Know More About Us | Arellano Law Firm PC

Higinio (“Neo”) Arellano

Partner

Higinio (“Neo”) Arellano obtained his Bachelor’s of Arts degree from UC Berkeley and his Juris Doctor degree from Sandra Day O’Connor Law School in Arizona. Both universities consistently perform in the top 10% nationally.

In Arizona while completing his second and third years in law school, Mr. Arellano practiced as a summer associate for a prominent Arizona law firm handling complex research and substantive motion matters in real estate, education law, constitutional law, and administrative law.

Thereafter, Mr. Arellano relocated to the state of California where he clerked for a Superior Court Judge. In this capacity, Mr. Arellano began his early advanced legal writing career primarily in complex statute research, motion practice, and appellate practice writing.

In 2015, Mr. Arellano moved to Oregon, providing design and construction contract review, drafting, and negotiation for a prominent 250+ employee architecture and engineering firm in Portland. In 2016, from small professional services contracts to multi-million complex public works contracts, Mr. Arellano provided legal review, drafting, negotiations, and recommendations to architects, engineers, and other design professional clients in construction and real estate matters. Mr. Arellano was also instrumental in negotiating and navigating all insurance contract issues that presented on wide range of projects.

Since founding Arellano Law Firm PC in 2019, just months before the historical pandemic, Mr. Arellano has built a practice centered on fast client service, economical and competent representation across general practice areas, and a willingness to pursue trial and arbitrations at any appropriate opportunity for any of its clients. Mr. Arellano prides himself on always returning his client’s calls and ensuring the firm’s clients know every stage of their case.

An integral part of Mr. Arellano’s practice includes his extensive experience in personal injury cases, especially those involving catastrophic injuries. He has successfully represented clients suffering from brain and spinal injuries, loss of limbs, and wrongful death. These cases often involve complex litigation against semi-truck companies and other large entities responsible for significant harm. Mr. Arellano’s advanced experience in this area ensures that his clients receive the dedicated and thorough representation they need to navigate the challenges of their cases and secure the compensation they deserve.

Mr. Arellano practices in all areas described on our services page, with a special emphasis on bringing justice to those affected by severe personal injury incidents.

RJ Tonneson

Managing Attorney

RJ Tonneson serves as the Managing Attorney at Arellano Law Firm PC, where he plays a central role in guiding the firm’s litigation practice, overseeing case strategy, and supporting the attorneys and legal professionals responsible for representing the firm’s clients. He approaches each matter with a strong emphasis on preparation, practical problem-solving, and effective advocacy.

RJ brings a distinctive combination of legal, business, and strategic experience to his role. Before joining Arellano Law Firm, he worked in marketing strategy, developing experience in project management, market analysis, communication, and client relations. That background provides him with a practical understanding of the business considerations that frequently intersect with legal disputes and allows him to evaluate cases from both a legal and strategic perspective.

As Managing Attorney, RJ works closely with the firm’s litigation team on case development, legal research, discovery, motion practice, negotiation, and trial preparation. His analytical approach and attention to detail help identify the issues that matter most, anticipate challenges, and develop persuasive strategies tailored to each client’s circumstances. He is committed to ensuring that matters are handled efficiently, thoroughly, and with a clear focus on advancing the client’s objectives.

RJ is also committed to maintaining the high standards of professionalism, integrity, responsiveness, and client service that define Arellano Law Firm PC. He believes effective representation requires more than understanding the law—it requires understanding the client, the practical consequences of a dispute, and the strategy necessary to move a matter toward the best achievable result.

Outside the office, RJ enjoys mountain biking and ceramics. These interests reflect the same discipline, focus, and creativity that he brings to his professional work and leadership at Arellano Law Firm PC.

Alejandra G. Klein

Attorney

Alejandra Klein is an Attorney at Arellano Law Firm who practices transactional, corporate, personal injury, real estate, and construction law.

Alejandra graduated from University of San Diego, California, receiving an LLM. Alejandra is a member of the State Bar of California and the Oregon State Bar. Prior to joining Arellano Law Firm, Alejandra represented very large public and international companies for over 15 years.

