Meet the excellent team that makes up Benme Legal
Héctor A. Benítez Cañas
ATTORNEY
Héctor A. Benítez Cañas is originally a Venezuelan lawyer and professor passionate about the sustainable development of the agrarian system, with postgraduate degrees in Agrarian-Environmental Law and another in Civil Procedure in his country. He came to the United States to pursue an LL.M. (Master of Law Letters) from Florida State University at its College of Law, which he successfully completed, and then went on to work for several years with the prestigious attorney Office Gloria Roa Bodin.
Before coming to the United States, Héctor held relevant positions such as Judge of the Superior Agrarian Court of the States of Aragua and Carabobo in Venezuela and Coordinator-Adjunct Professor of the Diploma in Agrarian Law of the University of Carabobo in Venezuela.
At the international level, his legal and judicial inventions have been cited in recent works, such as the one published in April 2017 by the National Institute of Public Administration of the Ministry of Finance and Public Administrations, Madrid Spain, entitled «Cultural heritage in Europe and Latin America «; and his participation in the Spanish version of the practical guide “Learn Immigration in 24 Hours” by attorney Gloria Roa Bodin.
Currently, he is a licensed attorney in the United States with admission to the Missouri State Bar Association and is dedicated to the exclusive practice of Immigration Law in the processing of visas for investors, professionals, athletes, artists, among others; as well as defensive processes before the United States Immigration Courts, among which the Defensive Asylum and the Cancellation of Deportation stand out. Benme Legal’s offices are located at 3105 Nw 107th Avenue, Suite # 466, Doral, Florida 33172; and at 7726 Winegard Rd Suite 202 Orlando, FL 32809.
Marinel Meneses González
GENERAL MANAGER
Marinel Meneses González is a Venezuelan lawyer, with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Law and Criminology and a specialty in Agrarian-Environmental Law in her country.
Before coming to the United States, Marinel held relevant positions as Municipal Judge and Amparo Executor in the States of Aragua and Carabobo in Venezuela, after a long career as an official assigned to the Criminal Judicial Circuit of Aragua.
Since Hector started in the world of Immigration and throughout these years, Marinel has been in charge of the development of the administrative support of the Firm and has had the responsibility of supervising the performance of each of its departments, implementing strategies oriented to the effective fulfillment of the services offered, maintaining as main corporate objective the attention of our collaborators and clients according to their needs, Therefore, together with the Benme Legal team, she has been in charge of planning based on the analysis of different situations that have allowed us to achieve the effective and necessary internal communication to achieve the general purpose of providing the best attention and service.
Fernando Atencio Martínez
IMMIGRATION LEGAL ASSISTANT
Fernando Atencio Martínez, Venezuelan, graduated as a lawyer in Venezuela in 2001, and is a member of the Zulia State Bar Association. He studied law at Universidad Rafael Urdaneta, and completed his internship at the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela.
He completed postgraduate studies in Venezuela in the areas of Civil Procedure Law, as well as Labor and Social Security Law, at Universidad del Zulia and Universidad Rafael Urdaneta, respectively.
In the United States, he pursued a Master of Laws (LLM) in the area of business at Florida State University (FSU), completing the same in October 2023.
He had his own law firm and practiced law in his home country for 17 years, specifically in the areas of administrative, constitutional, civil, business and labor law. His professional activity was directed to advising companies in the banking, insurance, commercial and real estate sectors. He was linked in his professional practice to litigation in the aforementioned areas in the different Venezuelan courts.
He emigrated to the United States in 2018, joining the Benme Legal team in February 2021, forming part of its office located in the city of Orlando, Florida. One of his responsibilities, among others, is to assist the firm’s main attorney in the handling and defense of the different removal proceedings before the U.S. Immigration Courts. He is fluent in Spanish and English.
Verónica Gabriela Piñero Díaz
IMMIGRATION LEGAL ASSISTANT
Verónica Gabriela Piñero Díaz
Vanessa Rojas
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Vanessa Rojas, is a Venezuelan lawyer graduated in 2008.
For approximately 10 years, she held various positions in the courts of her country. She also completed postgraduate studies in International Human Rights Law, Agrarian and Environmental Law and Teaching in Higher Education.
At Benme Legal, she contributes to the processing of the firm’s cases, to obtain the desired success.
