Business Organization

Johanna Kelley, founder of J Kelley Law Group, obtained her law degree in Colombia in 2001, where she practiced Labor, Constitutional, Administrative, Human Rights, International Law and International Business Law. She advised private companies, local and international human rights organizations, governmental agencies, the Colombian Army and grassroots community organizations, with a broad portfolio that included innovative initiatives and the improvement of Colombia’s image abroad. She prepared and accompanied cases of Colombian citizens before the Organization of American States (OAS). After immigrating to the United States, she found that the policy and Immigration Law of this country were a perfect fit for her professional development project and after graduating with Master’s degrees in Law (Duke University) and International Development Policy (Sanford School of Public Policy), she founded in 2013 a non-profit organization aimed at protecting and promoting immigrant rights and social justice. In July 2015, she left the nonprofit sector to serve in government. She began working for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as a supervisor, a wonderful experience professionally and personally, which allowed her to participate in ensuring the integrity of the US immigration system, provide immigration benefits and support the country’s Homeland Security. In November 2017, Johanna Kelley said goodbye to USCIS to kick off the biggest of her work projects: building her own law firm. The founder of our firm believes in legal development and empowerment, therefore, she has been involved in public discussions at mass events and through the media. She hosted the television program ‘Batalla Política’ for the international news channel NTN24 and is a frequent analyst on radio stations and Hispanic channels such as Telemundo, Caracol Televisión, Univisión and RCN News. Mrs. Kelley leads a team committed to the cases of clients and investors, and we are grateful every day for the opportunity to serve our community with professionalism, ethics, and positive results generated through teamwork.

Johanna Kelley, founder of J Kelley Law Group, obtained her law degree in Colombia in 2001, where she practiced Labor, Constitutional, Administrative, Human Rights, International Law and International Business Law. She advised private companies, local and international human rights organizations, governmental agencies, the Colombian Army and grassroots community organizations, with a broad portfolio that included innovative initiatives and the improvement of Colombia’s image abroad. She prepared and accompanied cases of Colombian citizens before the Organization of American States (OAS). After immigrating to the United States, she found that the policy and Immigration Law of this country were a perfect fit for her professional development project and after graduating with Master’s degrees in Law (Duke University) and International Development Policy (Sanford School of Public Policy), she founded in 2013 a non-profit organization aimed at protecting and promoting immigrant rights and social justice. In July 2015, she left the nonprofit sector to serve in government. She began working for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as a supervisor, a wonderful experience professionally and personally, which allowed her to participate in ensuring the integrity of the US immigration system, provide immigration benefits and support the country’s Homeland Security. In November 2017, Johanna Kelley said goodbye to USCIS to kick off the biggest of her work projects: building her own law firm. The founder of our firm believes in legal development and empowerment, therefore, she has been involved in public discussions at mass events and through the media. She hosted the television program ‘Batalla Política’ for the international news channel NTN24 and is a frequent analyst on radio stations and Hispanic channels such as Telemundo, Caracol Televisión, Univisión and RCN News. Mrs. Kelley leads a team committed to the cases of clients and investors, and we are grateful every day for the opportunity to serve our community with professionalism, ethics, and positive results generated through teamwork.

I have been practicing law for over 25 years, representing individuals and small business owners in New York City and Long Island, with the legal issues that arise in their everyday business or personal life. For business owners, I act as a general business advisor, help form new businesses, review and negotiate contracts, including operating agreements, vendor agreements, independent contractor agreements, and commercial leases. I also teach clients how to avoid disputes by showing them what to do to ensure that they get paid at the end of a deal, how to protect themselves against liability and how to operate their businesses efficiently. In the event a dispute does arise, I work with business partners to assist them in resolving disputes among themselves or with companies they do business with, including representing companies in litigation against customers for unpaid bills or breached agreements. In addition, I have experience with other types of litigation, including construction and real estate contract litigation. I started my firm, the Law Office of Michael A. Kofsky, PLLC, in November 2008, after having worked at law firms both large and small in New York City. At Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom, LLP, I gained experience working with businesses, reviewing and analyzing business and real estate contracts and operating agreements to identify potential liabilities and compliance issues, and help manage risk. I also examined organizational structures and operating revenues and worked on joint ventures and other transactions. After leaving Skadden, I worked at several small boutique law firms at which I gained experience interacting with clients on a personal level in order to fully understand their needs and accomplish their goals. Thereafter, I took the best parts of my Manhattan experience and created my own firm to be closer to my family and to give back to the Long Island community. I am a lifelong New Yorker, born and raised in Manhattan and now living on Long Island. I graduated with honors from Brooklyn Law School and Boston University. I am an avid sports fan and am devoted to my family, including my two young daughters.

