Franklin County Lawyers

Desireé Marie Bedasa is committed to helping families facing challenging family law issues, such as divorce. Due to her own personal experiences growing up, Desireé is inspired to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves, primarily children. As an individual who did not experience a "traditional" upbringing, Desireé knows the potential trauma of a child being caught in the middle of a custody battle. She has dedicated her career to assisting families with children determine what solution is in the best interest of a child. Desireé is dedicated to and experienced at advocating for families in a wide...

Gregg Oberg is an attorney in Mesquite, Texas who specializes in consumer safety claim and litigation. Gregg is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been since 1995. We represent people who have been injured due to the carelessness of others and due to violations of the safety rules that protect us all from harm. These injuries can occur in auto crashes, truck wrecks, injuries that occur at businesses and injuries that occur on the job. Why do we do what we do? I don't like bullies. Often, the wrongdoers or the...

A graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law in Tuscaloosa Alabama Ms. Weathers was admitted to the Alabama Bar in May 1989. Her legal experience has spanned several disciplines including criminal law, family law, estate litigation, intellectual property, and as a general practitioner. However, since graduating from law school, she has practiced primarily in Criminal Law as an Assistant District Attorney for six years and as a defense attorney since that time. Ms. Weathers has tried in excess of 100 felony jury trials and many misdemeanors and juvenile trials. Serving as a prosecutor Ms. Weathers worked tirelessly to...

Todd is a proud descendant of Judge Charlie Grant Rash, a respected Texas judge who journeyed to the state by wagon train in the late 1800s. Carrying forward his family’s legacy of justice and integrity, Todd is dedicated to defending fellow Texans who find themselves accused of crimes by the government. With deep empathy for the feelings of vulnerability and inequity that can come with prosecution by a powerful state, Todd stands as a staunch advocate for fairness and due process. A graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, Todd began his career in public accounting before moving into corporate...

I am an attorney who specializes primarily in the area of bankruptcy law.

I represent debtors in all aspects of chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy, as well as debtors-in-possession in chapters 11 and 12. I have substantial experience representing Chapter 7 trustees in adversary proceedings as counsel for the bankruptcy estate, and have also represented creditors in non-dischargeability actions. In addition to my bankruptcy practice, I advise clients on matters related to civil litigation, debt negotiation, real estate and insolvency.

At Toronojo & Prosser Law we're a small first with just 2 attorneys. We have no staff/assistants/paralegals so you can...

Kelly A. Carter is originally from Southern Illinois where he graduated from Belleville Township High School East. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Harding University and quickly followed up by earning a Masters of Political Science from the University of North Texas. At the age of 25, he joined the United States Air Force and served on active-duty for over eight years. He began his military service by undergoing rigorous flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola and after receiving his wings, he was stationed back in Texas as a B-1B Bomber Weapon Systems Officer. He deployed...

Carla De La Cruz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Carla has practiced family law in DFW and surrounding counties since 2017 and joined the Bogdanowicz Family Law team in 2020. She has experience in all areas of family law and is a native Spanish speaker.

Carla graduated from the University of Puerto Rico and later attended Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law. While in law school, she gained family law experience interning at the Child Support Offices in the District Court of Ponce, Puerto Rico. She further developed her skills...

The Law Office of Jenna Zebrowski, PLLC, helps real estate professionals and smart business owners protect their interest and prevent problems in their leases, purchases and sales, and contracts and legal documents.

Kim Samman is an accomplished attorney based in Houston, Texas, with over two decades of experience advocating for her clients in criminal courtrooms across the state. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Tyler with a degree in criminal justice and went on to earn her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. During her time there, she demonstrated leadership and a commitment to integrity by serving as Honor Court Chief Magistrate and as an Associate Board Member of the Advocates. Kim is licensed to practice law in Texas and is admitted to the United States...

