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AFFORDABLE ADVOCACY WITH A PASSION FOR JUSTICE. Christine J. Lomas, Esquire grew up in Orlando and has watched this vibrant city grow in the process. She attended St. John Vianney and Bishop Moore Catholic Schools and has two degrees from the University of Central Florida. At the age of 45, Christine chose to finally pursue her dream and attend law school—right here at the Florida A&M University College of Law in downtown Orlando. She worked diligently to be near the top of her class, made the Dean’s List, and graduated Magna cum Laude. High points of Christine’s law school experience include the Guaridan ad Litem clinic, where she advocated for children who were dependents of the state, a Judicial Externship with the Honorable Mary S. Scriven of the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, and a study abroad program in Siena, Italy. Christine also participated in advocacy competitions and was a member of the Women’s Law Caucus.. Before law school, Christine enjoyed a 20-year career in the print publishing, advertising & marketing fields. Some may remember her as the former editor of the Central Florida Lifestyle magazine publications. In her last position, she managed a staff of up to 10 employees and oversaw budget expenditures of over $2 million. Christine also taught in the journalism department of her alma mater, UCF, and hopes to eventually teach part-time at FAMU’s College of Law.. Community Involvement. One of the high points of Christine’s life was as an elected delegate to the 2008 National Democratic Convention, where she saw history in the making as a major political party nominated the man who would go on to be the nation’s first African-American President. While attending the convention in Denver, she was thrilled to meet one of her personal heroes—former President Jimmy Carter. Christine is very involved with the local Democratic Party and currently serves on her homeowners association board of directors. She has served on WMFE’s Community Advisory Board and is a 2008 graduate of Seminole County’s Citizenship Academy.. Family. Christine knows the highs and lows of family life. She has been a young, struggling single mother, but for the last 17 years she has been happily married. She and her husband live in Oviedo with their daughter, and her adult son lives in nearby Sanford.

When Attorney Alec Weber was growing up his mother always thought he would either be an actor or a lawyer. He chose the latter following in the footsteps of his Grandfather. Alec moved to Orlando Florida, from Port Saint Lucie to attend the University of Central Florida. After obtaining an undergraduate degree in Legal Studies, Attorney Weber went on to attend the Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. While in law school Attorney Weber held various positions within the private and public sectors of Law. First as an intern for the State Attorney’s Office of the Ninth Judicial Circuit where Attorney Weber gained valuable experience and insight on how the State Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal defendants. Also, while in law school, Attorney Weber interned with the Orange County Attorney’s Office, primarily working on zoning, constitutional, and eminent domain issues. During his third year in law school, Attorney Weber was approved by the Florida Supreme Court as a Certified Legal Intern, meaning he was able to appear in court and represent clients as a law student.. While a Certified Legal Intern, Attorney Weber interned for the Office of the Public Defender, Ninth Judicial Circuit. During his time with the Public Defender’s Office Attorney Weber obtained two “not guilty” verdicts in jury trials before even graduating law school; an experience he considers an invaluable one for any law student. Through mutual friendships Attorney Weber came to know Attorney Maxwell, soon after Attorney Weber was invited by Attorney Maxwell to intern in his practice. In 2010 Alec Weber graduated from law school and passed the Florida State Bar. Subsequently he was then invited by Attorney Maxwell to join him as an associate. Since then Attorney Weber has serviced clients in the areas of: Auto Accidents, Family Law, Divorce, Domestic Violence Injunctions, Violation of Probation, Criminal Defense, Business and Contract matters, and Landlord/Tenant issues. His assistance was invaluable on a recent auto accident case where, Mr. Maxwell’s client was awarded over $27.5 million dollars in damages.

