Founder, SMT Litigation Consulting, and Founding Partner of Synergy Litigation Services [SLS].
Samantha Teal is a highly regarded litigation consultant and the founder of SMT Litigation Consulting, bringing over eight years of invaluable experience in trial preparation, jury strategy, and courtroom dynamics. Her career has been marked by a proven track record of success, contributing to verdicts exceeding $400 million across diverse jurisdictions, including Michigan, Illinois, Philadelphia, California, and Iowa.
Samantha’s expertise lies in developing winning strategies for complex, high-stakes cases. She specializes in jury selection, deposition and witness analysis, crafting persuasive trial themes, and delivering comprehensive trial preparation support.
Throughout her career, Samantha has collaborated with some of the most respected legal professionals in the field. Her strategic insights have earned widespread recognition, with attorneys praising her for being “thorough, inquisitive, thoughtful, supportive, and absolutely essential to the success of trial teams.”
Under Samantha’s leadership, SMT Litigation Consulting has become a trusted partner for law firms and legal teams seeking tailored, results-driven trial strategies.
In 2024, as a founding partner, Samantha started Synergy Litigation Services, a litigation support company providing court reporting services to legal professionals around the country.
When she’s not immersed in case preparation, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family in Detroit, where she was born and raised, in addition to, mentoring aspiring legal professionals, and sharing her insights through speaking engagements and workshops.
Sandra Diggs-Miller was named vice president of external affairs for Entergy’s federal policy, governmental and regulatory affairs organization in 2023. In this role, she is responsible for collaborating across the enterprise to develop, manage and monitor the integrated stakeholder engagement strategic business plan. Prior to joining the external affairs group, she served as vice president of customer service for Entergy New Orleans from 2019 to 2023 where she was responsible for designing strategies for effective customer outreach; improving customer satisfaction and perception; promoting innovation in the delivery of service and products; and supporting the overall enterprise utility business plan. She joined Entergy in 2000 as part of the company’s legal department where she held the position of assistant general counsel and litigated cases on behalf of Entergy’s operating companies. Prior to joining the company, she was an associate at Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann law firm where she handled complex commercial litigation, personal injury and premise liability, and products liability cases. Diggs Miller earned her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law, an MBA from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and sociology from Radford University. Sandra currently serves on the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity and Operation Restoration, and previously served on the board of First Tee of Greater New Orleans, KID smart, Pro Bono Project, Louisiana Civil Justice Center, and the R.C. Blakes Scholarship Foundation. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees.
Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert is an accomplished attorney and the founder of Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, a reputable personal injury firm with multiple locations throughout the Atlanta Metro. Jennifer and her team specialize in representing clients injured in auto accidents, trucking crashes, slip-and-fall incidents, wrongful death cases, and more. With a strong focus on maximizing case values and streamlining the legal process using technology and efficient communication, Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group has become known for its exceptional client service and results-driven approach.
Under Jennifer’s leadership, Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group has experienced exponential growth in cases, revenue, and employee size since its establishment in 2013. Jennifer’s dedication and expertise have also earned her numerous accolades, including Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2018-2024, Daily Report’s Award for Best Social Media, National Trial Lawyers Award for Best Social Media 2024, Avvo Clients’ Choice Award, the Avvo Top Personal Attorney Award, and The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Lawyers Award, among others. Most recently, her firm was recognized on the Inc 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies in the US in 2022 and 2023. Jennifer also was one of the co-author’s of the book “Tiger Tactics CEO Edition” published in 2023. She has appeared on many new articles include USA Today, Forbes as well as podcasts and stages speaking about her entrepreneurial legal journey.
In addition to her legal work, Jennifer is committed to giving back to her community by supporting local events, sponsoring scholarships for college students, and donating to the Backpack Project, which provides backpacks and school supplies to students in need. Jennifer also coaches personal injury attorneys and business owners on topics such as personal injury law, practice management, and business marketing. She currently serves as the Past President of the Alumni Association at Atlanta’s John Marshall, where she works to reinvigorate the alumni community and support the school’s mission. She is also the President of Georgia Association for Women Lawyer’s Foundation, which focuses on philanthropy by women lawyers in Georgia for the benefit of the community as well as, scholarships for women law students in Georgia.
Lynn Luker has been affiliated with Perry Dampf Dispute Solutions, providing mediation and arbitration services since 2014. In 2022, she was appointed and served as Judge Pro Tempore for the Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit for a six-month term. Previously, in 2014, Ms. Luker was appointed Judge Pro Tempore in Division “H” of Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans for a six- month term. She currently serves on the Hurricane Ida Neutral Panel for Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, and the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Ms. Luker’s practice has included complicated and complex litigation involving businesses, including toxic tort, maritime, unfair trade practices, environmental, employment discrimination, personal injury, premise liability and product liability law. Ms. Luker served as national, regional, and local trial counsel for companies for over 40 years.
Ms. Luker is the former chair of the Louisiana Judiciary Commission and served on the Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee.
Ms. Luker received her undergraduate degree in psychology from UNO, and in 2005 was named President of its Alumni Association. She earned a J.D. (Order of Barristers), LL.M. in Admiralty (with distinction), and an LL.M. in Energy and Environment from Tulane Law School. She has served as Professor and Co-Director of the Trial Advocacy Program for over 35 years, as Co-Director of Tulane’s Civil Litigation Pre-Trial Boot Camp from its inception and co-taught the first eDiscovery and Evidence class at Tulane Law School with Magistrate Judge Karen Roby of the Eastern District of Louisiana for over 10 years. In 2014, she received the Distinguished Teaching Award at the Tulane Law School commencement. In 2015, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award at the annual Tulane Environmental Summit.
Ms. Luker has served as the Chair of the Louisiana State Bar Association Section Council as well as Chair of the Civil Law & Litigation Section for over 10 years. She was the recipient of the LSBA 2014 Human Rights Award for her work in the area of diversity and inclusion. At its 2018 annual meeting, Ms. Luker was presented the LSBA President’s Award.
In 2018, Ms. Luker was awarded the Michaelle Pitard Wynne Professionalism Award by the Association for
Women Attorneys.
Ms. Luker is or has served as a member of the LSBA Board of Governors, co-chair of the LSBA Commission on the Profession, the L SBA Continuing Legal Education Committee, the LSBA Diversity Committee, and the LSBA Legislative Committee. She is the former President of the Tulane American Inn of Court. She is or has also been a member of the International Society of Barristers and the A.P. Tureaud Inn of Court. Ms. Luker is the former chair of the ABA TIPS Toxic Tort Section and the ABA TIPS Admiralty Law Section, and former chair of the IADC Maritime and Energy Law Section, and served on the faculty of the IADC National Trial Academy.
Ms. Luker also served as Co-Director for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) for many years for both its trial and deposition programs and is a frequent presenter at continuing legal education programs on a variety of subjects, including trial practice, professionalism, ethics, unconscious bias, and the importance of mentoring, as well as substantive areas of law, most lately, in 2024, the new skill set necessary due to the importance of Depositions as fewer cases actually go to trial. She served as co-chair of the New Orleans Bar Association Masters of the Courtroom program for many years and as Chair of its Women in the Profession Committee. She is a past Chair of the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). She is also a member of the Louis A. Martinet Society and has presented on Complex Litigation and eDiscovery at its CLE programs.
In 2004, Lynn was named as a “Role Model” by the Young Leadership Council. Ms. Luker has been named as a “SuperLawyer” each year since 2007, a “Leader in Law” (and in 2018 was inducted into its Hall of Fame) by New Orleans CityBusiness, a “Top Lawyer”, and as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” since 2009. Ms. Luker has also been listed as one of the top 50 lawyers in Louisiana by Super Lawyers. She has held an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 1994. Ms. Luker is admitted to practice in all Louisiana courts, both state and federal, the United States Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court. She has tried many cases, most recently a complicated engineering dispute in the Western District of Louisiana in 2023.
Dr. Braley Bourque, a distinguished healthcare professional and inspiring orator, embodies the core principles of integrity and visionary leadership. With an academic background from esteemed institutions like Life University and Louisiana State University, Dr. Braley has seamlessly transitioned into pivotal roles, including Chief Executive Officer at Iceberg Health Injury Clinics in GA at the age of 28. Leveraging her extensive experience in corporate leadership and honing her expertise in personal injury and case management, she navigates complexities with finesse. Dr. Braley’s journey underscores the profound truth that true success is forged through unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
My personal life philosophy is that we should always aim to leave things better than we found them. With a passion for community building and helping others realize their full potential, I’ve played an instrumental role in a leadership position for nearly six years for a membership-based community of consumer advocate attorneys wishing to practice in a more modern way. In my time with the company.
• Honed in intentional marketing and retention efforts to increase membership by over 400% since the formal launch in 2020.
• Provided company branding guidance and created the company’s new brand guidelines conveying proper tone, copy, visuals, etc.
• Planned, coordinated, executed, and hosted virtual, in-person, and hybrid programming/events rooted in education and/or curated networking – averaging at least 30+ per year from 2020-2024.
• Provided guidance for and executed sponsored activities as well as strategic partnerships connecting attorneys to vendors in the legal industry.
• Spearheaded organic social media marketing efforts to grow company platforms from zero to thousands of engaged followers. This includes content strategy, concepts, creation, and platform engagement.
• Launched an in-house Media Team to guide attorney members on appropriate and ethical usage of social media to enhance their personal brand.
• Managed, mentored, and advocated for direct reports to grow with the company based on individual strengths and skillsets exhibited throughout time at the company.
• Worked alongside Operations, Business Development, and Sales teams to create a consistent company message and customer journey.
Jayden Doyé, CPA, specializes in empowering law firms to optimize their profitability. His professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to financial excellence and a steadfast dedication to helping others succeed.
Hailing from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Jayden witnessed firsthand the profound impact of effective money management during his upbringing. Determined to break free from financial constraints, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Towson University. Despite encountering the common challenge of student debt post-graduation, he perceived it as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. Driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a passion for financial acumen, Jayden attained his CPA designation and refined his expertise in legal accounting. As a CPA, Jayden’s goal is to help entrepreneurs like himself gain independence and create a unique action plan to bring more to their bottom line while paying less in taxes. This dedication to financial empowerment led him to establish Prestige Accounting & Consulting, the number one preferred Accounting, Tax, and Business Advisory firm.
Winner of the 2023 Austin Woman’s Magazine “Woman’s Way” Award and the “Advocacy and Activism” Award by the Latina Foundation, Laura Ramos James is one of the most recognized Lawyers in Texas and a businesswoman who has supported disadvantaged communities in Austin and South Texas for several years.
