Ethics

Yandy Reyes is an American born, first-in-family to graduate college and law school, first-in-family to serve in the U.S. Army as a decorated commissioned officer, and first-in-family to become a licensed attorney. At the university level, Attorney Reyes excelled because of his insatiable curiosity to learn more, to do his best, and to strive for excellence always, without compromise, and no shortcuts. While in John Jay College, CUNY, Attorney Reyes maintained a job, a 3.93 GPA (honors), and earned a Black Belt in Goyu Karate and a Brown Belt in Judo. While in law school, Attorney Reyes earned awards for top marks, inter alias, in “Elder Law” and “Legal Profession,” the former becoming his preferred area of law, and the latter being the code of ethics that governs attorneys. To see awards, click here. Immediately, Attorney Reyes knew that helping those in need, ethically and professionally, plan for their future, empowering them with advice, would be his calling. Attorney Reyes, moreover, became a Justice in Our Community Fellow working with Legal Aid where he saw, firsthand, the access to justice issues pervasive in our communities. Re:Yes Law PLLC was created with access to justice facilitation in mind.

Sarabraj “Sarab” S. Thapar is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, a distinction held by only 2% of attorneys. In order to achieve this distinction, Sarab had to complete a specific number of trials, receive recommendations from judges and other adversaries, and pass a written test to demonstrate his knowledge. He is licensed in both New Jersey and New York. Sarab brings a unique advantage to his clients, having had vast ranging experience representing defendants and plaintiffs throughout his career. Sarab has handled a wide array of matters ranging from motor vehicle, motorcycle and trucking accidents, as well as bus, train, several Uber/Lyft crashes. He has also successfully assisted several clients in slip and fall incidents on both public and private premises, as well as victims of dog attacks/bites. Sarab’s experience also includes favorably representing those injured by drunk drivers, victims of assault, and numerous consumer fraud matters. Sarab has been able to recover millions of dollars for his clients by way of settlement or trial. With an over 90% success rate at trial, Sarab is well-regarded as a keen litigator amongst his peers and clients. Prior to Covid, Sarab was able to obtain a jury award over 10x the final offer made by the insurance company. During law school, Sarab interned for the Hon. Donald J. Venezia, J.S.C. where he handled criminal matters.

Attorney Pamela A. Borgess, the founder and managing attorney of Borgess Law, is an experienced and respected trial attorney who aggressively handles civil (non-criminal) disputes and litigation, including personal injury, defective medical drugs/devices or recalled consumer products, car & truck accidents, wrongful death, product liability, nursing home litigation, and contract/business disputes. She has extensive experience with numerous national high-profile cases, such as the national litigation involving a contaminated drug, Heparin, which claimed the lives of hundreds of people after being manufactured in an uninspected overseas facility. The case was featured in national news media, such as TIME magazine, CNN, Bloomberg and ABC News. Borgess Law was founded on the principle that serving individuals is an honor and privilege and that clients should be treated with dignity, professionalism and respect. At Borgess Law, we believe that seemingly opportunistic, “ambulance-chasing” attorneys who appear more interested in exploiting their clients’ injuries or legal problems than helping the clients overcome them, bring shame and dishonor to our profession and do a disservice to the clients. We seek to bring a higher level of professionalism, ethics and quality of legal services that are client-centered and results-driven. We only represents people with real injuries or legal problems. Borgess Law never charges a fee for an initial consultation. If your legal matter is not one that we handle, we will help you find an attorney who does.

Jacob Longman is currently the Managing Partner of Longman Jakuback, APLC. A botique litigation firm, Longman Jakuback specializes in complex and criminal litigation at the trial and appellate level in both state and federal court. Jacob spent time in both law enforcement and the military before attending law school. Before graduating from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, he was President of the Student Chapter of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense lawyers, worked as a student investigator for the East Baton Rouge Public Defender's Office and was a judicial intern at the 19th Judicial District Courthouse. He career has taken him across the state of Louisiana. Several of these have set legal precedents in the field of criminal law. These include State v. Crockett, State v. McQuarter, State v. DiGeralmo, and State v. Steele. He is currently the President-Elect of the Louisiana Associate of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Mr. Koff decided to dedicate his time guiding clients and their businesses through IRS law in the Albany, NY area. As a former appellate attorney, Koff brings a wealth of knowledge and 40 years of experience.

New Jersey native Kevin A. Buchan concentrates his legal practice in the areas of criminal defense, administrative law, and ethics proceedings. He regularly handles all phases of criminal litigation at both the state and federal levels. Kevin’s interest in criminal defense work began in law school when he served as an intern in the office of the Union County Prosecutor. From that time on, he knew that he wanted to devote his career to criminal law. Following law school, Kevin served as a criminal law clerk for the Honorable William L’E. Wertheimer, J.S.C. This experience gave him further insight into the workings of the criminal justice system. Kevin takes pleasure in his ability to help others, particularly at a time in their lives when they may have stumbled or made mistakes. Colleagues describe Kevin as practical, approachable, and knowledgeable in the day-to-day practice of law. Clients appreciate that he cares about them and is attentive to the details of their cases, as well as being quietly tenacious in his pursuit of justice on their behalf. Kevin is decisive and always goes the distance to gets things done for his client. These traits have served him well in his criminal defense practice, as well as during his tenure as the Municipal Prosecutor for Franklin Township, New Jersey. He was appointed to that position in January, 2009. Kevin has been consistently recognized for his proficiency in the practice of law. Kevin has regularly been honored in New Jersey Monthly Magazine as a “Super Lawyers – Rising Star” since 2009. In 2014, Kevin was elected as a Trustee to the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey. Kevin resides in Holmdel, New Jersey with his wife and four children. When he is not working, Kevin, a former member of the Rutgers Varsity Lacrosse team, he enjoys watching Rutgers football and coaching his kids’ sports teams.

