Attorneys
John Andrle
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Georgia State Bar, U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia.Education:
- Vanderbuilt University, Juris Doctor
- Northwestern University, B.S.
Areas of Practice:
John Andrle represents consumers and entrepreneurs in Bankruptcy and Commercial Litigation.
Prior to joining Volks Anwalt, John worked at McCurdy & Candler, LLC in both the Default Litigation and Bankruptcy groups. He often worked to protect creditor rights before changing roles and moving into the consumer rights sector. Having worked previously for creditors and gained insight into their legal strategies, Andrle uses his knowledge to benefit consumers. John has extensive real estate experience and litigation expertise; primarily in mortgage defense litigation, consumer bankruptcy, and title resolution.
Prior to joining McCurdy & Candler, John worked as a Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Judge C. Ray Mullins in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia and as a Business Litigation Associate at one of St. Louis, Missouri's largest law firms.
Robert Barbato
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Pennsylvania State Bar, United States District Court Western District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Western District of Pennsylvania.
Education:
- Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Edinboro University, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Robert Barbato represents consumers and clients in Bankruptcy and Criminal Defense. Mr. Barbato is committed to his roles as advocate and counselor. Within the context of bankruptcy litigation adversarial action may be necessary to eliminate or reduce creditor claims or to discharge judgments. In criminal court an analytical approach to the State's evidence and compliance with due process often yield a more favorable result. Mr. Barbato's balanced approach affords his clients the benefit of both philosophies.
Lewis Berkowitz
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Oklahoma State Bar, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Oklahoma
Education:
- University of Tulsa, Juris Doctor
- State University College of New York at New Paltz, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Lew Berkowitz is an attorney practicing in Oklahoma City. Lew has been in practice since 1981, and provides services in the following areas: bankruptcy, estate planning, probate, and social security.
He is admitted to practice in Oklahoma, and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Oklahoma.
Lewis received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Tulsa in 1981. Before going to law school, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from State University College of New York at New Paltz in 1978.
Leonard Boyer
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
New Jersey State Bar, New York State Bar
Education:
- New York Law School, Juris Doctor
- State University of New York at Buffalo, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Commercial Law | Criminal Law
Mr. Boyer was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1984. He is an experienced passionate and effective advocate for his clients.
His unique life experiences and education, as well as never forgetting his working class roots, have made Mr. Boyer a compassionate attorney and counselor at law that he is today.
Mr. Boyer is a graduate of the prestigious New York Law School in Manhattan. He was one of a very small group of people who were able to complete his legal education in just 2.5 years. He also holds an dual undergraduate degree on Political Science & Psychology from the well respected State University of New York at Buffalo and he completed the 4 year program in 3.5 years!
Suellen Brafford
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Ohio State Bar, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, U.S. Tax Court
Education:
- University of Dayton School of Law, Juris Doctor
- University of Cincinnati, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Criminal Law | Civil Litigation
Suellen has been licensed in the State of Ohio since 2005. Suellen also practices bankruptcy, criminal defense, and and civil litigation. Before becoming an attorney, Suellen was a property manager for over 400 rental units, giving her first-hand experience in landlord/tenant law and the eviction process. Her passion for the protection of the constitutional rights of her clients makes her an effective and compassionate attorney.
Suellen graduated from law school at the University of Dayton School of Law in 2005 where she earned her Juris Doctorate degree. Before attending law school, she received a B.A. in International Affairs and Asian Studies from the University of Cincinnati in 2001.
Sean Campbell
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Michigan State Bar, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
Education:
- Michigan State University Law School, Juris Doctor
- Oswego State University, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Sean Campbell has been practicing bankruptcy law for 12 years. He attended Michigan State University Law School, was managing editor of Law Review and graduated cum laude. He attended Oswego State University for his undergraduate degree and received a Bachelor of Arts in public justice.
Mr. Campbell is admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, as well as both Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.
Mr. Campbell is also a member of the (NACBA) National Association Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, Western District Debtor's Bar and the Michigan Bankruptcy Group. Mr. Campbell continually strives increase his knowledge in bankruptcy as he regularly attends continuing education seminars for bankruptcy.
