Outstanding Local Attorneys for 2021

These outstanding attorneys and law firms are being recognized for their contribution to their clients and their local community.

Donaldson Stewart, P.C. - Phoenix, AZ

Offering a team of experienced professionals to help resolve legal issues relating to family law, estate planning, or business formation, the full-service law firm of Donaldson Stewart, P.C. represents individuals in Chandler, Phoenix, and throughout Maricopa County.

Managing attorney Monica H. Donaldson Stewart practices in all aspects of family law, including collaborative divorce and family law mediation and also serves as a Judge Pro Tem for the Maricopa County Superior Court, conducting nearly 100 settlement conferences in family law matters since 2007.

Practice areas include Family Law: adoptions and termination of parental rights, child support, collaborative divorce, divorce, grandparent’s rights, legal decision-making authority and parenting time, mediation, modifications enforcement, paternity, property division, same-sex family law, spousal maintenance; Business Formation; Estate Planning: living trusts, wills and living wills, powers of attorney.

Comments from clients about the Donaldson Stewart firm and Attorney Monica:

“Response time was incredible, Monica always had my best interest and always was upfront with me. Very knowledgeable and logical in their legal strategies. The firm was always on top of my case. I couldn’t ask for a better firm. I refer any one to this firm. Thank you for representing my case so well. I could not have asked for a better outcome.”

“They were very attentive regarding our needs and maintained detailed communication which made the process very positive. All aspects of our interaction was very professional and pleasant.”

Fonfrias Law Group, LLC - Chicago, IL

Chicago-based financial rescue and bankruptcy attorney Richard G. Fonfrias has in-depth experience helping families and business owners overcome serious financial problems. Specializing in all facets of bankruptcy law, Fonfrias Law Group, LLC represents clients in all types of financial emergencies, including creditor lawsuit defense, credit card defense, foreclosure defense, debt elimination, tax elimination, reduction and settlement, loan and mortgage modifications, as well as Chapter 7, 11 and 13 bankruptcies.

Rich Fonfrias also works in the community, helping those dealing with serious money problems, and offering free informational seminars. He has appeared on Chicago radio programs answering questions on topics like foreclosure, bankruptcy and credit repair.

Client testimonials about Fonfrias Law Group and Rich Fonfrias:

“I was scared about the whole process of Bankruptcy, but Fonfrias Law Group helped me through. I had many questions and they were all answered in a timely manner. I will be recommending Fonfrias Law Group to all of my family and friends to handle their financial situations.Sincerely, Denise”

“Bankruptcy probably doesn’t come in one’s life “alone”. At least in my case it came with (and because of) other traumatic personal events and it has been a difficult time, not only financially but also psychologically stressful. This is a time when you want to have a friend but this, ironically, is also a time when friends disappear. So here is what makes Rich amazing. Not only is he an expert in matters of bankruptcy and an excellent professional, but also an extremely kind person who finds time and energy to treat you like a human being, not just a “case.” He brought the kind of support in dealing with my issues that managed to give me positive energy and helped me overcome these hard times. Whenever I had a question, he was there to answer it: professionally, compassionately, and respectfully. I consider him not just my attorney but a good friend.Sincerely, Ken”

Garcia & Gonzales, PC - Westminster, CO

In 1994, Richard N. Gonzalez and Carla M. Garcia partnered to form the law firm of Garcia & Gonzalez, P.C. that has served individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Denver metro area, as well as the state of Colorado. With more than fifty years of combined legal experience, the firm’s trusted attorneys have the legal knowledge, skills, and insight to help favorably resolve debt issues.

Richard Gonzalez and Carla Garcia have continued to keep both their Law and Real Estate Broker’s License continuously active by taking all mandatory classes required by both the Colorado Supreme Court and the Colorado Real Estate Commission.

The firm’s practice areas include bankruptcy: Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 13; bankruptcy for small businesses, foreclosures, wage garnishments, debt relief, repossessions, student loan debt relief, tax debt & IRS levy.

Testimonials from the firm’s clients:

“Great & Honest service! Even after a year after the case closed a firm was trying for a “Motion for Revival” and Richard handled it at 0 cost. Thank you!” – Cesar F.

“I really like this team! They find you resources you may need, and they really care and help out and make sure to follow up with you and not just leave you hanging. Great team! Would recommend!” – Cassidy C.

“The very last thing I wanted to do was file for bankruptcy. However, with the IRS hounding me… I was left with no other choice. Thank you for getting them off my back. Thank you so much for helping me get a fresh start.” – Jim S.