Thank you for visiting my profile on , and please take the time to visit my firm's website at .  There you will find more information about myself, my co-workers, and the service that we provide for our clients and community.. Thank you,. Jonathan Y. Suh

Melanie joined the legal profession to help give a voice to those who cannot articulate their rights and assist those who were unaware of the steps to take to protect their rights.  Her goal is to represent you zealously, assist you in obtaining your objective and fight for your rights.  Melanie understands that facing a legal issue can be a very emotionally draining experience and wants to assist you in attacking your legal issue.. Melanie was born in the Bronx, New York.  After graduating from Cardinal Spellman High School, she attended Colgate University in Hamilton, New York where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy.  Before attending law school, Melanie worked for a real estate law firm in White Plains, New York.  She then went on to pursue her Juris Doctorate at Barry University School of Law in Orlando, Florida.  Immediately after completing law school, Melanie was admitted to the Florida Bar.  Upon being admitted to the Florida Bar, Melanie worked for a private law firm practicing in many areas of law and worked her way from being an associate attorney to lead attorney who trained many new attorneys at the firm.  In November 2014, Melanie and her business partner, Ryan Ghantous, formed Ghantous & Branch, PLLC in Orlando, Florida.  She practices in many areas of law including Foreclosure Defense, Consumer Law, Commercial Law, Bankruptcy, Personal Injury, Landlord Tenant Law, Asset Protection, Appellate Work, and Civil Litigation.. On a personal note, Melanie was drafting letters to the NBA Commissioner arguing the injustices she saw on the screen at ten years old, while other girls her age were playing with nail polish and braiding their hair.  Clearly, for Melanie fighting for the right cause is not just a job but a way of life, ask any of her loved ones.

From his offices in Orlando and Kissimmee, Michael R. De Canio assists clients throughout Central Florida in complex marital and family law matters, including divorce, child custody and support, and property distribution. Mr. De Canio attended Barry University School of Law and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Central Florida, where he received his undergraduate degree in business administration with a focus on strategic business methods. While in the legal studies program, Mr. De Canio maintained a scholarship and graduated in the top 30% of his class.. Before starting his legal career, Michael studied strategic business implementation and negotiation which focuses on working, communicating, and balancing interests between parties to obtain the best possible solution. Michael enjoys applying these analytical skills to solve complex issues and his knowledge of strategic business negotiations enables him to adapt to a wide range of difficult and stressful situations that can often arise in family law matters.. Mr. De Canio is an active member of the Florida Bar Association. He was also a Florida Supreme Court certified county court mediator. His approach is concise: “Treat each and every person with respect and conduct interactions in a professional and ethical manner. Vehemently litigate the issues that you feel are justified while conceding the ones that are meritless. Attempt to mediate and settle issues in between and always research both thoroughly to know the difference.”

FAMILY:  Dealing with issues surrounding something as important as your family can be extremely difficult.  It is during times like these that if an attorney is needed, you obtain representation that will be cognizant of your feelings as well as your goal in resolving the outstanding matters.  Attorney Benjamin has handled several family matters and respects the seriousness of the issues surrounding these matters.  She handles dissolution of marriage, child support, modifications, visitation, and contempt matters.. As a sole practitioner, it is this firm’s policy to address any issues directly with the client. CRIMINAL DEFENSE:  If you are accused of a crime, you need an experienced attorney dedicated to handling the case for you . Contacting an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a difference in how your matter is handled and how your rights are protected. Attorney Benjamin handles misdemeanor, violation of probation, expungement, juvenile, felony and injunction cases.. PERSONAL INJURY: The firm specializes in injury and negligent cases.  Attorney Benjamin has vast experience in handling motor vehicle accidents, dog bite cases; premises liability; negligent security; and wrongful death cases.  The goal of this firm is to always get the client what they are entitled and keep them informed at all times.  Going through a loss resulting from injury is difficult for the individual and the family.  Attorney Benjamin focuses on keeping the client informed and assisting with making this process easier for client.. At all times the goal of this firm to keep the client informed and obtain the goals that are established from the onset.

As a member of the Florida Bar for over 12 years, Wendy Kwon has formerly been employed by the State Attorney’s Office of the Third Judicial Circuit, in Columbia County, Florida from 2004 through 2015.  Her dedicated experience in prosecution has given her exclusive and essential insight into the prosecution of criminal cases, which she utilizes in the defense of her criminal clients.. Upon relocating back to the Central Florida area where she was raised, Wendy has turned her attention to helping clients with legal issues pertaining to family law, criminal law, traffic infractions, and estate planning.  Clients are important to Wendy and she understands the importance of strong personal attention as well as extensive legal experience and knowledge to guide her clients through every step of the legal process.  Along with her legal partner, Joseph Wirth, together they seek to benefit and support the residents of the Central Florida area with a variety of legal matters.  Wendy Kwon resides in the Central Florida area with her family, including her two young sons.

