Attorney Profile

My family's first home in America was in St. Louis, however I was reared in Aurora, IL. I was exposed to folks from many areas of life while growing up in Aurora. I grew up in a neighborhood that includes people from many racial origins, educational levels, nations of origin, and philosophical perspectives.

Although my family was never affluent, we always valued education. My sister, brother, and I all completed our 12th grade education at public schools, where my mother worked as a teacher. We learned a lot since we were lucky to be in an excellent school system with capable teachers.

I made the choice to go to Washington University and return to St. Louis for law school. I adored going there because I made lifelong friendships in addition to achieving academic excellence. After graduating, I was admitted into the Order of Barristers and was on the Dean's List multiple times. I worked in mid-sized legal firms in the St. Louis region for a little more than five years. I obtained expertise in both ordinary trial practice and school law. I had the good fortune to study law with some of St. Louis' top attorneys.

I made the decision to start my own practice in 2012. My plan was to apply what I’d learned from representing schools and use that knowledge to help students and their families. I have built that idea and that practice into Your School Attorney.

My practice now focuses on litigation, immigration, and education. I mostly work in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County in Missouri, as well as Madison County and St. Clair County, Illinois. I have appeared as far south as Dunklin County, Missouri and as far north as Winnebago County, Illinois. I have represented students as far west as Wright County, Missouri and as far east as Clay County, Illinois.

Education:

• Washington University in St. Louis, J.D., 2007
• Aurora University, M.B.A., 2004
• University of Miami, B.A., 2002

Admissions:

• State of Missouri
• State of Illinois
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
• U.S. Immigration Court Executive Office for Immigration Review
• United States District Courts: Eastern District of Missouri, Western District of Missouri, Southern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, Court of Federal Claims

Of Interest:

• I was born in Jerusalem to an American father and a Colombian mother.
• I am fluent in Spanish.
• I coach my daughter’s soccer team.
• I was once the St. Louis area Instructor of the Year for Kaplan TestPrep.
• I have advanced in the martial arts of Krav Maga and Kajukenbo.
• I am a Tough Mudder Legionnaire. I have run a full marathon and have completed several sprint triathlons.