Gabriel Virla
IMMIGRATION LEGAL ASSISTANT
Gabriel Virla, Attorney Gabriel Virla is a highly skilled Venezuelan born legal professional with a diverse and extensive background in the field of law. As a recent addition to our esteemed law firm, his impressive educational credentials and wealth of experience make him an invaluable asset to our team.
Gabriel holds an LLM Legum Magister degree from Florida International University, reflecting his commitment to legal excellence and his dedication to continuous learning. He has also earned a Certificate Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network INC. His solid foundation in law began with a Bachelor of Law degree from Universidad Rafael Urdaneta.
With a robust background in Immigration Law, Gabriel has served as a Legal Consultant at reputable law firms, including Benme Legal and Gloria Roa Bodin P.A. His work has encompassed a broad spectrum of immigration-related matters, from family and employment-based petitions to complex court cases. His expertise in this area is a valuable resource for our firm.
Gabriel’s legal acumen extends beyond immigration law, as he has also worked on commercial, employment, criminal, and civil law litigation, including real estate and commercial acquisitions in Venezuela. His comprehensive understanding of various legal domains makes him a versatile and effective member of our team.
In addition to his private practice experience, Gabriel brings a unique perspective to our firm with his previous roles in the Venezuelan Judiciary System. His service as a District Judge in the Civil and Commercial Court of Maracaibo have honed his skills in judicial proceedings and dispute resolution.
Gabriel’s commitment to legal education is evident through his role as a Law Professor at both Universidad del Zulia and Universidad Bolivariana de Venezuela. He has shared his knowledge with law students, teaching classes on topics ranging from contracts and civil guarantees to judiciary system management.
Gabriel Virla is a native Spanish speaker and is proficient in English, ensuring effective communication and representation in both languages.
His academic achievements include a noteworthy Law Degree Thesis titled «The Right to a Defense as an Element to the Due Process of Venezuelan Law» in 2014. Additionally, he has been acknowledged in the 5th edition of «Immigration Law for Paralegals» by Gloria Roa Bodin Esq. and Maria Casablanca Esq. in 2022.
Gabriel Virla’s impressive background, dedication to legal excellence, and versatile skill set make him a valuable addition to our law firm. His commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice aligns perfectly with our firm’s mission, and we are proud to welcome him to our team.»
Jesus Cupello
IMMIGRATION LEGAL ASSISTANT
Jesús Alberto Cupello, Venezuelan by birth, graduated as a lawyer in Venezuela in 2007, he is affiliated with the Zulia State Bar Association. He studied Law at the Rafael Belloso Chacin University, in the city of Maracaibo, and completed his internship at the Maracaibo Labor Judicial Circuit. He completed postgraduate studies in Tax Management, conflict resolution and Teaching for University Education at the Rafael Belloso Chacin University and the Andrés Bello Catholic University.
He practiced law in his country of origin for 10 years, specifically in the areas of civil, commercial and labor law. His professional activity was directed to represent the banking sector in the western part of the country, as well as private clients. He also worked for 5 years as a university professor at undergraduate and postgraduate level at Rafael Belloso Chacin University.
He immigrated to the United States of America in 2019, and focused his professional development expectations in the area of immigration law, becoming widely interested in such matters, joining the Benme Legal team in September 2022, forming part of the Orlando branch office, located at the following address: 7065 Westpointe Blvd, Suite 201, Orlando Florida.
Currently, she is part of the firm’s pool of assistants, acting mainly in cases of defensive and affirmative asylum, work permits, family petitions, and the different visas processed by the firm.
Felipe Nogueira
IMMIGRATION LEGAL ASSISTANT
Felipe Nogueira, Originally from Brazil, received his Law degree in 2004, from Universidade de Vila Velha, State of Espirito Santo, and subsequently expanded his legal acumen by acquiring an MBA Degree in Tax Law from Fundação Getúlio Vargas and attending a Postgraduate Course in Maritime and Port Law at Faculdade de Direito de Vitória. He holds an L.L.M. degree in American Law for Foreign Lawyers from the prestigious Florida State University College of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude and earning a spot on the Dean’s List. While there, Felipe was an active member of numerous legal associations, including the International Law Students Association and Advocates for Immigrants and Refugee Rights.
Felipe Nogueira currently serves as the Branch Supervisor at Benme Legal in Bradenton, Florida. Prior to his current role with our firm, Mr. Nogueira enriched his legal expertise at James G. Martin Immigration P.A. in Sarasota, Florida, managing an array of legal services in Immigration Law and contributing significantly to case strategies and legal research.
