CRUSER MITCHELL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate in the Miami Office
Abigail Mitchell is an associate in the Miami office of Cruser Mitchell, focusing on insurance defense and personal injury.
Abigail received her Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University. Following her undergraduate studies, Abigail attended the University of Miami School of law, where she obtained her Juris Doctorate.
Education
University of Miami School of Law, J.D.
Clemson University, B.S.
Alameda Tank Co. v. Starkist Foods, Inc., 103 Cal App. 3d 428, 162 Cal Rptr. 924 (1980)
Job Titles:
- Member of the State Bar of Georgia
- Senior Associate / Georgia
- Senior Associate at Cruser
Alexa Morris is a senior associate at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. Her practice covers a wide range of civil matters in both state and federal court. Alexa specializes in employment, public entity/municipal liability, civil rights, and complex tort and product liability law.
Alexa received her undergraduate degree from Furman University and her Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts.
Alexa is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and South Carolina, and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the Supreme Court of Georgia and the Court of Appeals of Georgia.
Education
New England School of Law
Furman University
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Indiana
Alexandria Samons is an associate in the firm's Indianapolis office, where she practices primarily trucking liability, premises liability, products liability, and civil tort litigation.
Alexandria graduated from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2024, earning her Juris Doctorate along with a Certificate in Dispute Resolution. Prior to law school, Alexandria attended Marian University in Indianapolis, where she earned her bachelor's degree in political science while also playing collegiate soccer and serving as team captain her senior year.
During her time at Moritz College of Law, Alexandria competed in and won the National Championship for the ABA Representation in Mediation competition and honed skills which are rooted in her commitment in resolving disputes efficiently and effectively. These experiences have reinforced her belief in the power of negotiation and creative problem-solving in achieving client goals.
Outside of her legal practice, Alexandria enjoys staying active with her golden retriever and Australian shepherd.
Education
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Marian University
Amanda J. Phillips is a senior attorney focusing on insurance defense and personal injury.
Amanda earned her Juris Doctor from University of Miami School of Law. Prior to law school, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mississippi. While at the University of Miami School of Law, Amanda participated in the UM Death Penalty Clinic and worked as a Capital Litigation Intern at the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office. Amanda previously worked as an attorney at one of Florida's largest civil defense firms in areas including personal injury, insurance defense, and liability.
Education
University of Miami School of Law, Juris Doctor, May 2014
University of Mississippi, Bachelor of Arts, May 2011
Angel Castillo, Jr. has significant experience during more than 30 years of practice in employment and other civil litigation and in domestic and international arbitrations. He is AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by both the South Florida Legal Guide and Florida Super Lawyers as one of the top Labor and Employment lawyers in South Florida.
Angel's legal practice currently focuses on workplace legal issues. He represents employers in state and federal court litigation and appeals, and before the EEOC and other agencies. He defends claims alleging employment discrimination on the basis of:
Physical and mental disabilities (Americans with Disabilities Act)
Age (Age Discrimination in Employment Act)
Gender (including sexual harassment)
Pregnancy
Religious beliefs
Race
National origin (Title VII and the Florida Civil Rights Act)
Audrey Fernandez is of counsel, focusing on insurance defense and personal injury. She earned her Juris Doctor from Florida International University College of Law. Before law school, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Miami.
During law school, Audrey honed her legal writing and analytical skills as a member of the FIU Law Review and was also an active member of the FIU Law Board of Appellate Advocates (Moot Court), where she received various recognitions for arguing novel issues of law and procedure in both local and national competitions.
Education
Florida International University College of Law, Juris Doctor, 2020
University of Miami, Bachelor of Arts, 2016
Brandt Roen focuses on appellate litigation, commercial litigation, medical malpractice, professional malpractice, and trust litigation. Previously, he served as an analyst for a government relations firm which represented Fortune 500 companies, professional associations, and issue groups.
During law school, Brandt interned for the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and the City Attorney's Office for Madison, Wisconsin, and represented the State of Wisconsin at initial appearances and preliminary hearings as a Prosecution Extern and returned to Miami following law school.
Brandt earned his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School on a full tuition scholarship. He earned his B.A. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where he was a Varsity Letter Winner, earned All-Big Ten Academic Honors, and twice selected to the U.S. Rowing National Team U-23 Selection Camp.
