Key Staff Members

Key Staff Members

When you call or visit our law offices, you will be met and often helped by our Key Staff members. Ogg, Cordes, Murphy & Ignelzi is very pleased to enjoy such a professional, competent and genuinely caring staff. Their assistance is invaluable to us and we know they desire to serve you equally well. This will introduce them to you.

Michelle Collins - joined OCMI in 2001 as a paralegal in the workers' compensation group and has recently joined the medical malpractice group. She has an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice from Point Park College. Michelle's organizational and communication skills are a true asset in assisting our workers' compensation clients through the often confusing process of obtaining their workers' compensation benefits. Email Me

Lisa DeAngelo - is a paralegal in OCMI's personal injury group. In 1994, while attending Community College of Allegheny County, Lisa was hired at OCMI as a file clerk. Upon graduation, she received an Associates Degree and a Paralegal Certificate. Lisa then secured a paralegal position in the workers' compensation and personal injury groups. In 2001, she began working strictly for the personal injury group. Lisa finds great satisfaction in the preparation, participation and intensity of trial work. Email Me

Melissa Damp - initially joined OCMI in 1998 as a legal secretary in the personal injury group but shortly thereafter joined the employment law group. She was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and moved to Pittsburgh in 1990 to attend ICM School of Business. She received an Associates Degree in Secretarial Sciences (Legal). Prior to joining OCMI, Melissa worked for Hartford Insurance Company as a secretary to in-house counsel. Melissa enjoys assisting clients and formatting briefs to be filed with the various courts. Melissa is proud to be part of the outstanding support staff at OCMI. Email Me 

Marleen Fitzurka - is a legal secretary in the personal injury group at OCMI. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she has worked in the legal field for approximately twenty years and has been employed at OCMI since 1993. Marleen values the teamwork between attorneys and support staff and enjoys the everyday challenges that come with working at such a dynamic law firm. Email Me

Tammy Haines - is the newest member of the OCMI team. She is a nurse consultant in the medical malpractice group. Tammy acts as a liaison with attorneys, physicians and clients; obtains, reviews and analyzes documents; summarizes medical literature; provides a medical record chronology; and prepares reports based on the combination of the medical records, standards of care and the damage/causation assessment. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Wheeling Jesuit University. Tammy brings with her 22 years of critical care nursing experience, with a special interest in trauma. Prior to joining OCMI, she was involved in coordinating pharmaceutical drug at a large teaching hospital. Tammy has maintained her CCRN certification for 18 years, maintaining an up-to-date and advanced critical care knowledge base. Tammy is both proud and excited to be working with the outstanding attorneys and staff at OCMI. Email Me 

Deborah Nellis - is a nurse consultant in OCMI's medical malpractice group. She is responsible for reviewing and analyzing potential malpractice cases. Deborah assists in conducting research, preparing cases for medical review, drafting complaints and preparing cases for trial. During the course of a case, she works with clients and various professionals including, medical experts, lawyers and other legal professionals. Deborah designed and maintains computerized tracking forms for all clients. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh and her Master of Science Degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining OCMI, Deborah held various health care positions which include staff nurse, assistant professor at a community college, certified childbirth instructor, clinical specialist, nurse manager, case manager for a subsidiary of Highmark, and as an expert for obstetrical medical malpractice cases. Email Me   

Carolyn Lolla - joined OCMI in 2006 as a personal injury paralegal. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Grove City College in 2006, with a major in political science and a minor in communications. She also obtained a paralegal certificate from Duquesne University. During the course of her work, Carolyn assists the attorneys with drafting discovery and other documents, reviewing medical records, researching, organizing, analyzing, and preparing clients' cases for trial. Her interpersonal communication skills aid in developing strong relationships with clients and legal counsel. Carolyn enjoys the professional and fast‑paced nature of the personal injury group at OCMI, as well as the variety each day provides. Email Me

Lea Anne McCabe-Ferita - is a paralegal in OCMI's employment law group. She joined OCMI in 1993. She was born, raised and resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She obtained her paralegal and employment law certificates from Robert Morris College. Prior to joining OCMI, Lea Anne worked for USX Corporation and Burns, White & Hickton. She has extensive courtroom experience, including the attendance and participation in over 25 trials, and is proud to work for a firm with such a great reputation. Email Me 

Samuel Nicotra - has been OCMI's Office Manager since 1995. He was born, raised and resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Business and Computer Science with a minor in Economic and Mathematics. Sam has almost twenty years accounting experience working in various industries. He manages all areas of OCMI's accounting department. Sam's experience and attention to detail are an asset to OCMI. Email Me

Bonnie Peebles - joined OCMI in 1999 as legal secretary in the workers' compensation group and later began working in the medical malpractice group. She received an Associates Degree in Secretarial Sciences (Executive) and Business Administration from Penn Commercial Business College in 1981. She has worked over twenty years in various aspects of the law on both the defense and plaintiff sides. Bonnie finds working at OCMI to be challenging and rewarding. She is proud to be part of such an outstanding, professional and friendly team.  Email Me