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Do you need a relentless criminal defense? If you have been charged with a crime in Texas, you deserve the aggressive, detail-oriented, and cutting-edge defense that Attorney John L. Venza Jr. will provide. Based in Sugar Land, Texas, John L. Venza Jr. defends citizens accused of crimes throughout Southeast Texas, including the following counties: Fort Bend County, Harris County, Brazoria County, Wharton County, Matagorda County, Galveston County, and Montgomery County. From the time he was old enough to think about it seriously, John L. Venza Jr. aspired to be a criminal defense lawyer, and he began laying the groundwork for this goal early. When other children were reading the comics, John L. Venza Jr. was sitting at his parents' breakfast table, scouring the newspaper for stories about big trials and the lawyers who argued them. Later on, while other high school students busied themselves with typical teenage pursuits, John L. Venza Jr. took on a demanding schedule that involved honors classes, writing for the school newspaper, playing football, serving on the student council, and working at a pizza restaurant. Ultimately, John L. Venza Jr.'s dedication and hard work enabled him to graduate cum laude from Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas, Texas.Staying focused on his goal, John L. Venza Jr. enrolled in college at the University of Texas in Austin, where he majored in Government and minored in English. He concentrated on the system of government, the motivations behind it, and - most importantly - how the government could direct its power at its citizens through the court system. During those studies, John L. Venza Jr. developed an insider's understanding of the challenges people face when they are criminally accused by the government.After obtaining his undergraduate degree, John L. Venza Jr. enrolled at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. In law school, John L. Venza Jr. excelled academically. He graduated in the top fifteen percent of his class and, based on his high grades, was honored with a position on the prestigious South Texas Law Review. While on Law Review, John L. Venza Jr. wrote two lengthy research papers on criminal law topics, one on capital punishment, and the other on Texas constitutional search and seizure law. A brilliant writer, John L. Venza Jr. volunteered for and was granted the honor of serving as an Assistant Articles Editor on the Law Review While Law Review and his studies enabled John L. Venza Jr. to assimilate an incisive understanding of the law, it was his tireless work in mock trial that John L. Venza Jr. believes best prepared him for the things to come. Like his other extracurricular pursuits, John L. Venza Jr.'s enlistment in mock trial was purely voluntary. He could have been at home at night watching television. Instead, he concentrated on evidence law, rehearsed opening statements, and crafted the first of what would later become his calling card: excruciating cross examinations. John L. Venza Jr. competed in a series of rigorous mock trial tournaments, which often went on late into the night. During these simulated trials, John L. Venza Jr. began to develop a keen understanding of the law of evidence, an awareness of how judges evaluate cases, and an appreciation of what juries want. For his total commitment to mock trial work, John L. Venza Jr. was recognized with several individual awards and a school-wide team championship. In addition to classes, homework, Law Review, and mock trial, John L. Venza Jr. also worked during law school as an intern for the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office. In this capacity, John L. Venza Jr. was awarded a temporary bar card, which enabled him to prosecute actual criminal cases == while still only a law student. Also during law school, John L. Venza Jr. worked as a law clerk for a Houston law firm, which specialized in white collar criminal defense. His work at that firm included researching federal criminal issues and coauthoring articles, which were published statewide, on federal white collar crime. Both of these jobs, which John L. Venza Jr. held at the outset of his legal career, helped John L. Venza Jr. hone his understanding of the government, its powers and its ways.After graduating law school, John L. Venza Jr. went to work as a Do you need a relentless criminal defense? If you have been charged with a crime in Texas, you deserve the aggressive, detail-oriented, cutting edge defense that attorney John L. Venza Jr. will provide. Based in Sugar Land, Texas, John L. Venza Jr. defends citizens accused of crimes throughout Southeast Texas, including the following counties: Fort Bend County, Harris County, Brazoria County, Wharton County, Matagorda County, Galveston County and Montgomery County. From the time he was old enough to really think about it, John L. Venza Jr. aspired to be a criminal defense lawyer, and he began laying the groundwork for this goal early. When other children were reading the comics, John L. Venza Jr. was sitting at his parents' breakfast table, scouring the newspaper for stories about big trials and the lawyers who argued them. Later on, while other high school students busied themselves with typical teenage pursuits, John L. Venza Jr. took on a demanding schedule that involved honors classes, writing for the school newspaper, playing football, serving on the student council, and working at a pizza restaurant. Ultimately, John L. Venza Jr.'s dedication and hard work enabled him to graduate cum laude from Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas, Texas. Staying focused on his goal, John L. Venza Jr. enrolled in college at the University of Texas in Austin, where he majored in Government and minored in English. He concentrated on the system of government, the motivations behind it, and - most importantly - how the government could direct its power at its citizens through the court system. During those studies, John L. Venza Jr. developed an insider's understanding of the challenges people face when they are criminally accused by the government. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, John L. Venza Jr. enrolled at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. In law school, John L. Venza Jr. excelled academically. He graduated in the top fifteen percent of his class and, based on his high grades, was honored with a position on the prestigious South Texas Law Review. While on Law Review, John L. Venza Jr. wrote two lengthy research papers on criminal law topics, one on capital punishment, and the other on Texas constitutional search and seizure law. A brilliant writer, John L. Venza Jr. volunteered for and was granted the honor of serving as an Assistant Articles Editor on the Law Review. While Law Review and his studies enabled John L. Venza Jr. to assimilate an incisive understanding of the law, it was his tireless work in mock trial that John L. Venza Jr. believes best prepared him for the things to come. Like his other extracurricular pursuits, John L. Venza Jr.'s enlistment in mock trial was purely voluntary. He could have been at home at night watching television. Instead, he concentrated on evidence law, rehearsed opening statements, and crafted the first of what would later become his calling card: excruciating cross examinations. John L. Venza Jr. competed in a series of rigorous mock trial tournaments, which often went on late into the night. During these simulated trials, John L. Venza Jr. began to develop a keen understanding of the law of evidence, an awareness of how judges evaluate cases, and an appreciation of what juries want. For his total commitment to mock trial work, John L. Venza Jr. was recognized with several individual awards and a school-wide team championship.