A personal injury victim herself, Laura hoped that one day she’d be the loud and fierce voice of those who could not speak on their own behalf in court and amplify the voice of those who could. After graduating law school at Baylor Law with honors, Laura began the arduous professional path that culminated in the founding of Ramos James Law, PLLC in 2018.
With well over a decade of legal experience, Laura has successfully handled hundreds of personal injury cases involving auto and trucking accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driver accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, work injury, product liability, Texas Health Care Liability claims, sexual assault cases, complex construction accident and construction defects, catastrophic injury, wrongful death cases and more.
For Laura, the most significant and transforming influence in her life has been becoming the mother of two little girls with her husband Jon: Victoria & Alexandra.
Laura has received some of the highest recognitions in her industry, being named a “Rising Star” by the Super Lawyers™ organization for five consecutive years, being honored as part of even more exclusive recognition within Super Lawyers™ for the years 2023 & 2024 (Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars: 2023 & 2024; Up-and- Coming 50: Women Texas Rising Stars: 2023 &2024) and with lifetime membership in the coveted Million and Multi-Million Advocates Forums. Laura is also a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. By 2020, Laura had been distinguished as one of America’s Top 100 Attorneys ® High Stakes Litigator.
Laura is a member of several trial lawyer associations such as Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association where she serves as part of the Executive Committee; Texas Trial Lawyers Association, where she serves as part of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity committee; the Travis County Women Lawyers Association, Hispanic Bar Association, and Mexican-American Association of Texas, to name a few. She is admitted to practice in all Texas state courts and in federal court in the U.S. District Courts of the Southern and Western Districts.
In January of 2024, Laura was celebrated by Austin Woman magazine again, being named a Change Maker in their inaugural Change Maker List amongst other incredible women implementing positive change in our city. Austin Monthly Magazine has commemorated Laura as one of Austin’s #1 Personal Injury Attorneys for 2022 and 2023. Additionally, in 2022, she was named 2022 “Woman Leader of the Year” by local Non-Profit Organization AMHIGA.
Laura is a sought-after speaker at legal seminars and non-profit organization workshops. She is a two-time Amazon best seller author, contributing chapters to the books “Law Moms: Juggling Motherhood, Ambition, and Personal Fulfillment” and “Point Taken: Brilliant Business Advice from Women at the Top”. Finally, Laura has been a guest at the following podcasts: Women of Austin, Lawyer Stories, The Incubator by Economic Growth Business Incubator, and The Empowered Latina Podcast.
Danielle McCray, Esq., is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Fancy Law, P.C., a distinguished firm recognized for its strategic relationship-building and client-centered approach in personal injury litigation. With a deep commitment to empowering women in leadership roles, Danielle combines legal acumen with a passion for fostering meaningful connections that drive strategic wins.
Under Danielle’s leadership, Fancy Law, P.C. has pioneered the integration of cutting-edge technology to optimize legal services while prioritizing authentic relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues. Her commitment to excellence and strategic relationship management has positioned her as a trailblazer in the legal industry.
Danielle holds a Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University, and paralegal certification from Emory University. Outside of her trial lawyer association memberships, Danielle is an active board member of Baldie Con, an empowerment conference for women experiencing hair loss. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments where women can thrive and excel in leadership roles.
At Women in Leadership, Danielle will share her insights on leveraging strategic relationships to create impactful wins in legal practice and beyond. Her session will provide practical strategies for women leaders to build and maintain authentic connections, navigate professional challenges, and achieve sustainable growth in their careers.
Pamela Peynado is a nationally recognized award winning attorney and owner of Peynado Law Firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Pamela migrated to New York City and later moved to Georgia. Her life experience as an immigrant and her passion to help others made working in the field of immigration law the perfect fit. In 2006, while a student at Georgia State University, Pamela began working as a receptionist at an immigration law firm. Due to her hard work and dedication, Pamela climbed the ladder from a receptionist to a paralegal to a lawyer and then became partner at that same law firm.
Pamela understands the pain that family members go through when dealing with their immigration cases. She is the only naturalized citizen in her family, her stepfather was deported, and she assisted in the complicated deportation defense of her uncle, who was detained at the Stewart Detention Center for almost a year. Pamela has successfully represented fortune 500 companies, hospitals, cities, banks, churches and aggressively defended countless numbers of adults and children in deportation and removal proceedings all over the United States. She has dedicated countless pro bono hours to assist individuals who could not afford to hire an attorney.
Pamela has been recognized for her leadership, community service and achievement in the field. She is regularly invited to speak at conferences on immigration related topics. She has served as a legal expert on CNN, ABC, NBC, Telemundo, Univision and several other media outlets. Due to her passion and exemplary representation amongst the immigrant community, she has received numerous awards and recognitions. Most recently, she was selected as a Rising Star for the State of Georgia by the Super Lawyers. She was also named one of the Best Lawyers in America. She was awarded the One to Watch Award, the Award of Achievement for Service to the Profession, and the Annual Ethics & Professionalism Award by the State Bar Georgia. She was named one of the Most Powerful Women in Law by the Latino Leaders Magazine and named the Daily Report’s Attorney on the Rise. Pamela was also named Georgia State University’s 40 Under 40 Alumni Class of 2022, Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 and one of the 12 Most Influential Women in the Southeast by Expo Latino Business. She was featured and celebrated for her work with the Immigrant Community on the CNN’s Great Big Story documentary “The Defenders.”
As a true humanitarian, Pamela has dedicated countless pro bono hours to assist her community. She is also the founder of 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Love Project (TLP) 404. Under her leadership, TLP has posted over $300,000 in bail for those who could not afford it, gave over $50,000 in scholarships, paid local families rents and bills, and mentored countless High School, College and Law School students. When she is not at the office, Pamela finds great joy mentoring young students and serving as an assistant High School mock trial coach.
Pamela has held leadership positions in various organizations, such as the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association, the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She served on Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ immigrant detention advisory council and was recently appointed to Senators Warnock & Ossoff Federal Judicial Nominations Advisory Commission. Pamela also serves as a part-time Judge in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bhumi Patel, a staffing strategic solutions expert and the owner of ABD Talent, specializing in streamlining staffing and forging a notable path in compensation consulting. With a business educational and family background and a career defined by strategic thinking and problem-solving in human resources, her team is an expert in compensation and employee retention programs. Recognizing a market need, Bhumi founded ABD Talent, transforming it into a premier consultancy known for its tailored staffing solutions that optimize business success and enhance employee satisfaction. Her leadership, marked by integrity and innovation, has fostered enduring client relationships and propelled the firm’s growth. Bhumi attributes her success to a strong work ethic, supportive family, and deep commitment to client needs. She emphasizes continuous learning and professional growth, actively engaging in industry forums, conferences, and mentoring initiatives to empower emerging professionals.
Outside of work, Bhumi loves to travel and has visited many countries to experience new cultures and foods (by the way, she’s a vegetarian)! Her passion for experiencing new places enriches her perspective and fuels her creativity in both personal and professional endeavors. Bhumi’s journey reflects perseverance, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, always setting high standards in strategic consulting.
Born and raised in Russia, Olga is a graduate of South Ural State University Law School in Chelyabinsk, Russia. She was admitted into the practice of law in that jurisdiction in 2009. Olga later moved to the United States to continue her legal education, landing at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.
While at Loyola, Olga was an active participant in the Trial Advocacy program, which selected her to represent Loyola at two high-profile national competitions, in New Orleans, Louisiana and Waco, Texas. She then became involved as an assistant coach of Trial Advocacy teams. Olga was also a member of the Loyola Maritime Law Journal, which honored her with the publication of her student comment, “Medicare Set-Asides in Maritime Personal Injury and Jones Act Claims,” an article addressing the very practical, yet complex, implications of personal injury settlements involving Medicare recipients.
Upon earning her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola, Olga was admitted to practice before all Louisiana state courts. As a proud member of the Dudley DeBosier team, she is eager to use her legal training and advocacy skills to service clients from all walks of life in need of justice and assistance.
In her spare time, Olga enjoys spending time with her better half, her family, and friends. She is fluent in Russian, and is also learning Spanish. She has come to love the New Orleans culture and food so much that you shouldn’t be surprised if she shows up at your next crawfish boil.
Soon after graduating from UT Law School in 2009, Ty began her legal work by taking an oath of office as an Assistant District Attorney in her hometown on the southern end of Texas/Mexico border. In Laredo, the population was by far Hispanic and she felt right at home as a bilingual prosecutor representing the State of Texas in criminal cases. In 2013, after working over 3 years as a prosecutor in Webb County she continued her prosecutorial career representing the State of Texas in the heart of Texas, her beloved Austin. Working at the Travis County Attorney’s Office, her place of employment until 2022, where she stayed for almost 10 years.
Ty has served as lead attorney for the State of Texas on over 50 criminal jury trials. In 2017, she was promoted to Chief Prosecutor in one of the Travis County misdemeanor courts where she supervised a team of 2-3 other prosecuting attorneys while also managing a very heavy caseload of her own. Juggling the busy and fast-paced day to day life of a Chief Prosecutor of a County Court at Law was quite the challenge, with over a hundreds and hundreds of cases reviewed, filed and negotiated to a final disposition on a weekly basis.
After 12 years of practicing criminal law on the State’s behalf, Ty has founded her dream criminal defense law firm—one that is committed and dedicated tell YOUR side of the story and guide and counsel you through one of the most intimidating situations of your life. At Cardenas Witt Law we are committed to making sure that all clients have a deep understanding of the legal matter before them and the obstacles and optional paths to come.
At Cardenas Witt Law, we defend those that are accused of all types of felony and misdemeanor offenses in central Texas, including Murder, Sex Assault of a Child, Assault Family Violence, Robbery, Intoxication Manslaughter, DWI and everything in between. We are committed to treating our clients and their family with respect and to provide fluid communication about any updates on their criminal case. We want our clients to keep their dignity as a human being during their encounters with the judicial system. No matter what they are accused of, whether they committed the offense, whether they are in jail or out on bond or whether they are in the US legally, Cardenas Witt Law is committed to protecting everyone’s 6 th Amendment right to counsel. We will be there fighting with you until the end. And we will do it with kindness and compassion.
