A Highly Qualified and Caring Staff
Under the leadership of Executive Director Andrew Banyai, Esq., Lee County Legal Aid Society employs a Legal Director, staff attorneys and paralegals whose qualifications are second to none. Their passion for helping those in need shows in everything they do, each and every day. They are supported by a caring administrative team who shares their concern and heartfelt support for the community Lee County Legal Aid Society serves.
Andrew J. Banyai, Esq.
Andrew Banyai, Executive Director, joined Lee County Legal Aid Society in February 2018. Andrew is a graduate of Michigan State University and a member of The Florida Bar and the State Bar of Michigan.
Blair J. DeMinico, Esq.
Blair DeMinico is the Legal Director of the Lee County Legal Aid Society. DeMinico joined the Lee County Legal Aid Society as a Staff Attorney in 2014.
Eunice Gedeon Linot, Esq.
Eunice Gedeon Linot is an Immigration Services and Florida Family Law attorney. She provides legal representation to underprivileged persons involved in family proceedings with excellence. She is fluent in Creole.
Ashley Faraone, Esq.
Ashley Faraone, a Fort Myers native, has been a valued member of the Lee County Legal Aid Society since 2018. She earned both her undergraduate and law school degrees from the University of Florida.
Sems Al-Bazz, Esq.
Sems Al-Bazz represents low-income clients in a wide range of housing matters, including evictions, unlawful lockouts, utility shutoffs, security deposit disputes, lien foreclosures, and partition actions.
Kevin Sarlo
Kevin began his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in Florida’s Twentieth Judicial Circuit, where he represented criminal defendants who could not afford an attorney.
Veronica Oquendo
Veronica Oquendo is a dedicated paralegal with over 20 years’ experience and is known for her sharp research skills, steady courtroom support, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Cynthia Crosby
With over 20 years of experience in the legal field, Cynthia Crosby provides knowledgeable support to individuals facing legal challenges.
Ely Naranjo Dominguez
Ely Naranjo Dominguez is Paralegal to Attorney Eunice Linot and assists with Children’s Immigration Services.
Kristi Gunn
Kristi, a Southwest Florida native, brings both deep local roots and extensive experience to her role as a Family Law Paralegal.
Melissa Ponce Urbina
Born and raised in Naples, Florida. Melissa joined the firm in 2019 after gaining several years of experience as a receptionist.
Myra Laroque-Mocaby
Myra is a dedicated legal assistant who began her journey with our office as a volunteer in October 2022.
Aaliyah Ramirez
Aaliyah serves as the receptionist for Lee County Legal Aid, bringing over 3 years of customer service experience to her role.
English 
Spanish 
Haitian Creole