About Us
Attorneys
Charles “Carlos” Torres
Charles “Carlos” Torres is a bilingual attorney, Spanish and English, practicing mainly personal injury, immigration, and general litigation. Mr. Torres has been licensed to practice law since 1990. Mr. Torres graduated Cum Laude, from the University of Memphis with a B.S.E.T. in Architectural Technology and in 1990 graduated from the University of Memphis Law School with his JD degree.
Mr. Torres first practiced for three years with the Federal Government as an Estate and Gift Tax attorney. Wanting to do more litigation, Mr. Torres left government practice and went to practice with Terry Woods, Esq., and formed Woods & Torres, PC, doing personal injury, immigration, and real estate litigation.
After three years, Charles “Carlos” Torres went on his own at Law Office of Charles “Carlos” Torres, sharpening his skills in litigation, personal injury and immigration. Mr. Torres finally established the Torres Law Firm, PLLC in 2012. The firm practices mainly in personal injury, immigration, and general litigation. Charles “Carlos” Torres has been or is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Knoxville Bar Association, and the Tennessee Bar Association. Charles “Carlos” Torres is licensed and admitted to practice in all Tennessee Courts, all Immigration Courts, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, U.S Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the U.S. Tax Court. Mr Torres is also a Tennessee Rule 31 Civil Mediator.
A Statement from Mr. Torres
I take deep interest and passion in every case handled by my office and staff. I want all clients to succeed in the green card process and I want all of my plaintiff clients to receive the compensation they deserve in their personal injury cases. It takes hours and hours of dedication to each case. In my spare time, I speak to churches, give free consultations, and volunteer my time in youth sports. I am a bilingual attorney born in a US military family and spent numerous years in my birth place of Puerto Rico.
Megan Short
Megan Short is an Immigration Attorney with Torres Law Firm, PLLC. At Torres Law Firm, Megan specializes in Removal Defense. She primarily focuses on Asylum, Immigration court, U-visas, cancellation of removal, SIJS, and waivers.
She graduated from UT College of Law in May 2019, and has been with the firm since May 2017. Prior to law school, she was a Peace Corps Volunteer serving 27 months in Togo, West Africa in 2014-2016. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Furman University in Spanish Language and Literature with a concentration in Poverty Studies.
In Knoxville, Megan has worked with Great Schools Partnership and the Latino Student Success Coalition. Megan speaks Spanish and French and has enjoyed working with the immigrant population for years. When she’s not working, Megan spends time with her husband, friends, and her dog.
Cary L. Bauer
Cary Bauer is a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney with over twenty four years of experience. Cary graduated from the University of Tennessee Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Top Graduating Senior-Summer Commencement-1996; and graduated from University of Tennessee College of Law-Doctor of Jurisprudence- Cum Laude-1998
Prior to coming to Torres Law Firm, PLLC, he practiced at Gilreath & Associates handling complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases.
Cary is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association; Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association; and the American Association for Justice. Cary has a Martindale Hubbell AV rating.
Statement from Cary: “Many years ago I lost the business opportunity I had planned on making my career and my attorney told me there was really nothing I could do about it. This lawyer impressed me with his honesty, intelligence and the fact that he was more interested in being fair than making a fast buck. I decided to pursue a career in the law and incorporate that philosophy into my practice. I believe the law can empower the powerless by providing a fair hearing on a level playing field for everyone regardless of wealth and social position. Unfortunately, sometimes the greatest benefit I can provide a client is to explain why I do not believe they have a case. I try to fairly evaluate each case I have the privilege to review and work to vigorously represent those clients I feel I can benefit. My philosophy as a lawyer is to use my legal knowledge to help people who need help.”
Rodolfo Urquieta Cortes
Rodolfo Urquieta Cortes earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law and has been licensed to practice law in Tennessee since 2019. After joining Torres Law Firm, PLLC, Rodolfo’s main areas of practice have been criminal defense, personal injury, and immigration.
As a proud Mexican-American who was born in Saltillo, Coahuila and raised in Hamblen County, Tennessee, Rodolfo uses his fluent Spanish and decades of living in Appalachia to connect with clients from a variety of backgrounds.
Before becoming an attorney, Rodolfo earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Tennessee in 2014 and coached youth soccer.
When he is not in court or busy at the office, Rodolfo enjoys spending time with his wife, dogs, and cats. He loves a good game of chess, Liverpool Football Club, movies, and writing music.
Rodolfo is a member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Knoxville Bar Association and is licensed to practice in all courts in Tennessee.
Zachary Tolbert
Zachary Tolbert is an East Tennessee native who joined Torres Law Firm, PLLC in early 2023. Zachary graduated from UT College of Law in May 2018 and was licensed to practice law in Tennessee later that same year. Since joining the firm, Zachary specializes in personal injury cases, but also handles worker’s compensation cases and agreed divorce petitions.
Since he was young, Zachary has been passionate about helping others and putting his skills to work for people that need them. He enjoyed learning Spanish while in high school and is excited to be actively practicing and learning the language once again.
