Staff

Allison Melton is a Senior Associate at JFB Legal.  Allison brings almost 15 years’ litigation experience, advocating for her clients in both federal and state courts and in arbitration. During her career, Allison has represented a broad range of clients, and has successfully defended creditors and financial institutions against consumer litigation in a variety of forums across the country.

Education

  • George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School, J.D., 2007
      • Contributor, Civil Rights Law Journal
  • George Mason University, B.A., Government & International Politics, Minor in English, 2003, magna cum laude
    • Dean’s List
    • Oxford University, UK, Fall 2000 – Study Abroad Independent Research Program.

Clerkships

  • The Honorable Mary Grace O’Brien, Circuit Court for Prince William County, Virginia, 2008

Civil Litigation

  • Court rejected mortgagor’s challenge to a lender’s standing to foreclose without producing the original promissory note, one of the first appellate courts in the U.S. to do so.
  • Persuaded federal court to hold that sending a notice of a nonjudicial foreclosure sale to a mortgagor does not make foreclosing trustee a debt collector under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), distinguishing the relevant precedent at the time.
  • Represented a leading food and beverage manufacturer in products liability and business litigation.
  • Successfully defended financial institutions in class actions and individual lawsuits brought by consumers under various consumer protection statues, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and state unfair practices acts.

Internal and Regulatory Investigations

  • Assisted clients with resolving complaints from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and state attorneys general.

Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, Virginia Beach, VA (2016-2022)

  • Litigation Attorney

BWW Law Group, LLC, Rockville, MD (2008-2016)

  • Managing Attorney

Bar Admissions
  • Virginia
  • District of Columbia
Court Admissions
  • S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
  • S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
  • S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
  • S. District Court, District of Columbia
  • Supreme Court of Virginia
  • Court of Appeals, District of Columbia

  • American Bar Association
  • Virginia Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association

Elizabeth Lee is a Senior Associate at JFB Legal.  Liz is a seasoned litigator with extensive experience representing multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes complex litigation in federal and state courts across the country and providing advice and solutions to the issues clients face at all stages of litigation.  She loves collaborating with clients to learn deeply about their industry and business, identify their needs, and advise on potential litigation risks and solutions.

Education

  • Rutgers Law School, J.D., , 2013
    • Captain of International Chamber of Commerce Mediation Competition Team Pro Bono Recognition Student Volunteer
  • Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, M.A., Conference Interpretation, 2004
    • Graduated top of class
  • Rutgers University, B.A., English, 2001

Civil Litigation

  • Represented a biopharmaceutical company in mass torts litigation.
  • Represented a foreign construction material manufacturer in complex litigation matters in multiple federal courts around the country.
  • Managed multiple jurisdictions and supervised local counsel and co-counsel in all aspects of litigation from inception to trial in a national counsel team representing a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company.
  • Managed multiple products liability cases in various jurisdictions and supervised local counsel in a national counsel team serving a global automobile part manufacturer.

Internal and Regulatory Investigations

  • Managed litigation diligence for an investment management corporation.
  • Communicated regularly with clients and their senior leadership to identify, assess, and strategize on legal issues.
  • Advised corporate and manufacturing clients on product warranties and safety guides.
  • Drafted responses to inquiries from US regulatory bodies and international regulators on client’s products and litigation.

Pro Bono

  • Represented and argued at multiple court hearings on a child support case in NY Queens County Family Court.
  • Represented an individual in a civil lawsuit against municipality and argued at a hearing for motion for summary judgment.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, New York, NY (2018-2022)

  • Managing Associate – Litigation

DLA Piper LLP, New York, NY (2014-2018)

  • Attorney – Litigation

Bar Admissions
  • New York

  • Korean, native level

Romuald Lutungadio is a Researcher at JFB Legal. Originally from France and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Romuald continued his post-graduate studies in the USA, learning English (while teaching French at the French Institute Alliance Française) and obtaining his Master of Laws degree. Romuald brings almost three years of paralegal experience, gained through work in litigation and collections at a large law firm and more recently as a legal and compliance consultant for a multi-national technology and eCommerce corporation.

Education

  • St. John’s University School of Law, L.L.M. 2021
  • Paris Nanterre University, B.Ec. Economics and Law, 2016
  • Lubumbashi University, L.L.M., Common Law, 2015
  • The City College of New York, Paralegal Studies Certificate, 2018

Amazon, NY, Remote (October 2021 – May 2022)

  • Legal & Compliance Consultant – Responsible for leading the legal payments business program, focused on accounts payable and launching the blocking program. Screened entities and individuals with restricted accounts. Reviewed and revised vendor licensing and producer contracts, incorporating regulatory compliance changes. Conducted research on compliance related legislation.

Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, White Plains, NY (September 2019 – March 2020)

  • Paralegal – Worked in the areas of contracts, litigation, and collections. Conducted timely drafting and filing of legal documents and correspondence in preparation for court appearances, hearings, depositions, trials, and meetings. Organized case files and provided background information on individual cases. Drafted summons and complaint notices, affidavits. Filed motions and prepared retainers.

  • French
  • Spanish
  • Lingala
  • Swahili

Emily Mason is a Law Clerk at JFB Legal. A final year law student at Elon University School of Law, Emily brings both academic and practical experience from her work in the medical and client service sectors. As a pre-med student at Washington & Lee University, Emily spent three years in a neuroscience and biology laboratory, researching the effects of snacking on obesity. At JFB Legal, Emily has successfully applied her scientific research skills to legal services, working on the firm’s complex medical insurance coverage cases. 

Education

  • Elon University School of Law, J.D., December 2022 (expected)
  • Washington & Lee University, B.S., Neuroscience, 2020
      • Biology Department & Neuroscience Program Research Scholarship to study the effects of snacking on obesity.

A.G. Linett & Associates, PA, Greensboro, NC (January – April 2022)

  • Resident – Worked with supervising attorney to conduct legal research and wrote research memoranda for firm and client use on wrongful death, workers’ compensation, and land dispute cases. Reported legal research to supervising attorney to determine best legal course of action for clients.

Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club, Portsmouth, VA (May 2019 – July 2020)

  • Event Hostess/Banquet Server – Assisted with the planning, preparation, and organization of events, including weddings, conferences, celebrations, etc. Interacted with country club members to provide efficient and friendly customer service. Motivated co-workers and helped supervise part time staff at events.

Haygood Physical Therapy PC, Virginia Beach, VA (May 2016 – August 2017)

  • Physical Therapist Assistant – Assisted patients with exercise plans; provided ice or heat; prepared examination rooms for appointments. Multi-tasked between scheduling patients and providing hands on patient care; performed receptionist duties; answering the phones and collecting insurance information from patients.

Andrew Bosse is a Partner at JFB Legal. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in high-stakes commercial and criminal litigation, including both civil and criminal securities fraud matters, antitrust and intellectual property disputes, and corporate fraud allegations for clients in the banking, publishing, and biotechnology sectors. He spent nearly 8 years as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, including 3 as the Deputy Criminal Chief for the Norfolk Division. As an AUSA, he tried a dozen cases and prosecuted hundreds of others involving white-collar crime, money laundering, national security offenses, large-scale narco-trafficking, and RICO and organized crime, including multiple murder cases. In 2022, Andrew received the Attorney General’s John Marshall Award for the Trial of Litigation, one of the Department of Justice’s highest awards, for his role in a seven-week racketeering trial.
*Licensed only in New York.

Education

  • University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 2008
      • Virginia Law Review, Articles Editor
      • Governor’s Legal Fellow, Office of the Governor, Richmond, Virginia (2007-2008)
      • Raven Society
  • Princeton University, A.B., English Literature, 2005, summa cum laude
      • Phi Beta Kappa and Class of 1859 Prize

Clerkships

  • The Hon. Edith Brown Clement, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, New Orleans, LA
      • Law Clerk, August 2009 – August 2010
  • The Hon. James C. Cacheris, U.S. District Court, E.D. Va., Alexandria, VA
      • Law Clerk, August 2008 – August 2009

Civil Litigation

  • Represented large financial institution in numerous federal securities actions related to the issuance of billions of dollars of residential mortgage-backed securities.
  • Represented major publishing company and its subsidiary in Section 1 antitrust suit favorably resolved on summary judgment.
  • Represented biotech company in trade secret dispute related to novel energy technology.
  • Represented independent directors of a major financial institution in multiple shareholder derivative actions involving fraud allegations in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

Criminal

  • Prosecuted $25 million investment and securities fraud scheme involving FCC spectrum application services; prosecution included two multi-week jury trials.
  • Prosecuted multiple large-scale RICO cases resolved after lengthy jury trials, including three-defendant trial that resulted in five murder convictions, one for the retaliatory killing of a witness.
  • Successfully tried cases alleging mail, wire, and bank fraud, money laundering, identity theft, organized narcotics trafficking, and serial robbery, among other charges.
  • Prosecuted national security cases, including matters involving the provision of material support to designated foreign-terrorist organizations, the Classified Information Procedures Act, and the unlicensed possession of a select biological toxin.
  • Prosecuted civil rights case involving the threat to burn down a church whose religious leaders were involved in a peaceful demonstration and prayer vigil.
  • Briefed and argued numerous appeals in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Pro Bono Matters

  • Represented domestic violence and employment discrimination victims in New York state and federal court.

