Our Team

EMILY MCFARLING, ESQ.

Managing Partner

Emily opened a solo law practice in Las Vegas in 2003 with the primary focus of family law. Since that time Emily has worked diligently to establish a reputation as a knowledgeable and aggressive attorney, gaining the respect of both her peers and Judges. Emily has grown her practice over the years and in 2010 gained the credential of Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of Nevada. This is the top Family Law credential an attorney can obtain in Nevada.

While her practice is primarily focused on representing clients in the Nevada Supreme Court, Nevada Court of Appeals, and Clark County District Court Family Division, Emily is also licensed to practice in the United States Supreme Court, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, United States District Court – District of Nevada, as well as all state courts in Arizona and California and she represents clients in those courts in cases related to her primary practice.

Emily is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and Past President of the Nevada Chapter. She is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and an AV Preeminent Rated Attorney by Martindale Hubbell. Emily is a member of the Hague Convention Attorney Network for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs / U.S. Central Authority for the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Emily was appointed by the Nevada Supreme Court and served on the Commission on Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure. Emily is also a certified parenting coordinator, arbitrator, and mediator. She currently serves on the Nevada Family Law Specialization Board and is on the Board of Directors of Our Nevada Judges, Inc.

As an attorney, Emily is particularly knowledgeable in handling complex property division and financial issues, international child custody issues, parental kidnapping, and high conflict child custody cases, although her primary focus is representing clients in family law appeals.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Emily worked for three years at the Tobacco Control Resource Center and Tobacco Products Liability Project in Boston, Massachusetts doing research projects on legal issues relating to tobacco. Emily has worked for the New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division and three law firms in Massachusetts in the areas of family law, tobacco litigation, real estate, business transactions and estate planning.

Emily has written several children’s books. She is a country and jazz singer. She loves to travel internationally and has lived in Budapest, London, Berlin, and Rhodes. She has a real estate company in Budapest, Hungary. She is mom to two teen boys and two Boston terriers.

Lesley Cohen, ESQ.

Partner

Lesley Cohen was raised in Southern Nevada, and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, and DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, Illinois. Ms. Cohen is licensed to practice in both Nevada and Utah (inactive), and she has practiced law in Southern Nevada for more than twenty years.  During that time, Ms. Cohen has worked almost exclusively in the family law field as she enjoys assisting families to navigate what can often be a stressful time for them.  

Ms. Cohen is also a National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Law Uniform Law Commissioner who has participated in drafting law that has been utilized by states throughout the country, including the Uniform Parentage Act.  In Southern Nevada, Ms. Cohen received the Clark County Bar Association Circle of Support Award in recognition of her work on the Continuing Legal Education Committee, which educates attorneys on the latest trends in the law so that they can best represent their own clients.  Every year, Ms. Cohen volunteers with the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada to ensure that all people have access to legal advice and representation, regardless of income. 

Ms. Cohen served five sessions as a member of the Nevada State Assembly in the Nevada Legislature. For her work as a member of the Legislature, Ms. Cohen received the National Federation of the Blind Nevada Chapter Outstanding Legislator Award, Hillel of Northern Nevada Landon Rosen Memorial Award, and the Henderson Democratic Club Richard Bryan Award for Outstanding Community Service.

When she is not working, Ms. Cohen volunteers as a guide with Achilles Track Group for the blind, guiding blind and visually impaired walkers for their weekly training.

Holly Fic, ESQ.

Partner

Holly Fic was born and raised in New Jersey and came out west to attend UNLV just in time to celebrate the Rebels basketball national championship win in 1990. She loved UNLV and Las Vegas and was happy to be able to stay and attend the Charter Class at the UNLV Boyd School of Law where she graduated in the top third of her class. During her last year in law school, Holly was admitted as a student attorney to assist with and appear in Family Court for Children’s Attorney Project Cases for which she developed a love for assisting families in family law matters. Holly participated in the Child Welfare Clinic as a student, has presented to the Family Court Community Legal Education classes, represented children in the Children’s Attorney Project Cases and has participated in the Clark County Family Court “Ask-A-Lawyer” program. Over the years, Holly has taken many Family Law pro bono cases, most especially with respect to guardianship and family law cases. Holly works in conjunction with Legal Aid to represent many Protected Persons to have a voice in their guardianship proceedings and has helped many guardians along the way. Further, Holly has served as a Pro Tem Hearing Master, for minor guardianships and mental court, as well as for Family Court Discovery and Domestic Violence. Holly obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 1997, her Juris Doctor from UNLV School of Law in 2001, and she has been a member of the State Bar of Nevada since 2001 and licensed to practice law in Nevada and the U.S. District Court of Nevada. She has been a member of the Family Law Section from 2008; member of the Clark County Bar Association from 2002; Member of the Associated General Contractors from 2003-2004; Member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce from 2003-2004; member of the American Bar Association from 2002-2004; and member of the Young Lawyer’s Section in 2001. With over 20 years as a practicing litigator, Holly is a committed and caring attorney and has just joined the McFarling Cohen Fic & Squires where she will continue to grow and assist others in need. During her spare time, Holly, who is an animal lover and has many animals of her own, advocates for and volunteers at the Henderson Animal Shelter where adoption is the best option!