Education
University of Wisconsin Law School, Juris Doctor, 2021
University of Wisconsin - Madison, B.A., 2016
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Georgia
- Associate With
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Brooke received her juris doctor from Samford University's Cumberland School of Law in May of 2020, completing her final year at Georgia State University's College of Law. Prior to law school, Brooke graduated with a master's degree in public administration from Augusta University in 2017, where she was the founding President of the Masters of Public Administration Student Association, Graduate Student Counsel Senator, and member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Earning a bachelor's degree in political science from Troy University in 2015, Brooke also competed in Division One College Tennis during her collegiate tenure.
As an associate with Cruser Mitchell, Brooke has been able to transform her competitive athletic spirit into fierce advocacy on behalf of her clients by providing competent legal guidance in all stages of their case, whether that be in alternative dispute resolution, or in taking a case to trial.
When she's not zealously advocating on behalf of her clients, Brooke enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending live sporting and musical events, as well as participating in ALTA and USTA events.
Education
Samford University's Cumberland School of Law, Juris Doctorate
Augusta University, Master of Public Administration
Troy University, Bachelor's Degree in Political Science
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner / Indiana
- Member of the Indiana Civic Education Advisory Committee
- Partner at Cruser
Bruce D. Jones is a partner at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. Bruce's practice focuses on general civil litigation with an emphasis on state and federal constitutional law, professional and E&O liability, premises liability, products liability, trucking liability, gig economy liability, and employment matters, including employment discrimination under Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, and the Rehabilitation Act. Before joining Cruser Mitchell, Bruce was a law clerk for the Honorable Brent Dickson of the Indiana Supreme Court where he gained invaluable state appellate experience. While at the Indiana Supreme Court, Bruce reviewed and wrote more 50 state appeals covering a wide spectrum of state and federal law issues, including labor and employment law issues under state and federal employment laws, civil rights appeals arising under the Indiana and United States Constitutions, complex litigation, premises liability, products liability, profession malpractice, and civil litigation.
Bruce serves as a member of the Indiana Civic Education Advisory Committee where he works to ensure the health of civic education in the State of Indiana. Bruce also works with the Indiana State Bar Foundation's "We the People Program" as a judge and mentor to Indiana's civic education students learning about and applying the important principles found in the Constitution of the United States in national competitions. For his commitment to civic service and civic education, Bruce was inducted as a Fellow of the Indiana State Bar Foundation in July 2011. Bruce currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Indiana State Bar Foundation.
Bruce received his J.D., cum laude, from Indiana University School of Law -Indianapolis with a concentration in Health Care Law. While in law school, Bruce served as the Executive Notes Editor for the Indiana Health Law review. Additionally, he interned with Judge Robin Moberly of the Marion County Superior Court. Bruce graduated, summa cum laude, from Washington University, St. Louis with a B.S. in History and Political Science. Bruce is a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served a medic and a member of the Honor Guard. He received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named his Group's Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in 2000. Additionally, Bruce is a member of the American Inn of Court.
Education
Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis, J.D., cum laude
Washington University, B.S., summa cum laude
Job Titles:
- Partner / Georgia
- Partner at Cruser
Candice R. Bryant is a partner at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. Candice specializes in insurance coverage litigation, professional liability litigation, premises liability litigation, and general insurance defense, representing individuals, companies, corporations and insurance companies.
Candice received her undergraduate degree in 2010 from the University of Georgia and obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2015.
Prior to joining Cruser Mitchell, Candice worked as a fellow with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation in their Safe Families Office. During law school, she interned with the Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender Office and studied international and comparative law at St. Anne's College, Oxford University through UGA Law's Oxford Program.
Education
University of Georgia School of Law, J.D.
University of Georgia, B.A.
An associate in the Atlanta office of Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP, Charles graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Dakota, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He then graduated from Emory University School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia.
Education
Emory University School of Law, J.D.
University of North Dakota, B.A, B.S.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner at Cruser
Christopher Cerullo is Partner at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. Christopher's practice primarily focuses on representing self-insured corporations, business entities, insurance carriers, and individuals in all stages of state and federal court litigation claims involving product liability, gig economy liability, construction defect, civil rights, professional liability, insurance coverage disputes, employment practices, transportation, and premises liability.
