State and Local

I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Miami where I clerked for the Hon. Edward Moore of the 11th Circuit Court and interned with the US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. I have been practicing law in New York for almost 30 years. I am a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Bronx Bar Association, and I am a member of the Bronx 18B panel which appoints private attorneys to represent indigent individuals charged with crimes in the Bronx. I am admitted to practice in all of the Courts of the State of New York as well as the Southern and Eastern District Courts. I have represented clients in immigration matters in the Federal Immigration Court and before the USCIS in several different States. I represent attorneys in disciplinary proceedings before the Office of Character and Fitness, and I volunteer as a Judge at mock trials and moot court competitions at NYU Law School, Cardozo Law School, and NY Law School. Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference. Working with a same-sex couple where we are on the verge of obtaining permanent residence status for the beneficiary through the Immigration court. Prio counsel didn’t take the time to listen to the clients to really establish the bona fides of the relationship Got a criminal matter dismissed on behalf of a client whose spouse had lied about him in order to obtain government benefits. The client was facing incarceration and was devastated both by the loss of the relationship, the nature of the charges and of course the consequences. We proved that the charges had been fabricated, without subjecting the client to the financial and emotional burden of a trial. How did you build a successful practice? Listening to my clients and working with them. Understanding that the client needs to be part of the process. Providing cost-effective, successful results. What should clients look for in a lawyer? Someone who has the time to handle their case. Someone who will give them an honest assessment of their matter in advance. Someone who is personable and with whom they can establish a relationship of trust. How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases? Knowing your venue and your possible Jury pool can be essential in certain types of cases, especially in personal injury matters. What information can you provide in a free phone consultation? Depending on the type of case that answer will vary greatly. A short conversation can generally point the client in the right direction and put them at ease whether or not they retain my firm. Things like the type of bankruptcy, whether they should be speaking to law enforcement, or whether they have a case at all. What information do you need in a free phone consultation? That answer will vary greatly. Generally, the nature of the case, when, where and how they the matter arose, and then the broad particulars of the matter. What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community? I believe that it is my level of empathy and my ability to visualize situations and present creative solutions that sets me apart. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Achieving a successful result for a client where the consequences would otherwise be truly life-changing. Things like saving someone from deportation, or jail, or crushing debt gives me a feeling that is almost indescribable. Its why I continue to practice law. What are your other interests in addition to law? My family of course. I also enjoy staying fit and outdoor activities hiking and cycling. Are you involved in your community? Besides being on the board of a local county bar association, and being on the Bronx 18b panel for appointments to criminal cases, I am a member of the NY Bar Association, and I am affiliated with the National Action Network, and STARR, (Strategic Trans Alliance for Radical Reform.

Jacob Cristoforo is a practicing attorney in the state of Michigan.

Daniel Schlanger is a partner at Kakalec & Schlanger, LLP, where he heads the firm's consumer practice. His practice focuses on representing victims of unfair collection tactics, predatory lending, hidden fees, auto fraud, defective products, and other marketplace injustice. The firm brings affirmative litigation (including class actions and significant individual claims) on behalf of consumers and also regularly represents consumers who have been sued on significant debts, including credit card debt, medical debt, auto loans, home loans, lines of credit, personal guarantees, etc. Dan joined Kakalec & Schlanger, LLP's predecessor firm (Schlanger & Schlanger) in 2007 after working as a staff attorney at Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, where he was a member of that organization’s consumer law unit, and helped to found a program focused on wage and hour litigation on behalf of low-income workers. Prior to that, Dan clerked for the Hon. R. Lanier Anderson, III on the United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit. Dan received his law degree from Harvard Law School, cum laude, in 2004. He received his undergraduate degree from Carleton College, magna cum laude, in 1994.

Jim T. Bennett has been a member of the State Bar of Georgia since 1998. Jim graduated in the top ten of his class from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. Jim’s primary practice areas are Domestic Relations/Family Law, Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Criminal Defense, and Wills and Probate. In his spare time, Jim has taught legal studies courses at Valdosta State University. Jim has served as a volunteer youth baseball coach for the last 20 years. He is a member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Valdosta. Jim is married to Lori, a teacher at Lowndes High School, and they have three sons: Austin, Sam, and Cole.

