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 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, 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 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.

Carlia Waite, ESQ.

Partner

Carlia Waite, Esq. was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri.   She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Missouri State University in 1995.  She then went on to obtain a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from the same university in 1998, graduating Summa Cum Laude.  Upon receiving her MSW, Carlia worked in the area of social work and became frustrated with the limitations placed upon the assistance she was able to provide for her clients.  Because of this frustration, she was determined to attend law school.

In 2000, both Carlia and her husband, John, began attending law school at William S. Boyd School for Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  Carlia worked full time as an emergency room social worker at St. Rose Dominican Hospital while attending law school in the evening.  After graduating law school in 2003, she practiced for an AV rated family law firm in Las Vegas, Nevada and passed the bar exam in 2004.  Carlia and John decided to move back to Missouri and after obtaining her license there in 2005, she started her own solo family law practice in Kansas City, which she eventually moved to Springfield, Missouri, her hometown. 

Missing the sunshine and the ability to travel to California frequently, Carlia and John decided to move back to Las Vegas in the fall of 2015.  Since moving back to Las Vegas, Carlia has continued to practice exclusively in the areas of domestic relations litigation to include divorce with an emphasis on complex high asset property division that includes business valuation, appraisal and forensic accounting, high conflict child custody cases, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, mediation and collaborative law.  Carlia is never afraid to take a case to trial but understands that keeping your case out of court and obtaining a negotiated settlement is often the best outcome.    

With Carlia’s social work and legal experience, she is able to provide her clients with a unique understanding of both the emotional and financial impact of domestic disputes that are not often found in traditionally trained attorneys.  Her time devoted as a full-time social worker has prepared her for understanding her client’s needs for aggressive legal advocacy and includes an appreciation and understanding of the sensitive and emotional needs of her clients.  Carlia also gained significant invaluable experience in Missouri representing children as their Guardian ad Litem in juvenile and family court, a part of her practice that she considers to be extremely rewarding. She also represents children here in Nevada through the Clark County Legal Aid Children’s Attorney Project.

Carlia is a current board member of the Children’s Advocacy Alliance of Nevada and a Family Law section member of the Nevada State Bar. She was formerly a board member for Boys & Girls Town, Southwest Missouri region, and was a member of the Program Committee for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in Springfield, Missouri.  She also previously served as a board member for the Poverello House Homeless Shelter for Men in Las Vegas. 

John and Carlia have three children ranging in grades from middle school to college, her best accomplishments yet.  In her free time, Carlia loves spending time with her family, shopping, watching movies, playing games and planning their next trip to Disneyland.

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.

Katrina Pineda

Law Clerk

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.

Rebeca Coco

Legal Assistant (Yo hablo español)

Rebeca, a first-generation Guatemalan American was born and raised in Las Vegas in 1997. Rebeca spent her early career as an aesthetician, specializing in skin and skin care.

She has now transferred over to the legal field, gaining experience in law firms, and has now gained an interest in starting a long-term career in family law.

Rebeca is now dedicated to gaining more experience in the legal field, hoping to grow with the McFarling Cohen Fic & Squires and contribute to their operations as reception.

On her free time, Rebeca enjoys reading, yoga meditation, spending time outdoors with her pets and spending quality time with her family.

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.

Michelle Clark

Administrative Assistant

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.

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 (Yo 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.