United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk, VA (2015-2022)

  • Norfolk Deputy Criminal Chief (2019-2022)
  • Assistant U.S. Attorney (2015-2022)

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, New York, NY (2010-2015)

  • Associate

Bar Admissions
  • New York
Court Admissions
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

  • American Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association

Scarlett Baughman is the Event Coordinator at JFB Legal.  A recent graduate of UNLV’S William F. Harrah’s College of Hospitality, Scarlett brings both academic and professional event planning experience to JFB Legal, having worked in the hospitality sector for almost five years, most recently as an Event Hostess at a boutique event planning company serving the West Coast.  At JFB Legal, Scarlett is responsible for arranging and coordinating all firm-sponsored corporate and practice development events, and for building and maintaining a client database.

Education

  • The University of Nevada at Las Vegas, M.S., Hotel Administration (expected completion 2023)
      • UNLV, College of Hospitality, Graduate Assistantship (Fall 2022, Spring 2023)
  • The University of Nevada at Las Vegas, B.S., Hospitality Management, Minor in French, 2022, magna cum laude, University Honors Scholar
      • Honors College
      • Dean’s List
      • UNLVino & Rebel Challenge Scholarship
      • UNLV Sports Club Executive Council, Treasurer
      • Zeta Tau Alpha – Iota Eta Chapter, Fundraising Treasurer
      • UNLV Crew, President & Captain
      • Cirque du UNLV, Vice President
  • Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA), 2022
  • New York Bartending School, New York, NY, Bartending Certification, 2019

Event Hostess, A Simple Affair Events, Las Vegas, NV (November 2021 – May 2022)

  • Assisted with the planning, preparation, and organization of events, including weddings, conferences, celebrations, etc. developing detailed work schedules to ensure efficiency in terms of event logistics.
  • Managed guests at functions and provided liaison between support staff and guests.
  • Ensured that policies and contracts were followed, addressing issues in a timely and professional manner.

Barista, Dutch Brothers Coffee, Las Vegas, NV (March 2021 – October 2021)

  • Provided excellent customer service in high volume business (100+ transactions per hour), establishing rapport with regular customers, while maintaining exceptional hospitality service to all guests.
  • Multitasked in all areas of the business. Had responsibility for opening and closing the store, and for training new staff.

Server, Bartender, Food Runner & Hostess, Shorebreak Pizza and Taphouse, Virginia Beach, VA (2017 – 2021)

Server and Bartender
  • Provided quick, friendly, and reliable server service to 35 tables per shift (90-table capacity) at this casual-dining local restaurant, exemplifying customer satisfaction standards. Maintained courteous and professional relations with diners.
  • Prepared cocktails and specialty drinks to bar guests, up-selling high-shelf liquors.
Food Runner
  • Ran food to all 90 tables plus the bar at a quick pace.
  • Greeted diners at tables and maintained customer satisfaction, correcting kitchen errors promptly through liaison with management and servers.
Hostess
  • Greeted all diners with high energy, enthusiasm, and kindness, handling wait times of up to 2 hours.

Cottage Inspector, JCB Duck, LLC, Duck, NC (2016 – 2020 – seasonal)

  • Trusted keyholder for four beach rental houses. Reviewed houses on rental turnover day, ensuring cleanliness and identifying/resolving any repair issues.

  • French

Angela Vickers is a Paralegal at JFB Legal. Angela brings almost 20 years of experience working in banking as a Branch Manager, and more recently in the ecclesiastical sector as Office Manager of a large church in Virginia Beach.

Education

  • Tidewater Community College, Career Studies Certificate, Paralegal, 2021
      • Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society
  • Lee University, B.A., History, 1998
  • Notary Public, State of Virginia (active)

Azalea Garden Church of God, Virginia Beach, VA (2009 – 2022)

  • Office Manager – Managed the day-to-day operations of the church and assisted the Worship and Arts Pastor in planning and preparing for Sunday services and special events.

Bank @LANTEC, Virginia Beach, VA (2006 – 2009)

  • Branch Manager – Managed the main branch, including a team of tellers and customer service representatives. Provided services to customers such as loans, new accounts and deposit transactions.

First Bank, Asheboro, NC (2001 – 2006)

  • Branch Officer – Assisted in managing the tellers, conducted weekly staff meetings and monthly security meetings. Also worked closely with the internal auditors to assure compliance with all applicable regulations. Opened new accounts and processed loans from inception to closing. Worked closely with attorneys to insure the loan closing package was complete and accurate.

