Our Firm

Erik B. Blowers, Owner and Managing Attorney

Born and raised in rural Upstate New York, Erik hails from a strong working-class family, where he developed a steadfast work ethic from a young age. He worked on a farm through high school and was the first in his family to attend college.

While earning his Bachelor’s Degree at the State University of New York at Brockport, Erik spent his college years contributing to the community as an EMT volunteer with a local fire department. His early experiences in service laid the foundation for a career characterized by a dedication to others.

Erik then pursued his Juris Doctor at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. During his time in law school, he worked for two years at the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, gaining practical experience in criminal law.

In 1989, Erik joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a Special Agent. During his tenure, he handled cases related to drugs and organized crimes, showcasing his attention to detail and commitment to justice. Notably, Erik’s exceptional skills led him to a supervisory position on the Evidence Response Team for five years, where he dealt with major crime scenes, including the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon. He was later promoted to the position of General Counsel of the Charlotte Division, where he handled both civil and criminal matters for over five years.

In 2005, Erik transitioned into entrepreneurship, starting his own waste management company. Through dedication and hard work, he transformed it from a small venture with 200 customers into a multi-million-dollar company with 48 employees, 26,000 customers, and over 6 million dollars in revenue in less than nine years. In 2014, he successfully sold the business to a large U.S. national corporation.

Erik’s passion for helping others eventually brought him back to the practice of law. A member of the Ohio Bar (inactive) and the North Carolina Bar, Erik currently resides in North Carolina with his wife of 32 years. He has five children, each of whom are making their mark in their various professions – from law enforcement and accounting to nursing and law.

J. Lance DeGeneres, Senior Attorney

Lance DeGeneres is a Senior Attorney at IFW Law Group. He received his Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University and brings 28 years of litigation and trial experience across multiple states, including Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas.

Lance’s legal journey includes serving as Senior Partner in a Baton Rouge law firm from 1993 to 2012, followed by a role as a Senior Attorney in a national law firm’s New Orleans location from 2012 to 2018. Since 2019, he has been an integral part of Shapiro and Associates (now IFW Law Group). He is drawn to the firm’s focus on osteoarthritis claims and his ability to utilize an extensive legal and medical knowledge to pursue claims.

Compassion, good judgment, tenacity, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of medical conditions, particularly osteoarthritis, define Lance’s approach to his work.

At IFW, Lance values the collaborative team effort and the firm’s national recognition as a leading advocate for injured federal workers with osteoarthritis claims. His commitment to helping individuals navigate legal challenges and obtain rightful compensation underscores his dedication to the firm’s mission.

Matthew R. Ferran, Associate Attorney

Matthew Ferran, a native of Queens, New York, spent most of his life in Miami, Florida, before relocating to Boston in 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University in Miami. He is currently licensed to practice law in Florida and Massachusetts.

With over ten years of experience in workers’ compensation law, Matthew has cultivated a deep understanding of workplace injury cases. He enjoys federal workers’ compensation as it involves working with clients from all over the country and from many different agencies, thanks to the nature of the field. With his background practicing state workers’ compensation in two very different jurisdictions, he is proud to provide a distinctive and personalized approach to his cases and clients. He is also a fluent Spanish speaker.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife and his 14-year old Australian shepherd, Luna. Matthew is a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a discipline he has been practicing for eight years. He is an instructor and competitor with a local Boston gym. This hobby reflects his dedication to personal growth and discipline in both his professional and personal life.

Rachel A. Klink, Associate Attorney

Rachel was born in Georgia and raised in a close-knit suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina, where she developed strong communication, writing, and analytical reading skills, and served the student body as President of the Carolina Judicial Council. Her commitment to justice led her to pursue her Juris Doctor at the Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

While in law school, Rachel worked as a Law Clerk at IFW Law Group for two transformative summers. It was here that she gained practical experience and an insight into the intricacies of federal workers’ compensation. Her notable law school experiences include serving as Chief Justice of the Wake Forest Moot Court Board.