Kevin Chisholm
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
New Hampshire State Bar
Education:
- University of New Hampshire School of Law, Juris Doctor
- University of Massachusetts, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Kevin has practiced law for over ten years in the areas of criminal defense and bankruptcy. He has also represented individuals and municipalities in many areas of municipal law, including land use and zoning.
Kevin was born and raised in Natick, Massachusetts. He attended the University of Massachusetts where he received his undergraduate degree in 1987. Kevin then attended Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, NH receiving his Juris Doctorate degree in 1995.
Eugene Clifford
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Arkansas State Bar
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Criminal Law | Civil Litigation
Mr. Clifford has worked as an attorney with firms in Arkansas and Tennessee. His practice ranges from business clients, individual clients, and criminal work. With years of experience in all areas of the law, Mr. Clifford is well versed in most issues and skilled enough to accomplish the goals of most individuals and small businesses.
John Foote
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Kentucky State Bar
Education:
- Drake University Law School, Juris Doctor
- University of Kentucky, B.S.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Commercial Law | Civil Litigation
John Foote has over 34 years experience working as an attorney. He primarily focuses on bankruptcy, commercial law, and civil litigation.
John earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Drake University Law School in 1979. He received a Bachelor of Applied Science in history at the University of Kentucky before going to law school.
Steven Frankoff
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Texas State Bar
Education:
- McGeorge School of Law, Master of Law
- South Texas Collage of Law, Juris Doctor
- University of St. Thomas, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
After Steven Frankoff completed his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from South Texas Collage of Law, he decided to go one step further. He secured a Master of Law in international law and taxation from McGeorge School of Law. While obtaining this degree he lived abroad for approximately 2 years. There he learned about international banking, multi-national transactions, and the differing legal approaches of various countries as they do vary greatly.
Unlike most attorneys, Steven Frankoff’s practice of the law, professional experiences, and real world lessons learned have not been at the expense of his clients. Over the years he has learned that the only winners in litigation are the lawyers, and that the only operational rule is resolution.
Cristen Freeman
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Louisiana State Bar, Florida State Bar, Georgia State Bar
Education:
- Mercer University, Juris Doctor
- Mercer University, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Commercial Law | Intellectual Property
Cristen Freeman handles a variety of commercial law matters including business entity formation, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, complex research, and contract negotiation.
She is licensed to practice law in Louisiana, Florida and Georgia. Upon graduation of law school, she served as the Career Law Clerk for The Honorable Wilbur Owens in the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Georgia for 7 years.
Cristen attended law school at Mercer University where she received her Juris Doctorate and undergraduate degree.
Charles Garman
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Nebraska State Bar, Iowa State Bar
Education:
- Creighton University School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Augustana College (SD), B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Charles Garman graduated from Creighton University School of Law in December of 2005 and was admitted to the Iowa State Bar Association in 2006. He began practicing bankruptcy law shortly thereafter, and has trained under two of the area's largest bankruptcy firms.
Charles Garman was born in Sioux Falls, SD and spent most of his childhood in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Upon his return to the United States he joined the Army National Guard, being activated in 2003, and obtained his B.A. from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD and his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, NE.
In addition to his bankruptcy practice, Charles has taught classes in real estate and business law.
Charles Garman is an active member of St. Timothy's Lutheran Church and lives with his wife Kristina and three children in West Omaha.
Avia Rice Gauthier
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Texas State Bar, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
Education:
- Southern University Law Center, Juris Doctor
- New York Institute of Technology, MBA
- Florida International University, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Attorney Avia Rice Gauthier advises clients on a range of matters relating to Estate Planning (wills, trusts, probate & guardianship), Business Law (contracts, business entity formation, commercial debt collection & negotiations) and Bankruptcy (chapter 7 & 13). Avia has provided business and legal services for individuals, businesses and non-profit associations in the North Texas area. Attorney Gauthier is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, is a certified mediator, mobile notary and signing agent. Avia also believes firmly in nurturing strong client relationships, engaging in consistent communication as well as thinking outside of the box.