Dawn Danna Marullo is a named member of Courington, Kiefer, Sommers, Marullo & Matherne, a majority owned woman law firm in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ms. Marullo was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar in 2002. She received her education from the University of New Orleans (B.S. in biology and B.A. in psychology,1999) and Loyola University School of Law (J.D. 2002). While in law school, Ms. Marullo was a member of Loyola University Law School’s Moot Court, a Moot Court teaching assistant, and a Moot Court staff member. She was also a member of Loyola University’s Trial Advocacy Team and competed in mock trial competitions in Louisiana and Texas.
Ms. Marullo has extensive experience in the Louisiana court system having worked in both New Orleans Municipal Court and New Orleans Criminal District Court. Her practice consists of Civil Defense litigation, including Toxic Tort/Environmental, Motor Vehicle Accident, Bad Faith, Insurance Coverage, Property, Admiralty and Maritime Law, Louisiana State Workers’ Compensation, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and Subrogation Claims. She has tried cases in state courts and criminal courts, including before state and domestic court commissioners, and before the Office of Workers’ Compensation.
Seminars:
Speaker- 2022: Louisiana State Bar Association Mid-Year Meeting CLE Seminar: Women’s Personal and Professional Development Workshop.
Speaker- 2021: Trends Impacting Motor Vehicle Injury Claims in New Orleans.
Speaker- 2016: Louisiana Claims Association Educational Conference and Expo.: Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
Speaker- 2015: Louisiana Claims Association Educational Conference and Expo.: Is it a Jones Act Seaman, Longshoreman, or State Land Worker.
Speaker- 2013: Louisiana Claims Association Education Conference and Expo.: Waves of Change…Oceans of Opportunity: Overview of Jones Act/Maritime Law.
Speaker- 2011: NASP Subrogation Litigation: Skills and Management Conference. A
Fundamental Approach to Direct and Cross Examination.
Giselle's academic journey began with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry followed by a Master's Degree in Biochemistry, both obtained from Georgia State University. Her scientific background laid a solid foundation for her analytical mindset and attention to detail, qualities that have proven invaluable in her professional endeavors.
Giselle honed her skills as a Chemist at The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, GA, where she spent nearly four years applying her expertise in chemistry to contribute to the company's product development and quality assurance processes.
Driven by a passion for optimizing systems and processes, Giselle transitioned to the legal sector, joining a law firm where she played a pivotal role in developing and implementing effective operational frameworks. Her dedication and strategic acumen quickly earned her the position of COO at the firm for ten years.
Currently, Giselle is the COO of Velocity Work, a company that focuses on quarterly strategic planning for attorneys. Known for her exceptional ability to establish dependable organizational processes and foster enthusiastic team participation, Giselle has played a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and efficiency within her organization.
Originally from Corozal, Puerto Rico, Giselle brings a diverse perspective and cultural richness to her work. Outside of her professional pursuits, she is a devoted mother to three daughters and enjoys exploring new destinations through travel, embracing the opportunity to immerse herself in different cultures and experiences.
With a relentless commitment to excellence and a drive to continuously innovate and improve, Giselle Urbina exemplifies leadership and expertise in her field, leaving an indelible mark on the organizations she serves.
Darleene is a native New Orleanian and has been a practicing lawyer for 25 years. She simultaneously earned her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Loyola University College of Law and College of Business.
Throughout her tenure as an Attorney, she has largely worked in the civil defense arena. She is currently a Partner and the Chairperson of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee at Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels in New Orleans.
When she began working at the firm, she was its first ever African American Attorney. In 2022, she became its first African American female Partner.
She represents manufacturers of Consumer Products, Pharmaceuticals, and Medical Devices in products liability matters, railroad corporations in accidents and employee lawsuits, and other corporations in environmental and occupational disease hazard cases.
She is also double certified in Health and Wellness Coaching and Nutrition Coaching. She is the Founder and CEO of Deep Wellness NOLA, her own holistic health and wellness coaching company, where she focuses on serving as a resource for addressing health, wellness, and lifestyle issues from a holistic perspective. She has a special interest and passion for addressing the challenges facing legal professionals. Darleene serves as a Wellness Contributor, Speaker, and Writer for various legal associations, organizations, and law firms and is committed to improving the Health and Well-Being of her fellow legal professionals.
With a professional journey rooted in both medical and legal coaching expertise, Erica stands out as a seasoned authority in the consulting realm, particularly within the intricate landscape of law firms. Her track record has proven she’s all about actionable strategies that make a true impact and drive measurable results.
She is especially passionate about helping law firm owners and their teams leverage their strengths to remarkably improve communication and productivity. Erica considers helping her clients break through barriers and thrive to be one of life’s greatest joys.
Michael Madadi is the Attorney Director of Pre-Litigation at BD&J. He has spent his career fighting for the rights of everyday people. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Mr. Madadi has spent his lifetime around the same people that he knows entrusts him and his team with their cases. From his humble beginnings as the son of immigrant parents he fully understands the plight that many people must deal with while they are injured and battling insurance companies. Starting from high school in Calabasas, graduating from UCLA and finally attending law school at Whittier Law School in Newport Beach, Mr. Madadi knows California and its people because that is his home, and these are his neighbors.
Over $100 Million Recovered
As an advocate for the people, Mr. Madadi has worked in the Consumer Protection Unit of the San Diego District Attorney’s office, followed by a position at a prestigious antitrust firm with large-scale verdicts against corporate defendants. After leaving antitrust Mr. Madadi has worked with many of the most well-known litigators and large-scale personal injury firms in the state of California. Once settled at BD&J, Mr. Madadi has managed the pre-litigation department with his skilled team of case managers and assistants. Michael’s straight-shooting, empathetic, and organized style helps give his clients clarity about the direction of their case while understanding the pain they endure. His team fully recognizes the difficult and complex nature of both accidents and injuries, and his skill set is tailored to maximize the benefit while minimizing the costs associated to a client’s case.
Michael has represented thousands of clients and recovered millions on their behalf. He continues to successfully represent clients in auto accidents, slip and falls, premise liability cases as well as cases that involve traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and wrongful deaths. Mr. Madadi is highly skilled in victoriously litigating large verdicts and his commitment to obtaining the best outcome for his clients remains his top priority. Making every attempt to secure a proper case outcome prior to incurring litigation costs, Michael fights to ensure his clients receive the maximum recovery for their injuries.
Mr. Madadi is admitted to the California Bar as well as the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Michael is an avid basketball player who believes that basketball is the quintessential game for building chemistry, leadership, and teamwork, which are all elements that can be used within our daily work lives. His love of basketball and the city of Los Angeles makes him quite the fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. Mr. Madadi spends his free time doing physical activities that keep him fit, spending time with his wonderful family, and hanging out with his dog (aptly named “Buss” for the namesake of the Lakers organization).
Education
Representative Case Outcomes
Languages
Laura Moore, the founder and CEO of Moore Injury Funding, brings a diverse background and a deep commitment to helping those in need. Originally from Kaunas, Lithuania, in North Europe, Laura pursued her education at prestigious institutions, including Vilnius University in Kaunas and the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany, where she studied German Philology. In 2001, she immigrated to the United States and embarked on a journey that would lead her to make a significant impact in the personal injury arena. Laura Moore has a Pre-Medical Science Degree from Georgia State University. She spent eleven years in the medical field in various medical settings, including the ER, surgical ICU, pharmacy, cardiology, operating rooms, preventative and sports medicine, family medicine, OBGYN, emergency care, podiatry, DME, and functional medicine.
Laura’s personal experience with a life-altering accident became the catalyst for starting Moore Injury Funding. Following a T-bone collision in December 2021, Laura underwent extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, enduring numerous procedures and therapies to manage her injuries. Throughout her challenging recovery, she recognized the financial strain and emotional toll that individuals face during the litigation process. Determined to alleviate the burdens of injured individuals, Laura established Moore Injury Funding in June 2022.
With her educational background, extensive knowledge of personal injury cases, and profound compassion for those suffering from injuries, Laura provides nationwide Legal Funding services. Her goal is to offer financial relief to injured individuals, enabling them to meet their basic needs, receive necessary medical treatments, and sustain themselves during the litigation process until a fair settlement is reached. Laura's personal journey fuels her dedication to helping others navigate the challenges of their own injury claims with compassion and support.
Margarita Eberline is a pioneer in legal marketing and the visionary founder of Marketing Boss, a Chief Marketing Officer firm exclusively for law firms. Marketing Boss fills a critical gap in the legal industry by providing innovative marketing leadership tailored to the unique needs of attorneys. With her trailblazing approach, Margarita has redefined how law firms attract, engage, and retain clients.
She is also the author of Connect Convert, the groundbreaking law firm sales book that introduces her game-changing Connect Convert methodology. This innovative framework equips law firms with actionable tools to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Through the Connect Convert program, powered by Marketing Boss, Margarita offers a comprehensive suite of resources—including dynamic video training, customized Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development, and personalized 1-1 mindset coaching. Her programs are designed to help legal teams enhance their client intake, sales, and service strategies to maximize success.
Driven by her passion for helping law firms succeed, Margarita specializes in bridging the gap between lead generation and long-term client relationships. She teaches law firm teams how to build trust, foster emotional connections, and overcome the silent challenges—such as ghosting—that can sabotage their marketing investments. Her practical, results-oriented techniques are transforming how attorneys approach client acquisition and retention.
Margarita believes every phone call is a chance to create meaningful connections and transform lives. Her insights are revolutionizing the way law firms adapt to the evolving legal marketing space. A sought-after thought leader on client acquisition and conversion, she has inspired countless attorneys to step up, refine their processes, and bring their best energy to every conversation. Margarita enjoys inspiring attorneys to shift their mindsets, align their energy, and create a client experience that drives loyalty—from the very first ring to a signed case.
When she’s not guiding firms to greater success, you can find Margarita savoring a strong cup of coffee in her signature Marketing Boss Yeti, making lit memes, hitting the weights at the gym, or planning her next travel adventure. Most of all, she enjoys being a mother to her 5 boys who have inspired her to be a master negotator, as every day with them has been the ultimate test in creativity, persuasion, and resilience.
My name is Lisa Knierim. Throughout my career I have worked diligently to become the rare combination of a Long-View Strategist coupled with a Short-View Tactician. I have a powerful understanding and commitment to spearhead company growth through leadership in restoring or developing a culture for success as well as getting new businesses up and running successfully and turning-around companies. I’m an operationally oriented senior leader and business partner who optimizes both revenues and profits with a business style always focused on driving business performance to achieve ROI objectives. I have achieved leadership roles in companies including Villeroy & Boch Americas, Panasonic North America, Wilton, Jarden Consumer Solutions, and Black & Decker. Industry exposure includes Consumer Products, Housewares, Textiles, Food Service/Hospitality and Consumer Electronics with revenues from $5MM to over $2B.