Throughout her legal career, Rachel has dedicated herself exclusively to the representation of injured federal workers. She considers it an honor to guide and encourage her clients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives, helping them to obtain the benefits to which they are entitled under the law. She is a member of the North Carolina Bar and South Carolina Bar.

Outside of the office, she enjoys cooking, drawing, and hiking. She swims laps weekly with a personal goal of one day conquering the challenging swim from New York to Vermont across Lake Champlain.

Daniel B. Shapiro, Of Counsel

A graduate of Boston University and New England Law, Dan is a frequent lecturer on the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). He has participated as a speaker and presented seminars for postal workers, federal public safety personnel, and other federal employees engaged in physical occupations. He frequently appears as a guest lecturer at union educational programs and conferences on the issues facing those unfortunate enough to have been caught up in the federal workers’ compensation system.

Prior to narrowing his practice to representing federal employees suffering from advanced degenerative arthritis of the lower extremities, Dan had an outstanding career as a trial lawyer in the most serious of injury cases.

Dan is a leading practitioner in the country on this condition, which is particularly prevalent among veteran employees whose physical responsibilities have left them with significant lower extremity issues. His medical knowledge and that of his colleagues is unparalleled by any other FECA/OWCP lawyer or law firm. As a result, Dan is personally responsible for the Department of Labor now accepting advanced degenerative arthritis of the lower extremities as an occupational disease. After years of dedication to the pursuit of benefits for injured federal workers, Dan is now of counsel to IFW Law Group.

Martin L. Kaplan, Of Counsel

Raised amidst the vibrant energy of New York City, Marty Kaplan has crafted a distinctive path from the world of information technology to becoming a dedicated attorney focusing on federal workers’ compensation. His journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by injured federal workers.

Marty’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the City College of New York, followed by a Master of Business Administration in Management Sciences from Pace University. Prior to entering the legal field, Marty enjoyed a remarkable 30-year career in information technology. Starting as a software developer, he ascended the ranks, culminating in his role as Executive Vice President for a prominent information technology consultancy.

Relocating to North Carolina marked a pivotal moment in Marty’s life. He pursued his passion for justice by attending law school at North Carolina Central University, where he earned his Juris Doctor. In 1998, Marty founded The Kaplan Law Office, laying the foundation for a legal career dedicated to the representation of injured federal workers.

Introduced to the nuanced practice area of federal workers’ compensation early in his legal career, Marty gradually shifted his focus to exclusively represent injured federal workers on a national scale. His extensive experience has led him to represent individuals from various government agencies, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the entire process.

Marty Kaplan not only navigates the complexities of federal workers’ compensation but also imparts his knowledge to others. He teaches the nuances of the practice area, further showcasing his commitment to elevating the standards of legal representation.

Kelley Greski, Senior Paralegal/Director of Operations

Kelley Greski is the Senior Paralegal and Director of Operations at IFW Law Group. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Political Science from Roanoke College and a Master of Arts in Political Science from Northeastern University. She joined Shapiro & Associates (now IFW Law Group) in 2007 as a litigation legal assistant and was a part of the firm’s 2008 shift to an exclusive focus on the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA).

Kelley emphasizes the importance of detail orientation, effective communication, and collaborative teamwork in her role. Her dedication lies in continuously analyzing claims to maximize financial benefits and address medical concerns for claimants. Beyond monetary victories, she finds fulfillment in helping hardworking individuals navigate the complexities of federal agencies and secure the benefits they deserve.

Working at IFW, Kelley values the camaraderie among team members, shared goals, and a commitment to continuous improvement. She appreciates the firm’s growth from a small office to one of the leading firms in their practice area, and looks forward to their continued expansion while maintaining the quality of representation that defines their reputation.

Gina Correia, Paralegal

Gina Correia is a Paralegal at IFW Law Group. Originally from Stoneham, Massachusetts, she currently resides in New Jersey. She studied Paralegal Studies at Boston University and attended the New England Court Reporting and Legal Institute from 2009 to 2013.

