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.

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 Law Group.

In Erika’s free time, she enjoys traveling, weightlifting, and watching true crime documentaries. She is also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.

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 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.

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 Law Group 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 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.

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.