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Matthew White is an appellate attorney for VetLaw, Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia’s partner firm. He holds a law degree from Elon University School of Law and a Master of Law in International Criminal Law from the National University of Ireland at Galway.
Before attaining his law license in North Carolina, Matthew was a case manager at an immigration law firm. His main focus was assisting those applying for citizenship, helping them navigate through the complex system.
Several of Matthew’s family members served in the armed forces, driving Matthew’s passion to work with veterans and give back to those who served our country. He is passionate about his work, and aims to help veterans get the disability benefits that they’re owed.
Matthew works with veterans throughout all levels of the application and appeals process. However, he is most passionate about working with veterans who have been affected by Agent Orange exposure, especially those who served in Thailand during the Vietnam War.
He’s also passionate about working with veterans who have suffered from psychiatric disorders, such as PTSD. The VA tends to lack understanding when it comes to psychiatric disorders, and Matthew aims to change their outlook with his work.
Christopher Stratton is an associate attorney for veterans disability benefits at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia. He is passionate about helping Veterans who have earned their benefits, but for one reason or another, they can’t get over that last hurdle; that’s where Chris shines. We are excited to have him at WHG.
Chris is a dedicated veteran disability benefits attorney based in Hernando County, within the 5th Circuit of Florida. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida (UCF), a Juris Doctor (JD) from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, and a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law from Stetson University. He was admitted to the Florida Bar on February 10, 2019.
Initially, Chris practiced insurance defense law for two years before transitioning to focus on VA disability law, where he has since been providing exceptional service to veterans.
Currently, Chris is an Associate at the prestigious firm of Werner, Hoffman, Grieg & Garcia. As a young lawyer, Chris has a solid legal foundation and extensive experience and is an excellent addition to our team.
Chris is committed to upholding the highest standards of legal practice and advocating passionately for the veterans he serves.
Heather F. Hartley’s dedication to Veterans’ rights stems from her family’s legacy of Veterans. It’s her personal mission to ensure that those who’ve sacrificed for our nation’s freedom receive the justice they deserve.
She deeply understands the challenges many Veterans and their families confront, particularly when left without necessary resources and support. Heather emphasizes ensuring the spouses of Veterans—those who’ve made immense sacrifices—are rightfully recognized and compensated. With her combination of education, experience, and genuine empathy, Heather stands out as an unparalleled advocate.
Heather completed her education at Georgia College and State University in 2015, securing dual degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Furthering her academic pursuits, Heather obtained her law degree from Mercer Law School in 2018. She made the Dean’s List at Georgia College from 2013-2015 and actively contributed as the Secretary of the Animal Legal Defense Fund during her law school days. Heather earned recognition from the Florida Bar in 2021.
Heather handles cases at the Regional Office and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, including Board hearings in front of judges, Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) claims, secondary claims, and exposure claims such as Agent Orange, burn pits, and AFFF.
Paige Barrett’s journey from military service to the legal profession is marked by a consistent dedication to helping others, a value that continues to guide her career and everything she does in her life.
Service has been a constant theme in Paige’s life.
Paige’s career in the Navy and as an attorney is deeply rooted in her love for service to others. Every day, she helps veterans like herself with VA appeals at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia.
Paige has always been serving others. She volunteered at the local Lions Club and at Ronald McDonald House, where she assisted with feeding families during some of their toughest times.
This led Paige to serve the United States during her eight years in the United States Navy from 2012 to 2019.
Her legal studies began at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, FL, laying the groundwork for her future as an attorney. Later, she transferred to Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas, where she earned her JD.
Before law school, Paige earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from American Military University in 2018 to follow her dream of working to support and understand people.
Paige served in the United States Navy from 2012 to 2019.
Her military service, particularly her work aboard a minesweeper building and maintaining underwater mines and their various components, taught her the importance of precision, responsibility, and teamwork—skills that she now applies to her work as an attorney.
During law school, Paige interned with the Florida 4th Judicial Circuit’s Guardian ad Litem program, advocating for children in foster care, and worked as a legal assistant in a family law firm. These experiences solidified her desire to use her legal education to help others.
Paige currently focuses on cases in the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, applying her skills and providing much-needed help to her clients.
Paige is a member of the Florida Bar Association, Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, and Military Spouse J.D. Network. She will continue her ongoing commitment to her professional development and community engagement.
Thaddaeus Cox is a veterans disability benefits attorney with [firm-name].
Thaddaeus Cox earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northwestern State University (LA) in 2012. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law (FL) in 2015. During his law school years, he also gained valuable experience through an internship at Nova Southeastern University’s Veteran Law Clinic.
Thaddaeus specializes in veterans’ disability law, focusing on appeals to the VA and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. He has extensive experience representing low-income veterans, successfully navigating complex VA processes, and achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.
Thaddaeus has experience serving as the VA department head at another firm, where he represented veterans in appeals for almost two years. Before this role, he decided to appeal for over five years as an attorney with the VA’s Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Additionally, he has provided legal aid to low-income veterans through Coast to Coast Legal Aid. Notably, Thaddaeus recently recovered $89,499 in past-due benefits for a veteran through a Higher-Level Review, exemplifying his dedication and expertise. His contributions have been recognized with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Service Award for over ten years of federal service.
Thaddaeus enlisted in the Army as an Airborne Infantryman in February 2004 and served honorably until February 2012, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2004 as part of the 82nd Airborne Division to support the country’s first democratic national elections. His assignments included serving with the 6th Ranger Training Battalion, providing realistic combat training to Ranger Students, and as a recruiter, where he earned the Glen E. Morrell Award for Recruiting Excellence.
Thaddaeus’s military accolades include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Gold Recruiter Badge with three Sapphires, along with international awards such as the Ecuadorian and German Army Parachutist Badges.
Anthony Akil, an esteemed associate attorney at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, brings a unique blend of military experience, cyber systems expertise, and legal acumen to his role in the firm. With a focus on representing veterans in their pursuit of VA Disability benefits, Anthony has dedicated his career to ensuring that those who served our country receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Anthony Akil’s role at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia is a testament to his enduring commitment to service, both in his military career and now in his legal practice. His unique background in cyber operations, combined with his legal skill, makes him an invaluable advocate for veterans navigating the complexities of VA Disability claims.
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we are proud to have Anthony as part of our team, where his dedication to service, exceptional legal skills, and personal integrity continue to make a significant impact on the lives of our clients and the broader veteran community.
Anthony’s educational background lays a solid foundation for his multifaceted career:
Anthony’s distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy is marked by his progression from an enlisted serviceman to a commissioned officer in the Information Warfare community.
This experience ingrained him with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by military personnel, both in active service and afterward.
His time in the Navy, coupled with his education, uniquely positions him to navigate the complexities of VA Disability benefits law.
Specializing in VA Disability benefits, Anthony uses his personal insight into military service and his legal education to advocate for veterans. His dedication to veterans is driven by a deep respect for his fellow service members and a commitment to securing their rights and benefits.