Gina worked as a Court Reporter from 2011 to 2016 but found her true calling in helping federal employees, inspired by her father and late grandfather’s 35+ years of federal service. Since 2016, Gina has been part of the dedicated team at Shapiro and Associates (now IFW Law Group), focusing on assisting federal employees in obtaining their deserved benefits.

She values the firm’s collaborative and hands-on approach, ensuring client satisfaction by providing clear updates and detailed case plans. Gina finds fulfillment in helping people navigate their cases and appreciates the supportive atmosphere within the team.

In her leisure time, Gina enjoys spending time with family and friends, travel, and staying active with boxing and powerlifting.

Ria Shimabukuro, Paralegal

Ria, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, spent her formative years in the island paradise before relocating to Boston, Massachusetts, from 2017 to 2021. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Boston University, graduating in January 2021.

Ria’s journey includes a valuable experience as a Senate Intern during the summer of 2018 at the Office of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz. Drawing inspiration from her father’s career as a federal firefighter, she feels a deep personal connection to the work at IFW Law Group, specifically in assisting federal employees like her dad.

In her role, Ria finds reward in knowing that the services provided by IFW can alleviate the financial, physical, and emotional burdens associated with the workers’ compensation process, significantly improving the quality of life for federal employees and their families in both the short and long term.

The dynamic nature of their work requires the team to be well-versed in a constantly changing landscape of laws, policies, and procedures. Ria appreciates the collaborative work environment that encourages asking questions and fosters continuous learning.

Outside of work, Ria finds joy in surfing, crocheting, and spending quality time with her family.

Amanda Figueroa, Paralegal

Amanda, originally from Puerto Rico, embarked on a journey that took her through different states, including New York, Washington D.C., North Carolina, and her current residence in Pennsylvania. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UPR-Mayaguez earned in 1998, Amanda’s professional trajectory has been diverse and dynamic.

Her legal expertise lies primarily in Securities Class Action Litigation, although she has also gained experience in personal injury, trusts & estates, and Social Security Disability. Notably, Amanda took a six-year hiatus from the legal field to pursue a unique venture – opening a brewery with her husband.

For Amanda, the most rewarding aspect of her legal career is helping clients navigate complex systems, particularly in situations that may seem daunting and unfriendly. Guiding individuals through the intricacies of various legal matters and making them aware of available benefits has been a gratifying experience for her.

In her professional environment, Amanda values open communication and the willingness of everyone to lend a helping hand when needed. This collaborative approach fosters an atmosphere where issues can be openly discussed, contributing to a supportive team dynamic.

Outside of her work, Amanda finds joy in gardening, photography, and art.

Samantha Landry, Paralegal

Samantha Landry hails from Brockton, Massachusetts, and is an alumna of Stonehill College. She previously served as a Paralegal at Brockton District Court where she worked directly with clients helping them navigate complex court matters.

In her role as a Paralegal at IFW, Samantha enjoys helping clients navigate the complex legal process with the OWCP and the Department of Labor. She values the collaborative firm environment which allows for efficient and effective assistance to those pursuing their entitlement to benefits through the federal system.

Outside of her professional commitments, Samantha enjoys reading in her spare time, finding solace and enrichment in the world of literature. An avid spin class enthusiast, she embraces an active lifestyle, and her love for traveling adds a touch of adventure to her life.

Carley Lefler, Paralegal

Carley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies and a Paralegal Certification from the University at Buffalo. She began her journey into the legal field as a Real Estate Paralegal from 2019 to 2021, where she honed her skills within the realm of real estate law.

In 2021, Carley transitioned to a role as an Operations Specialist at a mortgage brokerage, broadening her expertise in the legal and financial aspects of real estate transactions. Now a Paralegal at IFW, her approach to her profession is marked by an emphasis on establishing meaningful connections with clients. Carley firmly believes that her outgoing and charismatic demeanor adds a personal touch to the legal process, making the client’s journey more pleasant and reassuring.

