Our Team

Rita C. Dixon

Attorney At Law

Rita C. Dixon has over a decade of legal experience advocating for clients in and out of the courtroom. She is knowledgeable, compassionate and is willing to listen attentively to your story. Mrs. Dixon will advocate for you and advise you honestly with a straightforward approach. She believes that strong advocacy can be achieved without sacrificing moral standards and values and she wants you to have the tools to make the best decisions for you and your family.

Mrs. Dixon earned her Juris Doctor in 2006 from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She received her BA degree in 2002 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has been the managing attorney owner of the firm since 2014.

Shayla Smith

Attorney At Law

Shayla Smith has over fifteen years of experience representing clients. She has managed various aspects of family, civil, and commercial litigation. Ms. Smith develops both short-term and long-term strategies to address her clients’ goals. She collaborates closely with her clients to ensure they are well-informed and confident in the case strategy developed together. Ms. Smith utilizes her diverse courtroom experience and legal background from her roles as an attorney for the Office of the Attorney General and an Assistant District Attorney for Dallas County.

Ms. Smith cherishes being a mother. She has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in the North Central Texas Alumnae Chapter, serving in various roles such as Recording Secretary and Physical and Mental Health Committee Chair. Ms. Smith is also a member of the Collin County Bar Association, Dallas County Bar Association, and Collin County Women Lawyers Association. She belongs to Buckingham Road Church of Christ, where she teaches Bible study and leads children’s church activities.

Stephanie Cantu

Of Counsel

Stephanie Cantu has over twelve years of experience and a deep understanding of the law. She is ready to guide you through every step of the legal process. She believes in building strong client relationships based on trust, transparency, and effective communication.

Mrs. Cantu earned her Juris Doctor in 2011 from the University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill. She received her BA degree in 2008 from Baylor University. She worked for Legal Aid from 2011 until 2023 advocating for clients in family law courtrooms and immigration courtrooms. Mrs. Cantu has been the managing attorney owner of her own immigration law firm since 2024.

Professional looking woman wearing formal attire and hair with highlights portrait shot

Chelsea Hopkins

Paralegal

Chelsea Hopkins joins our firm as a paralegal with an extensive and dedicated career in family law. Over the years, Chelsea has assisted in handling cases such as divorce, suits affecting the parent-child relationship, child support, parental termination, CPS matters, and enforcement actions. Chelsea knows family law, understands families and is passionate about serving the needs of our clients.

Chelsea earned her paralegal degree from El Centro College in 2015. Her professional background includes practice in Collin County, Denton County, and Dallas County, and she is knowledgeable about the court systems in these jurisdictions.

Chelsea is the proud mom of three and resides in North Texas. When not in the office, you can find her at the gym, cheering on her kiddos in sports, spending time with family and friends, or traveling.

Leilani Suarez

Legal Assistant

Leilani Suarez has a diverse background in providing high-level support for attorneys. Specializing in probate cases, Leilani is integral in areas including estate planning, estate administrations, and guardianships. With extensive knowledge of general office procedures, she ensures a smooth and efficient process for clients.

Leilani’s responsibilities are comprehensive. She assists with responding to emails and phone messages, drafting correspondence and pleadings, e-filing, and supporting the lead attorney with hearing and trial preparation. Her involvement in all aspects of each case guarantees that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Leilani’s professional development is ongoing. She has taken courses in Court Reporting at ASI and is currently pursuing a Paralegal Degree at Collin College. A proud Texas native, Leilani was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and now resides in Allen. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and her three children.

Denise Casale

Practice Manager

Denise Casale possesses a diverse background that includes business ownership, management of multiple enterprises, and over a decade of dedication to teaching. Mrs. Casale has been employed by a Fortune 500 company specializing in pension calculations; she founded and operated her own preschool in New Jersey for ten years; and she has served as Director for two preschool institutions: Sunny Days in Frisco, Texas, and Darlings Learning Center in Carrollton, Texas. This extensive experience has honed her leadership, operational, and strategic planning skills, enabling her to excel in her current role. For the firm, Mrs. Casale takes the time to listen to each individual’s story, meticulously gathering case details to ensure quality representation moving forward. She ensures adherence to the firm’s policies and procedures so that it operates efficiently to achieve client satisfaction.

Mrs. Casale enjoys spending time with her family, particularly cherishing moments with her two grandchildren. She is also an active member of Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and values her church community. Additionally, Mrs. Casale has interests in decorating, cooking, and baking.

Cumba S. Dixon

Business Manager

Cumba S. Dixon is a diverse accounting and finance professional with 21 years of experience in the retail, chemical, manufacturing and construction industries. Mr. Dixon served as an Accounting Manager at Vira Insight prior to serving as the Business Manager for the Firm. He brings his experience, knowledge and expertise as an accountant into the legal services realm. Mr. Dixon is responsible for all aspects of billing, payroll, accounting and business management.

Mr. Dixon earned his Master of Business Administration in April 2011 from the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Science, Accounting Degree in May 2002 from Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Dixon is a Financial Wellness Coach who assists individuals and families to establish skills and habits to acquire financial success as well as empower individuals on their journey to financial peace. Mr. Dixon enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer and connecting with friends.