Our Team

Our Attorneys

Samantha Birsen, Esq.

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.

Legal Support Team

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

Intake Specialist (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.

Office Support Team

Debbie Shalaty

Office Manager

Debbie Hicks 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 Hicks 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.