Mr. Nogueira has also held substantial roles in Brazil, serving as the Chief Legal Counsel at Instituto de Defesa Agropecuária e Florestal do Espírito Santo and a Founding Partner at Braz Machado Nogueira Advogados. In these capacities, he provided indispensable counsel in contracts, real estate, administrative, agriculture, environmental and tax law, managing administrative departments and resolving disputes.
Fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, Felipe maintains his professional affiliations with the Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil, Espírito Santo, symbolizing his deep connection with his Brazilian roots and his devotion to the international legal community.
Milos Petrovic
FOREIGN LEGAL CONSULTANT
Milos Petrovic, is European lawyer born in Montenegro. He earned his law degree at Belgrade University, Faculty of Law, in Serbia. His academic career successfully continued in Miami (FL), where he earned his postgraduate title as Master of Laws (Legum Magister) at Florida International University (FIU) – College of Law.
Before he continued development of his career in the United States, Milos made successful career as a lawyer, business consultant and businessman in Montenegro, Serbia and Greece. He has special interest in Commercial Law, International Public Law, Political Systems and Immigration Law of the United States. After joining Benme Legal team as a foreign legal consultant, he became focused on immigration matters, with special focus on investment and business-related immigration. His profound knowledge of continental law, knowledge of case law, and his idea of merging two major law systems represents strong grounds for successful assistance to his clients from both sides of the ocean.
Except of his successful career in law and business, Mr. Petrovic had a successful career in sports. He is a karate master, holder of a black belt DAN 2, ex member of a national team, winner of many national and international championships and awards, member of national teams of Yugoslavia (ex), Serbia and Montenegro (ex), and Montenegro. He speaks Serbian (native), as well as English, Italian and Greek language.
Ariadna González
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Ariadna González, Venezuelan, begins her university studies at the School of Arts of the Universidad Central de Venezuela, passionate about social Justice, arrives in the United States and begins her path through the world of law as a legal assistant, her main objective is to help others who want to improve their quality of life. She is currently continuing her studies at Miami Dade College, and aspires to continue working towards expanding her path into the humanities.
Yurimar Peraza
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Yurimar Peraza Venezuelan Publicist, with experience in Strategic Marketing and Sales Management, Business Administration and Management.
Her professional training began in the Petrochemical Complex José Antonio Anzoátegui (CJAA), specifically in the oil company Sincrudos de Oriente C.A. (SINCOR). After this, he had the opportunity to broaden his knowledge in different organizations, obtaining as a result the administrative management of a company specialized in automotive fluids.
During her years of professional experience, she has been characterized by demonstrating commitment in the development of her work activities, using as her insignia: respect, ethics and justice, which have been part of her image as a human being.
Yurimar joined Benme Legal, occupying the position of Legal Assistant, with the objective of contributing to the advice and execution of immigration cases, thus helping our clients have the opportunity to enter and/or develop their professional skills in a legal manner within the United States.
Nicolás Rubio
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Nicolás Rubio Colombian civil engineer, graduated from the Francisco Jose de Caldas District University, fully trained to respond and provide a satisfactory solution to any problem, trained to coordinate work teams, proposing solutions to the different problems that may arise.
He currently works in Benme Legal as an assistant, performing the task with responsibility and efficiency.
Nicolas Martínez
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Nicolas Martínez , Born in Bogota Colombia, Law student at the University Grancolombia with knowledge in the area, Photography, Television and management of specialized software in digital image composition.
With knowledge, training and experience in the legal field, which allows me to develop the skills and abilities necessary to comply with ethical and professional standards while maintaining the integrity to provide effective support to clients.
Valentina Martínez
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Valentina Martínez , Colombian immigrant, graduated as Social Communicator – Journalist from Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Bogota, with extensive knowledge and experience in organizational and strategic communication, planning and implementation in project management and human resources. She is currently pursuing an Online Master’s Degree at the University of Barcelona focused on Corporate Communication Management.
Her extensive experience in the academy allowed her to develop communication skills demonstrating her excellent customer service, listening, and empathy, becoming part of Benme Legal as a Legal Assistant.
Valeria Fontalvo
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Valeria Fontalvo , is a Colombian recent graduate in Business Administration from Florida International University, with a background in the legal field and a deep passion for immigration law. With a genuine desire to assist clients in achieving positive outcomes, Valeria possesses the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of immigration law effectively.