After earning my bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from SUNY, I entered the Textile Industry to explore my passion for product development, sales, and begin my journey towards executive management. Currently, I am the Chief Development Officer for Creative Tops Inc. where I’m focused on expanding our U.S. retail and food service businesses, as well as forming new relationships with foreign companies and brands to commercialize in the United States.
I’ve spent the last 30 years learning everything there is to know about the Housewares, Hospitality/Food Service industries as well as the U.S. Retail landscape. I’m currently applying this knowledge in my role as CDO for Creative Tops Inc. where I’m responsible for the U.S. business. I’ve held several leadership roles, CEO of Villeroy & Boch to GM of Wilton, but my latest challenge has been helping Creative Tops Inc. improve their B2B and B2C businesses in the tabletop and drinkware segments. You can follow my work via here.
I am an elected Councilwoman for Cranbury Township in New Jersey. I was sworn in as Mayor on January 2, 2025. I am the Vice-President of the Tabletop Association. I have just concluded my second, three-year terms as a Board Member for the International Housewares Association. I have attended and exhibited at the Internation Housewares Show, NRA Show, Ambiente, Maison Object Show, Gourmet Show, CES and many regional shows throughout my career. I have received my green and black belt certification in Six Sigma strategies.
I am married to my wonderful husband Adam, whom I affectionately refer to as our CHO, Chief Home Officer. He is incredibly supportive of my career and aspirations. Together we are raising our 15-year-old daughter Greta. Our home is made complete with our golden-doodle Monty and our crazy cat named Crouton. We don’t watch a lot of TV in our home, but we also say “sports don’t count”, so there is inevitably a court, field, course, rink of some sort on our television as we cheer on our favorite collegiate and professional teams. I was born and raised in New Jersey. I grew up in Manalapan Township and spent all my summers in Lavallette. I tell everyone with a preconceived notion of NJ, that we are “The Garden State” for many reasons. I have lived in Nutley, Wayne, Manalapan, Woodbridge, and currently reside in Cranbury New Jersey. That’s Exit 8 or 8A off the NJ Turnpike for those that don’t know how we give directions here.
Brittany Elmore, MHA, is a trusted management consultant dedicated to helping medical and legal teams achieve strategic goals, increase productivity, and reduce staff attrition. She specializes in staff development, professional coaching, and instructional design using data-driven insights and people-centric methods. In addition to over ten years in the healthcare field and nearly seven years working with law firms, Brittany also has experience across various professional sectors including startups, non-profits, government, real estate, and finance.
As the Co-Founder & President of ViaHire Remote Legal Support Staffing as well as the Principal Management Consultant at Bretagne Consulting, Brittany’s philosophy is “people-first is profitable” and brings her analytical rigor, tech-positive approach, and emotional intelligence to elevate both the bottom line and the people in every organization she serves.
Renee is a distinguished Senior Executive HR Professional with a passion for people and Human Resources (HR), which has driven her impressive career for over 20 years. Renee is well-versed in all HR disciplines, with a wealth of experience that spans a variety of industries to include – financial institutions, education marketing, for-profit education, and healthcare. Renee’s career includes notable roles at prestigious financial institutions such as Bank of America, Citizens Bank, and Carver Federal Savings Bank. She has also served in significant positions including Regional Director of HR for the US & Canada, Vice President of HR, and Chief People Officer.
Currently, Renee is the Founder and Chief HR Consultant of The HR Boutique, an HR consultancy that provides expert guidance and support to small and mid-sized organizations. Her expertise lies in employee relations and leading comprehensive HR and people processes and strategies with a legal lens. Renee is recognized as a trusted business partner; and advisor and counsel, to CEOs, C-suite executives, and senior leaders on all matters related to people and HR. This elite group of leaders often refers to Renee as the “HR Whisperer” and the “Transition Expert.”
Renee’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She is a certified senior professional in HR by the HRCI, holds a Bachelor of Science in Management, a Master of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law from Tulane University Law School. She is also a Certified Executive Coach and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. Renee also holds several specialized certificates in HR Management, Compensation & Benefits, Mediation and DEI.
In addition to her professional and educational accomplishments, Renee imparts her knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at Southern New Hampshire University, where she teaches courses in employment and labor law, human resources, business, and leadership.
Originally from the Northeast, with roots in Boston and New York, Renee now resides in the sunny state of Florida. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling, shopping, exploring new culinary experiences as an avid foodie, and watching k-dramas, c-drams and novellas.
Ryan Jensen is a dynamic business leader with a passion for scaling startups and driving industry-wide transformations. His journey began at the University of Utah, where he balanced academics with athletics, playing football while earning his MBA. This experience instilled in him the values of teamwork and motivation that continue to shape his leadership style.
Specializing in business efficiency and performance optimization, Ryan has consulted hundreds of law firms on improving their operations. His expertise includes increasing case capacity, optimizing tech stacks, implementing AI, and coaching to improve processes firm-wide. Ryan’s approach combines data-driven analysis with a deep understanding of operational challenges, allowing him to craft tailored solutions that yield tangible results.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Ryan embraces an adventurous spirit. He finds exhilaration in piloting helicopters and planes, showcasing his love for aviation. When grounded, he enjoys riding horses at his parents’ ranch, connecting with nature and his roots. Ryan’s commitment to community is evident in his dedication to volunteering, demonstrating that his passion for making a difference extends far beyond the business world.
Justice Evelyn J. Laporte has traveled a long and winding road in her journey to the bench. Born and raised in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, she arrived in New York City in 1973 without speaking English. Despite struggling with the language while attending CUNY colleges, she eventually found her way to John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Like many students, Justice Laporte had to work to support herself and help her family. During her college years, she took on various jobs, including babysitting, working as a telephone operator, and even working in a meat factory.
Her diligence eventually paid off after many years of attending college at night while working during the day. She earned a Bachelor’s degree and then a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College. In 1986, Justice Laporte received a Juris Doctor degree from the Antioch School of Law in Washington, D.C. Upon graduating from law school, she returned to New York City and began her many years of public service.
Justice Laporte’s legal career includes significant experience within the New York City and State court systems. In Civil Court, she initiated civil lawsuits under the Nuisance Abatement Law of the New York City Administrative Code, striving to obtain permanent injunctions and civil penalties against owners and operators of premises used as store fronts for drug operations. In Housing Court, she handled residential non-payment, holdover, and licensee trials. In Family Court, she conducted hearings on cases involving neglected and abused children. Additionally, she has worked on administrative hearings for Social Security and Medicare benefits.
As a former Assistant District Attorney for nearly twelve years, assigned to the Domestic Violence Bureau, Justice Laporte conducted countless suppression hearings, grand jury presentations, and both jury and non-jury trials. She handled several high-profile cases and built a reputation for prosecuting numerous felonies and misdemeanor cases involving sexual abuse and domestic abuse. These cases often presented a special challenge due to the relationship between the victim and perpetrator, with victims frequently unwilling to press charges. Justice Laporte successfully prosecuted cases where the victim cooperated with the prosecution and where the victim did not cooperate.
In 2005, Justice Laporte was elected to the Civil Court in Kings County and began presiding over criminal cases, hearing both misdemeanor and felony cases. During her years as a Civil Court Judge assigned to Criminal Court, Justice Laporte published sixteen of her numerous decisions in the New York Law Reporter.
In 2014, she was elected to serve as Justice in the New York State Supreme Court, Kings County, assigned to the Criminal Term. She presided over cases involving murder, attempted murder, assault, driving while intoxicated, burglary, robbery, drug offenses, and others.
In 2016, Justice Laporte received the “La Flor de Maga” award from the Puerto Rican Bar Association. She was also a recipient of the “Most Outstanding Women Award” recognition from El Diario Newspaper in 2025. Due to her broad range of experience, she has become a highly sought-after public speaker on the subjects of domestic violence and the criminal justice system. Additionally, she is a motivational speaker, sharing her personal and remarkable journey to the bench.
Recently, Justice Laporte retired after eighteen years of service on the bench. She is the former Region I President of the National Prosecutors Association. In 2001, she was selected by the U.S. Department of Justice to participate in training prosecutors and law enforcement personnel in Chile and Honduras on the U.S. Criminal Justice System. The same year, she was also selected by the Vera Institute of New York City to participate in training judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and service providers in Chile on issues of domestic violence and child abuse.
Sarah Flack’s path to becoming a trial lawyer started in an unexpected place—working as a high-fashion model in New York, Miami and Los Angeles. While the runway was exciting, she felt compelled to pursue something more meaningful. That opportunity came during an internship with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, where she witnessed a powerful trial involving the racially motivated murder of a woman. Watching some of the best trial lawyers in action during that case inspired her to pursue a legal career and advocate for those in need of a voice.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and her law degree from Mercer University School of Law. Her legal career began as a prosecutor and later transitioned to criminal defense, where she represented clients facing the most serious charges, including those on death row. She successfully argued her first case at the Georgia Supreme Court, securing a reversal of a life sentence for a client.
As the founder of her own personal injury law firm Sarah Flack Law, Sarah continues to fight for justice on behalf of individuals and families. She has handled cases ranging from car accidents involving minor injuries to catastrophic injuries, product liability, and civil rights cases against law enforcement. Her practice is driven by a commitment to providing personalized, client-focused representation and delivering real results.
In addition to her legal work, she speaks on topics such as trial preparation, resilience, and the power of women in the courtroom. Her presentations blend practical insights, strategy, and humor drawn from years of trial experience.Sarah is also a proud wife and mother to a three year old!
Megan Whiteside is an experienced DC and Maryland trial lawyer, mom of four, law firm owner, national speaker, tv legal analyst, and podcast host of Mom Life and Law. She is a passionate advocate for her clients, as well as for fellow moms in the legal profession. Megan believes that representing the victims of nursing home neglect and their surviving families is a great honor and a great responsibility. She uses her skills in the courtroom and her prior experience on the defense to gain a competitive advantage in her nursing home abuse and neglect cases.
She currently serves as the co-chair of the Maryland Association for Justice’s Nursing Home Section and Education and Programs Committee. She is an active member of the American Association for Justice’s Nursing Home Litigation Group and The Nursing Home Trial Lawyers Association Top 10. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Maryland and DC. Megan is also an active member of the Women’s Caucuses of the American Association for Justice, the Maryland Association for Justice, and the Trial Lawyers Association of Washington, DC.
