Lisa Owings

Lisa Owings graduated in 2015 from the University of Akron with a J.D. and LL.M. in Intellectual Property. She is currently a licensed attorney in twelve states, and practices solely in debt defense, representing debtors who have run into financial difficulties.

Brandon Loggins

Tony LaCroix is a proven leader in litigation in both state and federal courts in Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. Tony LaCroix represents people and companies in high-stakes litigation in federal and state courts and offers the personal attention to his clients that only a focused firm can provide. In addition to providing experienced representation in business litigation, contract disputes, employee claims, civil rights issues, and class action lawsuits, Tony LaCroix offers thorough and effective post-trial and appellate representation, founded upon a base of knowledge gained by working within the judiciary.

Tony LaCroix graduated magna cum laude from The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and is the author of several legal articles on important civil rights issues. His unwavering focus is on recognizing and managing the needs of individuals and their families. Mr. LaCroix understands the personal and financial challenges faced by clients who are dealing with debt, and that moving forward can seem overwhelming. He dedicates himself to listening to his clients’ unique concerns and managing sources of financial stress, with the goal of improving financial security and peace of mind.

Ari Witkes

Ari Witkes is an accomplished attorney and advocate known for commitment to intelligent and meaningful legal representation. He graduated from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2016. Ari embarked on a path of impactful service. He joined the Ohio Consumers Counsel, where he championed the rights of consumers, gaining invaluable experience and insights into the intricacies of consumer protection law.

Ari has been deeply involved in various non-profit organizations, serving on their boards and contributing to their missions. His passion and legal acumen made him an asset to these organizations, helping them navigate legal complexities while staying true to their goals. He is also a board member of the innovative tech software startup, Atkos.

In 2018, Ari founded the Witkes Law Firm, driven by a vision to provide clients with intelligent and meaningful representation. His extensive experience on both the creditor and consumer sides of the debt industry gives him a unique perspective when advocating for her clients. Ari’s blend of legal knowledge, empathy, and strategic thinking has earned him a reputation as a trustworthy and effective advocate.

Antranig Garibian

Antranig Garibian maintains an active litigation practice throughout the state and federal courts of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. For years, Mr. Garibian has represented and advised clients ranging from large publicly traded companies to small and individually held businesses.  Mr. Garibian holds a Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a Juris Doctorate from Temple University. Mr. Garibian frequently writes articles and speaks on a wide array of emerging legal issues. He has covered topics such as federal court jurisdiction, liability risks facing premises owners, legal developments in corporate law, and unique legal issues in personal injury litigation. He has served in many leadership roles on the local, national and international level in the Armenian Church, including the Diocesan Council of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church.

Ali Mian

Attorney Ali H. Mian is a seasoned legal professional, licensed by the State Bars of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. He’s also accredited by the U.S. District Courts in the District of Massachusetts and the District of New Hampshire.

Having earned his Juris Doctorate from the Massachusetts School of Law, Attorney Mian has represented a wide spectrum of clients, from privately-held firms to individuals. He specializes in handling collection matters and is known for his tenacious litigation on behalf of his clients. Above all, he is driven by a profound commitment to use his legal expertise to aid those most in need, especially vulnerable individuals and families.

Before transitioning into law, Ali made significant strides in the IT industry, a background that continues to enrich his legal practice. Outside of his professional life, Ali is an enthusiastic basketball aficionado and places the highest value on family time.

Aaron Wills

Attorney Aaron K. Wills handles civil and criminal matters in the State of Hawaii. Aaron K. Wills is licensed to practice law in both State and Federal Court is the State of Hawaii.

Before moving home to Hawaii and graduating from the William S. Richardson School of Law in 2014, Aaron attended the University of Nebraska on a full athletic scholarship, graduating in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Aaron’s focuses on maintaining a diverse client base and continues to represent people in areas of family law, criminal defense, and debt defense cases. When Aaron’s not in the courtroom, he enjoys spending time with his family, staying fit, and watching basketball.

