Carol has 25 years experience in the insurance industry.  She has been with Engle Martin & Associates for 5 years.  As part of the Complex Claims Unit, Carol handles multi line claims involving coverage issues, serious injuries and complex litigation throughout the United States.  She is experienced in auto, homeowners, general liability and construction claims, including construction defect and labor law.  In addition to the usual casualty claims, she also services a variety of specialty clients including fraternities, circus and animal acts and a trucking program with million dollar exposure.  Prior to joining Engle Martin & Associates, she worked for Travelers Insurance handling litigation claims.   
 
Carol graduated from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  She is also a member of the South Jersey Claims Association.  Outside of the office, she serves on the Executive Board for St. Peter’s Football and Cheerleading Organization.    
 
 

Kay Anderson currently serves as Account Principal for Gallagher Bassett Services.  In this role, Kay acts as an extension of the risk management department for an assigned client base while also leading Gallagher Bassett’s foodservice and hospitality niche. Kay has over twenty years of risk management experience in the foodservice and hospitality industry and uses this experience to provide strategic consultative support for Gallagher Bassett clients.  She is viewed as the go-to person for clients’ needs within Gallagher Bassett and an uncompromising client advocate across all departments.
 
Prior to her work at Gallagher Bassett, Kay held the position of Senior Director of Risk Management for Carlson Restaurants (TGI Fridays).  Kay’s responsibilities for Carlson included all safety, security, loss prevention, business continuity planning and claims activities as well as co-chair of the Crisis Team for over 1000 restaurants in more than 60 countries operating under the TGI Friday's brand.  During her tenure with Carlson, Kay developed security, claims management and loss prevention programs and was instrumental in building a safety culture within the restaurants that led to substantial declines in workers’ compensation and general liability losses.
 
Prior to joining Carlson, Kay was Manager of Claims and Loss Prevention for Wyndham Hotels and before that she held the role of Risk Manager for Spaghetti Warehouse. 

Matthew Bakota is a member of the Labor and Employment group. He is also certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) through the HR Certification Institute.

In addition to counseling and representing businesses in labor and employment matters, Matthew has significant business litigation experience involving the representation of business clients in contract and related disputes.  Since 2014, he has been recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyer. 

Matthew is also licensed to practice in Kentucky, federal courts in Ohio and Kentucky, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Matthew graduated from the University of Akron School of Law, where he participated in law review and moot court, and the Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.

Brian Cafritz is an equity partner in the law firm of Kalbaugh, Pfund & Messersmith, PC in Richmond, Virginia. He entered private practice in 1993.  Mr. Cafritz holds licenses to practice in Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC and West Virginia, where he regularly defends matters in the state and federal courts for each of those jurisdictions.  For 23 years, his practice has been dedicated exclusively to civil defense litigation. He has first chaired over 50 jury trials and represents over 25 national retail and restaurant clients on a regional basis.  His cases regularly involve contract disputes and various torts, including products liability, premises liability, food borne illness claims, dram shop liability, loss prevention claims, civil rights actions, and construction litigation.  Mr. Cafritz has tried multiple wrongful death cases, and has had extensive experience defending traumatic brain injury lawsuits.  Mr. Cafritz is a founder, a board member, and a past president of the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association.  He is rated AV by Martindale Hubbell and has been named to SuperLawyers in Virginia.

Jackie is a Vice President, Claims Consultant in Brown & Brown’s National Casualty Practice based in Atlanta, GA. She has a focused approach as a client advocate to identify and develop effective solutions to maximize cost containment and manage the Casualty related programs of her clients.

Ms. Chapman has more than twenty-six years of insurance industry experience working for third party administrators and international corporations where she has largely focused on developing innovative and efficient solutions to claims challenges impacting the Retail, Restaurant, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and Transportation sectors. Prior to joining Brown & Brown, Jackie was the Senior Global Claims Manager for Primo Water Corporation, providing strategic and technical claims management and leadership across nearly two dozen countries covering all lines of commercial insurance, including: property, casualty, marine/cargo, products liability, and FINPRO. Jackie’s unique perspective focuses on collaboration, communication, and problem-solving techniques designed to yield measurable results and positive outcomes for her clients.