Attorney Ducos graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Double Major in Criminal Justice and Psychology prior to attending Law School in Atlanta, Georgia. While at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, she graduated from the Criminal Justice Honors Program and was a recipient of the Equal Justice of America Scholarship Award which promotes pro bono legal work for the community at large. She has also worked with victims of domestic violence on a pro bono basis to obtain temporary protective orders to ensure victim and child safety. Immediately following law School Attorney Ducos began working for one of the biggest personal injury firms in Atlanta, Georgia and quickly became one of the highest rated attorneys at the firm for client satisfaction. She was also the youngest attorney in the firm’s history to be promoted into a lead attorney position due to her excellent case results and outstanding five star client reviews.
At the Ducos Firm she specializes in complex personal injury litigation including negligent security, dog bite liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases. She also has an array of experience in handling motor vehicle collisions, motorcycle collisions, commercial vehicle collisions, and slip/trip and fall premise liability matters.
Mary Lou Potter is a Senior Account Business Development Representative at Walker Advertising. Since joining in 1986, Mary Lou has built many million dollar firms over her longstanding partnership with Walker Advertising. With 37 years of experience, she has provided complete training and scaling of all departments, helping law firms build.
Jeremy L. Tissot is an accomplished attorney with over 20 years of experience representing seriously injured plaintiffs in high-stakes cases. He began his career at one of California’s largest defense firms, becoming the youngest partner in the firm’s history while leading catastrophic injury cases. Transitioning to plaintiffs’ work, he handled major class action suits, including a $29.9 million settlement against Radio Shack. In 2007, he founded The Tissot Law Firm, which focuses on serious injury and wrongful death cases, with a specialty in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). His expertise in insurance company tactics has made him a sought-after trial lawyer known for adding immense value to cases.
Beyond his legal work, Tissot is deeply involved in charitable and professional organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Consumer Attorneys of California and the Executive Committee of Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities (LATLC), where he will become President in 2027. He has received several accolades, including the LATLC Presidential Award for Outstanding Dedication. A frequent speaker at national legal conferences, Tissot has shared his expertise on TBI and trial tactics with thousands of lawyers and is a faculty member at the Dordick Trial Lawyer College and TBI Med Legal.
Michele S. Mirman, Esq., a trial attorney since 1977, represents seriously injured victims of medical malpractice, personal injury, and construction accidents and is the founding partner of Mirman, Markovits & Landau, P.C., a Manhattan law firm dedicated to representing the victims of these accidents throughout the five boroughs, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester County.
Ms. Mirman has been named a Super Lawyer, is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, has been recognized as one of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, and has received America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to her work, Ms. Mirman has lectured on trial practice, technology in a law office, finance for women lawyers, and women trial attorneys in the courts. She has also been appointed to sit on New York State and City judicial screening committees by various citizen groups.
Ms. Mirman was President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (2019-2020) and during the pandemic spearheaded the Trial Lawyers report on virtual courts throughout the United States which the New York State Committee on the Court utilized for their work. She has been the President of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Foundation since its founding, which established the Sylvia Hinds Radix Scholarship at Brooklyn Law School. In addition, Ms. Mirman was the President of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association in 2018-2019, its centennial year and is a Master of the Nathan Sobel Inns of Court.
Ms. Mirman started her career as a trial lawyer as an associate with Spatt & Bauman, P.C., in 1977, trying commercial and personal injury cases, when women trial attorneys were a rarity. In 1980, she joined her future husband, Paul S. Mirman, Esq., in his Brooklyn law firm, where she continued to try numerous successful personal injury and medical malpractice cases, including McCormick vs. Cambria (1985), which resulted in a four-million-dollar verdict on behalf of a rape victim, the first multimillion dollar verdict by a woman attorney and the first verdict on behalf of a woman claiming post-traumatic stress disorder for rape. In addition to her successful trial practice, Ms. Mirman wrote and argued appellate briefs from both trials and motions.
In 1991, Ms. Mirman opened her own firm, Michele S. Mirman, P.C., relocated it to Manhattan in 1992, and renamed it Mirman, Markovits & Landau, P.C. She remains the senior partner of a 30-person firm, which continues to represent the victims of accidents and medical malpractice in the New York State and Federal Courts.
Ms. Mirman is admitted to the bars of California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C, as well as the Federal bars of the New Jersey and the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York and the United States Supreme Court. She is also a member of numerous bar associations.
Most importantly, Ms. Mirman is a devoted contributor to her New York City community. She is the President of the non-profit Bear Givers, Org., which supports disabled children and creates inclusion and anti-bullying and anti-discrimination programs. She is a Trustee of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum of New York City, which celebrates the contributions immigrants have made to the United States. She is a member of Allinbklyn, a women’s giving circle dedicated to supporting Brooklyn charities, and a long-time supporter of the Brooklyn Kindergarten Society, the oldest continuously working charity in Brooklyn, which had provided preschool education to children in low-income families for 125 years. Ms. Mirman was a participant on the 2018 Hampton Synagogue Benefactors’ Mission to Bahrain, the first congregational mission to an Arab Gulf State, is a 2018 recipient of the Simon Wiesenthal Center Third Annual Hero for Tolerance Award and has received many other awards and recognition.
A true daughter of Brooklyn, Ms. Mirman, nee Turchin, was born in East Flatbush, graduated from James Madison High School in Brooklyn (‘70), and still makes her home in Brooklyn, New York. She attended Sarah Lawrence College (‘73) in a special three-year program, and graduated Antioch School of Law, Class of ‘76.
Ms. Mirman is married to Joseph B. Sprung of JBS Financial, founder of both Bear Givers, Org., and It’s Never Too Late To Start, a non-profit directed at empowering women entrepreneurs. Her first husband Paul Mirman, Esq., passed away in 2014; she has two children, Dr. Matthew Mirman, a PhD in AI, and Phoebe Mirman, a computer science engineer in Silicon Valley
Michael Alder is owner and Senior Trial Attorney at AlderLaw, a leading Los Angeles firm that represents plaintiffs in personal injury, business torts and employment litigation cases. As one of the top trial attorneys in California, Mr. Alder vigorously pursues all cases on behalf of his clients who have suffered injustices.
As an underdog advocate, Mr. Alder takes pride in being personally involved in every case his firm takes on. Along with his team of lawyers, paralegals, law clerks and litigation assistants, he is consistently breaking records and earning the praise of the press with significant settlements and impressive verdicts.
The former CAALA president, well renowned speaker, and published author on trial strategy has a long history of supporting other trial attorneys. Mr. Alder maintains a 9,000-deposition database and an expert witness directory and provides information, at no charge, to up and coming lawyers upon request.
Massiel Rhoden is a dynamic entrepreneur who has successfully ventured into various industries throughout her career. As the current owner of Boga Latin Cuisine and Station Lounge, Massiel brings a wealth of experience from her diverse professional journey.
Her career path includes:
Massiel’s unique blend of experiences in healthcare, beauty, and culinary arts has shaped her approach to business. She applies her attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and passion for customer satisfaction across all her ventures.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality have made her current venues must-visit destinations for food enthusiasts and those seeking memorable dining experiences. Massiel continues to leverage her diverse skill set to innovate and excel in the competitive world of hospitality.
Meliha loves being there to both guide and support her clients after they have been injured and take action on their behalf. She loves getting to know her clients so she can share how client’s life was changed when it comes time to hold the wrongdoer accountable. Sometimes Meliha and the CHASENBOSCOLO team can negotiate a settlement that meets her client’s expectation. Most of the time, she is required to sue to get justice and closure. Meliha is a trial lawyer at heart, yet understands that trial is not always the best option for every client. Either way, Meliha is there to listen to and advise her clients on the pros and cons of each option. Together, Meliha and her client reach the best outcome for the client. She understands that each client is different and that the “best outcome” looks different for each client.
Meliha is proud to be born and raised in Puerto Rico. She came to the Washington, DC area for college and never left. She is fluent in Spanish, which provides her the opportunity to get to communicate directly with her Spanish speaking clients so that they fully understand all aspects of their case. She also understands French and is able to speak it enough to communicate with French speaking clients.
Meliha is also very involved in the legal community and is especially passionate about helping other female lawyers. She is on the Board of Governors for the Maryland Association for Justice (MAJ) and is Co-Chair of its Women’s Caucus. As Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus Meliha is working to give back as she has had and continues to have amazing mentors that have helped her grow. In June of 2023, Meliha was received the Maryland Association for Justice – Women’s Caucus Award in recognition of her leadership to other women trial attorneys and commitment to giving back to other women inside and outside of the legal profession. Meliha is also a member of Society of Women Trial Lawyers.
When Meliha is not working on getting to know her clients and working on their cases, she loves spending time with her husband, son, and dog (all boys). You can find her sitting outside playing with her boys, playing tennis, hanging out by the pool in the summer or at the fire pit during the cold of winter, spending time with friends or reading a book.
Karen E. Evans is a shareholder with The Cochran Firm’s Washington, D.C. office. She serves as its Director of Medical Malpractice and serves as co-chair of The National Cochran Firm Medical Malpractice Section. Ms. Evans is also a member of the National Cochran Firm nine-member Board of Directors. She has represented clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia throughout her career of over 30 years as a trial attorney and has successfully prosecuted a wide variety of high- stakes litigation matters. From 1995 to 2000, she successfully defended and won over 92% of all serious medical malpractice cases tried to jury verdict. Since 2000, she has used the combination of her experience as a registered nurse, inside defense attorney know-how, knowledge of medicine, and zealous trial advocacy skills to pursue claims on behalf of her clients. Ms. Evans has successfully and consistently tried or settled the claims and lawsuits she prosecuted in the seven and eight-figure ranges.
Ms. Evans has been awarded AV Preeminent rating, the highest level of professional excellence and ethics by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review. She has been consistently selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, The Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Lawyers, Lawdragon, and the Washington Post, Baltimore and Washington D.C.’s Top Lawyers, among other honors. Most recently, in 2025, she was selected for inclusion in the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
Ms. Evans is also a leader and stalwart in the legal community. In 2016, she was elected to the D.C. Bar Board of Governors and appointed by the D.C. Bar President to serve on the D.C. Bar Executive Committee. With approximately 100,000 members, the D.C. Bar is the second largest unified bar in the United States and provides oversight structure necessary to maintain the profession’s ethical standards and Rules of Professional Conduct. Ms. Evans is one of a select few Personal Injury (PI) attorneys to be elected to the D.C. Bar Board of Governors.