Johnathan Goins
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Texas State Bar, Louisiana State Bar, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals
Education:
- Southern University Law Center, Juris Doctor
- Southern University and A&M; College, B.S.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Civil Litigation | Criminal Law
Jonathan D. Goins, Esq., handles various cases in Louisiana and Texas. His areas of practice include criminal defense, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, offshore injury, and class actions. Goins is licensed to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
He received his Juris Doctorate degree from the Southern University Law Center in 2006. Before attending law school, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge.
Angela Hermosillo
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Idaho State Bar
Education:
- University of Idaho College of Law, Juris Doctor
- Idaho State university, B.S.
- Bringham Young University, A.A.S.
Areas of Practice:
Angela strives to transform the way clients view lawyers by becoming a trusted advisor, not simply a document preparer or court representative. Angela enjoys keeping in touch with clients and invites them to reach out to her as legal and financial concerns arise over time and as their lives and circumstances change. Angela offers advice and counsel regarding wills, trusts, estate planning, and asset protection for families and small businesses and also provides representation in the areas of bankruptcy, and consumer law.
Angela Hermosillo encourages communication with clients and does not want them worrying that they will get a large legal bill every time they pick up the phone or send an email.
Julie Hileman
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Missouri State Bar
Education:
- University of San Diego School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Saint Louis University, B.S.
Areas of Practice:
Julie Hileman primarily deals with bankruptcy cases in Missouri.
She graduated from law school at the University of San Diego School of Law, and received her Juris Doctorate degree in 2006. Before law school, she went to Saint Louis University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics in 2004.
Megan Kerrigan
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Pennsylvania State Bar, Federal Middle District of Pennsylvania
Education:
- Widener University School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Penn State University, B.S.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Civil Litigation | Commercial Law | Criminal Law
Attorney Megan Kerrigan is based out of Harrisburg, PA, but provides legal services for clients throughout Pennsylvania in the areas of Consumer Debt Defense, Consumer Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, Small Business Formation (LLC’s, Incorporation, Fictitious Name Publication, etc.), Criminal Defense/DUI Defense, Traffic Ticket Defense, SSD/SSI, Workers’ Compensation, and Civil Litigation.
Mark Lewis
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
New York State Bar
Education:
- University of Akron, Juris Doctor
- University of Buffalo, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Mark E. Lewis has been working to resolve the financial problems of everyday people for over 22 years. Along with his extensive experience, Mark has had outstanding success in resolving financial difficulties and representing clients in bankruptcy court. He and his team have helped thousands of individuals to reduce or totally eliminate their debt and financial difficulties.
James Lisowski
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Arkansas State Bar, Nevada State Bar, Wisconsin State Bar
Education:
- William H. Bowen School of Law , Juris Doctor
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.S.
Areas of Practice:
With more than 25 years of experience, James Lisowski is a full service attorney, practicing in many areas. Some of which include: bankruptcy, gaming, transactions, labor, collections, and business law.
John Lowe
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Kansas State Bar, Missouri State Bar
Education:
- University of Kansas School of Law, Juris Doctor
- University of Kansas, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Mr. Lowe began practicing law in Ottawa, KS, a general practitioner in 1982. He is a former president of the Franklin County Bar Association. During this time Mr. Lowe obtained extensive criminal and domestic trial experience including murder trials and appeals. In the late 1980s he established the Kansas City office. Mr. Lowe has appeared before most of the local city courts on numerous occasions and all of the district, circuit and federal courts in the area.
Mr. Lowe is a member of both Kansas and Missouri Bar Associations, and a former member of the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Franklin County Bar Association, Johnson County Bar Association and the Kansas Bar Committee on Impaired Lawyers.
Jessica McHale
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
New York State Bar, Florida State Bar
Education:
- Florida Coastal School of Law, Juris Doctor
- St. John Fisher College, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Jessica McHale received her Juris Doctorate degree from the Florida Coastal School of Law in May of 2013. While in law school, she was a part of the Moot Court Honor Board. Before going to law school, she attended St. John Fisher College in Rochester and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Journalism. She also received a minor in Management.
