The Staff

Ned Spilsbury
Colleen Cadogan
Shannon Barker
Marta J. De La Torre
Scott Raphael
Leah Lamarra
April Hulsey

Ned Spilsbury

"I build a world of acceptance and Peace by coaching acceptance of self and others."

Ned is a research analyst at Bisnar | Chase and has been working with John Bisnar since 1979.

"I tell people that I read and write for a living; it's true. I read every piece of paper, including new case opinions and legislation, to keep the litigation end of Bisnar | Chase ahead of the leading edge of the developments in the law. I write much of the paperwork that is generated by the litigation department, including complaints, motions, and briefs that are submitted to courts or arbitrators to convince them to rule in our clients' favor. I am also the technology resource for the firm, and keep watch over our computer network and it's operation. Finally, I am the resource for odds and ends that accumulate after more than twenty years of work for the same firm."

Ned enjoys his position at Bisnar | Chase because of the many challenges and the variety of roles he plays throughout his regular work week. One of his many goals within the firm is to advance proficiency in the use of technology to gather and present information about the firm's cases.

Ned was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but was raised mostly in California. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of California at Davis, graduating with honors, then proceeded to the University of California at Irvine studying Medical Microbiology, before having a change of heart and finishing with a Master of Science Degree. Ned went on to attend law school at Western State University, Fullerton and graduated with honors in 1981.

Ned, his wife Lauren, and their three children live in Mission Viejo and keep very busy with the numerous and varied activities of their children's lives as well as their own. One of his personal goals is to assist his wife and children in achieving their own personal goals and learning, learning, learning.

Ned's co-workers at Bisnar | Chase comment that he is a good man, knowledgeable, kind and patient.

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Colleen Cadogan

"What I really like about working at Bisnar | Chase is that no matter who you are or what your title is in the office, you are treated with respect and as an equal."

Colleen has been at Bisnar | Chase since 1999. Colleen started as an Administrative Assistant and was soon promoted to a Paralegal position. She assists with client communications and intakes, processing investigations, working with police departments and the DMV as well as obtaining medical records and opening claims with insurance companies. Her goal is to work to the best of her ability and serve the clients' needs and she is proud to be a part of the firm because, "…we value what we do and the people we interact with."

Colleen was born and raised in Orange County. She attended Cal State University at Long Beach majoring in Criminal Psychology. She then went on to earn her Paralegal Certificate from South Coast College and the At-Home-Professions Program in 1998. She has certifications in Notary, ADP Payroll and ADP Human Resources.

Colleen continues to reside in Orange County and is dedicated to her family. She values her job, her co-workers and the clients. She has made life-long friendships with the people she has come into contact with during her employment with Bisnar | Chase .

Colleen's co-workers at Bisnar | Chase comment that she is extremely dedicated, able and has a "huge heart".

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Shannon Barker

"I work at Bisnar | Chase because everyday I see the value of what I do and what we do as a team for the benefit of our clients. The strength team work has is incredible."

Shannon Barker has been with Bisnar | Chase since 1995 and is the Supervising Pre-Litigation Paralegal. Shannon manages the pre-litigation files and oversees, directs and supervises her fellow paralegals in the office. She is responsible for meeting and interviewing all prospective clients, obtaining all necessary investigation, working with adjusters and assisting the attorneys with demand letters. She assists the partners in the evaluation of all cases for settlement. She also has the task of maintaining the flow between the pre-litigation and litigation teams.

Shannon was born and raised in Northern California. She attended the University of Arizona and the University of Hawaii, majoring in Political Science. She then attended the Century Paralegal School, graduating in 1989 with her paralegal certificate.

Shannon lives in Orange County with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys numerous personal pursuits, including photography, painting, bike riding and sewing. Shannon participates and strongly supports the numerous activities of her daughters. Shannon is the Orange County Representative for Women Worldwide, and actively supports and mentors women who seek the personal strength and understanding gained by members of that organization.

Shannon's co-workers at Bisnar | Chase comment that she is the lifeblood of the office - incredibly energetic, a strong woman, and intensely committed to negotiating the best possible results for the clients.

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Marta J. De La Torre

"We are a team of smart, open-minded individuals that are here to help the public and each other."

Marta J. De La Torre has been a Paralegal at Bisnar | Chase since 1994. Marta is the main Spanish translator at and the liaison between Spanish clients and the office. Marta is an invaluable part of the pre-litigation department as takes care of property damage, rentals, repairs, loss of use, everything that has to do with getting that part of the pre-litigation done. She supervises the medical records department to make sure everything is in the files when needed for demand packages or for hearings. She takes great pride in her work and in her position at Bisnar | Chase . Her goal is to take on even more responsibility and excel at what she does.

