DeCARO DORAN is very pleased to welcome Melissa H. Ryan, Michelle P. Alvarez, and Angelita (Angi) S. Buelken to the firm.

Melissa Ryan is a native of Northern Virginia where she completed her undergraduate studies and graduated summa cum laude at George Mason University in 2012.  Subsequently, she earned her law degree from William & Mary Law School during which time she served as a Summer Law Clerk to the Honorable Constance Frogale, Chief Judge of the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.  Over the past five years, Melissa was an attorney for GEICO Staff Counsel where she gained significant litigation and trial experience.  She is a welcomed addition to our Fairfax, Virginia office.

Michelle Alvarez is actually a “welcome-back” to DeCaro Doran.  Michelle earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies in 1997, and later a B.S. in Legal Studies, with a minor in Government and Politics, from the University of Maryland University College in 2003.  She worked at the firm for a number of years before opening her own business as a contract paralegal.  Michelle is an active member of the Maryland Paralegal Association and will be providing paralegal support for partners Chris Dunn and James Liskow.

Finally, we a pleased to welcome Angi Buelken, who comes to the firm after 27 years as an Executive Assistant/Paralegal to the Law Offices of Robert G. McGinley, where she obtained extraordinary experience in all aspects of civil defense litigation.  Through this experience, Angie has developed vast knowledge of medical and ancillary experts which are critical to the defense of tort claims.  Her background and knowledge will be invaluable to the attorneys working in our Fairfax, Virginia office.  Angie resides with her family in Washington, D.C.