Audrey Kelly is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with more than a decade of experience and a unique background as both a former prosecutor and a passionate advocate for the accused. Based in Texas, Audrey’s practice focuses on providing strategic, aggressive, and deeply informed representation to individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges, from DWI and drug offenses to violent crimes and white-collar allegations. A native Texan, Audrey’s legal journey began early—by age 18, she was working in a criminal defense office. She went on to earn her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School after completing her undergraduate...

Michael is an accomplished attorney with a robust foundation in negotiation and advocacy. Since earning his Juris Doctor from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, he has built a career marked by precision, leadership, and commitment to client success. Michael applies a meticulous approach to legal research and case management, ensuring each client receives exemplary representation and personalized legal solutions. Michael served as a Managing Attorney at Dunham & Jones Law Firm, where he led one of the largest criminal law offices in Texas. His leadership in high-volume, high-stakes environments has honed his ability to solve complex legal challenges...

Morgan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, a minor in Poverty Studies and Social Justice from Baylor University where she was also an Honors College student. While at Baylor, she was the President of the Baylor chapter of the International Justice Mission and volunteered with local anti-humanitrafficking organizations, like Unbound Waco. Morgan became interested in the law after listening to a lecture by Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, on the opportunity for lawyers to do good with their law degrees. She then spent a summer interning at the Sacramento District Attorney’s office in her hometown. There...

ABOUT BEN
Dallas-based attorney Benjamin Palatiere is a courtroom veteran with over 10 years of experience helping individuals, families, and businesses in civil disputes.


Education

Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, 2008
Texas State University, magna cum laude, 2005


Licensed/Admitted

Benjamin is admitted to the Texas Bar and licensed to practice in all district and county courts at law throughout the state.


Groups / Clubs

Dallas Young Lawyers Association
Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Linda Risinger has been in private practice since 1989, focusing on the needs of North Texans primarily in Collin, Dallas and Denton Counties. However, her expertise has been called upon in cases across Texas. Linda is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Southern Methodist School of Law in 1983 with a Juris Doctor. In 1989, she moved to Collin County, preferring the opportunity to meeting her client's needs in a more personal, committed level. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Collin County Bar Association. Her commitment to maintaining the highest level of knowledge and experience...

Tom Trahan is proficient in all facets of family law, from out-of-court settlements to courtroom litigation. His deep understanding of the litigation process enhances the chances of reaching negotiated or amicable resolutions, as opposing counsel and clients often realize that finding common ground can lead to beneficial outcomes.

Tamara owns and manages the law firm of Brock & Goetzmann. She has over 30 years of business experience combined with over 22 years of legal experience in diverse areas of law, including, products liability, medical malpractice, including birth injuries, cerebral palsy, personal injury, including car accidents, business formation, contracts, wills and trusts, asset protection – estate planning, negligence, car accidents, on-site injuries, contract enforcement, and employee/employer agreements. Tamara will discuss your case and explain the process in detail so you know what to expect along the way. Email or call her for a free initial consultation to answer any...

Megan was a family law paralegal for 16 years before becoming a family lawyer, and has seen firsthand what matters to clients: knowing their case is in good hands with an attorney who understands their personal situation and who is capable of providing personalized options for addressing their legal issues. With a combination of sound legal counsel and practical advice, Megan guides clients toward goal-oriented decision-making that positions them for a better future. Megan was named to the 2023 Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch © list in the field of Family Law.

I am a Texas custody and divorce lawyer. I fight for your children and your money. What could be more important? To have me as your lawyer, is to have an honest southerner who cares about you and your case. I've been through this myself, so I know how important it is to have a lawyer who will protect you, give smart advice and help you keep a cool head. Allowing a lawyer to do these things for you requires an immense amount of trust. I do not take such a...

Board Certified in Business Bankruptcy and Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the Texas Board of Legal Certification.

James P. Whalen is the owner of Whalen Law Office in Frisco, Texas.