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.

My name is Bob Rubin. I have represented individuals involved in automobile accidents for over 40 years. This is how my clients describe their experience with my office: “I have highly recommended Mr. Rubin to other people and will continue to do so. There is no other attorney I would call, and in fact, I still call him today for advice because Mr. Rubin will go out of his way to help.” “Mr. Rubin explained the no-fault law so well to me that I felt I could teach it to someone else.” “He was always prompt in returning calls, answered all my questions and kept me updated as to what was going on.” When you call my office, I am the attorney you will speak to; you will not be transferred to an associate. I will personally explain your rights to you under the Michigan No-Fault Law. There are a number of potential claims that you may pursue following an automobile accident. Under the Michigan No-Fault Law, your automobile insurance company or another insurance company may be responsible to pay a number of very important benefits. These include medical expenses, lost wages, mileage reimbursement, household help expenses, attendant care, and other allowable expenses as a result of your accident. To receive these benefits, it is necessary that the proper automobile insurance company be placed on notice of the claim in a timely fashion. Time limits under the No-Fault Law can be short, and it is a very good idea for you to obtain appropriate legal assistance so that all of your rights might be fully explained and protected as soon as possible. Certainly, insurance companies use their resources to quickly investigate accidents and take steps which may limit your right to receive certain benefits. This is why proper legal representation is so important. In addition to these no-fault benefits, you may seek compensation from the at fault driver or owner involved in the accident for pain, suffering, and other injury and damage suffered as a result of the accident. I would be pleased to meet with you at any mutually convenient time and place, without charge, to discuss your rights and potential claim(s). The meeting is free. The advice may prove priceless in safeguarding your rights. I handle automobile accident cases on a contingent fee basis. This means if there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee. If I do recover money on your behalf, my attorney fee is one-third (1/3) of the amount recovered.

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.