Andrew S. Maze is an attorney with over 26 years of hands-on litigation. Andrew began his career as a litigator in private practice as an associate in a small Woodbridge, New Jersey law firm. As a member of a small firm, Andrew had the advantage of going to court regularly beginning immediately on his first day with the firm. He quickly gathered valuable experience in the legal practice by working alongside some of the finest and most experienced attorneys practicing at that time. After a decade of establishing himself as a dedicated, compassionate and highly skilled attorney, Andrew took the leap and opened his own law firm in Woodbridge, and the Law Office of Andrew S. Maze has thrived ever since. In order to fulfill the needs of his clients, Andrew has focused his representation on those areas where he is most experienced including personal injury matters, workers compensation cases, criminal cases and municipal court. Although he is based in central New Jersey, Andrew regularly appears in all corners of New Jersey. Despite a heavy workload, Andrew prides himself on taking the time to meet with and speak to each client throughout the case and will always pick up the phone or return the call as soon as possible. Any client who wishes to meet with Andrew should schedule an appointment immediately. Andrew moved into his current office located at 313 Amboy Ave (Rt. 35) in Woodbridge in 2013 with an eye towards making his clients feel at home in a professional environment and because of its central location to the courts in Middlesex, Monmouth, Union, Essex, Somerset, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties. Prior to earning his Juris Doctor, Andrew earned a bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature with a specific focus on critical thinking and analysis. He is a gifted speaker who loves to be in front of an audience. It is no surprise that this background has enabled Andrew to argue persuasively in courts in order to achieve the results he and his clients seek. Over the course of his career and having worked on tens of thousands of cases, Andrew has also developed a well-earned reputation as a worthy adversary. He is a skilled negotiator and always bring to his cases and clients an honest assessment and practical approach. While vigorously advocating on behalf of his clients he always strives to achieve a result that is fair and appropriate. Andrew is a long-standing member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Middlesex County Bar Association, and the New Jersey Association for Justice. He regularly receives accolades from both the judge’s he appears before and his adversaries in the courtroom for his thorough preparation, attention to detail, honesty and integrity. In addition to regularly performing charitable pro bono work for those in need, Andrew is very involved in the community around him coaching sports, acting as President of his local synagogue and being a member of multiple Boards of Directors for community-based organizations. The experience Andrew has gained throughout his extensive career clearly establishes him as one of the preeminent attorneys in New Jersey.

A. Parker Trotz joined Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz in 2013 upon graduating from law school. He is admitted to practice law in Tennessee and has been named as a Rising Star in the field of Personal Injury by Super Lawyers, which recognizes lawyers who have received professional achievement in their field and the community. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, he is a fifth generation Memphian. In 2006, Mr. Trotz graduated from Ridgeway High School in Memphis before attending college at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. He earned his undergraduate degree from the UGA Terry College of Business, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Following college, Mr. Trotz moved to New Orleans to begin law school at Tulane University Law School. In the classroom, Mr. Trotz was named to the Dean’s List and graduated magna cum laude. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Trotz clerked for judges at the state and federal court levels in Georgia and Louisiana, respectively. In addition, Mr. Trotz volunteered with the Tipitina’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to enrich and promote the music community and culture of New Orleans. Through this program, Mr. Trotz helped low income artists and musicians who could not afford legal counsel achieve their goals by assisting them with needs such as business formation, drafting contracts, reviewing documents, and intellectual property issues. Since joining Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz in 2013, Mr. Trotz has handled personal injury cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, slip and fall, premises liability, and negligent security. Each and every day, Mr. Trotz represents those who have been injured through no fault of their own, and many of his clients have sustained traumatic, catastrophic and life-altering injuries. Many times, people injured in an accident are unsure of the process, their legal rights, and what they may be entitled to. By taking the time to speak with clients, answer their questions, and address their concerns, Mr. Trotz is able to help clients through their time of need and make a difference in their lives. Handling a claim against a big insurance company or appearing in court can be daunting tasks for those without legal training or experience in the ever-changing personal injury field, and Mr. Trotz takes pride in being the voice for his clients in such matters. In a personal injury case, an injured client may incur medical bills and lost wages from having to miss work. In significant injury cases, a client may be facing diminished future earning capacity or permanent impairment. Mr. Trotz provides fundamental services which properly document these damages, which can include consulting with and retaining qualified experts who can provide reliable testimony in support of their opinions. Mr. Trotz, along with many other attorneys with Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, is a member of the Memphis Bar Association, where he is active with the Young Lawyers Division. Each year, the Young Lawyers Division sponsors a mock trial competition for high school students, and Mr. Trotz serves as a volunteer judge. Mr. Trotz also volunteers with the Memphis Area Legal Services Saturday Legal Clinic. Through this rewarding program, members of the community can meet with licensed attorneys to discuss their various legal needs, at no cost. Mr. Trotz also co-chairs the firm’s community service program. This initiative entails social outreach to local charities and nonprofit organizations. Mr. Trotz plans and coordinates programs for the employees at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz to volunteer, give back to those in need, and make a positive impact in the community. With deep roots in Tennessee and the greater Memphis area, Mr. Trotz takes great pride in being able to help members of the community in which he and many of his family members grew up in. He also enjoys cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, Memphis Tigers, and Memphis Grizzlies.

