Elder Law

Joel Silverman was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He moved to Missoula in 1992 and received his B.A. in Mathematics and B.S. in Forestry from the University of Montana in 1997. He received his law degree from Lewis and Clark College in 2003 and an LL.M. (master’s degree) in Taxation from the University of Washington in 2004. Joel’s business career began in high school, when he started his own fly tying company and taught fly tying and fly-fishing classes. His fly-fishing business continued through college and law school. During college, Joel took 10th place in a world fly-tying competition. He continued to use his business skills after graduating from college, by helping fly-fishing lodges, around the world, to improve their businesses through marketing and improved business techniques. After law school, Joel spent his first three years of private practice in Butte, Montana, assisting clients with business matters, entity formation, tax planning for businesses and individuals, Wills, Trusts, elder law, property transactions, and liquor and gambling issues. Joel moved to Helena, Montana, in 2006, after joining the Montana Department of Revenue as an attorney. His nearly six years at the Department of Revenue were spent working on legislation, liquor, and gambling matters, and litigating various federal and state tax law issues (collections, income tax, coal and gas severance tax, property tax, and telecommunications taxes). Silverman Law Office, PLLC was opened in May of 2012, when Joel recognized that there was a large need for a business and estate planning law office, that did more than just repeat the law to the client. Joel realized individuals and businesses need lawyers that focus on the client’s goals and needs, rather than just the clients’ legal issues. Joel’s practice focuses on assisting individuals and businesses with business law, tax, succession planning, employment issues, mergers and acquisitions, wills, trusts, property transactions, liquor and gambling law, and oil and natural gas law. Additionally, Joel has been coaching and consulting various businesses to deal with the new world of marketing and business practices. Joel enjoys playing soccer, spending time outdoors, working with veterans through Montana Mending Waters, serving on boards for the Montana Business Assistance Connection and the Helena College Foundation, and spending time with his wife, Andrea Silverman, skiing, hiking, and fly-fishing.

This trial focused practice has the goals of delivering quality legal services, providing to clients personal services while developing strong, trusted relationships through effective communication, analysis, planning and litigation skills seeking the best result possible. Mr. Straile has been a lawyer as a member of the Florida Bar since 2003 and has been working within the court and justice system since 2001; he is a member of the Criminal Law, Family Law, Real Property, Probate & Trust and the Trial Lawyers sections of the Florida Bar. Mr. Straile is a past treasurer for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Young Lawyers Division. Mr. Straile focuses his practice on trial law focusing in family, including domestic violence, traffic, criminal, business law and limited civil litigation or civil trial matters. Family cases include divorce, custody, paternity, modification, domestic violence, child abduction, division of assets, parenting plans, and marital settlement agreements. Mr. Straile handles cases from civil traffic to trafficking narcotics and cases ranging from misdemeanors to life felonies. Mr. Straile has handled all levels of criminal offenses and all issues related to criminal offenses from investigation to verdict and appeal. Mr. Straile represents businesses from start up to litigation after sale. Many clients also have used Mr. Straile to provide general consulting. Mr. Straile earned an LL.M (advanced law degree) from the University of Florida in tax law, a J.D. from St. Thomas University and a B.S. from Lambuth University . Prior to entering the legal field Mr. Straile provided financial services and advice at Banker's Life & Casualty and Morgan Stanley. Mr. Straile spent two years between the Third District Court of Appeal in Miami and the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office in Ft. Lauderdale . While in Law school Mr. Straile was active in trial competitions, and coached the St. Thomas Trial Team. Volunteer work includes the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Straile served as an organizer of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and a liaison between the program and the Internal Revenue Service. For the Boy Scouts Mr. Straile taught merit badges, served as quartermaster, and assistant scout master. Mr. Straile is an Eagle Scout.

Michael Willis founded this firm with his brother, Shaun Patrick Willis. Their father, Hon. Frank D. Willis, is the probate judge for Van Buren County, and Michael proudly carries on the family tradition in estate law by focusing his practice in estate planning, probate and estate and trust administration, and estate litigation. He also has a concentrated practice in corporate law and business succession planning, along with real estate development and transactions. Michael is registered as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois, and is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Michigan. Michael received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. Before forming Willis Law, Michael worked for Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett LLP and Kerr, Russell, Weber, PLC.

Knochel Law Offices is licensed in and has served Arizona, Nevada, and California since 1989. We have a general consumer practice including personal injury, family law, criminal defense, bankruptcy, estates and probate, and business law and litigation. Aggressive experienced and affordable. Call today for hard work and fast action. Keith Knochel is a 1978 summa cum laude graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, and he graduated Northwestern Law School cum laude in 1982. While in law school, he served as Topics Editor for the Northwestern Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology. He served Chief Justice Howard C. Ryan of the Illinois Supreme Court as law clerk thereafter. He is licensed to practice in California, Arizona, and Nevada, and he has practiced law in Mohave County since 1987. Keith has extensive experience with trials and litigations.