Christopher has substantial experience defending clients in all aspects of product liability, transportation, premises liability, construction defect, civil rights, product liability, and other general civil liability matters in both state and federal courts, including trial, mediations, and binding/nonbinding arbitration. He also served as a law clerk to Honorable Thomas F. Brogan, Presiding Judge of the Civil Division in the Passaic County Superior Court.
Christopher earned his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, where he served as an Associate Editor of the Fordham Law Review and published a Note on the impact of implicit bias in employment discrimination claims.
Education
Fordham University School of Law
University of Delaware
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate at Cruser
Christopher F. Coulson is an associate at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. His practice primarily focuses in the areas of commercial litigation, transportation liability, insurance coverage disputes as well as professional liability and employment liability claims. Christopher has prior experience handling plaintiff's personal injury and medical malpractice matters as well as white collar criminal defense cases.
Christopher completed his undergraduate education at Arizona State University, and then went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from New York Law School. Christopher played baseball in two Junior College World Series and played college baseball at Arizona State University.
During his time at New York Law School, Christopher was a student writer for City Law, a New York Law School student publication. After law school, Christopher served as Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Gregg A. Padovano, Law Division, in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage.
Christopher is admitted in the State of New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the State of New York.
Education
New York Law School
Arizona State University
Job Titles:
- Partner / Georgia
- Partner at Cruser
Craig P. Terrett is a partner at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP, who specializes in civil tort litigation. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Florida State University and his Juris Doctorate degree from Georgia State University. Craig has represented individuals in a wide variety of areas, including personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice and labor. He has also defended self-insured corporations in disputes involving railroad/trucking accidents. The focus of Craig's practice at Cruser Mitchell is on automotive/trucking litigation, insurance coverage, and premises liability. Craig is admitted to the state bars of both Georgia and Florida and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
Education
Georgia State University College of Law, Atlanta, Georgia, J.D.
Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, B.S. and M.P.A.
Job Titles:
- Associate / Georgia
- Associate in the Atlanta Office of Cruser
Aaron is an associate in the Atlanta office of Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet, LLP. Prior to joining the firm, Aaron served as a clerk in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, where he earned valuable experienced in civil rights litigation.
Aaron is a proud Double Dawg, having received both his bachelor's in business administration and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia. When he is not at work, Aaron enjoys cooking, spending time with his family, and obsessing over Georgia sports of all kinds.
Education
University of Georgia School of Law, J.D.
University of Georgia Terry College of Business, B.B.A
Daniel Berkowitz focuses his practice on representing insurers in complex insurance coverage litigation arising under general liability, director and officer, and professional liability policies. He also handles matters involving claims of bad faith and provides strategic counseling to clients regarding potential liability and strategies for handling underlying liability matters.
Previously, Dan spent more than two years with the Illinois Attorney General's Office where he was an Assistant Attorney General in the General Law Bureau. In that role, he represented state agencies and state employees in State and Federal court, handling all manner of complex litigation work from initial case analysis through trial. Cases handled included a variety of work from the constitutionality of COVID-era executive orders to police-involved shootings. He also litigated administrative actions involving state agencies and state employees, including the Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Department of Transportation, and Illinois State Police.
Daniel Liebowitz is the Managing Partner of the firm's Orlando office, focusing his practice on products liability, premises liability, auto liability, and complex general liability matters involving wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
Daniel has a wide range of experience litigating cases on behalf of corporations in state and federal courts throughout Florida, as well as in other jurisdictions across the United States. He has represented Fortune 500 companies in various types of matters including automotive litigation, construction law, trucking litigation, general liability, premises liability, products liability. and gig economy liability.
Most of Daniel's 20-year career has been committed to to defending companies in vehicle and premises liability lawsuits. He also has extensive experience defending clients in product liability matters, including manufacturers of automobiles, tires, sanitation vehicles, personal watercraft and boat components, ATVs, construction equipment, tankless water heaters, ladders, personal hygiene products, law tractors and other outdoor power equipment. In addition, Daniel has represented many types of construction clients in multi-million dollar, multi-residence projects as well as bad faith litigation.
