Our Team
Rhonda Kinard, Esq., PhD
Rhonda Kinard, an Alabama native, has practiced law for several years in Alabama and Virginia courts. In 1999, she attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. After college, Dr. Kinard earned a Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law, graduating amid the top of her class. She graduated from Regent University School of Business, earning a Masters in Business Administration, cum laude. Finally, she graduated from Northcentral University, earning a Ph.D in Business with a specialization in Criminal Justice. While at Regent Law, Dr. Kinard interned at the United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, for the Honorable Raymond A. Jackson. Additionally, Dr. Kinard completed an externship at the Supreme Court of Alabama for the Honorable Tom Parker.
After law school, Dr. Kinard began her legal career by accepting an offer to serve in one of the seven legal clerkships at the Supreme Court of Virginia. From 2009 - 2011, she served as a judicial law clerk to the late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Honorable Leroy Rountree Hassell, Sr. She also served as law clerk to the Honorable Charles Russell, Senior Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
From 2011 - 2014, Dr. Kinard served as a prosecutor for the Newport News Commonwealth Attorney's Office, where she gained extensive litigation experience in both bench and jury trials. She has litigated thousands of criminal cases, including criminal and traffic misdemeanors, firearm offenses, drug offenses, white collar/property offenses, burglary, arson and violent felonies such as armed robbery, aggravated assaults, sexual offenses and homicide. Dr. Kinard's years as a prosecutor has shown her the devastating impact crime has on not only the victims but also on the defendant, as well as family members.
Dr. Kinard served as an Adjunct Professor at Regent University School of Law, where she taught criminal law and criminal procedure classes. Dr. Kinard also taught Business Law courses at ITT Technical Institute. Previously, Dr. Kinard served as an Adjunct Professor at ECPI University, where she taught criminal justice and business classes. Dr. Kinard is licensed to practice law in Alabama, Virginia, and California. She is also licensed to practice in all U.S. District Courts in the State of Alabama, which include the Southern District, Middle District, and Northern District of Alabama.
Emily Ortiz, Legal Assistant
Emily was raised in Mobile, AL, where she graduated high school at W.P. Davidson.
After high school, Emily moved to Louisiana to attend Loyola University New Orleans. She received her bachelor’s degree from Loyola with Philosophy Pre-Law and Environmental Studies as her majors and a minor in Spanish.
Since then, Emily has worked in the education and legal field. She has taught environmental science to children and basic studies to autistic students. She has also worked as a legal assistant for immigration and personal injury firms.
Emily is currently enrolled in the University of South Alabama’s paralegal certificate program.
Her hobbies are biking, playing Frisbee golf, and anything outdoors. Emily loves cats and has three. She finds meaning in her life by helping others and making the world a more just place.
Tyra J. Pugh, Litigation Paralegal
Tyra Pugh is a native of Mobile, Alabama. She is a graduate of Eastern Gateway Community College, Paralegal Studies Program.
As an experienced litigation paralegal, Tyra has participated in jury and non-jury trials, in cases involving civil litigation, family law/divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and criminal defense trials.
Tyra collaborates closely with the lead attorney, trial team and our clients, while analyzing and developing strategies in all phases of the case from initial intake through discovery, trial and appeal. She is involved with investigations, preparing expert witnesses, legal research, developing witness examinations, designing trial exhibits, and participating in jury selection and trial. She also assists with technology during remote and courtroom trials and hearings.
In her spare time, Tyra enjoys traveling and spending time with her young daughter, Bella.
Faith Pierce, Office Paralegal
Faith was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama.
Faith graduated from Capstone Christian School’s homeschool program. She completed her education in Paralegal Studies through Auburn University, and now works as our Office Paralegal assisting our lead attorney in handling cases from commencement to completion.
Faith enjoys all areas of law but is particularly fond of working on personal injury and other civil cases.
With an eye for detail, she thoroughly delights in searching out and finding small, but important facts in a case that lead to a favorable outcome. She has a love of people that aids in her ability to develop trusting relationships with our clients as we handle their important affairs.
Having an affinity for writing, Faith most enjoys drafting and reviewing contracts, pleadings, motions, and other documents for our office.
Before becoming a paralegal, Faith owned two local businesses and has spent many years raising her four beautiful daughters. In her spare time she loves reading, watching her favorite television series, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.
Faith looks forward to long and interesting future in law, and believes the sky is the limit when it comes to following your dreams!