  • National Association of Legal Assistants
  • Tidewater Paralegal Association

Tshering Sherpa is a Paralegal at JFB Legal. A recent graduate of the State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo, Tshering brings diverse experience, including being a front-line worker during the COVID-19 pandemic, founding a youth sports development program in rural Nepal, and earning her professional open water diver certification. Prior to joining JFB Legal, Tshering worked as a career peer mentor at SUNY’s Department of Career Services, and as a volunteer at the Greek America Corps Foundation, assisting with the Unaccompanied Minor/Refugee Program. Tshering loves challenges and exploring, and her academic curiosity led her to become a McNair Scholar, conducting a research project on Semantics.

Education

  • The State University of New York, Geneseo, B.A. in International Relations & Psychology, 2021
    • Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship The Jewish Foundation for Education of Women Eddie Lee ’76 Ambassadorship
  • Centro Superior de Lenguas Modernas de la Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain, Intensive Summer Spanish Language Program, 2019
  • Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Introduction to the Thai Language Program, 2021

Unaccompanied Minor/Refugee Volunteer, Greek America Corps Foundation, New York, NY (June 2021- August 2021)

  • Collaborated with the Greek Council of Refugees and METAdrasi to provide social and integration services to vulnerable cases, including unaccompanied minors, victims of trafficking, and refugees aiming to normalize their experience in Greece.
  • Volunteered with Boroume, a charitable organization to reduce food waste and fight malnutrition to gather unsold food from farmers’ markets and distribute them to various soup kitchens throughout the city operated by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Athens.
  • Supported dozens of homeless people by providing humanitarian help, counseling, and family support with the help of specialist streetworkers cultivating trusting relationships to implement individualized programs to meet their needs.

Research Assistant, Department of Psychology, SUNY, Geneseo, NY (March 2020-May 2021)

  • Recruited 30+ Asian-Americans and Asians to understand their cultural adjustment experiences to create a structure and execute qualitative surveys and semi-structured interviews.
  • Discussed the themes present in the interviews for the initial coding/content analysis to resolve disagreements to ensure a degree of objectivity in the content analysis.
  • Published and presented the research, “A Qualitative Study of the Experience of Asian-American Students During Spring 2020” as a part of the 15th Annual Geneseo Recognizing Excellence (GREAT) Day.

Career Peer Mentor, Department of Career Development, SUNY, Geneseo, NY (August 2019-December 2020)

  • Advised undergraduate students in navigating website resources such as Handshake focus 2, and LinkedIn to help them successfully find information regarding internships, part-time jobs, and career assessments.
  • Critiqued the student resume and cover letter development through 1:1 consultation during drop-in hours respective to their career and internship interest.
  • Initiated projects to build connections between the international student population increasing participation and engagement.

  • National Association of Legal Assistants

  • Nepali (Native)
  • Hindi (Proficient)
  • Urdu (Intermediate)
  • Spanish (Intermediate)
  • Korean (Beginner)

Tom S. Chen is an Associate at JFB Legal. A recent graduate of William & Mary Law School, Tom has experience conducting legal research in various complex civil litigation matters. Prior to joining JFB Legal, Mr. Chen worked as a legal intern for GS Engineering & Construction, researching issues on contract disputes, the enforceability of credit demand letters along with other international arbitration issues. Mr. Chen has also provided pro bono assistance through William & Mary’s Immigration Clinic and Veteran Benefits Clinic, working in various matters ranging from assisting individuals seeking asylum to helping veterans file claims for disability compensation.

Education

  • William & Mary Law School, J.D., 2021
    • Business Law Review, Articles Editor
    • Center for the Study of Law and Market Fellowship
    • National Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, Treasurer
  • University of Alberta, B.Comm., Finance, with distinction, 2018
    • Business Finance Association, Treasurer

Law Offices of Andrew Free, Nashville, TN (Summer 2020)

  • Summer Fellowship – Researched and presented on related issues for a class action lawsuit, e.g., the Freedom of Information Act and how to use it to its full effect when dealing with a public administration. Wrote intake interview summaries of potential class-action members.

GS Engineering & Construction, Seoul, South Korea (Summer 2019)

  • Summer Intern – Wrote research memoranda on the enforceability of a credit demand clause within international arbitration. Researched and reported to in-house counsel on other transactional issues for financing various international projects being developed by the company.

Bar Admissions
  • New York

Nicholas Jimenez is a Senior Associate at JFB Legal.  Nicholas is an experienced litigator with extensive experience in both state and federal court.  During his career, Nick has represented clients of all sizes – from individuals to multinational corporations – in a variety of capacities.  Nick has experience in antitrust, intellectual property, real estate litigation, bankruptcy, breach of contract, business torts, and white-collar crime.