Education
University of Miami School of Law, J.D.
University of Miami, B.A.
David J. Shinder attended law school in New York at New York Law School as well as Western State College of Law in Orange County, California. Prior to law school, David received his Master's Degree in Business Management.
Prior to joining the firm, David focused primarily on insurance defense litigation, with extensive experience in E&O, commercial litigation, D&O, and FINRA matters, along with general liability matters.
Education
Western State College of Law, JD
New York Law School, JD
Lieber School of Graduate Studies, Master's Degree
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner of the New Jersey
- Managing Partner, New Jersey, Florida - Boca Raton / Partner, Pennsylvania
Douglas V. Sanchez is the managing partner of the New Jersey, Boca Raton, Florida, and Pennsylvania offices of Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. He is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney and his practices focuses on complex civil litigation. Doug represents self-insured corporations, business entities, public entities, insurance carriers, and individuals in state and federal court litigation claims, involving technology platforms, employment practices, professional liability (legal malpractice and architects & engineers claims), partnership disputes, insurance coverage disputes, gig economy liability, construction defect, products liability, and trucking liability.
Elizabeth Brown works in the Georgia office of Cruser Mitchell, representing clients in the areas of automotive litigation, trucking liability, insurance coverage and premises liability.
Before joining the firm, Elizabeth represented various creditors in consumer collections actions.
Education
Emory University School of Law, J.D.
Florida State University, B.A.
Beth is a Washington native and an associate in the firm's Los Angeles office. She received her Associate of Arts degree at Spokane Community College, her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Washington University, and her Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate / New York
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Indiana
Emily Sery is a litigation associate at Cruser Mitchell, where she advises clients primarily on trucking liability, motor carrier law, premises liability and products liability.
Emily received her undergraduate degree from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and gladly stayed in Bloomington thereafter to earn her Juris Doctor from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. While in law school, Emily participated in the Outreach for Legal Literacy project, where she taught basic legal concepts and constitutional foundations to local fifth graders. During her second and third year of law school, Emily was also chosen to serve as a mentor for first year students.
Before joining Cruser Mitchell, Emily served as a claims attorney for a trucking insurance company, where she handled high-dollar commercial trucking claims.
Education
Indiana University Maurer School of Law, JD
Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs, BSPA with Honors & High Distinction
Job Titles:
- Associate / Georgia
- Associate at the Metro Atlanta
Emma W. Hancock is an associate at the metro Atlanta office Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet, LLP and her practice focuses on premises liability, product liability, and professional liability.
Prior to joining Cruser Mitchell, Emma practiced law in Colorado, after having attended law school at The University of Colorado Boulder. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia Emma is excited to be back.
In her spare time, Emma enjoys taking her dog, Fig, on walks, going to museums and art exhibits, and trying out new food.
Education
University of Colorado School of Law, J.D.
Saint Mary College of California
Job Titles:
- Associate / Georgia
- Associate With Cruser
- Member of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society
Emmaline Wilder Harter is an associate with Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. She specializes in automotive litigation, trucking liability, bad faith litigation, insurance coverage, premises liability, and catastrophic injury and wrongful death.
Emmaline earned her Bachelor's and law degrees from Mercer University and worked as a law clerk in Macon, Georgia while in law school. She was a legal intern with the Office of the General Counsel with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta and also worked as a family law attorney.
Emmaline is a member of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society and The American Health Lawyers Association, and a recipient of the CALI Award in Administrative Law and in International Law.
Education
Mercer University School of Law, Juris Doctor
Mercer University, Bachelor of Science Arts
Job Titles:
- Partner / New York
- Partner at Cruser
Gary E. Dvoskin is a partner at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. He specializes in civil tort litigation. Gary has spent most of the last ten years specializing in the representation of construction companies in various labor law and personal injury matters. Gary also has extensive experience in handling diverse matters involving premises liability and automobile accidents. Gary has concentrated his practice on defending clients from labor law, negligence, general liability, premises liability, municipal liability, breach of contract claims and insurance coverage issues.
Gary received his Juris Doctor degree at Hofstra Law School in 1993. He has tried and arbitrated cases throughout New York on a variety of legal issues. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Outside of work, Gary is a food and restaurant reviewer for Going Local Long Island and particularly enjoys seeking out lesser-known spots that may be struggling or are hard to find.