Kenneth Trombly is a civil trial attorney whose practice is limited to catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation in state and federal courts. Licensed in the District of Columbia and in Maryland, he has handled numerous significant cases on behalf of seriously injured persons, from seven figure settlements to noteworthy cases that have resulted in local or national publicity. Mr. Trombly Is nationally recognized as being Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, only one of a dozen District Of Columbia attorneys who have earned this honor - by virtue of his jury trial experience, peer reviews, and passing a written exam administered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. In 2010 he was honored with the Trial Lawyer of the Year award, by the Trial Lawyers Association for the DC Metropolitan Area, an organization. which he also served as President in 1995. For a number of years, Mr. Trombly has also been one of a select group of D.C. catastrophic injury attorneys who are included in both The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward White Publishing Co.) and “Super Lawyers” (Law & Politics magazine). A 1973 graduate of Columbus School of Law of The Catholic University of America, where he was both a staff member of the Law Review and a student coordinator of the school’s legal services clinic, Mr. Trombly earned his undergraduate degree at The George Washington University (B.A., 1970). Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference. We recently represented a college student who was riding a bicycle in downtown Washington, DC when he was hit by a dump truck that was going too fast and failed to yield at a crosswalk. Our client suffered a closed head injury and was very lucky to survive. We investigated the case promptly and found eyewitnesses who gave us statements. We closely monitored our client’s medical recovery and assisted him in being seen by one of the top neurologists in the city. When it same time to file suit, the other side knew that we were prepared to try the case and asked to do an early settlement mediation with a retired judge with whom both parties were familiar. The case settled on very favorable terms for the client. It was extremely gratifying to be able to have a positive impact on this young man’s life. How did you build a successful practice? By being attentive to my cases, treating my clients with respect and working hard on each case. When I am getting ready for trial, there is nothing else that I am focusing on for weeks, and I think that even when I sleep I am thinking about the case. We bring considerable preparation and passion to our cases, and that is the secret. If you do not really believe in your case and your client, the jury will know that. What should clients look for in a lawyer? Experience and dedication to the practice of law. There are some lawyers who approach personal injury law solely as a business. They have never stepped inside of a courtroom, and their goal is to settle the case as soon as possible, regardless of what is best for the client. A person who has been seriously injured and is looking for an attorney should find out what real jury trial experience the lawyer has. The insurance companies know which lawyers are real trial lawyers and which ones will go for the quick settlement, and it affects results. Also, is the lawyer active in the local or national Bar Associations in a meaningful way, such as, in the case of a trial lawyer, taking an active role in the local trial lawyers association, attending national and local trial lawyer seminars, teaching and mentoring young lawyers? The law, like medicine, is constantly changing, there are new cases and new techniques of which an effective trial lawyer must be aware. What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community? There are many fine lawyers in the DC area who do what I do. There are also many mediocre ones. It is up to the consumer to determine who has real experience and who is simply good at internet or TV promotion. We are among a limited group of lawyers who actually try serious catastrophic injury cases before local juries. In fact, a good number of our cases are referrals from other attorneys. To further differentiate myself, I am one of only eleven plaintiff trial lawyers based in DC who are Certified as Civil Trial Lawyers by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This Board Certification is based on demonstrated trial experience, references from Judges and former opponents, and a written examination. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Practicing law is a privilege. To be the advocate of a person or a family that has been hit by personal tragedy, and to be able to formulate a solution for them is tremendously rewarding. What are your other interests in addition to law? I am very interested in politics, have been a lifelong Democrat, and have assisted campaigns with time and money on a national and local level. In terms of hobbies, I have been a passionate magic enthusiast since I was a kid, starting by putting on magic shows at birthday parties when I was in junior high school, and continuing up through law school, when I helped support myself by performing shows. I have kept up the hobby, and I believe that the skill set of learning how to get up and talk to people in an engaging and personal way, how to present things in an interesting manner, and how to prepare a presentation for maximum impact has carried over to the courtroom for me. Were it not for this public speaking experience, I am not sure that I would have even gone into this area of the law. Are you involved in your community? Yes. I am actively involved in Trial Lawyer Association committees that directly impact the community on issues of DC legislation and public safety. I am also on referral panels in which I am asked to assist persons especially in need, such as the Legal services for the Elderly and the National Victims Center. Through my magic hobby, I donate my magic skills, having entertained at charity fundraisers, for senior citizen groups and local Cub Scouts, and I was honored to be among a group of magicians who performed at the “Salute to Heroes” Inaugural Balls for President Obama in 2009 and 2013, events honoring the President and the living Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

