Firm Administrator
Keolani A. Neal
Keolani Neal is the Firm Administrator at Amaro Baldwin LLP, overseeing the firm's daily operations, including financial management, human resources, employee benefits, and recruitment. She works closely with the firm's partners to keep operations running smoothly while fostering a positive and supportive work environment. With more than 35 years of experience in the legal field, Keolani spent much of her career working alongside the firm's founder, Michael L. Amaro, as a Legal Assistant and Paralegal before transitioning into firm administration. Her background has given her a strong understanding of both the legal and business sides of the firm, but she considers the relationships she's built with colleagues and clients the most rewarding part of her career. Keolani studied Business Management at Cypress College and is an active member of the Association of Legal Administrators. Although she relocated from Southern California to Tennessee in 2020, she continues to manage the firm's operations remotely.
Outside of work, Keolani enjoys fitness, traveling, and exploring new restaurants. She also loves cooking, gardening, and cheering on her beloved Yankees. Above all, she loves spending time with her husband, three children, and five grandsons, who have her convinced that being Mimi is her favorite role yet.
Senior Paralegal
Nelson Ribac
Nelson Ribac Nelson Ribac is an experienced paralegal with more than 20 years of experience supporting attorneys in complex litigation. He is a valued member of Amaro Baldwin’s General Liability team, where he assists with case management, discovery, and trial preparation. Mr. Ribac earned his Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies from the Southern California College of Business and Law and is a Certified Notary Public in the State of California.
Nelson is motivated by professional growth and the diversity that comes with working on a wide range of legal matters. Outside of work, Mr. Ribac enjoys traveling with his family to tropical and historically rich destinations. He is also an avid sports enthusiast and takes great pride in watching his sons play basketball.
Paralegal
Kenyon Jenkins
Kenyon Jenkins is a Paralegal with Amaro Baldwin LLP. He brings more than 30 years of experience in international business development, real estate management, and business consulting. Mr. Jenkins supports the firm through legal research, drafting legal documents and contracts, and assisting attorneys with case strategy and case management. Mr. Jenkins earned his Juris Doctor and is currently preparing to sit for the California Bar Examination. He has experience assisting with matters involving personal injury, landlord/tenant disputes, business and contract law, family law, trust and estates, and conservatorship matters. His legal interests include business law, real estate and property law, constitutional law, and international business law.
Outside of work, Juan enjoys hiking, road trips, and photography. He also enjoys spending quality time with his wife and family.
Paralegal
Franklin Burgess
Franklin Burgess is a Paralegal at Amaro Baldwin LLP, providing litigation support across the firm's defense practice areas. He assists attorneys with case preparation, document management, and coordination of legal proceedings.
Franklin is known for his diligence and commitment to delivering quality work on behalf of the firm's clients.
Workers' Compensation Paralegal
Gladis Gonzalez
Gladis serves as a Paralegal in the Workers’ Compensation Department at Amaro Baldwin LLP. Before joining the firm, she spent eight years at another workers’ compensation law firm, where she built deep expertise in claims management, hearings preparation, and client support in workers’ compensation cases.
In her spare time, Gladis volunteers at local animal shelters, where she often walks dogs to help socialize and give them much-needed companionship. She also enjoys hiking, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending quality moments with family and friends
Legal Assistant & Paralegal
Joti Morrison
Joti Morrison serves as a Legal Assistant and Paralegal at Amaro Baldwin LLP. With over a decade of experience in civil litigation defense, Joti has developed extensive knowledge of all aspects of litigation, case management, and legal procedures. Having started her career as a receptionist, she has worked her way into a senior role, becoming an invaluable resource to the firm's attorneys and support staff. Known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to assist others, Joti plays an important role in keeping cases moving efficiently and supporting the firm's legal team. Joti earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from California State University, Long Beach. Joti is valued for her organizational skills and her commitment to supporting the firm's legal team with professionalism and care.
Outside of work, Joti enjoys fitness, traveling, and exploring new places. She also loves spending time at the beach, riding bikes, and reading.
Legal Assistant & Paralegal
Alejandra Gervacio
Alejandra Gervacio is a Legal Assistant and Paralegal at Amaro Baldwin LLP. She is dedicated to providing exceptional support to the firm's attorneys and clients and takes pride in her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and commitment to her work. Alejandra enjoys collaborating with her colleagues and continues to expand her knowledge and skills in the legal field.
Alejandra brings valuable experience in employment law and medical malpractice from her earlier work as a Legal Assistant at a small law firm.
Alejandra earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and her Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach.
Outside of the office, Alejandra enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, and attending sporting events.
Legal Assistant & Paralegal
Deirdre Alexander
Deirdre Alexander is a Legal Assistant and Paralegal at Amaro Baldwin LLP, bringing over 21 years of experience in workers' compensation defense litigation. Having worked closely with partner Susette Yi-Ries for more than 13 years, she has developed extensive knowledge of the litigation process and is a trusted and valued member of the firm's legal team.
Deirdre's experience encompasses all aspects of case management, discovery, trial preparation, and appeals. Known for her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and commitment to providing exceptional support, she plays an important role in keeping cases organized and moving forward efficiently. Outside of work, Deirdre enjoys reading and swimming.
Legal Assistant & Paralegal
Juan Castaneda
Juan Castaneda is a Legal Assistant and Paralegal at Amaro Baldwin LLP. Since 2020, he has worked closely with partner Andrew Branam, providing support in workers' compensation defense litigation. His extensive knowledge of case management, discovery, trial preparation, and legal procedures makes him a valuable member of the firm's legal team. Known for his attention to detail, strong work ethic, and commitment to his work, Juan plays an important role in supporting the firm's attorneys and ensuring cases move forward efficiently.
Outside of work, Juan enjoys hiking, road trips, and photography. He also enjoys spending quality time with his wife and family.