Jones & Swanson - Marietta, GA

With more than forty years of combined experience between their attorneys and millions recovered, the personal injury attorneys at Jones & Swanson in Marietta, Georgia have the necessary skill and know-how to handle any personal injury case and will fight for the justice their clients deserve. The firm takes a genuine interest in each and every case that they represent.

Andrew W. Jones has been practicing law in Marietta since 1993. He opened his own law firm in 2006, and in 2015 he formed Jones & Swanson with M. Chase Swanson. Prior to 2006, Attorney Jones was a founding partner of Cooper, Jones & Cooper where he represented plaintiffs in major personal injury and wrongful death cases, and in several noteworthy jury trials that included such corporations as the Federal Motor Company, General Motors, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Wal-Mart, Georgia Pipe and Cresco Lines. He successfully represented his clients in cases against Home Depot, Thomas Concrete, Allied Ready Mix, Isuzu, Daimler Chrysler, Honeywell, TRW, UPS, Georgia Pacific, Hilton Hotel Corporation, Schlotzky’s, Toyota, and Lakeway Trucking, securing millions of dollars in relief.

M. Chase Swanson began his legal studies at Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in 2007. Every summer he returned to Marietta and was fortunate enough to intern at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones. Those summers not only gave him a chance to learn how to practice law but helped him to realize that representing plaintiffs in personal injury matters could allow him to truly help people.

Fortunately, after graduation Attorney Swanson passed the Georgia Bar Exam and immediately began at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones by representing injured victims in their claims against negligent drivers, property owners, and businesses. Then in 2015, Attorney Jones invited him to become a partner, and thus Jones & Swanson was born.

In addition to practicing law, Attorney Swanson continues to be active in his community, and has been the Chairperson for Sleigh Bells on the Square 5k Race since 2013. The event raises money to support the Children’s Emergency Fund which provides emergency financial assistance to Cobb County and Marietta City School students and their families.

One of many client testimonials:

“It is difficult to put into words how appreciative I am of Jones and Swanson. They are truly a top-notch law firm, simply the best. Being in a serious car accident and dealing with an uninsured motorist claim can be confusing and stressful at times. When I called the law firm and they took on my case, all of my worries were alleviated. Mary Jo and the staff always went above and beyond to answer any of my questions, keep me well informed throughout the process, and best of all, they made sure I was getting the treatment I needed to focus on recovering. Mr. Swanson was able to settle my claim in a timely manner, and I am beyond satisfied with the outcome. I highly recommend Jones and Swanson and can never thank them enough.” – Samantha M.

McArthur Law Firm - Macon, GA

McArthur Law Firm’s founding attorney, Katherine McArthur, provides more than forty years of experience to personal injury cases. The firm has a combined two hundred years of experience in maximizing compensation for its clients, and has earned a solid reputation of being an ethical and aggressive law firm. Many of the McArthur Law Firm staff members have been with the firm for a number of years.

A personal injury attorney, Katherine McArthur is a fighter who prides herself on fully investigating every case and preparing for trial in every situation. She has served the greater Macon, Georgia community for more than three decades and with her legal team they have secured over $250 million in recoveries for their clients over the years. Her practice is focused on truck wrecks, automobile wrecks, and medical malpractice.

Kathy and the staff at the McArthur Law Firm actively participate in local community events such as serving with Beulahland Bible Church and Middle Georgia Community Food Bank packing bags and handing out food for the food drive, and stuffing Easter bags for the local youth.

Areas of practice include motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, personal injury, product liability, premises liability, Workers’ Compensation, wrongful death, personal injury appeals.

One of many client testimonials:

“I had an accident. A tractor-trailer truck hit me head on. Kathy was working on my case. She was a fighter. She didn’t back up. She told me that if there was going to be a lion in the family, let her be the lion, and she was just that. I have already recommended probably a dozen people to Kathy. You can’t ask for a more professional and a more loving person with her words and her talk than you can with Kathy McArthur.” – Raford Horton

Morgan Law Offices, LLC - Columbus, OH

Located in Columbus, Ohio, Morgan Law Offices, LLC, is committed to achieving the client’s objectives through dedication, hard work, and a focus upon professional excellence. The firm’s team is responsive and sensitive to the client’s concerns whether those legal matters involve matrimonial issues, life and estate planning, complex business transactions, or the tragic consequences of motor vehicle accidents and professional negligence.

