Military

Steve Halfhill concentrates in business, security, commodity and regulatory law, as well as domestic relations, traffic/criminal matters and general litigation. After receiving his J.D. Degree from West Virginia University in 1974, Mr. Halfhill entered the United States Army where he served as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Upon completion of his military service, Mr. Halfhill became an Assistant Director in the Commodity Future Trading Commission’s Division of Enforcement and later was Special Counsel to the Director of the Commodity Future Trading Commission’s Division of Trading & Markets. He has been in private practice since 1981, and is a member of the Bars of the District of Columbia, Virginia, and West Virginia. In addition, he is experienced in major federal litigation nationally, and is an experienced appellate practice as well as domestic relations, criminal, traffic, business and homeowners’/condominium association law.

Attorney Simon J. Marle has 21 years of experience representing satisfied clients in divorce, criminal, and traffic cases in the courts of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Suffolk, and Newport News. He has been a criminal defense and traffic court attorney in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1999 and has earned an excellent reputation for the work he provides. Mr. Marle takes pride in his work ethic and his ability to quickly assess a situation and move forward in the best interest of his client. Mr. Marle has been a litigator for 21 years and a guardian ad litem for 21 years. He has personally handled more than one thousand cases with successful results. He is currently licensed to practice law and admitted to the bar in the states of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. As a former member of the United States Army, Mr. Marle understands the challenges that military families face. He is also a highly educated and renowned legal professional.

Attorney Berman graduated from New York University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He earned his Juris Doctorate, with honors, from the University of Connecticut Law School in 1979. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1979, and is a member as well of the Hartford County Bar Association, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice. Attorney Berman has served as legal counsel to the State Senate Democrats in the Connecticut General Assembly. He has served as a court appointed arbitrator and trial referee. Attorney Berman's practice consists primarily of matters in trial or litigation, particularly auto-accident injury claims.

An experienced and skillful legal advocate, Jeremiah E. Heck is a founding partner at Luftman, Heck & Associates and has practiced law since 2003. Mr. Heck’s practice focuses primarily on consumer and real estate law. As an Ohio consumer law attorney, his practice is weighted most heavily on consumer law where he represents consumers’ rights, including claims based on unfair debt collection practice by creditors, settling claims with creditors, and claims against businesses for unfair or deceptive trade practices. Mr. Heck has been sought out for his knowledge of consumer law. He was interviewed and quoted by SmartMoney.com, a prominent online financial website, regarding his opinions on consumer rights issues. Mr. Heck’s results on behalf of consumers have been featured on national consumer law websites. Mr. Heck’s advocacy on behalf of consumers has earned him a reputation amongst opposing debt companies and law firms and his strategies have been discussed at their conferences. After graduating from Meigs High School in Southeastern Ohio, Mr. Heck joined the United States Army. He completed basic training as a combat engineer at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Mr. Heck was stationed at Camp Howze, Korea in the 44th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division from 1993 to 1994. He was then stationed at Fort Hood, Texas from 1994 through 1996 in the 2nd Armored Division and later in the 4th Infantry Division while holding the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Heck served three years in the Ohio National Guard as a Combat Engineer and three years in the West Virginia National Guard as a Diesel Mechanic. After ten years in the Army, Mr. Heck ended his military career and began study at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Legal Communications and a minor in Business Administration. Mr. Heck then pursued a Juris Doctorate from Capital University, graduating summa cum laude in 2003. While in law school, Mr. Heck was on the Executive Board for Capital University’s Law Review as Research and Notes Editor. As a part of this Executive Board, a scholarship was started to honor the Most Outstanding Law Review member, which continues to be awarded annually to this day. He also was the Teaching Assistant for Constitution Law and Criminal Law, which lead to his passion for teaching. Mr. Heck currently enjoys teaching Real Estate Law for the Capital University Law School’s Paralegal Program and General Practice, a third year law class, for the Capital University Law School. Mr. Heck’s recent accomplishments are numerous and varied. He was honored as the 2010 Super Lawyers Ohio Rising Star Attorneys. No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state of Ohio are named to the list. Mr. Heck was the only consumer law attorney selected as a 2010 Super Lawyer Rising Star Attorney for the State of Ohio. Mr. Heck has also received this honor in 2011, 2012 and 2013. In 2010, Mr. Heck climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. In 2012, Mr. Heck had the opportunity to run and finish the Great Wall of China Marathon. Outside of work, Mr. Heck enjoys playing softball with the law firm team and golfing. He is an avid reader and proud owner of Kili, a Siberian husky. He often participates in charity races benefiting dogs and frequently contributes to dog-related causes.

