Judge Jackie Powell, a Jamaican native, learned early in life that if you want to attain success; drive, determination and focus are required. Earning her undergraduate degree was no easy feat as she had to work full time while also attending college full time. She brings that same drive, determination and focus to the bench. ...
Alicia Gonzalez received her J.D. from George Washington University School of Law in 2009. While in law school, Alicia served as a summer intern for the Honorable Judge Shelby Highsmith of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. She was appointed Articles Editor for the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)...
Vanessa Thomson has been an insurance defense attorney at the firm of Robinson, Pecaro, & Mier, P.A. since September 2019. There, she handles cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage disputes. Vanessa graduated from the University of Florida in 2011 and thereafter from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, summa cum...
Francis Viamontes has been a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of Florida since June 2011 and is currently the Chief of the Violent Crimes and Narcotics Section in the Fort Lauderdale Office. Francis graduated from the University of Miami School of Law, cum laude, in 2002 and from the University of Miami School of...
Madeleine Mannello is a Senior Associate with the Winston Law Firm in Davie, and practices in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and criminal defense. She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida, and magna cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law. Ms. Mannello is an experienced trial...
Lorna E. Brown-Burton is an “AV” rated attorney who has practiced law since 1987. Her primary area of practice is Workers’ Compensation Defense. She also has experience in the area of Labor and Employment, Social Security Disability and Foreclosure Defense and practices in the area of Bankruptcy Law. Ms. Brown-Burton owned and operated her...
Lorena Mastrarrigo was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and moved to Florida as a child. She attended The University of Central Florida as a student-athlete. She graduated in 1996 with a major in Political Science and a minor in Psychology. Mrs. Mastrarrigo continued her education at the University of Miami, School of Law. In 1999,...
This month we are honoring one of Broward’s most well-respected attorneys, Julio Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez joined the Broward Sheriff’s Office as its Director of Professional Standards in September 2019. From February 2013 to September 2019, he served as the General Counsel to the Broward County PBA following several years in private practice as a criminal...
Stewart Valencia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida in 1994. He graduated from St. Thomas University School of Law in December of 1997, wherein he was honored with the Dean’s List for his excellent academic work. He has been admitted to the Florida Bar since May 1998....
Michelle Denis started her legal career in civil litigation. However, she dreamed of becoming a teacher when she was younger and found her true calling in academia. She currently serves as the Associate Director of Recruiting for the Office of Career and Professional Development at the University of Florida Levin College of Law (UF Law),...
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