Ms. Chapman graduated from Georgia State University in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with concentrations in pre-medicine and the human sciences. Since that time, she has earned several designations in the field of insurance and risk management including an Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Claims (AIC), Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), and an Associate in Management (AIM). Jackie is also in the process of completing the CPCU designation.

Ms. Chapman presently sits as the President of the Western Florida Chapter of CLM, having previously served as Vice President (2016-2022). She has also held the offices of President (2014-2015) and Vice President (2013-2014) of CLM's Atlanta Chapter and served as Assistant Secretary for the Atlanta Claims Association (ACA) (2014-2016).

Kelly Charles-Collins has over 19 years of experience representing management in employment law matters. Kelly also presides as a Certified Arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association over employment, commercial and consumer cases in the U.S. and internationally.

Kelly’s broad range of experience in employment law includes providing advice and successful litigation defense of matters in federal and state court and before administrative bodies in areas such as Title VII, the ADEA, FMLA and the ADA, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, retaliation, whistleblower, federal and state wage and hour laws, state tort claims and restrictive covenant agreements, including non-compete provisions.  She also provides day-to-day preventive counseling for employers, defends EEOC and other administrative charges, conducts internal investigations, trains management and supervisors, reviews and drafts employment policies, assesses and implements workplace solutions and defends unemployment compensation claims.

cases in the U.S. and internationally.

Kelly’s broad range of experience in employment law includes providing advice and successful litigation defense of matters in federal and state court and before administrative bodies in areas such as Title VII, the ADEA, FMLA and the ADA, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, retaliation, whistleblower, federal and state wage and hour laws, state tort claims and restrictive covenant agreements, including non-compete provisions.  She also provides day-to-day preventive counseling for employers, defends EEOC and other administrative charges, conducts internal investigations, trains management and supervisors, reviews and drafts employment policies, assesses and implements workplace solutions and defends unemployment compensation claims.

Kelly’s experience as House Counsel for a multibillion dollar, global international insurance firm makes her well-suited to also handle matters covered by employment practices liability insurance (EPLI).

Kelly is very active in her community and has routinely provided pro-bono legal services.  She is admitted to practice in the states of Florida, Georgia and the US Virgin Islands.

Melanie R. Cheairs is a partner at Lorance & Thompson P.C, Houston, Texas. She is an experienced trial lawyer, representing clients in the Hospitality, Retail and Transportation industries in matters resulting from Dram Shop, Premises and Product Liability claims and includes defending employment and commercial business disputes. Ms. Cheairs currently serves on the Board of Directors of ALFA International, and as the Chair of the ALFA International Hospitality Practice Group. She also serves on the Steering Committee of the Transportation and Women’s Initiative Practice Groups. She is a Member of the National Restaurant and Retail Defense Association, and the Claims Litigation Management Alliance, and the National Association of Professional Women. Ms. Cheairs is a frequent author and speaker on matters pertaining to the defense of the Hospitality and Trucking industry. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Cheairs received her B.A. from Texas A&M University, where she was an NCAA All-American Swimmer, and was chosen to the SWC All-Decade Team. She is the Immediate Past President of the Texas A&M Women Former Students’ Network. Ms. Cheairs received her J.D. from South Texas College of Law, and she is a Fellow with the Texas Bar Foundation.

Jerry Ferris has 30+ year career in risk management, deeply rooted in safety/loss control and claims management.  He has successfully managed risks from a diverse range of businesses: restaurant, retail, manufacturing, transportation, and medical devices and has designed cost efficient insurance programs to protect corporate resources: employees, customers, property, and brand.

With his focus on defining and then controlling the Total Cost of Risk, he priortizes sources of loss and builds plan of attack.

He has developed claims management programs designed to promptly report, investigate, assess, and negotiate claims to favorable resolution.

He also extensive experience in Alternative Dispoute Resolution, having represented corporations as chief negotiator at mediations and settlement conferences. 