With more than 20 years of experience, Rob has focused his practice to seeking justice for individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injuries. Rob is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law, and has represented clients in State and Federal Courts throughout Texas and New Mexico, both at the trial court and appellate level. Starting life in a military family, Rob settled in Lubbock in 1979, and attended Lubbock High School, Texas Tech University, and Texas Tech School of Law. After graduating from law school, he practiced for two years in Bell County, Texas, where he began working in personal injury law, fighting for the rights of injured Texans. Rob returned to Lubbock County in 2000, where he has remained, practicing with prominent local firms, including the Law Offices of Kevin Glasheen, before launching his own firm in 2006. Rob has been a Lubbock, Texas lawyer for nearly 20 years, is an active member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association). In addition to maintaining an active law practice, Rob is a devoted father of four. Rob’s hobbies include flying, shooting, skiing, and he is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, as well as a Texas Concealed Handgun instructor, and NRA Instructor for Basic Pistol.

Steve was born and raised in Colorado Springs where graduated from Palmer High School. He attended Cornell College, earning a bachelor’s of arts degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. He then attended California Western School of Law in San Diego, initially focusing his studies on pharmaceutical and biotechnology intellectual property law. At the encouragement of a Trial Practice Professor, Steve began an internship with the California Innocence Project and then worked with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, one of the nation’s most prestigious prosecutor’s offices. Steve quickly realized that he was much more interested in becoming a trial attorney, and changed the focus of his legal education. Steve eventually returned to Colorado, and after passing the Colorado Bar Exam, accepted a position as a Deputy District Attorney in the Fourth Judicial District. As a DA, Steve initially prosecuted DUI cases, serious traffic offenses, domestic violence cases, and other misdemeanors. After only three months prosecuting misdemeanor cases, Steve was moved to the felony prosecution unit, where he prosecuted a wide range of felony cases, ranging from simple theft and drug cases, to homicides and assaults. Finally, Steve was assigned the coveted position as a member of the Vehicular Homicide/Vehicular Assault team, where he vertically prosecuted fatal traffic accidents, DUI and reckless driving charges resulting in death and serious bodily injury, and homicides. Before leaving the DA’s Office, Steve received the “Tradition of Excellence” Award. After leaving the DA’s Office, Steve joined a large civil litigation firm, where his practice focused on personal injury litigation. Steve joined McDowell/Rodemer, LLC as a partner in an effort to broaden the practice in civil litigation and criminal defense. After leaving McDowell/Rodemer, LLC , Steve became a sole practitioner, in an effort to maintain a smaller caseload and provide more attention to each client. Today, Steve is recognized as a premier trial attorney in Colorado. He has been named as one of the top 40 attorneys under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers for 2012 and 2013. The National Advocacy for DUI Defense recently named Steve as one of the Top 100 DUI Defense attorneys. He is a member of the prestigious National College for DUI Defense, and holds the rating of 10/10 “Superb” by Avvo. Steve is a member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association. Steve has tried countless criminal and civil matters, and continues to do so on a very regular basis with outstanding results. When not in the courtroom, Steve is an avid golfer.

Attorney Bridgette Michelle Lester is compassionate, competent and centered around your legal needs. Whether it be a criminal matter, personal injury or small business related, Attorney Lester is here to guide you throughout the process while getting it the best results for you. She is the immediate past President of the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association, which is the largest predominantly African American bar Association in the county and one of the fastest growing. She served 2 terms as President and currently sits on the Board. About Attorney Bridgette Michelle: Bridgette Michelle was raised in a military home where she she saw the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform each day. Through her father's service to our great country she was afforded the opportunity to travel many parts of the world, and led to her graduating in Italy. Prior to becoming an Attorney, she set her sights on education. She became an Educator with Pinellas County Schools in the fall of 2008. She taught the award winning Broadcast Journalism program at Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School and served as a mentor for the Girlfriends program and started the schools first ever debate team. While being an Educator she also attended the part-time program at Stetson University College of Law. She was recognized in "Who's Who in American Law Schools and Universities," earned a scholarship from the Fred G.Minnis Sr. Bar Association and was honored as a Daniel Burton scholar. Additionally, she served as a Law clerk for Tamara Felton, P.A. and as a judicial intern for the Sixth Judicial Circuit before she became an Assistant Public Defender. While working in that capacity she earned the coveted, "We Are the Hope," award and "Best Advocate," at the state wide training session. Attorney Bridgette Michelle further honed her skills by working for a prominent law firm in the Tampa Bay Area. There, she was able to work on several high profile cases, many of which made national news. Most recently she's been recognized by the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, SuperLawyers Rising Star 2017, Top Rated Attorney by Avvo for a perfect 10 rating while also receiving the Clients Choice Award. She still finds time to be actively give back through her volunteer effortd with Pinellas county schools, church and her community.