Ms. Evans is a Past President of the Washington Bar Association, one of the oldest and most prestigious African American bar associations in the country. She is a Past President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and continues to serve on its Board of Governors. She is a Past President of the Washington Bar Association Educational Foundation. Ms. Evans is also a past President of The Black Lawyers Top 100. Additionally, she serves on the Executive Committee of the National Trial Lawyers Association. Ms. Evans is an active member of the Council for Court Excellence (CCE), serves as a member of its Executive Committee, and is Chair of the Nomination Committee. She is a member of The Melvin M. Belli Society, an invited national group of lawyers who have distinguished themselves as trial lawyers and who are committed to promoting the international exchange of ideas among lawyers through meetings and education.
Ms. Evans is also a member of the American Association of Nurse Attorneys and has been featured in its members’ recognition section. She has been an invited speaker and guest lecturer at the request of various legal associations and groups, including The George Washington University Law Center, the Virginia Nurses Association, the D.C. Superior Court Judicial Training session committee, the D.C. Trial Lawyers Association, the Ohio Association for Justice, the Maryland Association for Justice, East Carolina University College of Nursing, American University School of Law. National Trial Lawyers, National Bar Association, Maryland Association for Justice, and The Society of Women Trial Lawyers. Ms. Evans has been a keynote speaker for Bowie State School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony and the Black Nurses Association of Greater Washington, D.C.
Ms. Evans is a member of the state and federal Bars in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as the United States Supreme Court. She was an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law from 2005-2012 and has served as a mediator for the D.C. Superior Court.
Before attending law school, Ms. Evans was a Captain in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps and practiced medical/surgical and intensive care nursing for ten years. She earned her B.S. in Nursing from East Carolina University in 1980. She began her legal education at Texas Tech University School of Law, where she was selected for Law Review. After her first year of study, she transferred to The University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill and earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1990.
Prior to founding Elmm Law Group, Partner/Founder Gordana (Gordi) Mikalacki served as an Assistant Attorney General in Arizona under three Attorneys General and partnered with another Arizona personal injury law firm. Gordi founded Elmm Law Group because she found the Arizona personal injury legal market to be stale and saturated with predominantly male-run firms more concerned about their bottom lines than client injuries.
Elmm Law Group handles all types of personal injury matters including trucking, car, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, & motorcycle accidents as well as dog bites & wrongful deaths.
Gordi’s firm prides itself on providing clients with a nontraditional law firm experience focusing on direct attorney-client contact (she gives clients her private cell phone number), diligence, and straightforwardness. It uses modern technology such as AI to elevate efficiency and build client case values.
Elmm Law Group also takes a no-nonsense approach geared towards settling cases while protecting client interests. Still, when it comes to cases that cannot be settled without litigation, Gordi and her Team advocate diligently for their clients in the courtroom, given her background as an Assistant Attorney General.
Raynique Keelen is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. Ms. Keelen graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a minor in Political Science and History. Ms. Keelen later received her Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center. While in law school, Ms. Keelen served as Clerk of Rolls of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, Secretary of the Black Law Student Association and Managing Editor of the Law Review. Additionally, Ms. Keelen published a law review article titled, “Navigating Un-chartered Waters: Will Justice Kennedy’s Concurrence in Rapanos v. United States Become the Controlling Test Regarding Federal Jurisdiction over Wetlands?” 34 S.U. L. REV. 227 (2007).
Ms. Keelen is licensed to practice before all state courts in Louisiana and Texas as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana Bankruptcy Court.
In May 2020, Ms. Keelen joined forces with powerhouse criminal defense attorney John T. Fuller, IV forming Fuller Keelen Law Firm. Their personal injury law firm focuses on serious injuries and fatalities.
BAR ADMISSIONS
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
L. Michael Flanagan is the principal of Flanagan Injury Law Group, LLC. He practices in all areas of personal injury law with an emphasis on Wrongful Death. Mr. Flanagan is a former associate at James D. Montgomery & Associates. Prior to joining the Montgomery team, he was an associate at Corboy & Demetrio, P.C. Since beginning his practice, Mr. Flanagan has garnered millions of dollars for his clients and has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, a distinction awarded to only 2.5% of lawyers under 40 in the State of Illinois for five years in a row (2020-2024). He was also named a Top 10 Under 40 lawyer for the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys.
When you are in a crash, “don’t start panicking, just call FLANAGAN”!
HONORS
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Chicago Bar Association Juvenile Mentoring Initiative Program Mentor
Tutor, Minority Legal Education Resources (MLER)
PRACTICE AREAS
CLERKSHIPS
Hon. Matthew Kennelly, U.S. District Court for Northern District of Illinois, 2014
EDUCATION
Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D.
Howard University, B.A.
BAR & COURT ADMISSIONS
State of Illinois
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Vaneat Bellizzi have decades of law firm experience. A true success story, she began her legal career having served many positions within the legal industry (receptionist, accounting clerk, bookkeeper, staff accountant, accounting manager, interim office manager, controller, director of administration) and worked her way up to her current position, Chief Operating Officer at Kreindler LLP. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Metropolitan College of New York where she received her BBA and completed her MBA at SUNY Stony Brook. She knows how to interact with people at all levels, is adept at building interpersonal relationships and handles herself well under pressure. She’s consistently moved into higher positions that utilize her knowledge as well as broadening it to new levels.
She is an innovator and motivator continuously looking for ways to improve processes. She has written policy and implemented procedures at various firms; written proposals for accounting and client management system upgrades and has overseen the process from initial planning stage to final implementation at several firms. She’s been the project manager on several office buildouts and one office move. She enjoys project management, coming up with plans of action that develop and improve processes for ultimate firm, employees, and client satisfaction.
Vaneat enjoys multitasking and thrives under pressure. Although her past experience has been on the Finance side, the last 15+ years has moved her more in the direction of Human Resources and Operations. She is the only non-partner to ever serve on the firm’s Executive Management Committee and is very much involved in decisions at the firm of building and maintaining an inclusive culture.
Vaneat is married, an avid golfer, loves spending time with her grandkids, summer cookouts (if it can be grilled, she will), and volunteering.
Elia Diaz-Yaeger serves as the Chief Legal Officer for OnPath Federal Credit Union, where she oversees all legal matters, contributes to the company’s strategic direction, and ensures legal compliance while driving business objectives. As part of the executive team, she acts as a trusted advisor, engaging with management and the board of directors on strategic business issues.
Previously, Diaz-Yaeger was a member of OnPath’s Board of Directors, serving on the Executive Committee and as Board Secretary. In her role as Director, she developed, reviewed, and approved an annual budget of nearly $40 million, and was a key figure in drafting and revising credit union policies. She provided guidance on corporate governance, legal, and risk issues, and played a pivotal role in diversifying the Board and C-Suite. Her efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) led to the implementation of a comprehensive DE&I training and metric-driven plan at OnPath.
With over 20 years of management and legal experience, Diaz-Yaeger brings a wealth of expertise in litigation, defense, and board governance to her role. Prior to joining OnPath, she was a Shareholder at Lugenbuhl, specializing in commercial litigation, insurance defense, and coverage. Diaz-Yaeger is known for building inclusive teams that achieve outstanding results and has received numerous awards for her legal skills and leadership in DE&I and advocacy programs. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2018 and in multiple Best Lawyers ‘Women in Law’ editions, was a 2019 Lawyers of Color ‘Nation’s Best’ honoree and won the 2017 Chambers USA Women in Law Future Leader – Gender Diversity award.
Diaz-Yaeger also served on the Board of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) in various roles, including National President, where she developed governance policies, strategies, financial growth, and diversification for the organization. She enhanced the HNBA’s impact on issues important to the Hispanic community and forged partnerships that significantly benefited the community and the legal profession.
In addition to her professional achievements, Diaz-Yaeger serves on the Board of Directors for BLOOM Dance, Inc., contributing to its long-term strategic growth. She co-founded The A.D. Crossman Esperanza Library Project and is a member of the New Orleans Ballet Association and The Krewe of Muses.
Diaz-Yaeger holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (formerly USL) and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, New Orleans.
“When something catastrophic occurs, we have the opportunity to stand up for those people. We look forward to balancing out justice.”
Clive Markland, an eminent figure as a personal injury attorney, has constructed a highly commendable career that extends from his tenure at the Harris County District Attorney’s office to the establishment of his own prosperous law firm. His reputation as one of Texas’s premier trial lawyers is not just a testament to his extensive experience but also a reflection of the unparalleled expertise he brings to the courtroom. With more than 80 cases tried for verdict, Clive’s prosecutorial approach and comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape have earned him widespread recognition and respect among his peers.
Nicole R. Stanton is one of two founding partners of Stanton and Worthy, LLC, a boutique law firm located in the heart of Atlanta, GA. Her firm specializes in consumer law (personal and business bankruptcy, debt resolution), contracts, and business transactions. If you ask her how long has she been practicing law, she will say “all my life,” because her father is a practicing attorney in Detroit, MI as well. Ms. Stanton graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and with a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University’s College of Law. During her years at both colleges, she wrote for the school papers, participated in multiple organizations, focused on wellness, did community service, and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. During her years in law school, she maintained an emphasis on contracts, sports law, and civil law. With a background as a writer, contract analyst, and attorney, Ms. Stanton brings versatility and passion to her firm. She also has a love for maintaining her mental, emotional and mental wellbeing, and is always encouraging others to do the same. She is driven by a strong love for working with and helping others in the community, and she enjoys working closely with clients.
It was not until later in life that Ms. Stanton discovered her calling in the areas of consumer law, debt collection defense, small business, and bankruptcy. After working a few years as an associate attorney and analyst, she did not believe her purpose in life had reached its full potential until she began assisting people as a bankruptcy attorney. Being a bankruptcy attorney has led her to several other areas of law that she loves and continues to enjoy working in. Ms. Stanton is one who gives her clients the dedication and close attention that is often needed to help them fulfill their goals. She is direct, honest, and believes a client’s integrity is top priority. She understands that the attorney-client relationship is truly a relationship, and that it must be nourished as such.
Although Ms. Stanton takes delight in working as an attorney, she has other areas of her life that bring her great joy. She has traveled all over the world and has been able to continue this tradition. She immerses herself in other cultures through reading, music, and travel. Further, during her spare time, she spends time with family and other loved ones, writes, enjoys athletics and Pilates, and participates in volunteer work.
Ms. Stanton has a firm belief in the saying “many are called upon, yet few are chosen.” She was chosen to be an attorney and be of service to her community, and when you work with her, you will know this to be true.