Francine Giugno is an Attorney at Kelley Kronenberg where she assists in handling matters related to First Party Property Insurance Defense, including coverage and bad faith litigation, as well as Third Party Defense and General Liability.

Francine is a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent attorney with over 20 years of experience on insurance defense and coverage, bad faith litigation, premises liability, construction, uninsured motorist, and environmental law. She has significant experience in defending first-party property cases and has handled hundreds of wind and flood lawsuits including those with extra-contractual allegations filed by plaintiffs after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Francine received her undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and then went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University School of Law. While in law school, Francine was a judicial extern for the Honorable Steven R. Plotkin and served as a law clerk to The Honorable Clarence E. McManus and The Honorable H. Charles Gaudin.

Francine is an active member of Claims & Litigation Management Alliance and has served as Co- Chair of the Education Sub-Committee of the Construction Committee of the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance. She also served as Vice-President of the New Orleans Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction. Francine has been involved in the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel and The Risk Management Society. Francine is admitted to practice in all of the Louisiana State and Federal Courts and the state courts of New York.

Education:
Tulane University School of Law, J.D. 1996
John Carroll University, B.A., 1991

 

 

Brent W. Hill, CPCU, SCLA, AIC Claims Director- Construction Defect
Brent Hill is a Claims Director for Hallmark Financial Group. He leads a group that handles complex construction defect claims. He has dedicated his career to insurance claims management for accounts from multiple industries including: Hospitality, Transportation, Telecommunications, Retail, Oil & Gas and Construction. Brent graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration- Finance degree. He resides in Plano, Texas.

Mollie L. Hines is Vice-President of Legal and In-House Counsel for Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® (OBE), which employs over 5000 people and is a division of CRH, plc.  Ms. Hines joined OBE in 1988 and is based in Dallas, Texas.  She is responsible for managing a variety of areas including  legal affairs, risk management, regulatory compliance and insurance matters. In addition, Ms. Hines is a real estate broker and owns a property management company with her husband. 
 
Ms. Hines received her Bachelor of Arts from the Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, a Masters of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, an MBA from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, and her Juris Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan School of Law in Ft. Worth, Texas.  She has also studied in Galata, Greece. She resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Bruce.
 

Cathleen is a partner and shareholder at Rebar Kelly. She has been advising and counseling clients in complex litigation matters for over two decades. She represents leading insurance companies and their insureds in multi-faceted matters involving violations of professional standards of care. Cathleen’s representation extends to design professionals, architects, engineers, contractors, surveyors, appraisers, environmental consultants, agents, brokers, service providers, medical professionals, business professionals, food manufacturers and distributors and property owners.

Cathleen has represented clients in the following types of claims:

duty to represent dangerous conditions inadequate security failure to advise, failure to implement design specifications failure to supervise, failure to inspect design defects errors in professional judgment and failure to refer failure to meet/inform of deadlines failure to diagnose and misdiagnosis emergency medical care and nursing mistakes mental health issues corporate liability subcontractor responsibility/indemnification indemnity and obtaining coverage under additional insured status failure to warn

Cathleen has defended one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers in claims of medical malpractice. She has also represented design professionals in legal matters stemming from defective design of electrical equipment resulting in multiple claims and lawsuits. Cathleen has been defending one of the region’s largest real estate brokers in errors and omissions matters for over a decade. She has also represented physicians in connection with allegations of failing to properly diagnose, as well as long-term care facilities against allegations of inappropriate preventative measures for the avoidance of pressure sores. Cathleen also defended one of the country’s largest retail suppliers of electronics in claims of product defects and premise liability matters.

Education: Villanova University School of Law, J.D., 1998 & Long Island University, B.A., 1995, magna cum laude
 

 

Rich Lenkov brings a killer instinct and unparalleled focus to representing his clients. He partners closely with his clients, ranging from Fortune 50 Corporations to small businesses, to achieve successful litigation outcomes.