Education
Hofstra Law School, New York, J.D., 1993
Hofstra University, Honors, New York, B.A., 1989
Gary Spitzer is an experienced and accomplished lawyer with more than twenty five years of litigation experience, including acting as lead counsel in numerous bench and jury trials and arbitrations. His practice focuses in the areas of business litigation, E&O liability, complex tort litigation and employment law, including claims for wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and harassment. He also handles claims for violation of wage and hour standards, conducts employment investigations and provides advice and counsel to employers, including drafting of employee handbooks, employment agreements and personnel policies.
Working at smaller boutique law firms and national law firms, Gary has represented national corporations, mid-sized companies, individuals, and public entities in cases before Federal and State courts. He is admitted to the California State Bar and the Central, Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of California of the United States District Court.
Gary earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, where he was a member of the Dean's List. He graduated, with honors, from the University of Southern California with a double B.A. in History and International Relations. He also studied International Law at the University of Bonn in Germany.
Education
Loyola Law School
University of Southern California
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate at Cruser
Gerald A. Wynn is an associate at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. His practice primarily focuses in the areas of commercial litigation, transportation liability, as well as professional liability and employment liability claims. Gerald has prior experience handling plaintiff's personal injury and medical malpractice matters as well as construction defect cases.
Gerald completed his undergraduate education at Fairfield University, and later went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from New York Law School. Gerald works with his alma mater high school football team during the season.
Gerald is admitted in the State of New Jersey, and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. He is also a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Education
New York Law School
Fairfield University
Job Titles:
- Associate / Georgia
- Associate at Cruser
Grace Kim is an associate at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet LLP. She specializes in civil tort litigation, defending insured individuals and corporate entities in automobile, general liability, and personal injury lawsuits.
Grace obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law and undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University. In law school, Grace participated as a competitive member and student coach of the Emory Transactional Law Program Negotiation team. To this day, Grace continues to volunteer her time as a coach to the team.
Prior to joining the firm, Grace served as Judicial Staff Attorney for the Honorable Ashley Wright at the Augusta Judicial Circuit Superior Court in Augusta, Georgia.
In her free time, Grace enjoys playing outdoor tennis, strength training, and hanging out with her dog, Sunny.
Education
Emory University School of Law, J.D.
Vanderbilt University, B.A.
Job Titles:
- Associate / Georgia
- Associate at the Atlanta
Hannah Lee is an associate at the Atlanta office of Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. She specializes in civil tort litigation, defending insured individuals and corporate entities.
Hannah graduated cum laude from Georgia State University's College of Law and has worked as an immigration attorney.
Hannah's interests include grappling and weightlifting. She is a certified reformer Pilates instructor and is fluent in Spanish and Korean.
Education
Georgia State University College of Law, J.D., cum laude
Boston University, M.S. in Criminal Justice
Georgia State University, B.A. in Spanish Language & Literature
Ian McClain-Sewer received his B.A. from Yale University in 2007. He received his J.D. from Harvard University in 2013. He is a civil defense attorney in the areas of employment practices liability, professional liability, and directors and officers liability. He is licensed to practice in California. Previously, Ian worked at a reputable non-profit in Berkeley.
Education
Harvard Law School
Yale University
J. Alan Frederick is rated A.V. Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell in both peer and judicial reviews. He is an experienced trial and appellate attorney specializing in professional errors and omissions litigation, medical and health care provider malpractice litigation, indemnity and construction litigation, insurance coverage matters and bad faith and declaratory relief litigation, products liability litigation, general and premises liability litigation, general liability litigation, intellectual property litigation, toxic tort litigation, and appellate litigation.
He has drafted insurance policy language on behalf of insurer clients and participated in drafting proposed legislation on insurance matters. He has appeared as an expert witness in insurance coverage matters. He has published chapters in CEB volumes and served as a consultant regarding civil litigation publications.
In near 50 years of civil litigation practice, Alan has taken dozens of cases to trial and has handled many matters on appeal, including appearing as amicus curiae. He is admitted to practice in all California State and Federal Courts and in Colorado Federal District Court.
