Consumer Rights

Brett C. Drouet, Esq., is a sixth generation Southern Californian, who has served Southern, Central and Northern California clients for over two decades as a member of the California State Bar. Mr. Drouet is recognized as a litigator’s litigator, who is uniquely experienced in catastrophic personal injury and death actions for trauma victims in auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, bicycle accidents, worksite accidents, DUI victim/plaintiff, construction defect, product liability and medical malpractice. Having represented Fortune 500 companies and major insurance companies’ insureds in thousands of catastrophic personal injury and death actions for over a decade, Mr. Drouet is a seasoned litigation veteran representing trauma victims, who have suffered life-changing injuries for over a decade. Traumatic, catastrophic personal injuries require an attorney with extensive, broad-based knowledge of evidence based medicine, treatment, and medical causation to best serve trauma victims, which is why Mr. Drouet is called upon to co-counsel and consult with other attorneys and law firms representing California trauma victims. Mr. Drouet has significant experience and expertise in product liability in catastrophic personal injury and death actions involving consumer products, chemical products, toxic substances, industrial products, industrial machinery, construction equipment, vehicles, tires, wheels, housing components, construction materials, and finished products. Mr. Drouet has substantial experience and practice in brain injury, loss of brain function, burn injury and Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome injuries.

Nicole Carnero is an associate attorney committed to providing clients with competent and knowledgeable legal counsel. Nicole graduated from the Western Michigan University Cooley College of Law in 2022 on an academic scholarship. While in law school, Nicole received numerous academic accolades and graduated magna cum laude near the top of her class. Nicole also externed for the Honorable Catherine Peek McEwen at the United States Middle District Bankruptcy Court, volunteered as a student representative in her school’s Debt Relief Clinic, and served as the preemption and screening editor for the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review. During these years, Nicole’s interest in bankruptcy law quickly became a passion for helping others overcome debilitating financial hardships. Nicole comes to our firm with experience as a creditors’ rights attorney and consumer bankruptcy case manager. She is fluent in English and Spanish and licensed to practice in all three United States District and Bankruptcy Courts within the State of Florida: Northern, Middle, and Southern. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends.

From a young age, Gary Shipman knew he was destined for the courtroom. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, he earned his law degree from Campbell University School of Law at the age of 24. Two years later, Gary founded his own firm, and he hasn’t looked back since. Gary has spent over forty five years trying cases nationwide, including complex and consequential cases involving personal injury, commercial litigation, professional negligence, and class actions. His courtroom presence and dogged advocacy have earned him a national reputation, and his peers have recognized him as one of the Best Lawyers in America since 2007 and as a Super Lawyer since 2006. At his firm, Gary prioritizes the needs of his clients. When the Great Recession hit, he shifted his practice towards business reorganization and loan workouts. He now represents debtors and creditors in lender liability actions and is a consultant for businesses and investors in various asset transactions. Gary is also passionate about giving back to his community. He has served as the former chairman of the New Hanover County Democratic Party and as a former member of the UNC-Wilmington Board of Trustees. He has also spent twenty years as a youth baseball coach and developed a full-service sports agency, Atlantic Sports Management, in 2013. Gary is certified as a contract advisor and agent by the NFL and NBA, and his clients include coaches and athletes. Gary and his wife, Mary Jo, have three sons. In addition to his legal and community work, Gary is a frequent speaker and lecturer in continuing legal education seminars and at his alma maters, UNC-Wilmington and Campbell University School of Law. Gary’s dedication to his clients, community and passion for sports has made him an exceptional attorney and leader in Wilmington.

C. Randy Emory was born and raised in the small, rural town of Wilson NC. Throughout his childhood, Mr. Emory displayed many leadership qualities. In High School, Randy was President of the Student Body, also finding time to excel and letter in three sports. Ultimately, Mr. Emory decided to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his collegiate studies. While there, he continued his involvement in student government, serving on a multitude of committees. Randy also mentored children in the Big Brother Big Sister Program. He is a very proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. After graduating from UNC in 1985, Mr. Emory enrolled in law school at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. While in his studies, he also interned with State Farm Insurance company. There he was able to really grasp how Insurance Companies handled their many claims that they received on a daily basis. After completing Law School, Randy worked in the claims department at State Farm Insurance for three years. While there, he handled over three thousand auto claims, gaining valuable knowledge. In 1991, Mr. Emory was able to transfer that knowledge to an established personal injury firm in Charlotte where he worked for ten years. In 2001, Randy started the Emory Law Firm, and it has been successfully operating ever since. He has handled over 16,000 auto claims during his career. Randy remains a very active member in his community, having served as Vice Chairman of the Citizen Review Board for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. He also has taken the responsibility of helping at risk youth in his area. Mr. Emory is also a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. He currently resides with his wife Tammy and two boys.​