Louis T. Brindisi was born in Utica, New York in 1934 and has lived here for the entirety of his life, having attended grammar schools and high school here locally. He then attended LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics in 1956. In the year of 1959, Mr. Brindisi graduated from Albany Law School with a Juris Doctor Degree and was admitted to the New York State Bar the following year in 1960. He began his first law practice later that same year. After Albany Law School, he went into private practice and now practices with his daughter, Eva Brindisi Pearlman, a lawyer and partner in the law firm that also bears her name. With 60+ years of trial experience, he has handled thousands of cases, both civil and criminal. In his criminal law practice, he has successfully tried cases involving almost every major felony in both State and Federal Courts. In his civil law practice, he has successfully tried or settled cases ranging from SUV rollovers, tire defects, seatbelt failures, air bag injuries, seat back collapse, roof crush injuries, and other failure to warn or design and manufacturing defect cases. Some other notable civil cases he has tried involved the Federal Employer Liability Act, elevator malfunctions, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, legal malpractice, construction accidents, discrimination, defamation, and premises liability claims. These wide range of civil cases include his representation of clients with serious personal injuries, including, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, birth defects, amputations, quadriplegia, paraplegia, and other spinal injuries, and severe disfiguring burns and scars. His practice is now limited to the trial of serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. He and his firm have achieved numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.

At the Kiske Law Office, LLC, I am responsible for child custody cases, child abuse cases, divorces, paternities, guardianships, and traffic matters, and simple estate planning. I developed the Mobile Lawyer Services to more effectively meet the needs of our aging and disabled clients. I truly enjoy helping clients resolve their parenting and other legal issues. I am grateful for the opportunity to counsel clients on issues related to their family, children and loved ones.

Our firm has been fighting for the rights of the injured and disabled of Colorado since 1977. Tom Bulger has been a member of the firm (then known as Silvern Law Offices, PC) 1996 when he moved to Colorado here from Philadelphia, where he had worked for a large personal injury law firm. He is a graduate of Canisius College (honors in History, and International Affairs) and Rutgers University School of Law (1993). He has worked as a clerk for a United States District Court Judge and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in its criminal and Organized Crime Divisions. He has been successful as sole trial counsel and also before appellate courts. His record in jury trial includes verdicts for our clients of $640,000.00 (motorcycle accident), $160,000.00 (auto accident); and over $500,000 (slip and fall on ice in the mountains). Recently his appellate advocacy on appeal preserved a $470,000.00 judgment that he had won in Adams County in a slip and fall case. He has also obtained millions of dollars in quiet, confidential settlement for our clients, and has received a rating of 4.4 of 5 from the Martindale-Hubble peer review process (Distinguished) and 4.8 of 5 (Preeminent) based on client surveys. Tom has handled cases all over Colorado, from trials in the Denver Metro area (Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Boulder, Lakewood, Littleton, Thorton and Broomfield) to the mountains. He is currently the managing member of the firm. In addition to his background in personal injury law, he has developed a strong employee benefit practice which focuses on long term disability, short term disability, medical (and other insurance benefits), and ERISA cases (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974). He has helped hundreds of Colorado workers obtain needed insurance benefits.

Carl D'Angio graduated from New England School of Law in 1989 near the top of his class concentrating his studies in the areas of real estate and asset management. After passing the bar he spent 3 years in Washington, D.C. with Ross, Dixon, and Masback, one of the Capital’s preeminent insurance defense firms. He worked on multimillion-dollar cases including Columbia Casualty v. Playtex. Since then he has practiced in Waltham, Massachusetts in a varied civil practice. His uncle, Louis D'Angio, practiced law in Waltham for more than fifty years. The family has had roots in Waltham for more than a century. Carl D'Angio has tried numerous cases in state and federal courts before both judges and juries. He has reached success in personal discrimination and employment cases, automobile accidents, product, and premises liability, construction disputes, consumer protection matters, residential and commercial landlord/tenants disputes, adverse possession litigation, and various other real estate disputes and business litigation. He has represented hundreds of people in personal bankruptcy. He's a proud member of NACBA, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. He's had cases in virtually all aspects of the Probate Court including probating of wills, administration of estates, divorce, paternity, guardianships, adoptions, will contests, petitions for partition, child support, and abuse protection orders. Atty. D'Angio prides himself on providing vigorous, common sense solutions to problems in the most efficient and affordable manner possible. Atty. D'Angio lives in Westwood with his wife and three children. He is active (president emeritus) with the Waltham Community Foundation, a local charitable organization that provides funds to other local organizations such as the Salvation Army, Boys Club, Hospice, Farmer's Market, Christmas LightingFund, and the Jewish Guild for the Blind.