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 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 has been appointed by the Nevada Supreme Court to serve on the Commission on Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure. Emily is also a certified parenting coordinator, arbitrator, and mediator.

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 writes children’s books for children going through family law issues and operates a small publishing company. In her free time, she is a country and jazz singer. She is mom to two teen boys and four dogs.

Lesley Cohen

Attorney

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, 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 is a member of the Nevada State Assembly, serving in the Nevada Legislature’s 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2021 sessions. 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 is active in pet rescue, volunteering with both retired racing greyhounds and cats. She also volunteers as a guide with Achilles Track Group for the blind, guiding blind and visually impaired walkers for their weekly training.

Jacqueline Hernandez

Attorney (habla español)

Jacqueline Hernandez was raised in Las Vegas. She was a student at the Honors College and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She attended and obtained her J.D. from the William S. Boyd School of Law.

 During law school she worked for the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada at the Family Law Self Help Center assisting pro se litigants navigate through their family law cases during the COVID-19 shutdown. She also worked as a law clerk at a law firm that handled family domestic matters. During law school she spent a summer as an educator at the William S. Boyd School of Law Kids’ Court School, where she helped children develop skills that would assist them when they have to testify in court. She completed a Government and Public Interest Externship with the UNLV Office of General Counsel. Jacqueline also externed for the Honorable Bita Yeager who handles a civil docket and Mental Health Court. 

 Following graduation, Jacqueline worked as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Dawn Throne who handles family domestic matters. Jacqueline has obtained exposure to family law cases from the perspective of pro se litigants, attorneys and from the bench. 

When she is not working, Jacqueline enjoys trying new foods and spending time with her family and friends.  

Holly Fic

Attorney

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 Law Group 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!

Samantha Birsen

Attorney

Samantha was born and raised in upstate New York. She attended Syracuse University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. Immediately upon graduating, Samantha relocated to Las Vegas in hopes of both escaping the snow forever and launching a career in food and beverage management. Samantha worked at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Aria before she decided to go to law school to pursue a career as an attorney.

Samantha attended Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law where she was active with both the Women’s Lawyer’s Association and the Constitutional Law Society. Samantha also completed multiple internships through law school, gaining experience in a variety of different areas of law such as criminal law, homeowner law, personal injury, and business law. After she graduated and received her license to practice law in Nevada, Samantha worked in private practice primarily dealing with civil law and family law cases.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Samantha enjoys being outside in the Las Vegas heat. She loves going to the lake to ride sea-doos, kayaking, hiking, and attending music festivals. Samantha also enjoys traveling, bargain shopping, and brunch.

Summer Xiaoxue Squires

Attorney (讲普通话)

Summer was born and raised in PRC’s capital city Beijing. She came to the United States as an international student in 2010. Summer is a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, and DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, Illinois. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada, Illinois, and the United States District Court of the Northern District in Illinois. After living in the Midwest for 13 years, Summer moved with her young family to Nevada.

During law school, Summer clerked for Judge Mark J. Lopez (retired) in the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She also practiced in the DePaul Domestic Violence Project to assist domestic violence victims. Summer is a past president of the DePaul Pacific American Law Students Association and a two-time Diversity Scholarship winner. She started volunteering at Chicago Chinatown Pro Bono Clinic as a Mandarin- English interpreter during her first year in law school. Due to her community service, she was awarded the DePaul Dean’s Certificate of Service and the Chancellor’s Award for Service.

In Chicago, Summer worked in a Fortune 500 company, a municipal law department, and a big family law firm. She gained extensive and sophisticated civil litigation experience with a focus on Matrimonial Law. Summer is a certified Child’s Representative by Chicago Volunteer Legal Service who is appointed by the court and represents the minor children’s best interests. She has also been a fierce advocate for the Asian American community in Chicago. Summer was the communication chair and officer of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago, and a board member of the Chinese American Bar Association. Summer also participates in the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association lobby day at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. annually before covid pandemic. She continues her volunteer and community service with the Chinese Mutual Aid Association and Chinese American Service League with her legal and bilingual skills.

As a new mother and recent immigrant, Summer empathizes with her clients’ struggles and goals, which she has fought for in and out of the courtroom. Summer is a voracious reader because of her father, her primary caretaker with his flexible schedule as a small business owner. She also got her passion for sports and politics from her father. But Summer received the best advice on how to be a good parent from her mother: just be a role model.

Aaron Oiknine

Law Clerk, Paralegal, Social Media Manager

Aaron was born in Miami, Florida, but moved to Las Vegas in 2002. He has been raised a local ever since.

As a die-hard Miami Heat fan, Aaron enjoys all sports ranging from football to basketball. Aaron enjoys most of his time with family and friends, who push him to do better.