Michael V. Favia is a well respected and connected health law, litigation and licensing attorney with experience from a variety of perspectives. Michael V Favia & Associates represents individuals, licensed professionals, large and small corporations, professional groups, and organizations throughout the State of Illinois. His highly skilled team of affiliated attorneys have over a century of legal expertise in all areas of law. The Law Offices of Michael V Favia and Associates emphasizes Personal Injury cases and has over fifty years of specialized experience in this area. Other practice areas include Personal Injury, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning, State Licensure Matters, all levels of Corporate Law, Medical Malpractice and any other legal needs you may have. Michael V Favia is the last attorney you’ll ever need to find. As the former Chief Attorney for the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulations, Michael V Favia also represents all types of medical providers and health professionals in licensure matters, investigations and contested hearings before the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, Illinois Department of Public Aid, Illinois Department of Public Health, and at Hospital and Professional Society Disciplinary Proceedings. Practice also includes General Civil Litigation, Managed Care Consultations, Contract Review, and Personal Negligence Matters.

Craig Kadish is a seasoned criminal defense attorney dedicated to providing strong legal representation for individuals facing serious criminal charges. With a deep understanding of criminal law, he has successfully represented clients in a variety of cases, including child pornography (CSAM) offenses, homicide, drug conspiracy crimes, rape and sexual offenses, and federal weapons charges. His experience extends to both state and federal courts, where he consistently works to protect his clients' rights and achieve the best possible outcomes. Mr. Kadish knows that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the legal process. He is committed to guiding clients through each step of their case, offering compassionate support while delivering meticulous attention to detail in building a defense. Whether dealing with accusations related to the receipt or distribution of child pornography, federal drug conspiracy crimes, or protective orders, Mr. Kadish handles each case with care and diligence. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from The George Washington University, Mr. Kadish went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Maryland and has built a reputation for his dedication to legal ethics and his passion for criminal law. In addition to his practice, Mr. Kadish regularly contributes to the legal community by lecturing on criminal law topics and serving as a mock trial judge at the University of Baltimore School of Law. For personalized and effective legal representation, contact Craig Kadish today at (410) 837-0020 or complete his online contact form. Whether you are facing charges in a state or federal court, Mr. Kadish will provide the guidance and defense you need to navigate this challenging time.

Rob grew up the son of a renowned San Jose injury lawyer, Bob Bohn, so he has been around the law his entire life. In college, Rob was a psychology major initially planning to practice as a clinical psychologist. It was there that he learned what would eventually be critical information in understanding people who have suffered trauma and studying the brain's structures and function. As he neared graduation, Rob realized he could do more good by becoming a trial lawyer. So, off to law school he went. After earning his Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1995, Rob took the California state bar and passed the first try, even being invited to return to grade the exam for future examinees. He then embarked on his journey helping people who needed the most help by caring for and representing people with serious life-changing injuries and families of those killed by others. Through the years, Rob has lectured to lawyers and paralegals about brain injury, jury selection and how to handle various kinds of injury claims. He has held leadership positions in local and state trial lawyer organizations and been recognized for his excellent results and service to his clients and, more generally, to the people of California. Rob is known to preach to other lawyers, "You must be a believer in our cause. This isn't a job - it's a calling to help others", a mantra he lives and practices by. Rob finds the practice of personal injury litigation interesting and rewarding. As a former competitive athlete and current youth sports coach (for more than 30 years now), he enjoys the competition and the strategy common in coaching sports and litigating major injury cases. Each take creativity, commitment, knowledge and grit. Each require good communication and teaching others. The thrill of victory keeps his juices going. With this unique background, you will not find Rob plastered on billboards, screaming at you on TV, claiming (like everyone else) "we'll fight for you", standing on a truck, wielding a baseball bat or all those other silly things that lawyers who consider practicing law to be "their business" do. The best lawyers do not need to resort to such silly tactics. The best lawyers, who are recognized by their peers and judges at the best at their craft and the most ethical, do not do those things. The best lawyers who are recognized and awarded by their peers for their good work, do not do those things. The best lawyers give back by leading other trial lawyers. When looking for a truly good and effective lawyer, these are the things lawyers look for. This is Rob's history. Golden State Lawyers, APC is a boutique firm that cares about and knows our clients. We are not a client mill where clients never even get to know their lawyer and are seen as financial resources rather than as human beings who need meaningful and effective help. Come let Rob take care of you.

Derek graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in 2006. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2009. As a testament to his writing and oral advocacy skills, Derek was the only person to simultaneously be a Law Review Editor and Moot Court Board Member during law school. In addition to his accomplishments outside of the classroom, Derek graduated from law school as a Sterling Honor Graduate and was the recipient of the Law School’s prestigious Gavel Award. After graduating, Derek clerked for the Honorable Justice Judith Meierhenry of the South Dakota Supreme Court from 2009 until 2011. As a law clerk, Derek reviewed over 1,000 appellate briefs, heard approximately 100 oral arguments, and assisted the South Dakota Supreme Court in writing its decisions. He joined the firm after his clerkship ended. Since joining the firm, Derek has developed a comprehensive litigation practice with a focus on insurance-based and insurance bad faith cases. Derek has tried jury trials across South Dakota, given oral arguments before the South Dakota Supreme Court, and has appeared regularly in South Dakota’s Federal Courts. Derek’s advocacy skills have earned him a reputation for excellence, which has resulted in his retention by other attorneys to assist with high-value and high-stakes cases at trial and on appeal. Derek is admitted to practice in South Dakota, Minnesota, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Court. Derek is a member of the American Bar Association, South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, Second Judicial Circuit Bar Association, and Defense Research Institute. Derek is AV-Preeminent rated for high professional ethics and legal abilities.