She also represented various clients in the area of transactional, corporate, real estate and construction law.

Alejandra is passionate about equal access to justice and providing access to legal services to the Hispanic community in their native language. She is a dedicated and strong advocate for her clients. Outside of work, Alejandra enjoys fitness, golfing, and spending time with her two teenage sons and friends.

Ryan Settles

Attorney

Ryan is an Attorney whose practice areas include personal injury and immigration law. Prior to joining Arellano Law Firm, he exclusively practiced immigration law for several years, representing individuals in family-based petitions, humanitarian applications, and litigation in immigration court.

This experience gives him unique insight into the needs of the firm’s clients. Ryan believes in an empathetic and transparent approach to his work, and he deeply values each of his clients.

He graduated from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, and is a member in good standing with the Oregon State Bar.

Ranjani Jagannath

Attorney

Ranjani Jagannath joins Arellano Law Firm as our newest business and transactions attorney with a distinguished international background in corporate law and social justice advocacy.

Originally from Bangalore, India, Ranjani graduated at the top of her class from one of India’s leading law schools before practicing M&A and employment law at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, one of India’s premier law firms.

After moving to North America, Ranjani earned an LL.M. from the University of Pennsylvania and later completed a Master’s degree in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University in Canada. Her career reflects a strong commitment to equity and community impact, including prior work as a legal consultant in California and as a reproductive justice advocate for an Oregon nonprofit.

Ranjani brings to Arellano Law Firm a rare combination of rigorous academic achievement, international legal experience, and a deep dedication to community-based legal service. Her thoughtful and client-centered approach strengthens the firm’s mission of serving clients with excellence, compassion, and integrity.

Now based in Portland, Ranjani enjoys cooking, traveling, exploring new food with her partner, and spending time outdoors with her dog, Pickles.

Musio Chavez

Attorney

Musio Chavez is an attorney at Arellano Law Firm, PC, bringing a wealth of diverse legal experience to the team. A native Oregonian and the proud son of immigrants, Mr. Chavez possesses a unique and profound understanding of the challenges and resilience required for legal successes.

Mr. Chavez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from Oregon State University.

Following his passion for law, he was admitted to Concordia University School of Law, where he excelled academically and actively engaged in the Immigration Law Clinic. Here, he notably secured asylum for numerous clients, showcasing his dedication and prowess in immigration law. His leadership was further evident through his role as Class Delegate via the Student Bar Association.

At Concordia, Mr. Chavez’s academic endeavors extended to Contract Law and he actively participated in both Business and Contracts Practicums. These experiences have equipped him with a robust legal foundation and the versatile skills essential for navigating complex legal challenges.

Before joining Arellano Law Firm, PC, Mr. Chavez gained valuable experience managing the legal needs of professional combat athletes, such as boxers. He successfully negotiated improved pay, secured insurance, and attained sponsorships, enabling athletes to focus on their performance. This diverse professional background has honed Mr. Chavez’s negotiation skills and ability to handle various legal situations.

His commitment to a broad spectrum of legal areas, including personal injury, immigration, business law, and litigation, ensures that Mr. Chavez brings a comprehensive and empathetic approach to each client’s unique legal situation. His diverse background and steadfast dedication to legal excellence make him a vital asset to Arellano Law Firm, PC, and a reliable advocate for all clients.

Musio Chavez’s diverse expertise and personal dedication reflect his unwavering commitment to providing exemplary legal services, rooted in a deep understanding of the legal landscape and the challenges faced by his clients.

Arturo Benavidez

Outside Counsel

Arturo Benavidez is his own independent attorney, operates his own separate immigration law firm, and is licensed to practice law in the state of California. He is a decorated attorney who focuses his practice in immigration law and personal injury. Mr. Benavidez has dedicated his practice to helping people and small businesses in Northern California since 2006.

Arturo Benavidez is a California native and son of immigrants. He understands the hard work and dedication people have when migrating to this country.

It is for this reason, that Mr. Benavidez works hard in helping people with their legal problems.