Aaron has worked at McFarling Law Group since January of 2020 and has assumed roles as a Document Clerk, Social Media manager, legal assistant, paralegal, and now law clerk. In addition to other duties, he is in charge of administering our QDRO preparation services.

Aaron is currently attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas Boyd School of Law obtaining his law degree. He attend UNLV and obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Aaron has seen his fair share of customer service through his years working in retail stores such as Home Depot and works on a daily basis to make client satisfaction his number one priority.

Tricia Lane

Paralegal

Tricia moved to Las Vegas in the summer of 2006. After receiving her Diploma in Certified Paralegal Studies at Technical Academy in Downey, California. A native of Southern California, she spent the first 6 years of her legal career working in civil law, including the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court. Tricia is a certified Los Angeles Child Support Facilitator, having worked for the Los Angeles County office of the Child Support Facilitator. This early legal experience with children and their families helped to develop her interest in Family Law. Tricia joined McFarling Law Group in 2012, and recently celebrated her 7-year work anniversary with the firm.

Tricia also holds a Diploma for Computer Operations and Office Management from Long Beach College, where she developed a meticulous eye for detail and accuracy. She is also one of the Nevada Certified Notary Publics at the law group and is frequently the first point of contact for many of our clients.

In her free time, Tricia enjoys spending time with her family and stays active through running and jogging. She is an avid cook, enjoys the challenge of inventing new healthy recipes to share with her family and friends. She is also a sports fan, and likes to watch Football, UFC, and boxing matches. Her favorite football team is the Dallas Cowboys.

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.

Stephanie Cortez

Paralegal (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 Law Group, 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 Law Group. 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.

Avea Vargas

Paralegal

Avea moved to Las Vegas from Poughkeepsie, New York in 2011. She is a Spring Valley High School graduate and attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas where she earned a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Criminal Justice. Throughout college, Avea worked as a bereavement coordinator and business development assistant for a non-profit hospice while interning as a research assistant for UNLV’s Criminal Psychology Department and participating in various volunteer activities through UNLV and other non-profit organizations within the valley. After graduating, Avea made a career switch from healthcare to law, where she was a paralegal/legal assistant for an estate planning and probate firm. Avea’s personal experience and strong desire with providing support to families in need has made a smooth transition from healthcare to the legal field. Avea recently took her LSAT exam again and hopes to one day become an attorney.

Currently, Avea is an active volunteer for Nathan Adelson Hospice and finds great joy spending her summers as a bereavement camp counselor for children grieving the loss of a parent. She also enjoys reading non-fiction, hiking, lifting weights, spending time with family and a huge Harry Potter fan. 

Alex Aguilar

Paralegal (Hablo español)

Alex was born in Boston, MA. He received his B.A. in English Literature from College of The Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. After graduating from college, Alex worked in Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Strategy for Boston Consulting Group and BitSight Technologies. Tired of the cold, Alex decided to move to Las Vegas in 2019 and began working in accounting for a small tax law firm.

 Joining McFarling Law Group in 2020, Alex has since assisted our attorneys on a variety of complex family law matters including contested divorce cases, international child custody issues, international kidnapping cases, and high conflict child custody cases. Additionally, Alex is particularly knowledgeable about the appeals process and works closely with attorney McFarling on family law appeals made to the Nevada Supreme Court and the Nevada Court of Appeals.

Furthermore, Alex understands the unique challenges that family law matters present. As such, he works diligently with every client to help them achieve the best outcome possible.

Outside of work Alex is focused on furthering his education within the field of law. Alex is also an avid sports fan, with a keen interest in the New England Patriots.

Debbie Shalaty

Office Manager

Debbie Shalaty is the office manager for McFarling Law Group 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.

Kayla McNeil

Document Clerk

Kayla was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is a family orientated person. Spending quality time with friends and family is one of the things she cherishes the most. She has a strong love for music and enjoys playing violin. Kayla is currently in college studying criminal justice working toward obtaining her degree in forensics. After graduation, she intends to work in the field of law.

Elana Cordero

Intake Specialist

Elana grew up in San Diego, California, where she attended San Diego Mesa College. In 2016, she traded one sunny city for another and moved to Las Vegas to start a family. Elana has three years’ experience as a receptionist and law clerk at a family law office prior to joining McFarling Law Group. When Elana isn’t working or spending time with her two children, you can catch her binge-reading fiction, spending time outdoors, or going to concerts. Elana also loves animals, especially her pups Beef and Zenny.

Michelle Clark

Receptionist.

Michelle was born in Rockford, Illinois and moved to Henderson, Nevada in 2002, where she was adopted and raised in a big family of eleven. Michelle likes to spend time with friends and family, play piano, enjoy the outdoors with her pets, and camp. Michelle obtained her Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the College of Southern Nevada where she is currently working towards obtaining a degree in Criminology. After graduation, she strives to become a Forensic Photographer for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, with hopes of transitioning into the FBI as a Field Photographer.