Her solid academic foundation, combined with her dedication to client satisfaction, allows her to provide comprehensive and tailored legal solutions. Valeria’s ability to understand and empathize with clients’ unique circumstances enables her to deliver results that meet their needs and aspirations. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her strong work ethic make her a valuable asset in helping individuals and businesses achieve successful outcomes in immigration matters.
Carmen Prieto
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Carmen Prieto, is a health information professional who graduated with honors from Universidad Central de Venezuela. She has experience in information management and processing and currently works as a paralegal at Benme Legal, with a strong will to help people.
Her main goal is to make sure that clients understand the entire immigration process and are informed at all times.
With her passion for helping people, Carmen is highly committed to providing quality service and making the immigration process simple and successful.
Luis Martínez
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Luis Martínez, Venezuelan lawyer graduated with honors from the Romulo Gallegos University of Guárico State, with extensive knowledge in administrative, civil and family law. In his professional career, he held the position of coordinator of the administrative area of the legal consultancy of the health corporation of the State of Aragua, where he served as adviser and coordinator of his team of lawyers in the different health institutions in terms of labor, administrative and administrative litigation.
He belonged to the contracting commission of the mayor of the Girardot Municipality as a main legal member, applying the contractor selection procedures in accordance with the public contracting law of the Venezuelan State, he also held the position of purchasing manager developing operational strategies for the fulfillment of the proposed goals .
He studied languages at Washington English College, obtaining the professional bilingual title in 2010, whose practical knowledge is applied in the Benmelegal firm, assisting different clients in the regularization and protection of their rights in all areas of immigration in the United States.
Natalia Martínez
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Natalia Martínez was born in Bogota Colombia and immigrated to the United States where she began her professional career obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a focus on legal studies at Florida International University. She recently graduated Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctorate.
As her education progressed, so did her interest in Immigration Law. She had the opportunity to intern at an immigration firm in Miami where she learned the tools that were necessary to assist those in need of immigration matters. Her educational knowledge as well as experiences as an emigrant, has allowed her to understand the unique challenges faced by those seeking a better life in a new country and has provided her with the ability to better serve the clients that come her way.
Alejandro López
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR
Alejandro López , Originally from Caracas Venezuela, Alejandro Graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelors in Information Systems. Thanks to his several years of experience as a system administrator and network engineer, he is able to bring innovative ideas and implement the latest technologies to the firm, while keeping clients’ data confidencial and secure.
Jorge Vera
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT
Jorge Vera , Engineer in Electronics, Automation and Control, with experience in Computer Science and specialization in Cybersecurity. Of Venezuelan origin, he currently works as IT Assistant at Benme Legal. His ability to implement technological solutions and provide technical support is essential to address technological challenges within the firm.
Adriana González
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Adriana González, Venezuelan Social Communicator, mention in Journalism, graduated from the Universidad Bicentenaria de Aragua, graphic designer and specialist in social networks, Influencers management, development of communications strategies, brand positioning and creation of visual and written content. She has more than 8 years of experience in the Digital Marketing area.
Since 2020, she has been working as Social Media Manager of Benme Legal, being in charge of creating community and customer loyalty through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and TikTok.
Lismar Bermudez
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Lismar Bermudez, Venezuelan Public Accountant, specialist in tax administration, graduated from the Estern University (UDO-Monagas-Venezuela) with extensive experience in administrative management.
She oversees the administrative coordination of Benme Legal.
Elena Bravo
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Elena Bravo, American born and raised in Venezuela; Bachelor in Education, graduated from Universidad Central de Venezuela with a major in Human Resources Administration. She has 25 years of experience managing Human Resources in different organizations in the insurance, press, technology and health areas in Venezuela.
Elena started her career in Benme Legal as an assistant with the firm purpose of contributing with the growth of the firm, through the contribution of her knowledge and skills in human resources and administration.
She is currently working in the administrative area, as an assistant handling some processes such as collections.
Vanessa Murga
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 1
Vanessa Murga, From Venezuela University Technician in Administration in organization and systems, graduated from the University Institute of Administration and Management in Caracas- Venezuela, experience in similar positions such as administrative assistant, currently executive assistant of Benme Legal.
We provide American immigration advice with professionals trained to guide you and offer solutions tailored to your personal or business needs. Helping to make your process a simple experience without complexities, obtaining the desired results.