Education
University of California, Los Angeles, 1974, JD
University of California, Santa Barbara, 1971, with highest honors
Job Titles:
- Firm Managing Partner / Georgia
- Partner at Cruser
J. Robb Cruser is a Partner at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. Prior to forming Cruser Mitchell, Robb was a partner at one of the largest litigation firms in the southeast. He is a former Certified Public Accountant who worked in the audit department with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young. Robb is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, and he received his Juris Doctor degree at Emory University School of Law.
Robb specializes in civil tort litigation and represents individuals, corporations, and insurance companies in state and federal courts. His practice emphasizes the areas of professional liability, transportation liability, gig economy liability, premises liability, bad faith litigation, coverage disputes and other significant civil matters. He has tried, mediated, and arbitrated cases throughout Georgia and established landmark appellate decisions on a variety of legal issues. Robb is a member of the Defense Research Institute, Claims Litigation Management Alliance, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association. He is a frequent lecturer on a variety of litigation and insurance topics throughout the State of Georgia.
Education
Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, Georgia J.D.
College of William & Mary, B.B.A
Job Titles:
- Associate / Georgia
- Associate at Cruser
Jaci Gilliland is an associate at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP, specializing in civil tort litigation. Her practice focuses on defending individuals, corporations, and insurance companies in general liability, automotive litigation, and premises liability claims.
Born and raised in Alabama, Jaci graduated from Auburn University in 2017, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She then earned her Juris Doctor from The University of South Carolina School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia.
Education
University of South Carolina, Juris Doctor
Auburn University, Bachelor of Arts
Job Titles:
- Senior Attorney / Georgia
Jade is a senior attorney in the Atlanta Office of Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. She specializes in civil tort litigation defending individuals, corporations, and insurance companies in general liability, premises liability, and automotive ligation cases, as well as E&O liability matters.
Jade earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia in 2003 and earned her Juris Doctorate Degree with Honors from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas in 2008.
Before joining the firm, Jade spent a few years working as an insurance defense attorney focusing primarily on all aspects of automotive litigation cases as well as general and premises liability. Additionally, Jade spent four years in public service as an Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County, Georgia, where she obtained extensive courtroom and jury trial experience. Prior to her years in public service, she practiced in the areas of Bankruptcy and Family Law.
In her spare time, Jade can be found spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys creating new baking recipes, traveling, and visiting amusement parks around the country.
Education
Thurgood Marshall School of Law, J.D., cum laude
University of Georgia, B.B.A. Finance
Job Titles:
- Associate / Georgia
- Associate With Cruser
- Member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and a Recipient of Mercer Law School 's Rusty Gunn Award
Jake McCarthy is an associate with Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. He specializes in automotive litigation, insurance coverage, and trucking liability.
Jake earned his Bachelor's and Juris Doctor degrees from Mercer University. During law school, he interned in a personal injury law firm, the Macon-Bibb County Attorney's Office, and in the general counsel's office of Hero Practice Services. He also served as a Class Representative and the Vice President of the Mercer Law Student Bar Association.
Jake is a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and a recipient of Mercer Law School's Rusty Gunn Award for leadership. In his spare time, Jake enjoys relaxing with family and friends, traveling, and exercising.
Education
Mercer University School of Law
Mercer University, Bachelor of Arts, cum laude
Job Titles:
- Associate / Georgia
- Associate at Cruser
Jamelah J. Plato is an associate at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. Jamelah received her Bachelor of Arts from Clark Atlanta University, and her Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law. Jamelah specializes in civil tort litigation with a focus on automotive litigation, defending individuals, corporations, and insurance companies.
Prior to joining Cruser Mitchell, Jamelah worked as a Staff Attorney for the Honorable Linda Warren Hunter in the Superior Court of DeKalb County, for several years.
In her free time, Jamelah enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting new restaurants, and exercising.
Education
Emory University School of Law, J.D.
Clark Atlanta University, B.A. Magna Cum Laude
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / California
Jasmina Aragon is a Partner in the Los Angeles office of Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. Jasmina focuses her practice on litigation and labor and employment matters.