Louis Cole attended Baylor University and graduated from the Baylor School of Law. He is currently a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Dallas Bar Association and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, as well as the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. During the course of his legal career, in addition to his many years in the private practice of law, he has been a member of the legal staff of a large corporation and also served as general counsel for another publicly traded company, as well as a corporation which was privately held. Additionally, Mr. Cole has represented clients in many facets of the commercial real estate business, including multi-family, retail, hotel and office development, financing, structuring business entities, negotiation and drafting of leases and other real estate related documents, acquisition and disposition of real estate, closing complex real estate transactions and even represented real estate clients in business related litigation. Business law and representing companies with respect to their legal needs is also one of the main focuses of his practice. He has represented many diverse types of businesses, including healthcare, high tech, manufacturing, service and financial. His comprehension of client needs, as well as the legal implications inherent in related transactions, coupled with a broad legal background and significant experience, enable him to engage an aggressive negotiation style in an effort to provide the best results for his clients.

Bob Weinstein offers federal counsel and representation in most areas of the United States and is a California licensed attorney (focused on business taxation advisory and resolution), lives with his wife, three (highly) active sons, and a free-will thinking golden retriever lap dog weighing in at 85 lbs named Dexter. He’s also a stock market junkie, real estate broker, and of course…a business and tax consultant. Interests include his family, economics, marketing, technology, real estate, finance/investing, history, and Asia. Bob is also an accomplished syndicated writer whose work can be found in TheStreet, MainStreet, CNBC, Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Seeking Alpha, MSN Money, The Money Show, Stock Saints, Motley Fool, Fidelity, Minyanville, RealMoney Pro, and many national and international newspapers. Interestingly enough, he has even been published by the Tehran Times, the state newspaper of Iran (although it denies being state directed). Bob graduated from Northwestern California University School of Law with a Juris Doctor in Law. Was a one time taker of the California Bar Exam, and has been admitted to the United States Tax Court, California State Bar, United States District Court Southern District of California, United States District Court Western District of Wisconsin, and United States District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin. Bob is also registered as In-House Counsel in Wisconsin, albeit does not practice state law in Wisconsin other than pro bono work. That may change at some time in the future, albeit for now, he’s staying busy with a focus on taxation. Practice in federal matters, including taxation and trademarks for clients in most states, so just because you’re not located in California or Wisconsin doesn’t mean he can’t help you. With modern technology, including Zoom meetings, either actual or virtual face-to-face meetings can be realized for most. Licensed in Wisconsin as a Real Estate Broker since 1998, and licensed as an Insurance Broker in about 15 states. After honorably serving in the Navy submarine service, Bob Weinstein bought and sold several businesses, including starting several from the ground up. Currently, Bob operates several businesses, including 1 Reason Tax, 1 Reason Insurance, 1 Reason Business Solutions, and 1 Reason Realty. By merging these business related skill sets, he is able to spend a greater amount of time with any given client and get to know his clients at a much higher level. This makes Bob particularly well versed in providing valuable guidance for business and real estate owners with an emphasis on maximizing client’s after tax income. If you’re seeking someone who will do more than simply treat you as if you’re just another one on an assembly line, you owe it to yourself and your company to give us a call. Find out the difference from what you’re used to and what it can be.

Deena R. Merlen is a Partner at the firm. She serves clients at both our New York and Stamford offices and heads the Connecticut practice. Her practice areas include intellectual property, employment and labor law, media and entertainment, general business law, commercial transactions and dispute resolution. In her employment practice, Ms. Merlen is a trusted “go to” problem solver and counsel to individuals, established name brand companies and startups alike. She has extensive experience representing clients in matters including general counseling, discrimination actions, mediations and dispute resolution, investigations by federal or state agencies, as well as wage and hour claims and other labor law matters. She also advises on and regularly negotiates employment and separation agreements, independent contractor arrangements and other services-related arrangements. Ms. Merlen also counsels clients on employment and business matters in response to a crisis or other unexpected business impact, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business closures, including continuity plans, employee furloughs, reductions in force and other critical measures. In her intellectual property practice, Ms. Merlen helps her clients with the development, acquisition and protection of their valuable brands and other vital intellectual property assets. She manages and grows trademark portfolios in the U.S. and internationally; negotiates licensing, assignment, distribution and branding agreements; prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations; enforces intellectual property rights; and provides strategic counsel to safeguard brand platforms and expand the value of her clients’ intellectual property assets. Ms. Merlen’s media practice encompasses the development and protection of creative works in the fields of music, film, television, theatre, publishing, literary arts, performing arts, design and technology. She ran her own business in the entertainment industry for over a decade and brings that business experience and acumen to her legal practice. In addition, Ms. Merlen provides general business counsel and represents clients in company and transactional matters such as partnerships, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, the purchase or sale of businesses, and a wide range of other corporate matters, including company formation, capitalization and governance, compliance and contracts. Representative clients include technology companies, schools and other academic institutions, personal care and beauty companies, fashion and design companies, media, arts and entertainment companies, wholesalers, retailers and more. Prior to her work with RPJ, Ms. Merlen served as Law Clerk to The Honorable Roger J. Miner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, after which she joined Debevoise & Plimpton, where she practiced for over five years in the areas of corporate law and intellectual property. Ms. Merlen is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.