Tony LaCroix

Tony LaCroix is a proven leader in litigation in both state and federal courts in Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. Tony LaCroix represents people and companies in high-stakes litigation in federal and state courts and offers the personal attention to his clients that only a focused firm can provide. In addition to providing experienced representation in business litigation, contract disputes, employee claims, civil rights issues, and class action lawsuits, Tony LaCroix offers thorough and effective post-trial and appellate representation, founded upon a base of knowledge gained by working within the judiciary.

Tony LaCroix graduated magna cum laude from The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and is the author of several legal articles on important civil rights issues. His unwavering focus is on recognizing and managing the needs of individuals and their families. Mr. LaCroix understands the personal and financial challenges faced by clients who are dealing with debt, and that moving forward can seem overwhelming. He dedicates himself to listening to his clients’ unique concerns and managing sources of financial stress, with the goal of improving financial security and peace of mind.

Heather Benveniste

Heather Benveniste is an accomplished attorney admitted to the Illinois bar since November 2003. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in 2000, followed by a law degree from UIC Law in 2003. Heather’s practice focuses on debt settlement and consumer rights, where she passionately defends defendants and debtors in litigation. Her friendly and personable demeanor allows her to establish strong connections with clients, making them feel comfortable and supported throughout the legal process. In addition to her legal experience , Heather also offers alternatives to bankruptcy, providing clients with viable options tailored to their unique circumstances. Beyond her professional achievements, Heather finds joy in musical theater and cherishes quality time spent with her spouse and two children, aged 12 and 9. This well-rounded approach to life reflects Heather’s dedication to her clients, family, and personal passions.

Gary Strauss

Gary David Strauss has been practicing law for 30 years. He is licensed in Michigan and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. For the past 5 years, he has concentrated on debt defense. He has settled numerous cases with most of the major banks and credit card companies.   Mr. Strauss is certified by the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).

Thomas Niksa

Thomas Niksa is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Class of 1985. Since 2004 he has had a solo general practice in Franklin County, and has done representation throughout the entire state. Formerly he has handled numerous cases in Family, Criminal Civil Law, and Bankruptcy. The motto in his practice is always, ‘The Vermonter comes first.’

Brett D. Cragun

Brett D. Cragun is an attorney with more than 25 years of experience in negotiation, litigation, and dispute resolution. Licensed to practice law in Utah and Wyoming, Brett represents consumers facing collection actions and other debt-related legal issues. His work includes evaluating creditor claims, negotiating settlements, responding to collection lawsuits, and helping clients pursue practical solutions to unresolved debt. As an experienced litigation attorney, Brett brings more to the process than settlement negotiation alone—he understands the legal remedies available to creditors as well as the defenses and options available to consumers. Brett is committed to providing straightforward advice, effective advocacy, and practical representation designed to help clients resolve debt disputes and move toward greater financial stability.

Jason G. Ourso

Attorney at Law Mediator & Arbitrator

Jason G. Ourso has been and is a practicing attorney in Louisiana in private practice since 1991, he has been and is a Judge with the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Court since 2002, and he was a Mediator for the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Court from 1992 to 2002. Further, Mr. Ourso mediates and arbitrates various types of civil cases with numerous organizations, he has conducted over 10,000 mediations and over 150 arbitrations in his career, and he has completed over 420 hours of ADR training. Mr. Ourso is an experienced attorney representing clients on a regular basis against debt collectors, debt collection lawsuits and judgments, garnishments, vehicle repossessions, and home foreclosures. Mr. Ourso utilizes his wealth of legal, ADR, and judicial experience to successfully represent and defend his clients for the best possible result for each client based upon each client’s unique situation.

Mr. Ourso was admitted to and is in good standing with all Louisiana State Courts, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and all U.S. District Courts in Louisiana. Further, Mr. Ourso has been a qualified member of the La. Mediation Registry since its inception in 1997.

John Grabow

A former banking executive and trust officer, John is an experienced trial attorney, having protected the homes and assets of hundreds of families. He is also an accredited Veterans Affairs attorney and a certified senior advisor. John is licensed to practice law in Iowa and Minnesota

Johnny Lok

Johnny primarily practices consumer debt defense, with a background in family law. Johnny attended his undergraduate at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, where he majored in History and Psychology.  Johnny also had the honor to receive his law degree from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas and is currently licensed to practice in Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina, Nebraska, Maine, Maryland, and Wisconsin.  As an attorney, he empathizes with his clients and prioritizes their needs.  Johnny additionally has experience working with disenfranchised populations and immigrants and is willing to work with people of many different backgrounds.  He believes in being upfront and realistic in his practice.  Johnny enjoys being with his loved ones, swimming, and traveling.