Education

  • Duquesne University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, May 2015
    • Order of the Barristers: Excellence in Trial Advocacy
    • Shalom Moot Court Award: Excellence in Oral Advocacy
    • Duquesne Business Law Journal: Articles Editor
    • Duquesne Intellectual Property Law Association: Vice President
    • National Civil Trial Competition 2014: Outstanding Advocate, Finalist
  • Emory & Henry College, B.A., International Relations, magna cum laude, 2011

Civil/Criminal Litigation

  • Represented a horse farm in an easement dispute with a regional airport.
  • Represented one partner in a medical practice in withdrawing from the practice with the full value of his interest intact.
  • Represented a national corporation in premises liability actions.
  • Represented a national vehicle repair provider in an antitrust case alleging a price-fixing scheme.
  • Represented a national electric supply company in a contract dispute with a general contractor.
  • Represented numerous small businesses in disputes with local government, other businesses, and individuals.
  • Represented a regional auto dealership in a dispute with the attorney general regarding their advertising practices.
  • Represented individuals in cases involving allegations of wire fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and other white-collar crimes.

Internal and Regulatory Investigations

  • Assisted a local police department in investigating alleged misconduct by an officer.
  • Assisted several small businesses in internal investigations into potential wrongdoing by partners, employees, and others.
  • Assisted investors and shareholders in obtaining updated records to ensure their money was being properly managed.

Goodman Allen Donnelly, Norfolk, VA (2021- 2022)

  • Associate – Broad civil litigation practice that includes commercial litigation, medical malpractice defense, regulatory investigations, and civil-rights litigation. Prepared responsive pleadings including special pleas, pleas in bar, answers, and demurrers. Prepared discovery requests and responses. Consulted with potential experts and prepared expert designations. Conducted and defended both witness and expert depositions. Prepared briefs in support of various motions, including motions for summary judgment. Managed large document productions throughout the discovery process. Participated in mediation and arbitrations. Consulted with small businesses to provide advice concerning policies related to employment and compliance. Represented small businesses in government regulatory investigations. Litigated adversary actions pending in bankruptcy court. Prepared insurance coverage opinions.

Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel, Philadelphia, PA (2018- 2020)

  • Associate – Experience in all phases of commercial litigation, including dispute arising from business dissolutions, breach of contract claims, product liability, bankruptcy, antitrust litigation, government regulatory actions and white-collar crime. Litigated employment issues including wage and hour violations, EEOC complaints, and disputes over anti-competitive covenants. Litigated adversary actions during Chapter 11 Bankruptcy proceedings. Analyzed partnership agreements, corporate by-laws, non-competes and other authoritative documents. Provided insurance coverage opinions and litigated disputes concerning extent of insurance coverage. Represented small businesses in disputes with lenders and other business entities. Conducted internal investigations into employee misconduct.

Zimmer Kunz, Pittsburgh, PA (2015 – 2018)

  • Associate – Broad civil defense practice involving litigation on behalf of both insurance companies, and institutional clients. Prepared pleadings, briefs, and other filings, including dispositive motions. Appeared in court to present oral arguments on preliminary objections, summary judgment, and discovery motions. Conducted and defended depositions. Prepared written discovery directed to individuals, corporate entities, and expert witnesses. Utilized e-discovery software to produce properly redact electronically stored information. Prepared privilege log throughout the e-discovery process. Analyzed insurance policies and prepared coverage opinions. Defended insurance bad-faith claims. Analyzed product liability claims, including participating in the inspection of the allegedly defective products with expert witnesses. Conducted site inspections for cases involving claims of premises liability. Defended healthcare providers, small medical offices, and large institutions such as hospitals against claims of medical malpractice. Participated in site inspections, including the inspections of defective products by expert witnesses.

United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, PA (January 2015 – August 2015)

  • Certified Legal Intern – Worked with the Violent Crime and White-Collar Crime departments. Interviewed witnesses during internal investigations, and criminal investigations. Shadowed Assistant United States’ Attorneys (AUSAs) during meetings with FBI agents. Assisted AUSAs during review of discovery related to wire-fraud, drafted memoranda to assist AUSAs as they attempted to prosecute white-collar crimes. Observed AUSAs conduct select juries, and present cases to juries. Observed motion’s practice before various judges in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Participated in investigations concerning potential wire fraud, and other white-collar criminal offenses.

Bar Admissions
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Virginia
Court Admissions
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

  • Trial Lawyers College
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association
  • I’Anson-Hoffman Inn of Court