Managing member, Attorney Kelly M. Morgan is a graduate of Capital University Law School where he received his Juris Doctor degree. While attending law school, Attorney Morgan worked for an international accounting firm and completed his experience requirements to become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Ohio.

Upon graduation from law school in 1977, he was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Ohio and chose to pursue a career in the private practice of law rather than public accounting. With a strong business and tax background, Attorney Kelly Morgan initially focused his practice in the areas of business and estate planning. A rapidly expanding family law practice emerged and he became involved with individual clients and the needs of their families.

The firm’s practice includes estate planning, business law, family law, civil litigation, and more. It’s services include matrimonial and family relations, personal injury, professional negligence and insurance law, business formation, planning and litigation, wills, estates, and trusts.

Ritchey & Ritchey - Birmingham, AL

One of the oldest law firms in Birmingham as well as Alabama, Ritchey & Ritchey was founded in 1959 on the premise of providing clients with the guidance and expertise of a large law firm but with the service and value of a small law firm. Ritchey & Ritchey represents individuals and businesses throughout Alabama including the cities of Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

The firm’s partners, Albert E. Ritchey, Gregory S. Ritchey, and Ferris S. Ritchey III, built a solid reputation and are providing a wealth of legal experience and skill. Both Gregory S. Ritchey and Ferris S. Ritchey III are trained mediators with Gregory having additional training in arbitration and Ferris having additional training in collaborative law. To further enhance the value provided to its clients, Ritchey & Ritchey has incorporated the latest legal technologies into their practice that include paperless procedures (spending less time dealing with processes and administrative work), streamlining case management and providing more value to clients (reducing unnecessary hours).

The firm’s wide range of practice areas include construction law, insurance defense, products liability defense, family and probate law, contracts, real estate, commercial litigation, business law and organizations, commercial transportation, warranty defense, insurance coverage, wills and trusts, employment law, manufactured housing (mobile homes), amusement and trampoline liability defense, fire-related property and injury defense, wrongful death, personal injury, mold litigation, licenses, appellate practice, arbitration, and mediation.

The Frager Law Firm, P.C. - Memphis, TN

A full-service immigration practice with offices in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, the Frager Law Firm resolves issues for clients throughout Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. They focus their practice on immigration law and assist clients in certain criminal matters due to the important immigration consequences that certain criminal convictions may have on an individual’s ability to remain in the United States. Their services extend to clients throughout the United States.

The firm’s immigration focus and services include business and executive visas, deportation and removal defense, Dream Act Deferred Action, DV (Diversity Immigrant) visa lottery, employment-based immigration, family-based green cards, fiancé visas, I-9 compliance, immigration bonds, immigration information, medical professionals visa, naturalization (citizenship), permanent residency (green cards), special registration, temporary (non-immigrant) visas, temporary protected status, university student visas, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), appeals to board of immigration appeals, federal court appeals, prosecutorial discretion under the Morton Memo.

Immigration attorney and managing partner, Barry L. Frager, has been practicing immigration law since 1990 and has previously served as a trial attorney for the Immigration & Naturalization Service in Los Angeles, California through the Honors Law Graduate Program of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Law Office Of Haynes & Laurent - Orlando, FL

In 2006, Florida natives Carlus Leandrus Haynes and Bradley Laurent established and built what is now known as the The Law Offices of Haynes & Laurent, P.A. The firm’s services include criminal defense, personal injury (auto accidents), civil rights (excessive force, wrongful arrest, K-9 dog bite cases), appellate practice, wrongful death, premises liability (slip and fall, negligent security), real estate, sports and entertainment, contract litigation.

Mr. Laurent represents individuals who have been injured in auto accidents, injured on properties (private and public), families who have lost a loved one as a result of negligence, and fights for client’s civil rights against law enforcement using excessive force, and individuals wrongfully arrested by law enforcement.

A trial attorney who has been recognized for his tenacity and zealous advocacy for his clients while practicing in Orange County, Florida as an Assistant Public Defender, Mr. Haynes dedicates most of his practice to defending the criminally accused, advancing the civil rights of the oppressed, and representing the injured.

“Humility is the trait that every great man must strive to possess, Pride is the trait that every great man must avoid, and Common Sense is the trait that every great man must be born with.” – Carlus L. Haynes

CityOf.com showcases thousands of incredible businesses in more than 300 industry categories that are located in over 100 major U.S. cities. The Outstanding Local Business Award (OLBA) is given to locally-owned and operated businesses in recognition of their services to the local community and have met all of the Criteria listed on https://www.cityof.com/outstanding-local-business-award-badge

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