Litigation

Hope Blocton, Esquire is a dedicated attorney serving clients throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Michigan. A native of River Rouge, Michigan, she earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University before obtaining her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University, where she graduated Cum Laude with a concentration in litigation. With more than seven years of legal experience, Ms. Blocton has built a reputation for providing thoughtful, effective representation to individuals and families across the communities she serves. Through her practice, Bloc One Services, LLC, she continues to deliver high-quality legal services grounded in professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to access and fairness. The firm has been recognized for maintaining high standards of legal achievement while ensuring that services remain accessible and reasonably priced. Ms. Blocton handles a broad range of legal matters, including bankruptcy, real estate transactions, family law and divorce, as well as civil and business litigation. Her practice reflects a deep understanding of both the legal and personal complexities her clients face, and she works diligently to provide clear, strategic guidance throughout every stage of the legal process. To schedule your free consultation today, call 240-200-0076 or fill out our contact form online.

Lawrence J. Buckfire (Larry Buckfire) earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Michigan in 1986 and his juris doctor degree from Wayne State University School of Law in 1989. He has been in private practice since successfully completing the bar exam in 1989. He is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan, State of Ohio, and in the United States District Court. Lawrence is the lead trial attorney and managing partner at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. The law firm was founded in 1969 by his father David Buckfire with the principle of representing clients with the highest degree of integrity, compassion, and professionalism. Lawrence’s mother, Vicky Buckfire, joined David in the firm several years later. Lawrence and Daniel both joined their parents upon their completion of law school. Mr. Buckfire has devoted his legal career to helping the most vulnerable members of our society, children and the elderly. He specializes in child lead paint poisoning, wrongful death, nursing home neglect, medical malpractice, and other serious injury cases. “Successfully pursuing these cases is the best way to protect the members of our community from future harm,” said Larry.

Founder and Injury Attorney of Maniscalco, Law, P.C. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved with his family to Lancaster, South Carolina in 1974. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, wherein he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science with a minor in Philosophy in 1985. In 1983, the University of South Carolina Political Science College awarded him the Ambassador Scholarship for his academic achievement in Political Science. As a recipient of the Ambassador Scholarship, he was selected to represent the University of South Carolina at the University of Kent at Canterbury, England during the academic year of 1983 through 1984 where he obtained an equivalent of magna cum laude ranking amongst his British counterparts. At the University of Kent, he received praise for his work ethic that resulted in the discovery of political ideas and arguments that brought out his "best combative mode," making him an "excellent value in seminars — a lesson to his British contemporaries whom he and ebulliently dominated." In 1984, he also received special recognition for his outstanding scholastic achievement at the University of South Carolina from Phi Alpha Theta, the International History Honor Society, and also from the Golden Key International Honor Society. He earned his Juris Doctorate at St. John's University School of Law in 1988. He began his legal career in Atlanta, Georgia in 1989 as an associate attorney representing personal injury plaintiffs, workers' compensation claimants, and plaintiffs against insurance companies for insurance policy breach of contract claims. In 1991, after the trial of an insurance policy breach of contract claim in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, he was offered a position as an associate attorney by the counsel for the opposing party at that trial. He eventually accepted that offer and became an associate attorney for that insurance defense law firm where he represented insurance companies in first-party insurance contract litigation and subrogation litigation for recovery of property and casualty losses. He became a member of the subrogation department at that law firm, where he represented the interest of insurance companies against product manufacturers, product distributors, contractors and subcontractors for property damage losses, which included national civil litigation in United States Federal Courts where he was admitted pro hac vitae in those jurisdictions. His subrogation litigation included claims against product manufacturers and distributors of defective and dangerous products and claims against general contractors and subcontractors for defective and dangerous construction. In 1993, he opened his law practice devoting his practice primarily to the representation of injured workers and personal injury victims. His experience in representing the interests of insurance companies has proven to be invaluable with respect to the representation of workers' compensation claimants and personal injury plaintiffs and has allowed him to broaden his practice to claims against building contractors for negligent construction and insurance companies for breach of insurance policy contracts. He witnessed firsthand the institutionalized policy of many insurance companies to delay, deny, and underpay claims made by their own insureds. His experience in working for the "other side" has reaffirmed what he had believed since he made the decision to become a lawyer: that the interest of the rich and powerful must be met with tenacious and committed representation on behalf of the average American. His commitment to his clients is his primary focus. He has been trying cases for thirty years. He has obtained civil judgments on behalf of plaintiffs as high as $2,600,000.00 and has obtained millions for plaintiffs and claimants since opening his practice in 1994. He has represented over 4,500 clients since opening his practice in 1993.