Debra Crawford Annis is a certified family law specialist (certified by the Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of California). Debra is also a family law mediator. Debra’s practice consists primarily of family law matters. She also practices in the areas of estate planning and probate. Debra has been practicing law for over 26 years. Debra attended Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles where she graduated cum laude. Debra’s family law experience has been enriched by her service to the Women's Legal Clinic where she served as a volunteer attorney and as the President of the Board of Directors. Debra received an Outstanding Achievement Award from Mayor Bradley for her valuable service to the community with the Women's Legal Clinic. Debra has lectured on the subject of 'move away' custody cases and independent adoptions. Debra is also a family law mediator. She has been on the mediator panel of the innovative Mosten Mediation Centers. Debra enjoys mediation and helping families structure their new lives apart instead of tearing each other apart in litigation and protracted court battles. Debra is also a tough and seasoned litigator if that is the avenue you choose. Debra has also handled appellate cases. Debra has been a colunmist in the Carmel Valley Newletter and is the author of the newly revised Cal Divorce 123, Your Guide to California Divorce. Cal Divorce 123 is a guide for people who want to understand the California divorce process and actively participate in their cases -- whether as their own legal representative or an active partner with their attorney. The Guide is now available in separate modules or as a complete kit. Debra is devoted to the concept that people can help themselves and make informed decisions in their legal matters. She strives to provide education to people so that they can achieve this objective. She also helps you decide the tone of your case.

Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive to help others into a legal career. “The law is about representing the client’s best interest, being able to think on your feet, and being a master of language and persuasion,” he says. “It just felt like home to me.” Mushkatel graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2004 and has gone on to build a thriving law firm representing clients in the Sun Cities, Northwest Valley and the Phoenix metro region. Mushkatel brings a diverse array of legal expertise to his practice at Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC. He started as a public defender before joining the law office of Henry Florence and Sherry Bell to work as a criminal defense attorney. In 2008, he joined forces with Mathis Becker to form Mushkatel and Becker. Throughout that period, he gained experience working in various practice areas, including personal injury, estate litigation, estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship work, probate, corporate litigation, real estate, and various civil matters. Mushkatel’s cross-disciplinary background provides for comprehensive counsel to clients to explore all possible legal avenues. Today, Mushkatel assists individuals throughout the Valley in personal injury, estate and civil litigation matters. Providing exceptional client service and producing results are his top priorities. “My job is to provide a lifeline to clients who feel stuck or helpless and to go to bat for them,” he says. Several of Mushkatel’s personal injury cases have resolved in excess of one-million dollars. He is the recipient of the 2020 Top-Rated Lawyer Award from Avvo and has been named a “Top 40 Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers and a Premier Attorney by The National Academy of Jurisprudence. For Mushkatel, delivering maximum results does not mean sacrificing personal relationships. Success comes from taking the time to get to know each client’s individual needs and tailoring the legal approach to match his or her goals. Building those relationships results from creating an unpretentious yet professional environment that puts people at ease. “Most law firms run like businesses,” says Mushkatel. “The problem is that a business’s interests may not always run in stride with a client’s best interests. Our clients are our Number One priority, and the way we show it is by sitting back and listening quite a bit.” Community service is important to Mushkatel and every attorney the firm. Each lawyer is required to worki on at least two pro bono cases at all times. Mushkatel believes those services should be provided not for the accolades or to meet State Bar requirements, but simply because helping others is fundamental to the legal profession. Mushkatel is licensed in the State of Arizona, the Federal District Court of Arizona and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He is on the board and a faculty member for the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, a program of the State Bar of Arizona’s Trial Practice Section. He is a past president and a member of the West Maricopa County Bar Association and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Sun Valley Lodge. A former semi-professional baseball pitcher, Mushkatel has coached his son’s Little League team for several years. When he is not working, he enjoys golf and spending time with his family.Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive to help others into a legal career. “The law is about representing the client’s best interest, being able to think on your feet, and being a master of language and persuasion,” he says. “It just felt like home to me.” Mushkatel graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2004 and has gone on to build a thriving law firm representing clients in the Sun Cities, Northwest Valley and the Phoenix metro region. Mushkatel brings a diverse array of legal expertise to his practice at Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC. He started as a public defender before joining the law office of Henry Florence and Sherry Bell to work as a criminal defense attorney. In 2008, he joined forces with Mathis Becker to form Mushkatel and Becker. Throughout that period, he gained experience working in various practice areas, including personal injury, estate litigation, estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship work, probate, corporate litigation, real estate, and various civil matters. Mushkatel’s cross-disciplinary background provides for comprehensive counsel to clients to explore all possible legal avenues. Today, Mushkatel assists individuals throughout the Valley in personal injury, estate and civil litigation matters. Providing exceptional client service and producing results are his top priorities. “My job is to provide a lifeline to clients who feel stuck or helpless and to go to bat for them,” he says. Several of Mushkatel’s personal injury cases have resolved in excess of one-million dollars. He is the recipient of the 2020 Top-Rated Lawyer Award from Avvo and has been named a “Top 40 Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers and a Premier Attorney by The National Academy of Jurisprudence. For Mushkatel, delivering maximum results does not mean sacrificing personal relationships. Success comes from taking the time to get to know each client’s individual needs and tailoring the legal approach to match his or her goals. Building those relationships results from creating an unpretentious yet professional environment that puts people at ease. “Most law firms run like businesses,” says Mushkatel. “The problem is that a business’s interests may not always run in stride with a client’s best interests. Our clients are our Number One priority, and the way we show it is by sitting back and listening quite a bit.” Community service is important to Mushkatel and every attorney the firm. Each lawyer is required to worki on at least two pro bono cases at all times. Mushkatel believes those services should be provided not for the accolades or to meet State Bar requirements, but simply because helping others is fundamental to the legal profession. Mushkatel is licensed in the State of Arizona, the Federal District Court of Arizona and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He is on the board and a faculty member for the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, a program of the State Bar of Arizona’s Trial Practice Section. He is a past president and a member of the West Maricopa County Bar Association and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Sun Valley Lodge. A former semi-professional baseball pitcher, Mushkatel has coached his son’s Little League team for several years. When he is not working, he enjoys golf and spending time with his family.