Ebony S. Morris, a Senior Attorney in Foley & Mansfield’s New Orleans office, regularly handles general liability defense, workers compensation, mass tort, premises liability, and talc litigation defense matters. Ebony guides educational institutions, Fortune 100 and 500 corporations, insurance companies, small businesses, and individuals through complex litigation matters. From inception to resolution, she helps clients navigate each step of the litigation process to find practical resolutions that fit their immediate and long-term needs.
In addition to her practice, Ebony is actively involved in the legal community. She has served as the 2021-2022 President of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society. She is also an active member of the Defense Research Institute (“DRI”) and serves as the Chair of DRI’s 2025 Diversity for Success Seminar.
Ebony also serves as a member of the National Bar Association, a member of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, and a member the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, an invitation-only organization of lawyers who focus their practice on the defense of civil claims and representation of insurers and corporations. Ebony also serves as a First Assistant Examiner for Constitutional Law for the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions.
Ebony has received a myriad of awards and recognition for her commitment to the legal community, including the 2023 On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyer Award from the ABA, 2024 New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in the Law Award, and the coveted 2024 National Bar Association “40 Under 40” Award.
Andrea Rivera is the founder of Studio H3, an Emmy-awarded advertising agency dedicated to connecting diverse audiences through culturally relevant content. Her cultural experience spans both mainstream and Latino cultures, providing a unique insight into the full spectrum of multi-generational Latino audiences in the United States. She possesses a deep understanding of the landscape of U.S.-based Latinos, considering influences from both their country of origin and their residence within the U.S. This expertise enables her to guide brands in creating meaningful connections with this rapidly growing segment of the U.S. economy.
As a first-generation everything, Andrea is passionate about promoting higher education and entrepreneurship among Latinos. A dedicated servant leader, she actively contributes to organizations that uplift Latinos nationwide. Currently, she serves as Chairman of the Board for the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is on the board of directors for HoPe, and is a trustee for Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. Andrea also serves on various committees and boards that provide scholarships for Latinos, including the Miami High School Alumni Scholarship Foundation and the Cruz Family Foundation Scholarship Program, where she has been Executive Director since 2014. Additionally, she is the founder and past chair of EME de Mujer, the flagship organization for Latina entrepreneurs in Georgia.
Andrea was honored with a Doctorate in Letters from Oglethorpe University in 2023, where she also delivered the commencement speech at the spring graduation. She was named among Georgia’s 50 Most Influential Latinos in 2021 and has received numerous other accolades. Andrea’s business and civic leadership have been recognized in several media outlets, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The New York Times, Univision, Telemundo, Mujer Magazine, and Latina Style Magazine
Olivia Nuss is currently the Head of Legal and Business Affairs at Student Athlete NIL (SANIL), where she has played a pivotal role in the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics. Olivia’s expertise in contracts and sports law has propelled her to the forefront of the rapidly evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) industry, earning her recognition as one of the Top 70 most influential people in the NIL space, per Silver Wave Media.
A proud three-time graduate of LSU, Olivia’s sports career began long before she joined SANIL. Throughout her time at LSU, Olivia worked for LSU Athletics while earning both her bachelor’s degree in digital advertising and her master’s degree in strategic communications. Her early career included impactful roles at LSU Athletics Compliance and NIL, Eccker Sports, and Influential, where she played a key role in the development of LSU’s renowned NIL department, "NILSU," in 2020/2021.
Olivia oversees all aspects of contract management, which includes drafting, negotiating, executing, and enforcing all agreements for her company. Her responsibilities include managing student-athlete agreements, brand and business sponsorships, advertising partnerships, agent negotiations, and compliance with NCAA regulations. To date, Olivia has personally drafted over $50 million in NIL deals for student-athletes across 56 universities.
Beyond her work at SANIL, Olivia is an influential voice in the sports law community. She has shared her expertise as a guest lecturer at Rutgers Law School and the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, and as a panelist at the Tulane Women in Sports Law Symposium. In addition to her speaking engagements, Olivia hosts "The Disclosure," a podcast dedicated to discussing student-athlete NIL advertising, sports marketing.
Through her leadership and passion, Olivia Nuss hopes to inspire and empower the next generation of women in sports.
Rian Ervin Banks is the Managing Attorney of the Dennis Law Firm, an Atlanta based law firm that specializes in representing plaintiffs in motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, wrongful death, and catastrophic personal injury. In this role, she oversees the recruitment, training and professional development of attorneys and staff. Prior to joining the Dennis Law Firm, Rian was a trial lawyer for multiple Fortune 500 insurance companies. As a trial lawyer for the insurance company, Rian tried numerous bench and jury trials as lead counsel. She handled cases involving automobile wrecks, premise liability, intentional torts, insurance bad faith and coverage matters. While defending insurance companies, Rian was disappointed in the insurance companies’ willful failure to fairly evaluate the claims of injured individuals.
Rian’s extensive experience defending insurance companies was pivotal in her return to
plaintiff’s practice and strategic approach to securing favorable results for her clients. She is
honored to secure justice and positively impact the lives of her clients.
In her personal and professional life, Rian believes “a rising tide lifts all boats.” She is a catalyst for change and advocate for women trial lawyers. As a wife and mom, Rian is passionate about collaborating with women and sharing experiences on how to find balance between their personal and professional lives.
Angie Hollanda is the Marketing Manager for the PI Department at Peachtree Orthopedics since October 2023. She has over 18 years of experience in marketing strategies, customer relations, account management, retention, and new business development. Angie is a native of Poland who came to the US 23 years ago as an Au Pair. Her story is of strength, resilience, and determination. Today, she is a single mother of 3 beautiful daughters, a successful career woman, and a traditional feminist who now turns her vulnerabilities and insecurities into new projects giving voice to other women in her new, upcoming Podcast “Her Hustle Her Way”.
Nicole was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BA in European History and French from JMU, and is licensed to practice real estate in Louisiana and Tennessee. Before joining the Dudley DeBosier team in 2019, Nicole gained a variety of professional experience in the music industry, hospitality management and hotel sales, non-profit operations and development, and real estate. In her career, she has received multiple awards, including the 2011 “Manager of the Year” at Nashville’s Union Station Hotel, the 2014 Roy Hutton “Vision in Action Award” at Oasis Center, and the 2018 “Diamond Award” for $20m+ sales from the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee.
Nicole is motivated by an innate, relentless desire to clean, align, improve, and iterate herself and everything she touches. As COO and Salesforce Product Owner for DDB, she constantly asks questions, finds issues and works to understand them from all angles, and seeks to create appropriate solutions. Outside of the office, Nicole is busy raising her blended family of 5 children with her husband and working toward finishing her MBA.
Her favorite quote is “Be truthful, gentle, and fearless,” by Ghandi.
Colleen Young is a creative thinker who understands and analyzes the numbers behind the promotions. She’s had a seasoned career holding each seat in each position of a Marketing Team giving her an understanding and appreciation of the energy and time it takes to produce stellar results. She is a driving force for positive, consistent communication and messaging across internal and external channels.
Handling B2B and B2C marketing for non-profit and profit corporations afforded me experience to learn what works across multiple channels.
Colleen has a reputation for developing many “firsts” within departments. Bringing on CRM systems that combine automated marketing processes and sales processes
I harness a passion for re-energizing legacy brands taking companies to polished, professional market dominance.
FUTURE CHALLENGES THAT I ANTICIPATE IN THE MARKETING REALM:
With deeper consumer insights available at our fingertips, we walk a fine line of being eerily intrusive vs. knowing our customer personas to target our marketing. In addition, AI is permeating all aspects of our lives. Although AI can write fundamental content, it lacks the human touch, the human flair. That is why less emphasis must be placed on the vast database that AI can tap into, instead focusing on meaningful, dynamic content.
Colleen joined Get Staffed Up in 2023 after years of overseeing marketing operations for a Medical Services Organization (MSO) that held orthopedic and cardiovascular practices, physical therapy, MRI, and orthopedic urgent cares. Prior to, she found and worked her career niche in industrial marketing with companies / brands such as Aristeo Construction, Quikete®, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and Jack Doheny Company.
Colleen is a graduate of Youngstown State University earning a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration (Major: Advertising and Public Relations).
Bringing a rich mix of knowledge from my father (a sales champion), my mother (an old-school accountant who calculated everything by hand) and growing up in a rural, blue-collar, small town, my parents instilled in me a fierce work ethic. They firmly believed that if you want something badly enough, you must formulate plans of attack in order to attain your goals. This mindset has been prevalent throughout my entire life.
Passions include animal welfare, Supporting non-kill shelters with special attention to the Michigan Animal Rescue League (M.A.R.L), mentoring, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Attorney Jessica Tehlirian is the founder of Tehlirian Law Group. After a decade of practice, she started the firm to provide a firm that focuses on respect and open communication.
She began her career as a prosecutor in Tallahassee, Florida, where she advocated for thousands of victims in the community. She had more than twenty jury and non-jury trials ranging from misdemeanors to rape and murder. Thereafter, she was the Head of the Litigation Department for The Cochran Firm Jacksonville. There, she supervised other litigation attorneys while maintaining her caseload of personal injury cases involving serious injuries and death. She has personally recovered millions of dollars for her injured clients.
Additionally, she served as The National Social Media Manager for The Cochran Firm. Next, she became a managing partner for a law firm based out of Florida. She helped the firm grow from one office in Florida to offices in Atlanta and nationwide.
Attorney Tehlirian is admitted to practice law in the states of Florida and Georgia. She has practiced all aspects of personal injury litigation, including premise liability, car accidents, and truck accidents. She takes pride in treating all her clients as if they are family members. She works closely with clients to develop case strategies and obtain successful results. She has a sincere passion for helping others, not just as part of her job but also outside of work.
After graduating from The University of Michigan in 2011, she obtained her Juris Doctorate from Florida State University along with a Business Law Certificate with Honors in 2014. Thereafter, she obtained her Master of Business Administration from Florida State in 2019. She is licensed to practice in Florida and Georgia. She has been awarded The Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers and The National Black Lawyers for multiple years. She was also awarded the Nation’s Best Advocate “40 Lawyers Under 40” by The National Bar Association in 2022.
She also enjoys volunteering with various organizations in Georgia. Attorney Tehlirian is also the founder of The Tehlirian Foundation, a charity that helps underrepresented students navigate their academic careers.