Jasmina defends employers against claims of workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage & hour claims in state court, federal court, and arbitration. She assists employers with pre-litigation negotiation and resolution of employee disputes. Jasmina provides comprehensive representation, which includes counseling and compliance. Through counseling her clients, Jasmina helps employers create and maintain a safe workplace where employees are valued. Jasmina's practice also includes civil litigation, premises liability, and professional liability claims.
Because litigation can be overwhelming for many individuals and companies, Jasmina's top priority is to reduce her clients' financial exposure and keep them out of harm's way.
She speaks both English and Spanish.
Education
Southwestern Law School
California State University, Northridge
Job Titles:
- Partner / Georgia
- Partner at Cruser
Jason G. Wyrick is a trial lawyer and partner at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP, who specializes in civil tort litigation. Jason has handled cases in a variety of areas including automotive litigation, catastrophic injury & wrongful death, construction, general liability, governmental liability, insurance coverage, premises liability, products liability, professional liability, subrogation, trucking liability, workers' compensation, and bad faith litigation. Jason has tried cases to jury verdict in Georgia's state, superior and federal courts.
Jason graduated from The George Washington University Law School in 2005. He completed his undergraduate education at The University of Maryland, receiving his B.A. in economics in 2002. Jason is admitted to the State Bar of Georgia, State Bar of California, Georgia Court of Appeals, Supreme Court of Georgia, United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, and the United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit.
Education
The George Washington University Law School, 2005, J.D.
University of Maryland, 2002, B.A.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner at Cruser
Jason M. Chung is a partner at Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. His practice primarily focuses in the areas of commercial litigation, transportation liability, defense against construction defect, insurance coverage disputes, education law, as well as professional liability, E&O liability, and employment liability claims.
Jason completed his undergraduate education at Rutgers University, and then went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law. During his time at Rutgers University, Jason was a member of the Honors College and Pi Sigma Alpha Honors Society, as well as captain of the Rutgers Men's Soccer team.
In law school, Jason served as the school's first Business Law Fellow, during which he founded and was President of the Business Law Society, and helped in the creation and implementation of the Sager Speaker Series for the school. He also served as a Student Attorney for both the Pop-up Legal Clinic and Nicaragua Micro-Trade Development Clinic, helping tech start-ups and small businesses with all their legal needs. Jason served as a panel member at the North Carolina Bar Association's 3rd Annual Minority Pre-Law Conference.
Jason is admitted in the State of New Jersey, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State of New York, and the United States District Courts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He is a member of the New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York State Bar associations.
Education
Wake Forest University, J.D.
Rutgers University, B.A.
Jennifer is Of Counsel at Cruser Mitchell's Philadelphia office, specializing in employment practice litigation. Jennifer graduated from Widener University Delaware Law School in 2008 and received her B.A. in Spanish from Fairfield University in 2005. Prior to joining Cruser Mitchell, Jennifer worked for two major insurance carriers and has extensive knowledge of insurance coverage and claims handling. Additionally, she worked for a small plaintiff's firm, handling a wide variety of cases from inception through trial.
Jennifer is very active in her community, where she coaches Girls on the Run and sits on the boards of her local elementary school, community house, and ballet theatre.
Education
Widener University Delaware Law School, Wilmington, DE
Fairfield University, Fairfield CT
Jennifer Swan is an associate in the firm's Orlando office, focusing her practice on insurance defense.
Prior to joining Cruser Mitchell, Jennifer was an Assistant Regional Counsel for the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel. While there, she practiced several areas of law including felony and misdemeanor criminal, juvenile, dependency, guardianships, and Marchman substance abuse. She also has experience in worker's compensation. Jennifer has extensive courtroom experience in both bench trials and jury trials.
Before pursuing law, Jennifer was a Machinist Mate (mechanic) in the United States Navy's Nuclear Power Program for ten years.
Education
Barry University School of Law, J.D.
Saint Leo University, MBA
Excelsior College, BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology
John P. Maniatis is a trial lawyer with 40 years of experience handling matters in state and federal courts locally and nationally. He has won bench and jury trials in the areas of business disputes, fraud, Lanham Act violations and serious injury.
John's clients have included individuals and small businesses to large corporations in the financial and sales sector, manufacturers, maritime and motor carriers, the construction and commercial real estate field, municipalities, non-profits and religious institutions. In addition, John was outside national litigation counsel for a major motor carrier for over 20 years and previously served as outside general counsel for a major religious institution.