Selected to the 2013 Illinois Super Lawyers List (given to no more than 5% of lawyers in Illinois), named Leading Lawyer from 2012-2014 and honored by SEAK as one of the 50 Most Influential People In Workers’ Compensation, Rich enjoys the respect of his peers. He is also a frequent lecturer and involved in a number of national organizations, including:
Claims and Litigation Management Alliance – Chicago Chapter President RIMS Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel Illinois Retail Merchants Association Foodservice Industry Risk Management Association Workers’ Compensation Defense Institute
Rich is also very involved in his community, including serving on the Board of Visitors for the Northern Illinois University College of Law, as Local School Counsel Chairperson for Agassiz Elementary School and on the Advisory Board of Legal Prep Charter Academy, Chicago’s only legal-themed charter school. Rich was recently honored as NIU School of Law Alumnus of the Year. 

effrey M. Lenkov chairs both the firm's Sports Law Practice and the Retail, Restaurant & Hospitality practice.

He received his Juris Doctorate in May 1991 from the Northern Illinois University College of Law and a Bachelor's degree from McGill University in May 1987. Mr. Lenkov has extensive experience in civil litigation specializing in defending employment lawsuits, labor matters and significant injury tort claims involving wrongful death, brain injury, paralysis and food borne illness. He has served as lead trial counsel in several class action lawsuits. Mr. Lenkov handles complex cases in both State and Federal courts for prominent national and international clients. He has represented professional sports franchises and athletes on litigated and transactional matters. He is counsel to an international sports agency, which represents many well-known world class athletes.

Mr. Lenkov provides seminars for clients on various issues including risk management and strategies for avoiding workplace harassment.

Mr. Lenkov has formerly served as a Judge Pro Tem in the Los Angeles Superior Court and is a past recipient of the Wiley M. Manuel Award for Pro Bono legal services. He has litigated high profile cases and is sought out by prominent clients who request that he personally handle their case. Mr. Lenkov regularly serves as supervising counsel to outside counsel.

Mr. Lenkov has negotiated and drafted numerous contracts including production, distribution and employment service agreements for entertainment clients. He has litigated copyright, trademark and contract cases. Mr. Lenkov has licensed, assigned and obtained rights to computer software and interactive media. Additionally, Mr. Lenkov has negotiated directly with guilds and unions on clients' behalf. He has also drafted comprehensive collective bargaining agreements.

He is a member of the California State Bar, the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, the Sports Lawyer Association, the Los Angeles Bar Association, DRI, NRRDA and CLM.

Mr. Lenkov serves as an adjunct professor at a prominent Los Angeles law school and is on the advisory board to the prestigious Los Angeles Film School. He also frequently appears as a legal analyst on television news shows.

Mr. Lenkov is a volunteer arbitrator/mediator in the Los Angeles Superior Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Program.

Mr. Lenkov founded a landmark program with the Southern California Big Brothers and Big Sisters, called "Littles in Law" which introduces minority disadvantaged teenagers to the practice of law. The goal is to inspire "at risk" youth to pursue a career in law or some other highly regarded profession. This popular program received recognition from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Attorney General.

Mr. Lenkov has received the distinction of being named a "Rising Legal Star" and repeatedly, as a "Superlawyer". He also was previously honored as the Lawyer of the Year by his law school. Recent notable cases defended by Jeffrey Lenkov include: 1. Latasha Byears v. The L.A. Lakers and The L.A. Sparks. 2. Lee v. The St. Louis Cardinals. 3. Van Halen v. The Baltimore Orioles. 4. Moats v. The Staples Center. 5. 20th Century Fox v. ODM. 6. Tina Pisnik v. AEG, Home Depot Center. 7. Pilot v. California Interscholastic Federation. 8. Bolia v. Knott's Berry Farm [Court of Appeal]. 9. Carr v. Advanced Education Services [Court of Appeal]. 10. FACTA class action lawsuits. 11. Wage & Hour class action lawsuits. 12. Stefon Johnson v. USC. On October 3rd, 2012, Mr. Lenkov argued for the defendant, at the California Supreme Court, in Nalwa v. Cedar Fair. The case deals with the Assumption of Risk issue and the Common Carrier rule. Mr. Lenkov is regularly published in various media like Verdict Magazine, Los Angeles Lawyer, internet magazines & web sites as well as many newspapers.