Rhonda Sansone Smith is a 2002 graduate of Louisiana State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in History.  She was immediately accepted into the Paul M. Hebert Law School at LSU and obtained her Juris Doctorate in 2005, as well as a Bachelor of Civil Law that same year.  During law school, she was a member of the Legal Association of Women, the Civil Flory Mock Trial Association and obtained an internship with the Innocence Project of New Orleans where she worked with an inmate serving a life sentence.  She also clerked for Lee & Walsh, LLC, one of the preeminent family law firms in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.. Following law school, she served as the Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Annette B. Lasalle, Judge of the Family Court of Baton Rouge in East Baton Rouge Parish.  After her clerkship in Family Court, she began working in the area of family law.  As her husband continued to be promoted within his company, Rhonda followed him to Texas and Georgia, where she also became barred.. Rhonda is active in her community, formerly serving as a member and chair of the Louisiana High School Mock Trial Association and as an attorney-mentor for several high schools.  She was also honored to be a member and serve as president of the Louisiana National Guard Family Support Group for the 256th BSTB in Plaquemine, Louisiana during her husband’s two tours of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom.. Rhonda is licensed in Georgia courts, including Magistrate, Juvenile, Probate, State and Superior Courts, as well as the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia and Georgia Court of Appeals; Louisiana Courts, including all State Courts, the United States District Courts for the Middle, Eastern and Western Districts, and the First Circuit Court of Appeal; and, Texas courts, including all County Courts, as well as the United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern, Northern and Western Districts.

Megan started her legal career as a Police Officer/Detective with the New Orleans Police Department where she eventually went on to train the New Orleans Police Department in domestic violence protocols. She was also named 2010’s Officer of the Year. Megan was also a part of the Atlanta Police Department where she was the first female Valedictorian of the Atlanta Police Department’s Police Academy. After spending time as a Domestic Violence Detective, Megan transitioned her career into family law where she knew her background would translate seamlessly with advocating for families in need. Megan has worked with the Atlanta Trial Lawyers Group, Emory University School of Law, the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Georgia and the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office.

Lauren D. Devine is an attorney at Meriwether & Tharp, LLC and has exclusively practiced family law since graduating from law school in 2017. She earned her Juris Doctor (Cum Laude) at Georgia State University College of Law and her bachelor's degree in Mass Media and Political Communication with a minor in Political Science at the University of Missouri. She is also a licensed general civil mediator in the State of Georgia.. While in law school, she co-founded the Georgia State University Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) and was its Vice President for three years. She was also a member of the Family Law Society while in law school. She developed her passion for family law during an internship with a family law attorney. In her third year of law school, Lauren interned with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation in its Safe Families Office, helping victims of domestic violence obtain Protective Orders to escape abuse. She also interned with the Honorable Jane C. Barwick of the Superior Court of Fulton County, where she observed numerous court proceedings solely involving family law matters and conducted extensive research on the subject of family law. She joined Meriwether & Tharp after graduating and taking the Georgia Bar Examination in July 2017.. Lauren has considerable experience litigating divorce, contempt, family violence, modification, legitimation, and other family law cases. When possible, however, Lauren uses her background and skills to explore creative solutions to reach compromise and settlement, understanding the significant emotional and financial stress litigation causes for her clients. Lauren has extensive experience litigating cases in Forsyth County but also practices in Cherokee and the surrounding Northeastern counties of Georgia, as well as the Atlanta Metropolitan area.. Lauren lives in Forsyth County, Georgia with her husband and two dogs, Jake, and Piper. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors and traveling.

Elizabeth studied at Georgia State University with a business undergraduate concentration. While attending Mercer School of Law, Elizabeth was a member of the Health Law Society and the Association of Women Law Students. She interned at the District Attorney’s office in Muscogee County. In her last year of law school, she worked for a firm doing estate planning and business law.. Elizabeth’s trial experience is extensive, having starting her career as a Public Defender where she represented indigent children and their families in Lagrange, Georgia. She worked with organizations such as the Troup County School System, the Division of Family and Children Services, and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Her experience practicing to advocate for children coupled with her business background has been instrumental in her zealous advocacy for her clients. She has a passion for helping families and their children in difficult times.