Marta attended Cal State University at Los Angeles majoring in English and Political Studies. Subsequently, she earned her Paralegal Certificate from the Paralegal Program at Newbridge College, Tustin, CA in 1994. Marta also studied English writing and composition at Fullerton College in 1995.

Her goals in life are to have peace in her heart, love her family, become a good role model for her children and make a difference in peoples' lives. In her spare moments, Marta enjoys reading and actively participating in everything her children do.

Marta's co-workers say she is dedicated to being the best she can be, is very patient and has a fun, contagious personalilty.

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Scott Raphael

"We do whatever it takes to obtain the best result possible for our clients, because we are dedicated to excellence."

Scott is an intregral part of the litigation team at Bisnar | Chase since it's inception. He heads the Law & Motion Department and personally oversees all discovery on the firms largest and most important cases. He supervises case law and motion activities and consults with the attorneys and litigation team on litigation strategy and tactics. His goal at Bisnar | Chase is to build a highly trained, well-disciplined and feared (by adversaries)litigation and law and motion unit. Per John Bisnar, he is doing an excellent job of it.

Scott earned his B.A. from Stanford University in 1979 and his M.A. in Economics in 1980. He then went on to acquire his J.D. from the University of Southern California in 1983. Scott has been working in the legal field for over 17 years. He enjoys working at Bisnar | Chase because of their commitment to excellence and their ambition to make a difference in the world. One of the things he enjoys most about his job is the challenge of successfully litigating an action to a satisfying result.

Although Scott enjoys spending most of his free time with his son, he also enjoys aviation and computers. Scott is a licensed Airline Transport Pilot, an airplane multiengine flight instructor and is an aviation author as well.

Scott's co-workers comment that he has amazing intelligence and knowledge and has worked very hard to get where he is today.

"Scott combines academic brilliance, procedural law mastery and strategic genius with relentless tenacity to give our Litigation Team the depth of a 100 man law firm, the focus of a one issue law firm and a degree of consistent effectiveness unknown in the legal field. He is one of the firm's greatest assets." John Bisnar

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Leah Lamarra

Leah Lamarra is an associate attorney at Bisnar | Chase . She joins us after having gained extensive experience and valuable training in personal injury litigation at Rose, Klein & Marias. Leah is committed to being an advocate for those without a voice, and is dedicated to the representation of seriously injured consumers. She is a tenacious and talented "David", fighting for our clients.

Leah is a graduate of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology and law and went on to obtain her Juris Doctor in 1997 from Western State University College of Law, Fullerton, CA. Leah received American Jurisprudence awards for excellence in criminal law, evidence and legal writing. While a law student, Leah served as a law clerk for Commissioner David S. Weinberg at the Orange County Superior Court, Family Law Division.

She is active in the Bar, including Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, Consumer Attorneys of California, and the Robert A. Banyard Inn of Court.

"Mrs. Lamarra was recruited due to her strong academic background and fearless pursuit of clients' causes. I expect exceptional outcomes for our clients on the cases that she handles. She is a tremendous addition to the firm." John Bisnar, Senior Partner

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April Hulsey

"I am a person of strong morals who believes in dedication, hard work and love of family and friends. When it comes to our clients, the partners, associates and staff of Bisnar | Chase are 100% committed to their well-being and they have enrolled me into this same philosophy."

April is a very important part of the legal team of Bisnar | Chase . As the Client Intake Specialist she is responsible for the initial prospective client contact, building client trust and rapport while gathering initial case information. April is also responsible for the file set up and initial input of new client information. She also makes sure that, if Bisnar | Chase cannot handle a potential case, the potential client is assisted in finding the type lawyer or law firm that they need. She plays a vital role for the callers, new clients and the firm.

April grew up in the Inland Empire and graduated from Etiwanda High School. She received 2 scholarships to California State University and studied 2 majors; Business Administration and Music. She plans to continue her education in Business Law through to her degree.

April lives in Fullerton, CA with her husband and son and enjoys spending time with her extended family. An accomplished musician in flute and bassoon, she also finds time to add to her extensive Barbie collection. April invites you to visit her personal website dedicated to Xena.

"April is the perfect person for her job in the firm. She is dedicated to assisting callers. She knows what types of cases fit our case profile. She knows how to direct people who call us with matters we don't handle. She is highly intelligent, a quick learner, very innovative and creative and always in a great mood. I very much enjoy April's presence in our office and her high level of skill." John Bisnar, Senior Partner

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