goals. Whether as general counsel or special litigation counsel, Rob Roy consistently finds the best legal and business solutions to benefit tribal communities. Mr. Smith has successfully represented Indian tribal governments, individual Indians and tribal businesses in high-stakes litigation before tribal, state and federal courts, including numerous appellate courts, and the Washington and Idaho Supreme Courts, on issues ranging from protecting tribal sovereign immunity to securing treaty rights.

He has filed briefs before the United States Supreme Court and the United States Court of Federal Claims on a variety of issues, including tribal jurisdiction, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and fiduciary duty. Mr. Smith also has extensive experience litigating tribal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) cases to protect Tribal decision makers and in obtaining valuable taxable and tax-free financing for tribal economic development and diversification. He has experience in helping tribal clients manage public health issues, including COVID-19, and all aspects of land acquisition and management.

Mr. Smith was listed by The Best Lawyers in America® for Native American Law in 2026 and the 12 years immediately preceding. He was also named a 2023 “Seattle Lawyer of the Year” for Native American Law by The Best Lawyers in America®. Mr. Smith was recognized as a Washington “Super Lawyer” for Native American Law in 2025 and the 11 years immediately preceding by Super Lawyers magazine. He was named a 2016 “Rising Star” by Law360 for Native American Law.

Mr. Smith was listed in the 2025 and nine years immediately preceding editions of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Native American Law. He was also ranked nationally as a “Recognized Practitioner” for Native American Law in 2025 and the five years immediately preceding and ranked nationally as “Up and Coming” for Native American Law in 2016 and 2017 by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Mr. Smith is a recipient of the firm’s Pro Bono Collaboration Award in 2017 for his work on a federal civil rights litigation case for a Native Hawaiian father and his two young sons against the boys’ elementary schools, their principal, and superintendent.

Mr. Hanrahan has more than 47 years of industry experience. In addition to presentations in Canada, Taiwan and the Dominican Republic, he has also presented at the national level for many organizations, including the International Erosion Control Association, the Land Improvement Contractors of America, the Geotechnical Fabrics Institute, the National Working Waterfront Network, and the American Water Works Association. Mr. Hanrahan’s articles have been published in many magazines, including Erosion Control, Land & Water, Geosynthetics, and Landscape Architect & Specifier News. He has produced webinars for the International Erosion Control Association, the International Association of Hydroseeding Professionals, the New York State Society of Professional Engineers, and Forester University. Mr. Hanrahan has also served as a guest lecturer at the University of Mississippi, Ohio Northern University, University of New England, and Vermont Technical College. He has also been active in industry organizations. He was national president of the International Management Council in 1991-92 and served four terms as president of the Northeast Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association. Mr. Hanrahan is also a member of the Senior Advisory Committee of Envirocert. He has developed and delivered training events throughout his career. From 2008 to the present, he has organized coastal erosion control training events up and down the New England Coast, with multiple seminars in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Event co-sponsors for these events have included the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Sea Grant, the Rhode Island Coastal Management Council, the University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center, Connecticut College, and Connecticut Sea Grant. Mr. Hanrahan has also assisted with the development of erosion control standards with the Illinois Tollway Authority, and the State Departments of Transportation in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois.

Mr. Sivigny has over 32 years of work experience in enforcement of the Minnesota Building Codes in both rural and metropolitan settings. He has spent many years in the industry as a code official and a construction manager. Mr. Sivigny is known nationally for his work in residential building codes, building durability issues, building science, air quality control, radon, energy and green building issues. He has traveled the country teaching these topics and has often been a featured speaker both locally and nationally on these topics as well.

Partner at Osha Liang LLP in Houston
Ms. Burton has extensive experience in domestic and foreign design and utility patent preparation and prosecution, IP counseling, and intellectual asset management. Her practice also includes licensing, dispute resolution, and post-grant proceedings at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  With respect to patent preparation and prosecution, Ms. Burton’s involvement can begin as early as mining inventions or evaluation of invention disclosures, patentability analysis, drafting of the patent application, filing of the application, responding to office actions, examiner interviews, and appeals. In the area of IP counseling, Ms. Burton frequently renders opinions regarding infringement, validity, freedom to operate; counsels clients on patent design-around strategies and the strength of patents in anticipation of litigation; leads numerous brainstorming sessions to strengthen IP portfolios, and conducts intellectual property due diligence.  Ms. Burton is currently the President of the Houston Intellectual Property Law Association.

Streets Lawfirm, P.C., Cypress, TX
Mr. Streets has a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. After several years in industry, Mr. Streets now has 25 years of experience focused solely on helping inventors and their companies patent their most valuable technological developments.  Over his career as a patent attorney, he has guided numerous clients through the process of preparing and filing patent applications and then diligently advocated the patentability of their inventions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He works closely with his clients to secure patents in such diverse technologies as computer systems, chemical and electrochemical processes, oil field tools and processes, novel chemical formulations and compositions, plant and horticultural devices, and a wide variety of mechanical devices.

Ms. Lathrop is licensed as a professional land surveyor in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, and as a professional planner in New Jersey. She holds a master’s degree in Environmental Policy and has been involved in surveying since 1974 in projects ranging from construction to boundary to environmental land use disputes. Ms. Lathrop is also a certified floodplain manager through the Association of State Flood Plain Managers (ASFPM) and a certified floodplain surveyor through the New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors. A former adjunct instructor at Mercer County College in New Jersey, she has also taught as part of the team for the licensing exam review course at Drexel University in Pennsylvania. Ms. Lathrop has been teaching seminars for surveyors since 1986 and has been writing articles for surveyors since 1983. She is a contributing editor for The American Surveyor magazine, and she has four articles included in the American Bar Association’s text, Land Surveys: A Guide for Lawyers and Other Professionals. She and Stephen V. Estopinal, PLS, PE co–authored a book entitled Professional Surveyors and Real Property Descriptions: Composition, Construction, and Comprehension, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in 2011. She is also on the faculty of GeoLearn, a web-based educational provider. Ms. Lathrop is a past president of the New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors and of the National Society of Professional Surveyors, and she has served on the Board of Directors for the American Association for Geodetic Surveying.

Mr. Hinke  began his career with soil biology, serving as Rodale’s Compost Specialist, working side-by-side with Dr. Elaine Ingham, and performing experiments on large and small-scale agricultural production. He has managed two organic farms as well as serving as compost specialist for a large-scale windrow composting facility. Mr. Hinke owns Living Roots Compost Tea where he consults with growers and composters worldwide, along with performing educational outreach through public speaking. He is the host of “What’s Brewing? A Compost Podcast”, as well as the 2023 Worm Farming Conference. Mr. Hinke currently resides in eastern Pennsylvania and works as an Organic Certification Specialist.

Mr. Caccavella’s journey into soil biology began eight years ago, driven by a deep fascination with mycology. This initial curiosity soon evolved into a broader passion for permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and holistic soil health. In 2022, he enrolled in Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Food Web School, earning certification as a laboratory technician specializing in the biological analysis of soil food web microorganisms. Through Salem Soil Solutions, he operates a cutting-edge biological testing laboratory, providing comprehensive soil assessments and a diverse range of biologically active soil amendments, including compost, vermicompost, and organic mineral amendments. Mr. Caccavella’s applied work serves private homeowners, farmers, and landscapers throughout the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. By generating valuable soil testing data, he tailors precise amendment applications to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring healthier soils and more resilient landscapes. Mr. Caccavella’s dedication to soil health is rooted in a mission to cultivate thriving, sustainable environments for future generations.