Deena R. Merlen is a Partner at the firm. She serves clients at both our New York and Stamford offices and heads the Connecticut practice. Her practice areas include intellectual property, employment and labor law, media and entertainment, general business law, commercial transactions and dispute resolution. In her employment practice, Ms. Merlen is a trusted “go to” problem solver and counsel to individuals, established name brand companies and startups alike. She has extensive experience representing clients in matters including general counseling, discrimination actions, mediations and dispute resolution, investigations by federal or state agencies, as well as wage and hour claims and other labor law matters. She also advises on and regularly negotiates employment and separation agreements, independent contractor arrangements and other services-related arrangements. Ms. Merlen also counsels clients on employment and business matters in response to a crisis or other unexpected business impact, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business closures, including continuity plans, employee furloughs, reductions in force and other critical measures. In her intellectual property practice, Ms. Merlen helps her clients with the development, acquisition and protection of their valuable brands and other vital intellectual property assets. She manages and grows trademark portfolios in the U.S. and internationally; negotiates licensing, assignment, distribution and branding agreements; prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations; enforces intellectual property rights; and provides strategic counsel to safeguard brand platforms and expand the value of her clients’ intellectual property assets. Ms. Merlen’s media practice encompasses the development and protection of creative works in the fields of music, film, television, theatre, publishing, literary arts, performing arts, design and technology. She ran her own business in the entertainment industry for over a decade and brings that business experience and acumen to her legal practice. In addition, Ms. Merlen provides general business counsel and represents clients in company and transactional matters such as partnerships, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, the purchase or sale of businesses, and a wide range of other corporate matters, including company formation, capitalization and governance, compliance and contracts. Representative clients include technology companies, schools and other academic institutions, personal care and beauty companies, fashion and design companies, media, arts and entertainment companies, wholesalers, retailers and more. Prior to her work with RPJ, Ms. Merlen served as Law Clerk to The Honorable Roger J. Miner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, after which she joined Debevoise & Plimpton, where she practiced for over five years in the areas of corporate law and intellectual property. Ms. Merlen is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.

Ms. El Fadel is a Junior Partner with KS Attorneys at law and currently heads up our Firm’s business development, business structuring, business funding and commercial civil trial departments. As such, Ms. El Fadel is experienced in most all areas of commercial business development, commercial civil trial and appellate representation and is licensed to practice in the Federal and State Courts of Florida and the State Courts of New Jersey. Ms. El Fadel’s educational accolades range from graduating summa cum laude from the Shepard Board Law School at Nova Southeastern University to serving as the past Notes and Comments Editor for the Nova Law Review, to serving as the Chairperson for Problem Research and Development committee for the law schools moot court program. Upon entering into the practice of law with our Firm, Ms. El Fadel quickly distinguished herself as a respected and tenacious trial advocate for our clients and most recently is noted for overturning a local government ordinance through her thorough and effective constitutional law representation of one of our Firm’s clients. Accordingly, Ms. El Fadel’s primary focuses of practice are business representation, complex commercial trial, mediation and arbitration, corporate finance and structuring, corporate funding and banking, finance, corporate disputes, employment discrimination, real property litigation and insurance disputes, medical office operations, policies and organization, medical collections and insurance billing disputes, medical PIP claims and litigation, foreclosure defense and pre-bankruptcy planning as asset structuring, family law, divorce and pre and post estate litigation. On her personal time Ms. El Fadel enjoy spending time with her family, reading the latest bestselling novels and participating in community events and hot yoga. Ms. El Fadel is licensed to practice law in the States of Florida and New Jersey in addition to being a licensed attorney to practice before the Federal Courts of the Middle and Southern District Courts in Florida.

Focusing on the individualized needs of his clients, Richard provides peace of mind to small business owners by ensuring that they're protected from unforeseen liabilities while still producing legal products that are easy to read and comfortable to work with. A strong advocate for plain English contracts and easy-to-use services, he is a great choice for business owners when looking for a legal partner to help them protect and grow their businesses. With proven success, Richard continues to offer small business law products and guidance to those around him whose needs are as unique as the people they come with. Richard constantly seeks to offer a service and a relationship that eliminates hassles and adds immense value. The primary goal is to make the legal system easier to understand and work with, and Richard is constantly looking for other ways to make all legal matters less stressful. With over 12 years of experience practicing in the business, nonprofit, estate, IP, and civil litigation areas of law, I am open to working with new clients looking for an attorney who addresses each legal situation from a fresh point of view giving it the care and attention it deserves. I am licensed in Durham, North Carolina and licensed to practice in the Federal Courts of North Carolina.