James graduated from Southern Methodist University School of Law in May 1995 and was admitted to the Texas Bar in November 1995 and is admitted to practice in the federal courts of the Eastern, Northern, Western and Southern Districts of Texas, Northern District of Illinois, as well as the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. James has been Board Certified in Criminal Law since 2002 and has been Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law since 2017. Mr. Whalen practices exclusively in federal...

Amber Shemesh is a divorce and family law attorney in Dallas Fort-Worth area with passion and dedication of helping her clients with complex divorce and family law matters. She has represented clients in different counties of Texas, including Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, and Ellis. Amber Shemesh has been practicing family law in Texas for over 10 years now, and over the years she has helped her clients with contested divorce, uncontested divorce, child support, child custody, parental rights, property division, domestic violence protection, and restraining orders. Her passion to help her clients with their legal matters, dedication to...

In life, nothing imparts knowledge better than experience. Having endured a high conflict divorce that ended her twenty-year marriage, Robin Rubrecht Zegen understands her client’s fears and concerns first-hand. Compassionately, but zealously, helping her clients get through the process and ready for a happy and healthy future is her main focus. With over twenty years of experience Robin Rubrecht Zegen will help you identify and prioritize your goals and she will explain the options available for achieving them. She knows that divorce is a life changing and very personal event. She guides...

Michael Elliott served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern and Southern Districts of Texas. During his tenure with the government, Mr. Elliott was the criminal healthcare fraud coordinator and lead attorney for the Medicare Fraud Strike Force in North Texas. He has directed, coordinated, and supervised healthcare investigations throughout the country and has worked extensively with state and federal enforcement and investigatory agencies. Mr. Elliott also worked closely with the Civil Division of the Department of Justice in parallel proceedings and in evaluating qui tam (whistleblower) cases against healthcare providers including laboratories, durable medical equipment companies, pharmacies,...

Anne-Marie is a Criminal Defense Trial Attorney - practicing for more than 20 years. She is joined in her practice by her husband, Pat Kinnard, an experienced 30 year investigator who worked closely with legendary Criminal Defense Attorney, Doug Mulder, for many years. Pat is considered one the best Criminal Defense Investigators in the industry. Together, they have obtained numerous reductions, dismissals and jury trial acquittals.

Anne-Marie is an Alumna of The Hockaday School (1988) and received her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University. She attended law school at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth where she received her J.D....

Founder and Managing Attorney of one of the premier law firms in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area focusing on personal injury cases in representing those injured in an automobile accident and providing criminal defense involving DWI, Assaults, and Drug charges. As a former Dallas County Assistant District Attorney assigned to the felony trial division and with over 100 jury trials tried to verdict, my practice takes exceptional pride in advocating for clients by executing their goals not only in the court room but having the razor-sharp ability to effectively negotiate and close a deal. We are settling our personal injury cases...

"Criminal Law has been my passion from day one and I focus my practice solely on protecting the rights of those accused of a crime." Casey Davis is passionate about defending your rights. She thrives on helping you out of a tough situation and into a better life. Well known and respected throughout Collin, Tarrant and Denton Counties, she approaches your case with a hard-hitting, aggressive legal style, serving and advising you toward your best outcome. Casey worked in a variety of departments as a prosecutor and an intern with the Tarrant and Denton County District Attorney’s Offices including the Crimes Against...

Murray L. Bristol started this firm in order to provide quality representation for individuals and families for serious injuries and legal issues that they have suffered. Bristol previously prosecuted felonies as an Assistant District Attorney for the El Paso County District Attorney's office. After leaving the District Attorney's Office, Bristol worked for a prominent law firm with offices in Dallas and Tulsa. One of the former partners of this firm became Governor of Oklahoma. While an attorney for this firm, Bristol litigated all types of cases from serious injury and death cases involving multi-state liability against national corporations to car...