Summer Xiaoxue Squires, ESQ.

Partner (讲普通话)

Summer was born and raised in Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China. She came to the United States as an international student in 2010 and went on to earn her degrees from Indiana University Bloomington and DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. Summer is licensed to practice law in the States of Nevada and Illinois, as well as in the United States District Courts. After 13 years in the Midwest, she relocated to Nevada with her young family.

Summer’s passion for family law began in law school, where she clerked for the Honorable Mark J. Lopez (retired) in the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She also worked in the DePaul Domestic Violence Project, advocating for survivors in need of immediate legal protection. From her first year in law school, Summer volunteered at the Chicago Chinatown Pro Bono Clinic as a Mandarin-English interpreter. Her work earned her both the DePaul Dean’s Certificate of Service and the Chancellor’s Award for Service.

Professionally, Summer has built a strong foundation in civil litigation, including significant experience in matrimonial law. Her career includes positions at a Fortune 500 company, a municipal law department, and a prominent family law firm in Chicago before joining as an associate and becoming a partner in 2025. She is a certified Child’s Representative through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, appointed by the court to represent the best interests of minor children in contentious custody and parenting cases. Her courtroom advocacy is complemented by her calm, strategic approach to resolving deeply personal and emotionally charged disputes. Currently, Summer’s family law practice concentrates on appeals, high-asset property division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, as well as matters involving international and cross-border issues.

Summer is also a dedicated advocate for the Asian American community. She serves as Co-Director of Communications for the Asian Bar Association of Nevada and has been a regular participant in the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association’s Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.

As both a new mother and a recent immigrant, Summer brings personal insight into the unique challenges families face during times of transition and conflict. Her clients value her tenacity, cultural awareness, and unwavering commitment to their well-being and goals—both in and out of the courtroom.

Summer is a voracious reader, a love instilled by her father, a small business owner who was her primary caregiver. From him, she inherited her passion for sports and politics. But it was her mother who gave her the best parenting advice she had ever received: “Be the role model.” That philosophy continues to guide both her personal and professional life.

Dominika Washington, ESQ.

Attorney

Dominika Washington was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She is licensed to practice in Nevada and brings a diverse legal background to her clients. While in law school Dominika was an extern with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office and shortly thereafter externed in family law.

Dominika began her career in criminal law, gaining valuable courtroom experience. Her commitment to personalized service and effective advocacy led her to expand her practice areas to include estate planning and personal injury, allowing her to assist clients in protecting their futures and recovering from unexpected hardships. She is known from her empathetic approach, clear communication, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients. She believes in empowering clients through education and collaboration, ensuring they are informed and involved throughout the legal process. In her spare time, Dominika enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Kiya Jack

Paralegal

Kiya was raised in rural Michigan but moved to Las Vegas after her parents divorced in 2015 so she could be close to her mother and pursue a career in the medical field. Kiya attended St. Therese Learning Institute where she graduated with a Nursing Assistant certificate. After working about a year as a CNA, Kiya decided to pursue a career in the legal field.

Kiya started as a Medical Records Clerk for a personal injury firm and moved her way up to a legal assistant, working in litigation for multiple areas of personal injury, and now, family law. Her experience has grown to include divorce, custody, international kidnapping and so much more. Her personal experience with divorce, as well as her work in the medical field, gives her true insight into empathizing and taking care of people. It is why she loves what she does.

Most of Kiya’s free time is spent with her husband and their three dogs. She is an avid Disney fan and loves to read. When she can, Kiya travels to the East Coast to visit her father, stepmother, and the rest of her family.

Erika Mosqueda

Paralegal (Hablo español)

Erika was born in Mexico and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She has over ten years of experience working in the legal field in practice areas ranging from family and civil litigation to criminal and personal injury law. With extensive legal knowledge and foundation in administrative tasks, Erika contributes to the effective operation of McFarling Cohen Fic & Squires.

In Erika’s free time, she enjoys traveling, weightlifting, and watching true crime documentaries. She is also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.

REBECA RENDEROS

Paralegal (Hablo español)

Rebeca was born in Los Angeles, California and has lived in Las Vegas, Nevada since 2000. With a strong foundation in the legal field since the age of eighteen, Rebeca has dedicated over a decade to providing exceptional support to clients in need. A certified paralegal, Rebeca has accumulated five years of experience in immigration and family law, alongside seven years of expertise in personal injury law.

Known for her ability to manage commercial cases, complex disputed liability cases, and catastrophic injury claims, she is driven by a deep passion for advocating for clients’ rights and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.

Rebeca is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology at the University of Nevada Las Vegas with plans to attend law school. She is committed to bringing positive changes to the legal system and her mission is to ensure that everyone has access to a fair trial, fostering a legal environment that upholds the rights of all individuals. Outside of her professional pursuits, Rebeca treasures time spent with family and enjoys traveling, seeking to make lasting memories wherever she goes.