Amanda's practice is devoted to representing victims of terrorist attacks in lawsuits against foreign governments and organizations that provide material support to terrorist organizations including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Taliban. She also brings claims against financial institutions that aid and abet terrorism in violation of sanctions and trade practices. Amanda's clients include U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who were injured or killed in the U.S. Embassy bombings in Lebanon, Kenya, and Tanzania, as well as victims of the September 11th attacks and the 1983 Marines Barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon. She has secured judgments exceeding $200 million and has recovered significant proceeds of those judgments from the governments of Iran and Sudan, as well as from the U.S. Victims of State Sponsors of Terrorism Fund.
Amanda oversees Fox McKenna's representation of servicemembers and their families' claims arising from harms perpetrated by the U.S. government, including illnesses caused by the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune and hearing loss caused by 3M's defective Combat Arms Earplugs, the standard-issue ear protection used by the U.S. military from 2000 to 2015.
Prior to founding Fox McKenna, Amanda spent nine years practicing anti-terrorism, personal injury, and mass tort law in a boutique law practice. She spent the first eight years of her professional career working for the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where she focused on border security, trans-national crime, intelligence, and disaster response and recovery.
Amanda's legislative and political experience gives her a unique understanding of the legislative process and the wide range of geopolitical and diplomatic variables that often impact her terrorism cases. Her broad network in Washington, D.C. and access to relevant policymakers allows her to stay informed of key events and legislative developments that influence her cases and shape the landscape of future litigation.
Amanda is the Secretary of the New Lawyers Division of the American Association for Justice and serves as a board member of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. She is a former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and frequently represents local civic groups in land use, real estate, and landlord-tenant disputes.
The Reverend Brittany Bachus Esq., is not only the founding and managing attorney of the Bachus Firm, LLC, in Atlanta, Georgia, but also an ordained minister at one of the largest churches in the southeast, New Birth Cathedral in Stonecrest, Georgia. She began her life in Milwaukee Wisconsin, but has since lived in Texas, Florida, Japan, Italy, Connecticut, New York, and eventually planted her feet in Georgia. She has served in various leadership roles within community organizations, churches, and throughout the legal field.
Brittany received her undergraduate education at Kennesaw State University, her divinity degree from Yale University, and her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. It was in undergrad that she found her passion for law and landed her first job as a legal assistant at a criminal defense practice. That is how she was moved to help those that had been affected by troubling life circumstances just as she had.
In her early years, Brittany was considered a troubled youth, living in foster care and group
homes, as well as facing legal troubles and struggling to find her place in life. Despite her
childhood trauma, as she entered adulthood she found that through dedication, hard work, and
mentorship she could transform her life and be exactly who she believed God had called her to
be.
Attorney Bachus now leads from a motto “how you start is not how you have to finish.” She speaks to leadership from a place of finding your true purpose, passion, and utilizing strategy and relationships to travel the path destined for your life. “Getting clear about who you are and what you want,” can help to catapult leaders into statistically unlikely success. During Women in Leadership, Brittany will give a five point strategy to fostering a successful plan to build in any area of life.
Yesenia Gonzalez's journey toward discovering her true purpose took an unexpected turn just months before her 43rd birthday. She demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication by masterfully balancing dual careers as an office manager and a professional photographer for over two decades. Her lens captured unforgettable moments at weddings, celebrity events featuring icons like LL Cool J and Vivica A. Fox, and significant gatherings at institutions like The CUNY School of Law.
In September 2024, Yesenia celebrated her sixth anniversary at GFG Alliance, a global leader in steel and mining with over 30,000 employees and 200 locations in 4 continents and has been thriving as an Office Manager. Along with this achievement. In May 2022, she embarked on a transformative path by opening Yesenia's Place, a hospitality venture on Airbnb. From the outset, Yesenia's dedication to her guests shone through, offering them not just accommodations, but personalized guidance and an unforgettable New York experience. It was during intimate morning coffee chats with her guests, Yesenia discovered her passion for helping others succeed. She listened like a therapist, providing encouragement and motivation to help them find their passions and purpose. This newfound role resonated deeply, sparking a journey of self-discovery and purpose.
In 2023, Yesenia spoke at New York's Women in Leadership Conference hosted by Betty Aquino, sharing her insights on how everything we do in life is like planting seeds. Her powerful words, likening life's journey to the growth of a plant and the importance of planting seeds, not only resonated with the attendees but also empowered them. Her words were not just motivational, they were inspiring, and she was honored to be invited back to encourage even more women. Yesenia is pursuing a life dedicated to helping others discover and fulfill their purpose.
Yesenia draws inspiration from figures like Oprah Winfrey, believing true passion should feel as natural as breathing. As a woman of strong faith and Christian values, her story is a testament to the transformative power of discovering one's purpose later in life, a message she passionately champions through her work and speaking engagements. She eagerly anticipates returning to the Women in Leadership Conference in 2024, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her mission. Yesenia Gonzalez embodies the belief that our greatest fulfillment lies in sharing our unique gifts with the world.
Connect with Yesenia on Instagram: @Yeseniasplace
Dr. Lisa Reid is an Endocrine surgeon in practice for over 15 years.
She is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Chief of the newly established Section of Endocrine Surgery at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ.
On faculty at Cooper Medical School at Rowan University (CMSRU), she is the Clerkship director for the M3 Surgery Clerkship and the M4 Surgery Sub internship. She is the proud recipient of the 2021 Sol Sherry award for teaching excellence, as chosen by her peers. Dr. Reid was a student advisor for 8 years, before assuming the role of the Administrative Director of the Advisory Colleges at CMSRU.
She was appointed chair of the Surgery DEI committee, which was developed in 2019. The committee has been working to address issues related to diversity to span the medical students, residents and faculty.
She has published book chapters having to do with Endocrine surgery topics of thyroid and parathyroid disease.
She is passionate about providing excellent patient care, health equity, and medical education at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Originally from Baytown, TX, Geya Prudhomme went to Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA where she graduated with Honors with a Bachelor of Science Degree. During her time as an undergraduate, she was on a full academic and volleyball scholarship. In addition to being a student athlete, she was also a member of the Student Government Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was extremely active in the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Upon graduation, she continued her education at the Southern University Law Center and earned her Juris Doctorate Degree in 2003. While in law school, she served on the Moot Court Board, ATLA, BLSA, Louis A. Martinet Society, Inns of Court and was a student attorney for the Juvenile Court Clinic.
Geya has been practicing law in Louisiana for 12 years and is a former Assistant District Attorney for Caddo Parish. As a prosecutor, she was a supervisor that handled high grade felony cases, an array of violent crimes and high profile cases. She was also appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a temporary ad hoc City Court Judge. She believes the most important aspect of being a good lawyer is being a great listener, an effective communicator and always going above and beyond to assist her clients. She is proud of being a trial attorney and is most comfortable in a courtroom standing in front of a Judge or Jury.
She is married to Attorney Carlos Prudhomme and has two small children, Zuri and Maze. In her free time, she enjoys doing community service with her sorority, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Emerald is the founder of CEO of Emerald Consulting Group, LLC. During Emerald’s career, she has been coined the ultimate executor for her strong ability to produce intended results in an efficient and progressive fashion. She is regarded as a competent leader prepared to surpass all expectations. Emerald holds a Masters in Civil Engineering from Kennesaw State University, Southern Polytechnic School of Engineering and multiple engineering professional certifications. She has designed and oversaw the construction of various mid/high rises, homes, stadiums, and highways/bridges throughout Georgia. Emerald has provided engineering and construction consulting services as a Program Management Consultant for tens of billions of dollars in projects and programs.
She is a graduate of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC Georgia) Future Leader Development Program. Emerald was recently selected as one of the 35 Under 35 Women to Know in Georgia Engineering by ACEC Georgia’s 100 Most Influential Women in Engineering Committee. In addition to engineering, Emerald is also a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia proving residential and commercial services. Understanding the ins and outs of design and ground up construction, puts Emerald at an advantage to better represent her clients and provide them peace of mind that their home or business property is built efficiently.
Emerald’s passion for serving, promotes her servant leadership abilities. Emerald annually volunteers for ACEC’s Georgia, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, as well as the annual STEM Day event. She annually participates as a national judge for the DiscoverE annual Future City Planning competition, where she able to motivate and provide sound engineering judgment of the cities for our next generation of engineers.
Briseida Robles is a distinguished professional in the field of litigation finance, with over six years of dedicated experience. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Briseida’s journey began when her family migrated to Houston, Texas, when she was just four years old. This move laid the foundation for her deep-rooted connections with the Latin community in the legal field, as well as with other immigrant communities.
Briseida’s career is marked by impressive achievements, including facilitating roughly $40 million in pre-settlement funding advances and $10 million in commercial lending sales. Her expertise spans the Texas markets and extends across the United States. She has worked exclusively with the oldest plaintiff law firm in Texas and earned the business of top lawyers in major cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, as well as nationwide.
Fluent in Spanish, Briseida’s native language, she leverages her linguistic skills to build strong relationships within diverse communities. Her family’s story of resilience and determination— migrating to America with three daughters, a hundred dollars, and a car—shapes her approach to her work and life.
Briseida’s professional journey began after high school when she pursued a business degree in college. In 2014 she started her career as a paralegal for a personal injury law firm and a general practice law firm. This experience paved the way for her role as a Texas sales representative for LawCash. Demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, Briseida eventually opened her own company and partnered with Key Legal Funding, based in New Jersey.
Beyond her professional life, Briseida is deeply family-oriented, cherishing her time with her 12- year-old daughter and her beloved golden doodle Teddy. She loves spending time outdoors, especially by the beach, where she finds the peace and rejuvenation needed to excel in her career. These habits help her restart and reset, enabling her to make the best decisions for her clients and herself when it comes to finances for their businesses.
Briseida is actively involved in her community, attending numerous fundraisers for judges and upcoming candidates for various offices, as well as sponsoring many law firm events across Texas. She is a proud member and fellowship business partner of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association, where she networks with the best trial lawyers in Houston. To stay current with the evolving legal landscape, she regularly attends Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars, particularly those focused on personal injury law and legislative changes.
Her dedication, sales acumen, and ability to foster meaningful connections have made Briseida Robles a trusted name in litigation finance, providing invaluable financial solutions to legal professionals across the country.
Regina E. Faul is a partner in and chairs the Employment & Labor Practice at Phillips Nizer LLP. She has distinguished herself for over 30 years representing clients in the areas of employment law and labor law. Her practice focuses on advising management clients on day-to-day employee relations, representing management in connection with collective bargaining, employment litigation, including wage and hour litigation, acting as insurance defense counsel, and conducting presentations and training for our clients’ workforces.