Since 1990, attorney Tom McElyea has earned a reputation for providing his clients with honest, reliable and hands-on legal representation. In fact, if he has proven one thing over the last 30 years, it is that he takes a no-nonsense approach to the practice of law – he will always tell it to you straight no matter the situation. While attorney McElyea recognizes the need for aggressive legal advocacy, he also understands that each case is different, and as such, should be handled with common sense and practical legal guidance. “Although I certainly have the experience to fight for you aggressively in the courtroom, I never just go rushing into litigation. I will take the time to carefully evaluate your case, give you an honest and accurate case assessment, and do everything I can to obtain a favorable settlement for you without the time and expense of court. I am always looking for a way to get the best outcome possible as efficiently as possible.” Regardless of whether you need help with a business matter, a personal injury claim or a family law dispute, attorney McElyea will give you and your case the individualized service you deserve. You can count on him to personally manage your case from start to finish. In 2001, Tom McElyea decided to branch out and establish his own legal practice in the Southlake area – the firm that is now known as McElyea Law. Prior to the opening of his own firm, attorney McElyea primarily defended corporations and insurance companies in defense cases. This particular experience now provides the firm with a significant advantage and unique insight when it comes to pursuing personal injury claims in Texas.

Tom is a skilled and respected trial lawyer and legal expert in serious personal injury, TBI (traumatic brain injury), wrongful death, complex litigation, product liability, professional negligence, and consumer fraud cases. One of the few NJ attorneys recognized and published as an authority on wrongful death law, settlement strategies and damages. Tom has handled thousands of serious injury and death cases and tried hundreds of cases to jury verdicts or binding arbitration awards. He is listed as one of “The Best Lawyers in America” in the personal injury category, and “Best Personal Injury Lawyers in New Jersey.” These peer reviewed list of the nation’s and NJ’s best lawyers by specialty area are selected by other lawyers and published nationally and statewide. Tom Vesper is credited with helping change the legal rights of fire, police and emergency personnel and their families to recover damages in third party cases when they are seriously injured or killed on the job; also he has developed new ethical techniques for establishing money damages. Graduate of Villanova University with a BA cum laude; juris doctorate in law from Rutgers University Law School, writer and member of the Rutgers Camden Law Review. Served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for 23 years; 27 (b) certification as Trial and Defense Counsel for Courts Martial; retired as CWO4. Born in Philadelphia, PA., raised in Pennsauken, NJ and a homeowner in Margate, NJ since 1973. Enjoys watching movies, shows, dining, traveling with his family: Mary Alice and their two daughters Maggie and Catie.

Cody Poe helps people reclaim their voices and protect their rights, providing consumer debt defense, criminal defense, and insurance litigation.

Sean Walsh grew up in Denver, CO and graduated from the University of Colorado business school in 2000. He graduated from the University of Denver College of Law in 2003, passed the Colorado State Bar and has been practicing in Denver, CO ever since. He is a trial attorney who specializes in motor vehicle accidents, personal injury, medical malpractice, and other forms of civil litigation. He is an active member in the Colorado and Denver Bar Association, Colorado Trial Lawyer’s Association as well as the National organization of the American Association of Justice. Sean Walsh, along with his partner, Brian Lampert, formed Lampert & Walsh, LLC to battle the Insurance Companies and force them to fairly compensate victims harmed by the negligence of others.

The Law Offices of Ledger & Associates is a leading consumer protection and personal injury law firm representing accident and injury victims nationwide. We strive to provide our clients with the best legal representation and our experienced trial lawyers are committed to defending your rights, in cases ranging from labor and employment disputes to class actions to negligence and injury lawsuits. Learn more about our law firm's huge verdicts and settlements visit www.LedgerLaw.com or call 800-300-0001.