Jessica worked as a legal intern with the Office of the State Attorney of the 7th Judicial Circuit in St. Augustine. During that time, she assisted in the pretrial process, specifically in the felony criminal division by conducting research necessary to assist at trial. She also reviewed felony intake cases to determine what charges should be brought against the defendant.
Michael Nevarez
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
State Bar of Texas, District of Columbia Bar, District of Columbia Court of Appeals, Texas Supreme Court, United States Bankruptcy Court - Western District of Texas, United States District Court - Western District of Texas, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans' Appeals
Education:
- Georgetown University Law Center, Juris Doctor
- University of Texas, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Commercial Law | Immigration Law
In business and Government Contract matters, Michael R. Nevarez assists small businesses with assorted legal matters, including providing legal advice and assistance to businesses seeking to form business entities, desiring assistance under Small Business Administration programs, and competing for and performing Federal, State and local contracts.
In bankruptcy, Michael R. Nevarez advises and represents individuals and small businesses in various bankruptcy matters.
Kerri Petty
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Minnesota State Bar
Education:
- The University of North Dakota School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Mount Marty College, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Kerri Petty has experience ranging from working for an employee program to working with a national law firm assisting with debt settlement. She believes working in the legal sector has allowed her to meet many interesting and unique people. She strives to help lift the weight of the world off of her client's shoulders through effective legal counseling. She is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Susannah Rourk
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Tennessee State Bar, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Tennessee Supreme Court, District of Columbia Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Superior Court
Education:
- UDC - David A. Clarke School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Tennessee State University, B.S.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Commercial Law | Criminal Law
Professor Rourk engages in the general practice of law. She has practice experience as a criminal defense attorney as well as in small business formation, non-profit incorporation. She has handled a range of matters as a criminal defense attorney, including DUI and DWUI charges, domestic violence, criminal contempt of judgement, failure to appear, as well as grand theft of property and property destruction charges. In the business law setting she has incorporated nonprofits with a 501c3 status, correct issues in board structure and private inurement of nonprofits and created by laws and articles of incorporation for small business owners.
Professor Rourk currently teaches business ethics, business law, criminal justice and legal writing courses with Bethel University and Colorado Technical University Online. In addition, she will be joining Stratford University’s School of Business Administration where she will be teaching business ethics, law and communications.
Shannon Slaton
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Georgia State Bar
Education:
- John Marshall Law School, Juris Doctor
- National Center for Paralegal Training, Paralegal Certificate
- University of Georgia, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Civil Litigation
Shannon Slaton primarily assists clients with bankruptcy and civil litigation issues.
Jon Spurr
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Indiana State Bar, Illinois State Bar, United States District Courts for Southern Indiana, United States District Courts for Northern Indiana, United States District Courts for Central Illinois
Education:
- Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington, Juris Doctor
- Indiana University - Bloomington, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Criminal Law | Civil Litigation
Jon Spurr primarily focuses his work on bankruptcy, business disputes, criminal law and estate planning cases. He is a native of the Wabash Valley, born in Clinton, Indiana.
Michael Sterner
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Oregon State Bar, U.S. Tax Court
Education:
- University of Washington Law School, Juris Doctor
- Yale University, M.F.
- Dickinson College, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Michael Sterner has been in private practice since 2010. He served as an attorney at the Internal Revenue Service. Prior to entering the practice of law he worked as a forester and natural resources consultant for almost ten years. Mr. Sterner has worked on American Indian natural resources issues from 2001 to 2003 and from 2011 to 2013 as part of the Indian Forest Management Assessment Team (IFMAT). After college, Mr. Sterner served for three years in the Peace Corps in West Africa.
Jessica Starkman
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
New Jersey State Bar
Education:
- Rutgers University School of Law - Camden, Juris Doctor
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Jessica Starkman primarily deals with cases involving bankruptcy, criminal law, wills and estates, employment, and school law. She is confident representing clients in municipal court.