The firm is based on the belief that our clients' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat clients and referrals. Principal attorney Charles Chester has served thousands of clients successfully because of his background with judicial clerkships, jury trials, lobbying of public officials, appellate arguments, and years of counseling clients on their options. He has lectured and written extensively on many topics for both bar associations and various industry trade groups. He has been asked to serve on various boards, commissions and committees for county and state governments, bar associations and community groups. His local health care cases were reported on throughout the print and electronic media, including The Washington Post and DC area television stations, and his national election litigation in Florida was covered by CNN and MSNBC.

Christian Lassen is a nationally recognized authority on life insurance law. For over 25 years, he has handled life insurance litigation exclusively, representing policyholders and beneficiaries in all 50 states. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, and he has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in wrongfully denied claims. With more than 1,700 endorsements from other attorneys and a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo, Mr. Lassen is one of the most trusted names in the field. His firm focuses solely on life insurance matters, including denied death benefits, lapse and exclusion disputes, accidental death claims, beneficiary conflicts, and ERISA group policy litigation. By preparing legal briefs rather than routine letters, and sending them directly to insurance company legal departments, Mr. Lassen frequently secures fast results without the need for prolonged court battles. Clients hire Mr. Lassen because of his depth of experience, strategic focus, and personal involvement. Every case receives his direct attention from start to finish. He does not delegate claims to junior staff or outside counsel. Whether an insurance company has delayed payment, denied coverage, or filed an interpleader, Mr. Lassen moves quickly to protect the rights of the insured and their families. He is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction held by less than one percent of attorneys nationwide. His work is driven by a singular purpose: helping grieving families get the benefits they are owed.

Attorney Vikas Bajaj is widely regarded as one the leading criminal defense attorneys in San Diego, CA. With over 16 years experience, Mr. Bajaj has successfully handled thousands of criminal cases including murder trials. Mr. Bajaj's expertise can be seen in courtrooms throughout San Diego as well as both local and national news, where he is called upon to give his expert legal opinion on current issues. If you have been charged with a crime, call the Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC today for a free consultation.

Mr. Jones’s practice includes all types of injuries, and death caused by the negligence of a person or business. Many injuries occur on the roadway, 18-wheeler or trucking wrecks, and car wrecks. His practice also includes slip and fall litigation, motorcycle wrecks, bicycle wrecks, pedestrian wrecks and any other insurance claim involving injuries. Mr. Jones attended the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is admitted to the practice of law in all of the State courts of Mississippi and the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi. Mr. Jones attended Belhaven University where he earned an athletic scholarship for the men’s soccer team and obtained a Bachelor of the Sciences in Psychology with a Minor in Business. Mr. Jones has utilized his training in psychology in the courtroom for jury selection, and at the settlement table to seek to understand his opponent.