Ephraim Roy Hess has practicing law for more than 30 years. He has successfully represented both individuals and small to medium sized businesses in matters ranging from sexual harassment and age discrimination to the negotiation of severance issues and the enforcement and defense of non-compete agreements. Some areas of representation include: Employment and Labor Law • Discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, age, race, national origin, religion, disability, or pregnancy • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) • Drug Testing • Sexual Harassment • Contract review/negotiations • Whistleblowers and Retaliation • Long Term Disability • EEOC/FCHR Charges • Unemployment • Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) Business Law and Litigation • Non-Compete Agreements • Severance Agreements • Confidentiality Agreements • Defense and claims of breaches of contract • Response to Administrative Charges • Defense against discrimination charges • Employee vs. Independent Contractor Classification Issues Civil Trials and Appeals • Contract disputes • Malicious Prosecution • Fraud • Breach of Contract • Public Records Actions • Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices • Breach of Fiduciary Duty Please contact the Hess Law Firm at (954) 585.8599 to discuss your individual matter.

Adam D. Cahn is a seasoned litigator, who began his legal career in 1994. His primary focus is representing individuals in personal injury and medical malpractice matters at all levels of state and federal practice. He lectures in the field of trial advocacy and is regularly sought by local newspapers, television and radio stations for his expertise on matters in the legal field. Mr. Cahn has obtained numerous verdicts and settlements throughout New York state on cases involving CRPS/RSD injuries; construction accidents, brain injury litigation, products liability, medical malpractice, lead paint exposure, sexual harassment and general negligence. His litigation background has included criminal defense, corporate and commercial representation. Mr. Cahn earned his law degree at night from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, while juggling a full-time job in real estate finance. At Touro, he was a member of Law Review and received American Jurisprudence Award for outstanding achievement in both Trial Practice and Alternative Dispute Resolution. He co-founded the Touro Environmental Law Journal and was a recipient of the Gary M. Schwartz Fellowship, for which he was awarded a paid judicial internship. He received his undergraduate degree in business management from the A.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University.

Jeralyn L. Lawrence, Esq. is the Managing Member and Founder of Lawrence Law. Jeralyn devotes her litigation practice to matrimonial, divorce, and family law, and is a trained collaborative lawyer, divorce mediator, and arbitrator. Jeralyn represents clients with matrimonial and family law needs, including divorce litigation, mediation and arbitration, custody and parenting time issues, alimony and child support, separation and property settlement agreements, adoption and guardianship advice, domestic partnership matters under the Domestic Partnership Act, domestic violence and sexual abuse, and palimony. Through mediation and collaborative law, Jeralyn assists clients who are committed to resolving their matter without any court intervention. In the event litigation is required, Jeralyn is fully prepared, strategic, and confident in her ability to secure a favorable outcome.

Chuck’s practice includes family law, divorce and business litigation, representing a wide range of clients, including business owners, medical professionals, and individuals with offshore interests. He holds Fellowships in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers, distinctions recognizing attorneys with exceptional skill and integrity. Recognizing that preparation is vital, he devotes substantial time to client meetings and remains accessible at all hours, ensuring immediate support when emergencies arise. Raised in Naperville, Illinois, Chuck studied engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and worked at Ford Motor Company before earning his law degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 1983. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and is a member of the Federal Trial Bar in Chicago. Recognized by the Illinois Supreme Court for his service to the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, he also speaks frequently on ethics, professionalism, and Guardian ad Litem issues. Chuck enjoys snowmobiling, spending time on the water, and sharing life with his wife Linda—a registered dietician—and their extended family, which now includes four lawyers, a paralegal, a television news producer, and two grandchildren. Call 630-668-4211 or complete our contact form for your free consultation today or to learn more about our services and fees.