Yalda Khairandish

Legal Assistant

Yalda moved to the United States in 2019 and graduated from High School in 2020. She obtained her associate degree in criminal justice from American River College in Sacramento, California, and is in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in social science as well as her paralegal
certificate.

As for her legal experience, she has two years of experience in Social Security Disability Law and was an Intake Specialist for two years, dedicated to delivering excellent customer service and compassion to people going through hard times.  Yalda contributes to the effective operation
of McFarling Cohen Fic & Squires as a receptionist and legal assistant. 

In her spare time, Yalda enjoys working out, hanging out with friends, and cooking.

Marisol Hernandez

Legal Assistant (Hablo español)

Debbie Shalaty

Office Manager

Debbie Shalaty is the office manager for McFarling Cohen Fic & Squires in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is responsible for the day-to-day management of the office, including, support staff supervision, customer service and facilities management. Debbie’s incredible organization skills keep our team running smoothly. 

Debbie Shalaty has more than 20 years of professional experience in office administration, with an emphasis on law firm administration, personnel development, and client communications. 

Debbie has lived in Las Vegas for over 30 years. She is originally from Tucson, Arizona where she was raised and attended the University of Arizona. She has three children, one daughter and two adult boys. In her free time, Debbie enjoys watching sports, enjoying the outdoors, and reading.

Stephanie Cortez

Intake Specialist & Legal Assistant (Habla español)

Stephanie was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a first-generation Mexican American, she is the first in her family to receive a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Nevada State College. Stephanie’s goal was to always make her parents proud by continuing her education and be the first in her family to obtain a college degree. Before college, Stephanie worked in retail, where she learned the importance of providing excellent customer service. Throughout college, Stephanie worked at a personal injury firm as a medical records clerk and later transitioned into a case consultant position for criminal law. Stephanie has a continued interest in law and from a young age she dreamt of becoming a social worker. Stephanie hopes to one day further her education but for now, she is focused on being a first-time mother. Joining McFarling Cohen Fic & Squires, Stephanie hopes to expand her knowledge and understanding of family and domestic relations law. 

Stephanie is passionate about legal advocacy and enjoys helping individuals navigate through complex legal situations. She is proud of her Spanish heritage and hopes to make an impact on the Hispanic community through providing translation to the family law clients she works with at McFarling Cohen Fic & Squires. When Stephanie isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and especially her 5-month-old baby. She also loves traveling, going to concerts and being outdoors.

Erin Burnett

Document Clerk

I was born in a small town called Payson, Utah. However, I moved around a lot until my family settled in Las Vegas, Nevada.  I love to spend time with my son and take him on different camping/hiking trips, go to concerts, and travel within the U.S.A. in general.  I am also an avid Hockey enthusiast and have followed the New York Rangers team for most of my life.  I am working on completing my Paralegal degree from the College of Southern Nevada. 

Stephen Rosales

File Clerk

Stephen Rosales has over ten years of experience as a file clerk. His exceptional skills of organization and precision enable him to keep all client files in perfect order.

Stephen feels that the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon us is children. Being extremely grateful, he has five children and loves spending time with them. “We like to go camping, to the beach, and roller skating as a family.” They have hiked to waterfalls, lakes, and streams. Several of them have been bitten by bees, mosquitoes, and red ants. Their family has spent countless hours on the beach just loving life. Sunsets on the beach are truly one of the most aesthetic pleasures in the world. “At sunset, we walk on the beach and absorb all of the beauty and vibrant colors that we can.”

He is the proud owner of an incredibly playful and joyful Siberian Husky. Wolf greets Stephen every morning by lowering his head and howling as if to say “Good Morning!” He enjoys walking his dog and hugging him like a big teddy bear.

Stephen comes from a family of 11 brothers and sisters. He is a devout Catholic and attends St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. His parents would always tell him, “The family that prays together, stays together.”

Mr. Rosales is thankful to work at the McFarling Cohen Fic & Squires, and every day commits to providing the very best service that he possibly can.

Alexandra Balassy

Office Support (ich spreche Deutsch, Je parle français)

Originally from Germany, I relocated to Las Vegas in 2019. As an immigrant, I discovered a deep passion for the legal field, which has been a consistent part of my professional background. My journey has led me to become a certified Notary Public, eNotary, and Document Preparation Professional, specializing in immigration paperwork. I am committed to providing thorough, reliable support to clients navigating complex legal processes. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, enjoy gardening, walking my dog, and exploring the natural surroundings of Las Vegas.

Sonia Loya 

Receptionist (Hablo español)

Sonia was born in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico, and moved to Las Vegas when she was 8 years old. She worked in the medical field as a medical assistant for more than 10 years. Her interest in law grew after working in a medical office that handled medical liens. In her free time, she loves to skate, hike, craft, and spend time with her pets and family.