The sense of community and comfortability in the workplace is paramount to Carley. She thrives in an environment where colleagues lift each other up, collaborate seamlessly, and face challenges as a united force. This collaborative spirit enhances the overall work experience and contributes to the success of the team.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Carley likes to explore new recipes, listen to podcasts, indulge in true crime TV shows, and participate in a book club.

Kevin Dinning, Paralegal

Kevin, a native of North Andover, Massachusetts, spent his college years in Lowell, Massachusetts, before venturing to Portland, Oregon during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, he made his way back to Boston.

Kevin has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He previously worked as a Transportation Security Officer with the Department of Homeland Security. Now a Paralegal at IFW, his focus is on securing compensation for those in federal jobs that are often physically demanding and under appreciated.

In his professional journey, Kevin values the opportunities provided for personal and professional development and maintains a commitment to excellence. He recognizes the importance of acknowledging and supporting federal workers who contribute to critical services.

Outside of work, Kevin finds joy and relaxation in skiing, soccer, and the culinary arts.

Amy Repella, Paralegal

Amy Repella is a Paralegal at IFW Law Group. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Amy resided in Savannah where she gained experience in litigation, specializing in medical malpractice. Amy has a great deal of experience with the often complex process of obtaining and interpreting the modern world of medical records.

In her role as IFW Law Group’s Medical Paralegal, Amy has an opportunity to work with an experienced, capable and compassionate team to obtain benefits for the firm’s valued clients. Amy enjoys helping the firm’s clients achieve positive outcomes knowing it can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

While not at the office, Amy can be found at a book club, art museum, hiking, fishing, spending time with her kids, or walking her dogs, Nacho and Nate.

Jennifer Lane, Staff Accountant

Originally from Ft. Worth, Texas, Jennifer Lane made a life-changing decision four years ago to relocate to North Carolina, a choice she considers one of her best. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from West Texas A&M University in May 2000, setting the stage for a career marked by expertise in accounting and a passion for making a difference.

With 20 years of non-profit experience and a background in accounting spanning various industries, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge to her role at IFW. Her unique blend of skills and experiences has proven invaluable in navigating the complexities of the specialized field in which IFW operates.

Jennifer finds fulfillment in the intricacies of her work, particularly in assisting clients through the often-complicated process. IFW’s specialization allows the team to be highly efficient and successful in finding solutions for their clients. Witnessing the positive impact of award letters on clients’ lives brings her a sense of joy, knowing the tangible benefits they receive.

A strong believer in collaborative efforts, Jennifer appreciates the teamwork at IFW. The collaborative spirit, combined with strong leadership that empowers employees to make a difference, contributes to the success of the organization in serving its clients effectively.

Beyond the office, Jennifer enjoys listening to live music, hiking through scenic landscapes, and kayaking on the river.

Mitchell Henshaw, Law Clerk

Born and raised in Brockport, New York, and currently residing in Charleston, South Carolina, Mitchell is carving his path in the legal world.

Mitchell anticipates graduating from the Charleston School of Law in May 2025. Prior to his legal studies, he earned an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Potomac State College in Keyser, WV. He then worked as a full-time student-athlete, playing Division I baseball while earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and then a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics from St. John’s University in Queens, New York.

His experience as a Law Clerk at IFW Law Group spans two years, showcasing his dedication to this practice area. Passionate about connecting with people, Mitchell finds joy in listening to each client’s unique story and strives to help them in every possible way. At IFW Law Group, he appreciates the supportive and collaborative atmosphere that allows for learning and professional growth, highlighting the firm’s commitment to both its clients and its team members.

Beyond his legal pursuits, Mitchell leads an active lifestyle. Whether playing golf, softball, or pickleball or spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, he embraces a well-rounded lifestyle that mirrors his diverse interests.