In 1995 Justin received his Associates degree from Dixie College in St. George, Utah. While at Dixie, Justin competed on the National Debate and Forensics circuit. Justin placed in the top three nationally in multiple events and was the recipient of the Bowler award granted annually to the top orator at the School. Following his success at Dixie College Justin went to Southern Utah University and received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science.In 2000 Justin received his Juris Doctor from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. His extensive training in area of public speaking has assisted him as he heads the litigation section of the law firm. Justin's litigation experience has been acquired through his representation of clients in front of numerous tribunals, administrative bodies, and courts. Several such forums of note are the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, the New Mexico Supreme Court, Multiple appellate courts, and differing state courts ranging from New Jersey, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Alaska, and California. Additionally, Justin has extensive training in estate planning matters which extends his responsibilities to our firm's estate planning division. Justin also has enjoyed substantial success in Securities litigation and Business formation. His most notable case in this arena was a judgment of over eight million dollars ($8,000,000.00) awarded by a securities arbitration panel in favor of our client. At the time this was the largest settlement ever awarded in securities arbitration. Recently, Justin was the lead attorney in the case against Provo city regarding the 911 call where EMS personnel were improperly dispatched. Our clients received a settlement of $220,000.  Justin has assisted in teaching numerous CLE courses in computerized legal research.Justin was born and raised in Utah. He is the proud father of 4 children and has been happily married for over ten years. He enjoys many sports including basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, and football. He is an avid off-roader that loves to hunt and fish. Recently he bagged an Alaskan caribou that scored 380+ on the Boone and Crocket scale and also caught a 62 pound Halibut off the coast of Oregon.

The Law Offices of Andrew J. Spinnell is a general practice law firm concentrating in personal injury, landlord-tenant, matrimonial and commercial litigation in all courts - including trial and appellate practice. The trademark of our representation is meticulous attention to detail and preparation. "The key to winning litigation is to leave no stone unturned in preparedness."With a large firm work ethic focused on legal research, and with the highest quality of legal writing, and with the personal attention that only a small firm can give its clients, we are able to provide that singular combination that results in winning cases.Mr. Spinnell has been honored to have several cases featured on the front page of The New York Law Journal, evoking wide interest, referrals and recognition from fellow members of the Bar.The philosophy of the firm is to provide each client with the highest quality of legal representation in an affordable, personal manner. That winning strategy has resulted in highly satisfied clients, whether after settlement or trial, who continue to refer other clients seeking the same kind of satisfaction.Biography of Andrew J. SpinnellMr. Spinnell also holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Education from Columbia University, as he embarked on a legal career after several years of teaching as a professor in various colleges. He graduated from Fordham Law School in 1983. He worked full-time through law school as a Paralegal at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, and then at Donovan Leisure Newton & Irvine. His incessant drive and work ethic has typified his practice of law ever since. He is a consummate professional, with a 24/7 devotion to his clients and cases, who strives to provide each client with a winning strategy on a personal, always available, basis - evidenced by his availability after normal business hours and on the weekends.Whether working on a contingency arrangement for a personal injury client, or on a retainer basis for a matrimonial or commercial client, Mr. Spinnell treats every client equally - with respect and as if his or her case were the most important in the office. That attitude has generated a stream of happy clients and referring attorneys.After graduation from Fordham Law School, Mr. Spinnell gained invaluable experience in commercial, matrimonial, personal injury and landlord-tenant litigation as an associate of various firms in New York County. In 1993 he started his own office specializing in the same areas of expertise gained from his experience. He is a member of various City and State Bar Associations, and the New York State and American Association for Justice, is featured in "Who's Who in American Law," and is a current member, and past president, of his Condominium Board in New York City.He is married and has twin boys and resides in Manhattan.

Joshua Robertson concentrates in the areas of real estate litigation, business litigation, criminal defense and personal injury litigation in both state and federal court. Mr. Robertson received his Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University - Bloomington in 1996. He attended Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis, earning his Juris Doctorate in 2001. While in law school, Mr. Robertson earned several scholarships through the law school's Program in International Human Rights Law whereby he served internships with a human rights organization in Kathmandu, Nepal and with the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Mr. Robertson joined Cohen Garelick & Glazier in May 2005 after practicing in Johnson County, Indiana for several years. Mr. Robertson is a member of the Sagamore American Inn of Court and is a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association and the Indiana Bar Association. He is admitted to practice before the Indiana Supreme and Appellate Courts and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. In addition to his legal work and affiliations, Mr. Robertson serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of Riley Area Development Corporation (http://rileyarea.org), a non-profit community development corporation focused on the development of Indianapolis' urban neighborhoods; and also serves as Chairman of R.A.D.C.'s Asset Management Committee.