Richard Symmes
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Colorado State Bar, Washington State Bar, United States District Court, District of Colorado, United States District Court, Western District of Washington, United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington
Education:
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Juris Doctor
- University of Washington, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Civil Litigation | Intellectual Property
Richard Symmes currently focuses on business, bankruptcy and intellectual property matters. Prior to working with Volks Anwalt, he was an associate attorney at law firms in Denver, Colorado where his practice involved bankruptcy, real estate, insurance and litigation matters. While in law school Mr. Symmes clerked at All Pro Sports and Entertainment in Denver, Colorado, where he participated in the representation of marquee NFL and PGA athletes in player grievances, endorsement contracts, standard player contracts, business incorporations and trademark disputes. In addition to his work at All Pro, Mr. Symmes clerked and interned for several law firms throughout Colorado in the areas of employment, family, gambling, and trusts and estates law.
Anthony Vassallo
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
New York State Bar
Education:
- Brooklyn Law School, Juris Doctor
- Columbia University, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Anthony M. Vassallo is a bankruptcy attorney who has devoted his entire professional career to representing debtors, creditors and trustees in both corporate and personal bankruptcy proceedings, ranging from individual cases to some of the largest corporate bankruptcy proceedings filed in the United States.
Mr. Vassallo is experienced in all facets of Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases, out-of-court restructurings, and refinancing transactions. He has regularly appeared at court hearings, pre-trial conferences, depositions, appeals and arbitrations. He also is skilled in drafting pleadings, memoranda and discovery, conducting due diligence for asset sale and financing transactions, and drafting opinion letters for secured asset and sale transactions.
Julie Wagner
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Ohio State Bar
Education:
- University of Akron law School, Juris Doctor
- Allegheny College, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Ms. Wagner’s legal career began in the City of Akron Law Department where she handled both civil and criminal matters on behalf of the city. Ms. Wagner has experience successfully representing clients involved in employment and labor law disputes. Her background in government work also provides her with unique knowledge and experience, which she brings to any case she handles. Ms. Wagner litigates in federal and state courts throughout Ohio. Prior to beginning her legal career, Ms. Wagner was a journalist in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Sharron Williams
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
California State Bar
Education:
- Fordham University School of Law, Juris Doctor
- City University of New York-Hunter College, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Bankruptcy | Civil Litigation | Immigration Law
Attorney Sharron SK Williams is a Garifuna American from Belize, Central America and the principal of Yurumein Law Firm (YLF). Ms. Williams practices in the areas of Immigration and Nationality Law, General Civil Litigation and Consumer Bankruptcy. Prior to law practice Ms. Williams was a human rights, migration and women's rights advocate. She has represented immigration clients in a wide range of matters including employment and family-based immigrant and non-immigrant visa petitions, investor visas, consular processing, deportation defense, asylum and legalization petitions under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). She has represented individuals and business entities in general civil litigation before the Superior Court of California, the Federal District Court, the Immigration Court and the Board of Immigration Appeals. She has also represented debtors before the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California filing consumer bankruptcies. Prior to opening Yurumein Law Firm, Ms. Williams was an attorney practicing at a a number of prominent Bay Area law firms. Ms. Williams is also the founder of JINA Immigration Legal Services, a mobile immigration legal services organization that provides low cost legal services to low income individuals.
John R. Walker
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Alabama State Bar
Education:
- Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Faulkner University, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
John Walker primarily focuses on assisting clients with bankruptcy cases in Alabama. He has been a licensed attorney for 18 years.
Randolph Wolfson
Partner
Admitted to Practice:
Arizona State Bar
Education:
- Indaiana School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Purdue University, B.A.
Areas of Practice:
Randolph D. Wolfson, Esq. has been actively engaged in the practice of law since 1982. After his nomination by then Arizona Governor Hon. Janet Napalitano and with his subsequent appointment by United States President Hon. President George W. Bush, Mr. Wolfson has served as an Arizona Board member for the National Selective Service System Draft Board since 2008. He also served as Judge for the Indiana State Utilities Commission; as an Adjunct Professor at Barry University in Naples, Florida [Introduction to Law] and as an instructor at The Indianapolis Police Academy [Municipal Law Enforcement]. In 1967, Calvary Chapel of Phoenix, Arizona ordained Randolph as a minister where he continues to serve.