Shaun Willis, along with his brother Michael, is a co-founder and Partner of Willis Law. Willis Law has offices in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Paw Paw. For more than 14 years, Mr. Willis has focused on assisting clients in litigation, with emphasis on business, real estate, and construction litigation. He is admitted to practice in the State Courts of Michigan, Federal Courts in the Eastern and Western District of Michigan, and the Michigan State Supreme Court. Before the formation of Willis Law, he was sole practitioner of The Law Office of Shaun Patrick Willis, worked in the Kalamazoo County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and at Howard & Howard Attorneys, PC. Shaun received a J.D. from Thomas Cooley Law School. He graduated with a B.S. in Aviation Flight Science from Western Michigan University. He is a licensed commercial pilot with a multi-engine rating, avid hunter, and teaches the legal portion of CCW classes. He and his wife, Corrina Maria Willis, are involved in the Kalamazoo community, attend Valley Family Church, and Corrina is Past President of the Lawyers Auxiliary Board. They have three daughters, Maria, Francesca, and Lucy and three sons, Patrick, Christopher, and Walter. Willis Law dedicates its practice to God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the founders' fallen brother, Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis.

Leslie is the owner of The Werner Law Group. After obtaining her MBA from the University of Detroit, Leslie relocated to Texas with a hometown friend, in search of the American dream. Acting on her long-held desire to become a lawyer, Leslie enrolled in the University of Houston’s Law Center and obtained her law degree in 1984. A few years later, Leslie became board certified in civil appellate law. Leslie fiercely opposes cases in which she feels justice has not been served. Leslie represents individuals in all areas of family law (child custody, adoptions, divorce, and more), wills and probate, real estate, as well as chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies. Being a small business owner, Leslie always welcomes clients who are small business owners themselves and who may need legal representation obtaining licensure or litigating disputes. Leslie takes a child-first approach to helping families in transitions. As a mother of two and having been through a divorce herself, Leslie knows the emotional importance of balancing the needs of children with the desire to receive a fair property settlement. As a certified mediator, Leslie values productive compromise and understands what it takes to resolve difficult conflicts. During her free time, Leslie enjoys quilting, bowling, and working on DIY projects with her husband and business manager, Mike Hughes.

Barrington Law is your source for personalized legal services in coastal and southeastern North Carolina. Serving Pender, Onslow and the surrounding counties, Adam Barrington and Barrington Law will navigate you through life's rough waters. With concentrations in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Estate Planning, Civil Litigation, Expunctions and other Post-Conviction Relief, Attorney Adam Barrington meets the needs of his clients with experience and compassion. We would be honored to talk to you regarding your case. Contact us at 800-982-5510 for the attention and personal service you deserve.

Garwood Attorneys is proud to welcome Attorney Lia Siganporia to our family law team. Lia received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, with a minor in Psychology, from San Diego State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Knowing she wanted to practice Family Law, Lia went on to receive her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law, with a concentration in Child, Family, and Elder Law and graduated Cum Laude. During law school, along with maintaining her grades, and playing Semi-Professional basketball, Lia completed various family law internships at the Family Law Facilitator’s Office, YWCA of San Diego, and the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program. Lia also worked for several local Certified Family Law Specialists at prestigious San Diego County law firms, as well as for the Family Law Judges and Commissioners in the North County Court. Lia has experience handling various family law issues, including dissolution of marriage, child custody and visitation, move-away requests, child support, spousal support, property, and asset division, and domestic violence restraining orders. In her free time, Lia enjoys spending time wither her loved ones, playing basketball, and cheering on the Los Angeles Lakers and Pittsburgh Steelers.