Legal Assistant & Paralegal
Julia Crawford
Julia Crawford is a Legal Assistant at Amaro Baldwin LLP, where she provides essential support to the firm's Workers' Compensation defense team. She began her legal career in 2024 and has quickly distinguished herself with her attention to detail, proactive approach, and growing knowledge of the workers' compensation process. Known for her reliability and collaborative spirit, Julia is a valued resource to both attorneys and colleagues.
In her free time, Julia enjoys doing Pilates, taking walks, and spending time with family and friends.
Legal Assistant
Valerie Carachure
Valerie Carachure is a Legal Assistant at Amaro Baldwin LLP, supporting the firm's attorneys with case management, document preparation, and client coordination. She brings strong organizational skills and a professional demeanor to her work.
Valerie is a dedicated member of the team, known for her attention to detail and her commitment to the firm's clients.
Legal Assistant
Melissa May
Melissa May is a Legal Assistant at Amaro Baldwin LLP, providing administrative and litigation support to the firm's General Liability team. She assists attorneys with document preparation, case coordination, and day-to-day office functions.
Melissa is known for her efficiency and her collaborative approach to supporting the legal team and the clients they serve.
Legal Assistant
Tyler Brown
Tyler Brown is a paralegal with five years of experience in maritime and education law. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach, and her paralegal certificate from UCLA. Tyler finds particular satisfaction in helping resolve disputes efficiently and supporting the timely progression of legal matters.
Outside of work, Ms. Brown enjoys reading suspense and romance novels and roller skating.
Legal Assistant
Emily Brooks
Emily Brooks is a Legal Assistant at Amaro Baldwin LLP, where she works directly with Rudie Baldwin, Esq., as well as Associate Lisa Sue Brown, Esq. Mrs. Brooks earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources Management, from California State University, Long Beach.
She enjoys the beach, a good plate of sushi, and spending time with family and friends.
Legal Assistant
Daniela Sanchez
Daniela Sanchez is a Legal Assistant at Amaro Baldwin LLP, supporting the firm's General Liability attorneys with case management, document preparation, and client communication. She brings strong organizational skills and a professional approach to her work.
Daniela is a valued member of the team, recognized for her reliability and her dedication to the clients and colleagues she serves.
Billing Coordinator
Alma Martinez
Alma Martinez is the Billing Coordinator for Amaro Baldwin LLP. She has worked in legal billing for civil litigation defense firms, since 2005. Having worked in the field for two decades, she is extremely knowledgeable in legal billing policies and procedures for insurance companies, self-insured businesses, and individual clients. Along with managing Amaro Baldwin's client and vendor billing, Ms. Martinez performs a variety of the firm's accounting duties.
Ms. Martinez enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her husband and her son. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, serving her church community and spending time outdoors.
Billing Coordinator & IT Administrator
Armando Sandoval
Armando Sandoval serves as the Workers' Compensation Billing Coordinator and Senior IT Administrator at Amaro Baldwin LLP. With over 15 years of experience in legal billing for defense firms, Mr. Sandoval works closely with attorneys Andrew Branam and Susette Yi-Ries. His extensive knowledge of insurance carrier and third-party administrator (TPA) billing guidelines helps ensure accuracy and efficiency in the firm's billing operations.
Armando also oversees the firm's day-to-day IT needs, providing technical support, troubleshooting computer and software issues, maintaining systems, and assisting with technology upgrades.
Outside of work, Armando enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, PC gaming, grilling, and barbecuing.
Billing Assistant
Vanesa Santos
Vanesa Santos is as a Billing Assistant at Amaro Baldwin, where she supports the General Liability Billing Department by processing payments, managing accounts receivable, and assisting the Billing Administrator with daily operations.
Ms. Santos enjoys spending time with her family and her Akita rescue dog, Ella. She enjoys going on hikes, watching movies and trips to the beach.
Recruiting & Administrative Assistant
Ellen Brown
Ellen Brown serves as the firm’s Recruiting Assistant and Administrative Assistant, supporting the hiring process from reviewing resumes and screening candidates to coordinating interviews with firm partners. She also assists with billing overflow, provides administrative support, and offers technical support for the firm’s website. Ellen brings a thoughtful, welcoming approach to her work, helping connect candidates with opportunities while supporting the firm’s day-to-day operations.
Outside of work, Ellen enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren. She also loves cooking, exploring new crafts, and settling in for a good horror movie.
Administrative Assistant
Amy Vasquez
Amy Vasquez is a Legal Assistant at Amaro Baldwin LLP, supporting the firm's attorneys with case management, document preparation, and client coordination. She brings strong organizational skills and a professional demeanor to her work.
Amy is a dedicated member of the team, known for her attention to detail and her commitment to the firm's clients.
Receptionist
Sarah Ozuna
Sarah Ozuna is a Legal Assistant at Amaro Baldwin LLP, providing administrative and litigation support to the firm's defense team. She assists attorneys with document preparation, case coordination, and day-to-day office functions.
Sarah is known for her reliability and her collaborative approach to supporting the legal team and the clients they serve.
Litigation Support Clerk
Martha Castruita
Martha Castruita serves in Litigation Support at Amaro Baldwin LLP, assisting with new case intake, case management, and maintaining the firm's litigation records. With many years of experience as a Legal Assistant, Martha brings extensive knowledge of legal procedures and the firm's operations to her current role. Her attention to detail and familiarity with the firm's practices make her a valued member of the team. Martha earned her Associate of Science degree and Paralegal Certificate from El Camino College. Martha is a reliable member of the team, committed to providing quality support to the attorneys and clients of the firm. Outside of work, Martha enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and new granddaughter, as well as many family and friends. She also enjoys listening to music, cooking, baking, and reading.
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