Mr. Benavidez attended CSU Chico, where he earned his BA degree in Political Studies and an option in legal studies. He graduated with highest honors and was accepted to the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at Arizona State University. During his time at ASU Law, he was awarded a prestigious fellowship to work with the Florence Immigrants and Refugee Rights Project.

Upon graduation in 2005 he moved back to Northern California where he currently runs his law practice in Sacramento. Arturo enjoys running, boxing, camping and, basically all outdoor activities.

Bryan Bravo

Law Clerk

Bryan Bravo is a J.D. candidate at the University of Oregon School of Law, Class of 2027, concentrating in tax law, estate planning, and business law. Alongside his coursework, he has been involved in both clinical work and student leadership at the law school.

Bryan previously served as Student Clinician in the Business Law Clinic, where he advised clients on entity formation and drafted operating agreements and other business documents.

He also served as President of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund and held a leadership role within the Latinx Law Student Association.

Bryan earned his B.A. in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley and is interested in building a practice focused on legacy planning, business formation, and tax compliance.

Bryan brings to the Arellano Law Firm academic rigor, leadership experience, and a strong interest in business transactions. His background strengthens the firm’s vision in providing high-level transactional law services in commercial matters and providing strategic partnership to our clients in the areas of business affairs and tax compliance.

Edward Arellano

Firm Administrator

Coming Soon!

Nereyda Sanez

Executive Assistant of Operations and Administration

Nereyda Sanez joined Arellano Law Firm PC as the Executive Assistant of Operations and Administration. Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Nereyda holds a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in business management.

With a focus on efficiency and organization, Nereyda brings to the firm a robust skill set in administrative support and operations management.

At Arellano Law Firm PC, Nereyda undertakes a variety of key responsibilities, including:

Managing day-to-day administrative operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the firm.
Coordinating schedules, communications, and logistics to support the legal team’s workflow.
Assisting in the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures.
Overseeing client relations to maintain and enhance service quality.
Preparing and reviewing documents to facilitate efficient case management.
Supporting financial management activities such as budgeting and billing processes.
Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards in administrative practices.

In her free time, Nereyda enjoys taking walks, immersing herself in music and podcasts, and continuously learning new things to expand her horizons. Nereyda brings enthusiasm for business management and operations to Arellano Law Firm PC and looks forward to contributing to the firm’s success and growth.

Elizabeth Arellano

Sr. Litigation Paralegal

Coming Soon!

Isla Garcia

Senior Litigation Paralegal

Born in Guadalajara and raised in Villa Corona, Jalisco, Isla Garcia brings a distinguished blend of professionalism and integrity to her role as a paralegal at Arellano Law Firm PC. She earned her Law degree from the University of Guadalajara and embarked on her legal career in 2021. Throughout her career, Isla has accumulated valuable experience in various areas including Intellectual Property, Contract Law, Real Estate Transactions, Estate Planning, and Constitutional (Amparo) Litigation.

Isla’s background is complemented by a commitment to excellence in legal research and advocacy, enabling her to provide adept support in complex legal matters. Her nuanced understanding of legal intricacies enriches her contributions to the firm’s clients and cases.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Isla cherishes quality time with her family and her beloved pet, Nala. Her passions extend to traveling, where she explores new cultures, and she enjoys capturing the world through her photography. She is also deeply interested in art and finds joy in cooking, weaving creativity into her everyday life.

Isla is excited to bring her diverse expertise and vibrant spirit to Arellano Law Firm PC, where she looks forward to contributing to the firm’s legacy of legal excellence.

Maria Nava

Paralegal

Maria Nava brings a unique blend of experience, dedication, and a heartfelt commitment to the legal profession, with an impressive career spanning over 15 years. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, and raised in Oregon, Maria’s journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. She graduated from local schools, where she laid a strong educational foundation that has supported her professional endeavors.

Maria’s career in the legal field began in 2008. Since then, she has accumulated valuable experience working in three different law firms.

In 2022, she joined the Arellano Law Firm PC as a paralegal, where she has been instrumental in providing comprehensive support to clients, guiding them meticulously through the legal process up to the point of litigation. Maria finds profound satisfaction in assisting those who often feel voiceless, ensuring they receive the attention and justice they deserve.