Mr. Lenkov is a much sought after speaker on many subjects including Developments in Class Action Lawsuits; Sexual Harassment; Social Media; California Tort Law, and How To Successfully Use ADR.

Julie Price, ARM · Senior Risk Manager at CAVA + Zoe's Kitchen Restaurants

In her Risk Management  role at CAVA, Julie oversees and manages the full Risk Management program including Insurance, Safety, Security,  Insured Litigation, Claims Management ( all lines of insurance) for all company owned restaurants. Cava is a privately held Mediterranean fast casual restaurant chain with muliple  locations across the United States. Cava is owned by Cava Group, which also owns Zoës Kitchen. The combined company is the largest restaurant operator in the Mediterranean category in the U.S. restaurant industry

Julie Price was formerly Vice President of Risk Management for Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, a multi-state, national restaurant group based in Dallas, Texas.  Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group (DFRG) owned and operated four contemporary, high-end complementary restaurant concepts:  Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, and Del Frisco’s Grille, bartaco, and Barcelona Wine Bar.     
 
 Julie was Director of Risk Management for Cheddars Scratch Kitchen, a “made from scratch” restaurant concept with over 150 locations in 26 states.  Julie’s past restaurant Risk Management leadership roles include Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Fuddruckers/Koo Koo Roos Restaurants, Triple Tap Inc. (Alamo Draft House), and Fired Up Inc, operating as Carino’s Italian Grill restaurants. Julie’s hospitality Risk Management experience also includes hotels, and she was formerly with Accor North America, parent company of Motel 6, Red Roof Inns, Novotel & Sofitel hotels, as well as working for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.     Julie is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a BA, double majoring in History & Journalism, and has completed the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) program.
 

Renée Ramirez is an experienced Claims Professional with more than 22 years in the insurance industry in the Casualty and Premises areas. She has handled claims and litigation involving catastrophic accidents, personal injury, construction defect, trucking, explosive, and propane matters. Currently Renée is a Liability Claims Manager with Darling Ingredients, Inc. Previously she was a Sr. Claims Analyst with American Airlines, a Sr. Claims Specialist with J.C. Penney Corporation, and a Claims Representative with Nobel Insurance Company.
Renée was born and raised in Texas and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is has served as President on the Board of Directors of the NRRDA organization, and is an active Fellow of CLM. Ms. Ramirez is pursuing her passion of the law and is currently working towards her law degree. She also volunteers as an advocate with her local CASA organization and attends many football games of her beloved Dallas Cowboy team.

John Rayder – Claim Manager RadioShack Corporation
 
40+ years in direct claims handling of General Liability, Auto Liability, Property, and Worker’s Compensation in multiple states across the US. In my past lives I have lived and worked in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, Hawaii, Tennessee, and Texas. I have directly handled claims in Retail,     both Electronics and Fuel, Airlines, Aircraft Manufacturing and Insurance claims. In addition I have spent time working on and assisting in the re-write of the Texas Worker’s Compensation Law in 1989/1990. I have been married for 42 years to the same wonderful woman and I have two grown children who each have great careers.
 

Lisa Rolle is a partner in Traub Lieberman Straus & Shrewsberry's New York and Connecticut offices. An accomplished litigator, Lisa has amassed a lengthy track record of successful results at the trial and appellate levels. She has spent her entire career passionately fighting to protect and advance the interests of her clients. She consistently obtains positive outcomes through her meticulous preparation, commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards, and providing loyal, steadfast client service. These personal characteristics and her professional achievements have earned Lisa an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
 
Lisa defends matters involving New York labor law, premises liability, products liability, transportation, legal malpractice, and construction. She has obtained favorable verdicts in numerous jurisdictions in New York and Connecticut and has briefed and argued appeals before the First and Second Departments of the Appellate Division of the State of New York.
 