Education
University of Illinois Chicago, J.D., 1982
Job Titles:
- Associate / Georgia
- Associate in the Atlanta Office
Jonathan Garcia is an associate in the Atlanta office of Cruser Mitchell, where he handles civil tort litigatio n matters with a focus on automotive litigation, defending individuals, corporations, and insurance companies. During law school, Jonathan worked as a legal intern at Cruser Mitchell and for a firm specializing in immigration litigation matters.
Education
Georgia State University School of Law
Georgia State University
Jordan Hoffman's practice in the New York office of Cruser Mitchell focuses on the representation of lenders in connection with the foreclosure of timeshare units.
Prior to joining Cruser Mitchell, Jordan represented institutional lenders in connection with the origination of mortgage loans secured by multi-family, mixed-use, retail, commercial and industrial properties primarily in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Jordan also represented lenders in connection with leasehold mortgages, construction and project loans, co-op and other UCC secured loans, unsecured loans and lines of credit, loan participation and intercreditor agreements, as well as representing clients in connection with the assignment and satisfaction of mortgages.
Jordan has additional experience representing clients in connection with residential purchase and sale transactions and both commercial and residential §1031 transactions.
Education
Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, Juris Doctor
University at Albany, B.S., Political Science
Job Titles:
- Member of the Firm
- Partner / California
- Partner at the Los Angeles
Jose Gonzalez is a partner at the Los Angeles office of Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. He is a seasoned, results-oriented litigator who aggressively handles matters, consistently obtaining early resolution and favorable settlements. When reasonable settlements are not possible, Jose has extensive trial experience and has successfully defended general contractors, subcontractors, and professionals, including lawyers, at arbitrations, bench, and jury trials.
Jose focuses his practice on defending personal injury, premises liability, construction defect and real estate litigation, trucking liability, gig economy liability, surety bond claims, mold and toxic tort, habitability, and employment practices. Jose also handles all types of professional liability claims, including insurance agents/brokers, architects, engineers, lawyers, accountants, and financial advisors. Jose recently obtained a jury defense verdict for a general contractor in a complex construction defect, fraud, breach of contract, assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress claim.
Jose is a UCLA alumnus, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1996. He received his J.D. from Southwestern School of Law in 2002 and was admitted into the California State Bar that same year. He is admitted into California's Supreme Court and the U.S. Federal Courts for the Central, Southern, and Eastern Districts of California.
Jose is a member of the firm's Diversity Team, promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Outside of litigation, you can find Jose on a baseball field or volleyball court coaching his son and daughters and mentoring other children to be not just good athletes, but better persons.
Education
Southwestern University School of Law
University of California, Los Angeles
Job Titles:
- Associate / New York
- Associate at Cruser
Julissa Proaño is an associate at Cruser, Mitchell Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP. Her primary focus is in civil tort litigation, specializing in the areas of automotive litigation, professional and E&O liability claims, premises liability claims, and claims relating to uninsured and underinsured motorist benefits.
Prior to joining Cruser Mitchell, Julissa spent a few years in the plaintiff's bar where her practice focused on personal injury, wrongful death, governmental official misconduct and employment discrimination. Her prior experience with plaintiff firms gives her an edge on her adversaries, having handled cases from their perspective.
Julissa earned her Juris Doctor from City University of New York School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Stony Brook University. While attending law school, she was a Judicial Intern at Queens County Supreme Court for the Honorable Elizabeth Yablon; before that, she worked as a Summer Extern with the Honorable Leonard D. Wexler in 2014 in the United States District Court of the Eastern District. During her final year of law school, Julissa was personally selected to be a Teacher's Assistant for the Trial Practice course.
Education
City University of New York School of Law
Stony Brook University
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner / Indiana
Job Titles:
- Senior Attorney / Georgia
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner, California / California
Job Titles:
- Director of Litigation Management, Training and Quality Assurance / Georgia
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate / Georgia
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner, Washington / Partner, Georgia / Washington
- Partner, Georgia / Managing Partner, Washington / Georgia
Job Titles:
- Firm Managing Partner / Georgia