One of Maria’s most rewarding roles outside of her legal career was working with special needs children, including those with Autism, blindness, and Down syndrome. This experience deepened her empathy and honed her advocacy skills, traits that she brings into her paralegal work every day.

Maria has been married for nearly 30 years and is a proud mother of two children. Alongside her husband, she has dedicated over three decades to volunteer work within the Catholic Church, coordinating choirs in both Illinois and Oregon. This long-term commitment highlights her dedication to community service and her passion for bringing people together through music.

In her personal life, Maria enjoys spending quality time with her family, dancing, cooking, and hosting friendly gatherings. These activities not only bring her joy but also enhance her ability to connect with clients on a personal level, making her support rich with understanding and compassion.

Maria Nava is an invaluable member of the Arellano Law Firm PC, known for her thorough assistance and unwavering commitment to each client’s case. Her deep-seated passion for helping others, along with her extensive experience, makes her an exceptional paralegal and a cherished asset to the firm.

Yarime Hernández Robles

Paralegal

Yarime Hernández Robles was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and is a dedicated attorney specializing in intellectual and industrial property law. She holds a law degree from the Escuela Libre de Derecho de Puebla, where she earned her professional title through a thesis. She later completed a Master’s Degree in International Trade Law and Intellectual Property at the University of La Rioja, also graduating with a thesis focused on swap contracts as adhesion contracts.

Throughout her career, Yarime has contributed to the editing and drafting of annotated constitutions, and has worked extensively on the application of conventionality control in human rights matters, in line with the standards of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

She has collaborated with private law firms focused on the protection of intellectual creations and inventions, with a particular emphasis on the analysis and safeguarding of intangible assets. Additionally, she has worked with various government institutions at both the state and federal levels, including the Mexican Youth Institute (Instituto Mexicano de la Juventud), where she participated in the development of the “Tarjeta Joven” program — an initiative aimed at protecting the intellectual and legal rights of young people in Mexico.

Outside of her professional life, Yarime is passionate about Hispanic-American literature, enjoys solving sudoku puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, and finds joy in nature and rainy days. She cherishes spending time outdoors with her family and her beloved dog, Alfa.

Sierra Medina

Financial Analyst

Sierra Medina was born in Portland, Oregon and brings more than 10 years of experience in risk management, financial accounting, quality compliance, and business operations. She has a strong background in financial liability review, real estate transactions, banking research, and high-volume account analysis.

As a financial professional, Sierra has worked closely with legal authorities, including law enforcement, in matters involving fraudulent activity, embezzlement, and misappropriation of funds.

This experience gives her a practical understanding of how financial records, patterns, and inconsistencies can impact legal and business decisions.

Sierra has developed a focused approach to financial projections, abnormal trend analysis, and liability-pattern identification. Her work includes reviewing capital flow, correcting financial imbalances, and helping identify preventative measures that support the long-term financial health of Arellano Law Firm PC.

At ALF, Sierra’s objective is to analyze financial inconsistencies, evaluate practical options, and help implement best practices rooted in sound accounting principles. Her attention to detail and financial insight help support the firm’s operations, planning, and continued growth.

Our Team

Higinio ("Neo") Arellano

RJ Tonneson

Alejandra G. Klein

Ryan Settles

Ranjani Jagannath

Musio Chavez

Christian Fernandez

Arturo Benavidez

Bryan Bravo

Kim Castro

Edward Arellano

Nereyda Sanez

Elizabeth Arellano

Isla Garcia

Maria Nava

Yarime Hernández Robles

Sierra Medina

Sherri Stauffer

Higinio ("Neo") Arellano

RJ Tonneson

Alejandra G. Klein

Ryan Settles

Ranjani Jagannath

Musio Chavez

Christian Fernandez

Arturo Benavidez

Bryan Bravo

Kim Castro

Edward Arellano

Nereyda Sanez

Elizabeth Arellano

Isla Garcia

Maria Nava

Yarime Hernández Robles

Sierra Medina

Sherri Stauffer

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!