Resnick & Louis is a national defense law firm primarily handling general liability, construction, transportation, environmental, premises, and workers’ compensation matters in AZ, NV, NM, CA, FL, UT, SC, CO and TX.

As the the managing partner of our Florida offices, I focus my practice on complex tort litigation including premises liability, construction defect, auto, products liability, title defense and negligent security matters. I represents clients nationwide and have significant trial experience.

Joshua Stein is a partner in the Atlanta office of Goodman McGuffey Lindsey and Johnson, LLP representing individuals and corporations in a wide range of general litigation matters in federal and state Courts across Georgia. Josh has experience defending cases involving premises liability, products liability, nursing home litigation, professional liability, and construction litigation. Josh also works on subrogation matters for insurance carriers. In addition, he serves as general counsel to small businesses and educational organizations around Atlanta.
 
Josh is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta Bar Association, the Litigation Section of the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia; is Co-Chairman of the Appellate Admissions Committee of the YLD; and is an active participant with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. Josh is a member/presenter at Claims & Litigation Management, is a member/presenter of NRRDA (National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association) where he Chairs the Education Committee and a participant in the Retail and Hospitality Committee of Defense Research Institute.  Josh has been recognized multiple times as a Georgia Super Lawyers "Rising Star."  He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management/Insurance (2001) and Juris Doctor (2004) from the University of Georgia.

Jeffrey Strege is Senior Director Risk Management, Casualty & Property Claims at Sysco Corporation.  Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Sysco is the world’s largest foodservice distributor. Jeff’s more than 30 years’ experience in risk management began as a multi-lines claims adjuster in Houston and includes prior experience at Sysco as well as other corporate risk management and insurance brokerage roles. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University-Austin and a Master of Business Administration degree from Averett University in Virginia. Jeff and his wife De’Lisa have two children, Olivia (24) and Keith (22). Jeff enjoys all things food and travel. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Association for Responsible Alternatives to Workers Compensation (ARAWC) and on Board of the Houston RIMS chapter. He serves on the Rodeo Houston Parade Committee, and he is an avid fan of the Houston Astros.

Deborah Watson is General Liability Claims Specialist working in the Aubrey, TX office of Carl Warren & Company. Carl Warren & Company is a 12 state California based TPA providing gold level service to clients throughout the United States and Canada. Deborah has been involved in the insurance field for over 20 years. Deborah began her insurance career at Nobel Insurance Company where she spent 10 years specializing in claims investigations and litigation involving the explosives and propane industries. Deborah’s career path took her to J. C. Penney’s legal department as a claims specialist in the Public Liability Claims Group where she gained vast knowledge managing claims and litigation involving the retail industry. Deborah has been with Carl Warren & Company since June 2010 with her focus primarily in the commercial and professional liability arena for retail and financial clients nationwide.

Stephanie Wood joined The Wendy’s Company in 2012 as Claims Manager.  Wendy’s is the world’s third largest quick-service hamburger company. She has total claim management responsibilities for Workers’ Compensation, General Liability, Auto Liability and Property claims for the 427 company owned restaurants. Those responsibilities include leading a team of four claims analysts that provide oversight of their Workers’ Compensation claims and self-administer their General Liability claims at the company’s corporate headquarters in Dublin, OH. Prior to joining Wendy’s in March 2012, Ms. Wood was a Workers’ Compensation Claims Supervisor for Big Lots and a Claims Specialist for Installed Building Products.

Mr. Cook is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, a Certified Safety Professional, a Licensed Mold Assessment Consultant (Texas), and a Licensed Asbestos Inspector (Texas). Mr. Cook holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Entomology from Kansas State University and over 60 graduate level credit hours in Environmental Science/Industrial Hygiene from The University of Texas, School of Public Health. He has 20 years of experience in environmental, health, safety, and emergency response practice, and has provided expert testimony in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.
 