Matthew Walden

Matt Walden serves as the managing attorney for Consumer Defense Partners’ Montana caseload. He focuses on defending Montanans facing debt collection lawsuits, creditor harassment, and related consumer matters. A military veteran, Matt takes a direct, practical approach to every case and works with clients from the teams first consultation through resolution – so you’ll know exactly who’s handling your matter.

Max Stich

Growing up in Denver, Max Stich was attracted to the legal profession at any early age from seeing the romance of how they are portrayed in movies and on TV. It was an image that stuck with him through college and later at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law, where he joined the traveling trial team, making the courtroom his home.

After graduation, he joined a firm that handled cases involving foreclosures, evictions and receiverships, thriving in the courtroom atmosphere of each trial. “I enjoyed the fight,” he says. But after a few years, Max realized that trials are an inefficient way of accomplishing a goal. So he began switching his focus to another kind of chess match, transactional law. Here, he was able to put together real estate deals based upon his litigation experience, where both sides could win. “It’s a strategy of a different kind,” he says. “And you end up having a very different relationship with your client.”

Although he still does some trial work, Max now represents clients involved in lending and secured financing, real estate development, real estate title, boundary and access disputes, construction contracts, title, and commercial and residential leasing.

Melissa Purcell

Melissa Purcell is a seasoned attorney licensed and practicing for nearly two decades in multiple state and federal jurisdictions, including Ohio, South Carolina, Nebraska, and New Hampshire. Holding a Doctorate in Law, an MBA, and a Master’s in IT specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Ms, Purcell also possesses degrees in Mathematics, Finance, and Software Engineering. With advanced privacy law studies from Harvard Business School, Ms, Purcell’s career includes serving as general counsel in consumer finance and technology sectors with KPMG, JPMorgan Chase, and for several national litigation firms. A proud Ohio State Buckeye and Purdue Boilermaker, Melissa is also a cancer survivor with a deep commitment to community service. As a dedicated volunteer, she contributes over 300 hours annually to legal aid in consumer debt defense, emergency housing, and tax defense across all licensed jurisdictions. Additionally, Ms. Purcell has spent over 15 years as a volunteer attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, supporting individuals and small businesses against digital threats. Beyond the legal realm, Melissa runs a nonprofit animal rescue and is pursuing a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Clemson University in service as a volunteer to the organization.

Thomas Bellinder

Thomas J. Bellinder is a native of Manhattan, Kansas and Brandon, Mississippi, and graduated from Belhaven College with a B.A. in History in 2003, from Mississippi College with a M.A. in Social Sciences in 2005 and from Florida International University School of Law with a J.D. in 2008. Bellinder worked several years under the mentorship of Dennis C. Sweet, III before founding the Bellinder Law Firm. He specializes in trial work with the focus of his practice being criminal defense, transactions and civil litigation, often handling the insurance claims of injured individuals. He also is a debt collection and defense specialist, handling cases involving money disputes. He also represents numerous homeowners’ associations in and around the Jackson metro area. He has several sub-specialty areas, including motor vehicle accidents, domestic law, civil rights, workers compensation, sports and entertainment law and others. Bellinder is licensed to practice law in Florida, Mississippi, Washington, D.C., Texas, Kansas, Georgia, New York, Virginia, Arizona and Missouri. Bellinder is a board member of the Jackson Free Clinic, a medical student-run organization which provides free healthcare to Mississippi citizens. Bellinder is the Legal Support Director of the People’s Advocacy Institute in Jackson. Bellinder’s wife, Lauretha, is a native of Brandon, Mississippi. They were married in 2012 and reside in Brandon. They are the proud parents of one son, Landon Thomas and one daughter, Robbi Lee. They are actively involved as members at The Bridge Church, under the care of Pastors Jamane and Alecia Williams.