Attorney Mandy L. Kelly received her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Prior to law school, Mrs. Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration-Pre Law from Michigan State University. Mandy previously worked for the University of Detroit Mercy’s non-profit organization, Project SALUTE, helping low-income veterans obtain military compensation and pension benefits. She has traveled the country training attorneys from other firms on how to best represent our veterans. Mrs. Kelly has focused her practice on helping disabled veterans returning home from serving our country. She works tirelessly to help our veterans fight yet another battle in obtaining their disability benefits before both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration. Mrs. Kelly has also been recognized as a top 10 best attorney for exceptional and outstanding client service by the American Institute of Legal Counsel. Mandy is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Macomb County Bar Association, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, and National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates. She is also accredited to practice before the Department of Veterans Affairs. She enjoys spending her free time with her family and supporting her Alma mater – Go Green!

Mr. Levy has been practicing law for more than thirty years. He received his law degree from the University of Tennessee where he was a member of the Tennessee Law Review. Mr. Levy also graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Marketing and was chosen as the most outstanding senior major in Marketing. Mr. Levy is married and the father of two daughters. His community activities include serving as a founding board member of the Dream Connection, Inc., an organization that helps fulfill dreams” of children who have life-threatening illnesses. Since its foundation in 1985, the Dream Connection has fulfilled the dreams of hundreds of children in East Tennessee. Mr. Levy has previously served as president and treasurer of the Dream Connection. He currently serves as a co-treasurer. He also has served two terms as president of Fox Den Country Club. He is a member of the Farragut Rotary Club and a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. For many years, Mr. Levy served as the chairman of the Rotary Foundation Committee for his local club. Mr. Levy has been a licensed pilot since 1976 and has handled several aviation litigation cases. Mr. Levy has served as a volunteer ombudsman for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). In that role, Mr. Levy assisted Guard and Reserve members to ensure that they were treated fairly by their employers when their military obligations interfered with their civil employment. In order to become an ombudsman, it is necessary for an attorney to attend classes sponsored by the National Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Preston White is an attorney representing clients in criminal and family law cases in Olympia, Washington, and the surrounding counties. While serving as an Arabic translator in the United States Marine Corps, and the Utah Air National Guard, Preston earned degrees in Psychology and English at the University of Utah and then earned his Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law. With an original goal of becoming a prosecutor, Preston focused his studies on criminal law. It was as a law clerk in a small military criminal defense firm in Seattle that he began to see the injustices in the system, and the unlawful, unfair, and often arbitrary way laws are enforced. His experiences at that firm steered him away from working for the system, and toward fighting against it. It was there that he developed the motto, “defending the accused, and policing the police.” Following graduation, and the passing bar exam, Preston returned to Utah, where he opened a solo practice focused on criminal defense and family law in 2014. As his successes developed his confidence as an attorney, his losses sharpened and tempered both his skills and his resolve. As a result, he developed into a confident, and effective advocate, with the skills to pursue, and obtain excellent results both inside, and outside the courtroom. His knowledge, efforts, and abilities have resulted in a number of not-guilty verdicts in “unwinnable” cases, as well as dramatically reduces charges, and sentences in cases that resolved outside of trial. He has successfully defended hundreds of clients, saving them incalculable amounts of time, and money, as well as providing guidance to them on how to successfully navigate the system throughout the life of their cases. As a criminal defense attorney, Preston has successfully represented clients in cases ranging from traffic infractions, DUI’s, and simple assaults, to sex crimes, and aggravated assaults. As a family law attorney, he has successfully represented clients in dissolution, spousal support, and custody cases. Preston grew up in Northern Utah and currently resides in Thurston County with his wife, three children, dog, cat, and (so he says, because his wife does not like mice, and one of his daughters does not like spiders) countless mice, spiders, and spider-mice. His interests include good coffee, unique cars, and laughing at his own jokes. According to his wife, if he was half as funny as he thought he was, he wouldn’t have to practice law for a living. Fortunately, he is a better lawyer than a comedian.