He has completed investigations on a wide variety of environmental, health, and safety investigations related to microbiological, chemical, and physical agents including fungi and bacteria, including Legionellosis and Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as solvents, aldehydes, welding fume, heavy metals, waste anesthetic gases, pharmaceuticals, carbon monoxide,diesel exhaust, pesticides, fumigants, asbestos, clandestine methamphetamine laboratory chemicals, and  noise exposures.
 
Mr. Cook has conducted coefficient of friction and trip and fall evaluations, safety audits, ergonomic evaluations, environment of care audits, and infection control and sanitation inspections.
 
He has also completed investigations related to defective (imported Chinese) drywall, spray polyurethane foam off-gassing, foreign object food contamination, rancidity and off-flavors, storm water and sanitary sewer discharges, . He has also developed and presented extensive training on fire safety, ergonomics, hazard communication, contractor safety, and terrorism preparedness.
 

Cindy has been in the Commercial claims in arenas of General and Auto Liability and various speciality or niche markets such as Aviation, Employment Practices and Professional Liability, Trucking, Apartment Homes for over twenty years.  Her time in the industry has been spilt between carriers and third party administrators as well as an in-house claims manager for ABM. Prior to her career in Commercial Insurance Claims, she was a teacher.  She also possesses another degree in Fashion Merchandising and worked several years in Retail Management.  She enjoys Claims handling as a career, as the new Claim may appear ordinary, but there are always new twists to the same scenario.

In her spare time she volunteers for animal organizations and various other charities, she considers herself a bit of "foodie" and loves meeting new people.

Aaron, a founding Partner and the Transportation Practice Group Leader, focuses his practice on defending businesses facing high exposure and catastrophic losses. He has experience in both federal and state courts representing privately held businesses, publicly traded companies, and insurers in tort, real estate, construction and complex business litigation. Additionally, Aaron defends both self-insured and insured companies in a variety of tort-based matters, including trucking and transportation accidents, work site and commercial explosions, premises liability claims and dram shop actions. With his experience in the courtroom, Aaron has the ability to properly evaluate a case in order to obtain favorable settlements when necessary.

Aaron has a diverse educational and professional background with international experience. Aaron speaks conversational Spanish and has studied in Italy and Mexico, as well as working in Puerto Rico, Guatemala and Monterrey, Mexico. Aaron began his professional career in sales with IBM, followed by a smaller software company before obtaining his law degree and a master’s degree in business administration.

Mr. Venegoni's practice focuses on general civil litigation in federal and state court. He represents both businesses and individuals in matters ranging from motor vehicle and tractor-trailer accidents, cargo and Carmack Amendment claims, premises liability matters, collections, contract disputes and negotiations, employment law, and construction law cases. Mr. Venegoni also has extensive experience in construction lien law matters.

Additionally, Mr. Venegoni has experience in catastrophic accident investigations and 24-7 accident response.

Clients that Mr. Venegoni represents include major transportation companies, restaurant and retail companies, insurers, general contractors, subcontractors, and a variety of many small businesses. He has been selected as a rotating author to write the monthly legal column for the Dallas, Texas edition of Construction News, a monthly publication focusing on the construction industry in Texas.

Licensed in both Texas and North Dakota, Mr. Venegoni's practice also includes both litigation and transactional work in the petroleum and natural gas industry. Mr. Venegoni assists operators, owners, lessors, and lessees with all forms of energy issues including adverse possession claims, pooling issues, right-of-way issues, quieting title, title opinion claims, negotiation of leases, conveyances, contract drafting, and all petroleum and natural gas related litigation.

Blake Miller has been the Vice President for the Texas Rangers, LLC since 2012.  He has also served as a Resident Security Advisor for Major League Baseball for the past 12 years.  In his role, Mr. Miler is responsible for overseeing all aspects of security and planning for the Texas Rangers and events occurring at Ranger’s Stadium and parking areas.  Prior to his role with the Texas Rangers, Mr. Miller served as a Lieutenant with the Arlington Police Department for 9 years, we he served as the lead investigator on high profile cases.  In his law enforcement capacity, Mr. Miller received extensive training in areas of security, security procedures and security assessments.