I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and now reside in Dallas, Texas with my wife and children. I represent injured clients across Texas and have tried numerous cases, achieving jury verdicts up to 10 times the insurance company’s highest offer. After high school, I attended Texas Tech University where I was a founding father of the Alpha Tau Omega’s Zeta Eta chapter. Initially, I worked at Ernst & Young before returning to Texas Tech to pursue a law degree. I graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2013. During my time in law school, I clerked...

Peyton is a Partner at Powers Taylor, LLP. He joined the firm in 2008 after working for a preeminent intellectual property litigation firm in Dallas, Texas. A graduate of Baylor University School of Law and Baylor University, Peyton’s practice focuses on commercial litigation, complex business disputes, and appeals. He has experience handling a wide range of cases related to commercial contracts and investor disputes. Peyton has successfully represented clients before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and before the Dallas Court of Appeals. Peyton is admitted to practice before the Federal Circuit Court of...

Brandon leads the firm's bankruptcy practice at Tittle Law Group, PLLC ("TLG"), with a focus on corporate reorganization, restructuring, acquisitions and litigation. He has a wealth of experience representing entities in their Chapter 7 and 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings and creditors' committees. His practice also includes extensive general bankruptcy litigation. He has extensive experience managing complex bankruptcy restructuring cases, both on a national and international scale. He provides seamless service to his restructuring clients facing complicated insolvency issues and has experience across multiple industries, including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, retail, and real estate. As the...

Austin Smith focuses his practice on litigation and dispute resolution. Austin has experience in handling a wide variety of matters in state and federal court, involving complex commercial and business disputes, fraud, personal injury, and criminal matters including white collar crime. From 2017 to 2018, Austin was honored to serve as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Amos L. Mazzant in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. With Austin has been consistently selected by BestLawyers as “One to Watch” (2020-2022) and Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2021-2022) - a recognition that only 2.5%...

Marissa Maggio is dedicated to advocating for individuals who have suffered injuries. With over 25 years of legal experience and Board Certification in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, she is a strong advocate for those injured due to others' negligence. Marissa vigorously represents clients against large insurance companies and corporations, both in state and federal courts. Her practice focuses on cases involving severe injuries from workplace accidents, trucking, motorcycle, and bicycle collisions, as well as defective products. Before entering personal injury law, she gained expertise in Environmental Law and Intellectual Property while working at...

Raised and educated in Fort Worth, Texas, Attorney Amy Witherite became a notable scholarship athlete for a top 10 women’s swimming program early in her college career. She went on to receive her law degree from Texas Tech School of Law and subsequently began working for one of the oldest and largest law firms in the state of Texas in 1993. Two years later, Amy relocated her practice to an insurance defense law firm, acquiring knowledge of the strategies and procedures used in defense of insurance companies, which she later began to utilize to defend her injured Texas clients.

In 2001,...

Charles McFarland has extensive experience representing property owners whose private property has been taken by the government for public use. His primary area of practice focuses on highway and roadway widening projects that impact retail, commercial, industrial and special use properties. He also has successfully represented clients affected by pipelines, electric transmission lines, flood control, and other public-use projects.

An honors graduate of both the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas School of Law, Charles was a partner at Vinson & Elkins before forming McFarland PLLC, a boutique law firm focusing exclusively on condemnation and eminent domain...

Jordan Watson discovered her passion for family law after interning for a family law District Court Judge the summer after her first year of law school. After law school, Jordan cut her teeth as an associate attorney for a top family law practitioner, trying cases on her own throughout North Texas. Now at Epstein Family Law, P.C. Jordan is a valuable member of a legal team that is 100% dedicated to their clients and securing a better future for them. Prior to working at Epstein Family Law, P.C., Jordan graduated cum laude from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of...

Licensed attorney offering Estate Planning services in the State of Texas through in-person and virtual settings. The Law Office of John Garland offers Wills, Islamic Wills (Shariah Compliant), Professional Wills, Power of Attorney, Guardianship and Medical Directives.