In the office, Zachary stays focused on getting his clients the best outcome possible for their cases. Outside of the office, Zachary enjoys spending time with his wife and their three cats, listening to music from all around the world, building and painting scale models, and volunteering at the local animal shelter.
Staff
Christen Torres, JD
Christen Torres earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law in May 2022 and is excited to begin her legal career with Torres Law Firm. Christen, daughter of Charles Torres, was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee but is still very close to her Puerto Rican roots. Christen played collegiate softball at Maryville College and graduated in 2019 with a degree in Business Management and English.
Christen has worked with the firm throughout her time in school, and primarily works with Immigration and Personal Injury clients. Specifically, Christen works closely with juvenile immigrants, U-Visa victims, and many young clients who are petitioning through marriage. After watching her father for many years, Christen was inspired by his passion and commitment to immigration law. Christen has now committed to the same mission of helping immigrants navigate the immigration system in the greater East Tennessee area.
In her free time, Christen practices graphic design and loves spending time outside with her dog, Ada. Christen is engaged to her fiancé, Ben, and is excited to get married in December 2023.
Melba Dolias
Melba Dolias was born in Nicaragua, but immigrated to Costa Rica when she was really young. She is a bilingual, Spanish and English, Legal Assistant and Office Manager at Torres Law Firm, PLLC. Melba has been working at Torres Law Firm, PLLC, since 2013, handling mostly immigration cases including visa processing, U visas, DACA, adjustment of status, and all other immigration applications. She has a degree in Commercial Secretary at Technologic Institute in Costa Rica and has attended several immigration seminars sponsored by the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
A Statement from Ms. Dolias
I have many beautiful things to say about Costa Rica, where I was raised and educated. Costa Rica is also where my sweet daughter was born and where I also met and married my husband who is an American Italian. I moved with my daughter from Costa Rica to New Jersey in 2005. We have been in Tennessee since 2009. Mr. Torres did my US citizenship paperwork.
Ana María Rodríguez Magos
Ana María Rodríguez Magos, attended the Autonomous University of Mexico with a degree in Journalism. She studied and practiced in the beautiful and historic State of Querétaro; she was a reporter for the local newspaper: “Noticias de la Mañana.” She interviewed many famous personalities including the renowned singer, José José, Roció Dúrcal. She also worked with the radio station “Canal 98” she hosted two programs: “Cotorreando” and “Turisteando”. In Queretaro, she also worked in the Secretary of Tourism for 8 years. Starting as a tour guide, she was promoted to assistant to the Director of Communications of the Secretary of Tourism and the Director of Tourism Culture.
She moved to the United States in 2007 where she married her husband who is an Engineer. She worked for the Mexican Consulate in Atlanta for over 8 years where she became friends with many diplomats and officers. In 2016, she moved to Knoxville and in 2018, she became part of the Torres Law Firm PLLC family, where she is an immigration legal assistant.
She loves learning, helping people, and movies. Ana Maria has enjoyed her work with Torres Law Firm. She loves the family atmosphere among her colleagues. She feels proud and satisfied to be part of this group and the work we do.
Valentina Zamora
Valentina Zamora was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She immigrated to the United States in 2000 when she was very young. Valentina Graduated Magna Cum Laude from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in international affairs. She is a bilingual, Spanish and English, legal assistant. She has been working for Torres Law Firm, PLLC, since 2022 handling mostly asylum, immigration court cases, and immigrant visa petitions. Valentina’s passion for immigration comes from her own experience with the immigration process. Valentina hopes to be able to assist people in similar situations as her. She hopes to continue her studies to continue helping her community.
When she is not working at Torres Law Firm, PLLC she likes to read, cook, work in her garden, and spend time with friends and family including her three dogs Mandy, Annie, and Emma.
Yeni E. Flores Centeno
Yeni E. Flores Centeno is a receptionist and social media coordinator at Torres Law Firm, PLLC. Ms. Centeno was born in Honduras, she attended Universidad Tecnológica UNITEC in Honduras and earned her degree in marketing. She served as an assistant with the distinguished newspaper, LA TRIBUNA for 12 years. She migrated to Knoxville, TN in the year 2003 with her two young daughters. Other than her two daughters her passions include helping the Latino community. She does that through her magazine, El Estilo de Knoxville, providing the Latino population a new view to experience the beautiful art and opportunities Knoxville has to offer.
Mr. Torres became a friend several years ago and his firm did an absolutely amazing job on her immigration paperwork which led her to become an employee in 2016. She enjoys working in the firm because they are a family and have enjoyed many joyful times together. She loves being able to take pictures and update the social media pages to update all current clients to get the best updates the firm can give.
Her life mottos is “FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU WANT, BECAUSE YOU WILL ACHIEVE IT”
Daniel Morales
Daniel Morales is a legal assistant and court translator for Torres Law Firm, PLLC. Mr. Morales was born in Argentina and is bilingual. He came to this country with a great desire to succeed in this country. After a long career that took him to Miami, FL; New York, NY; Houston, TX; Atlanta, GA; and Chattanooga, TN; he finally made it to Knoxville, TN.
Mr. Morales studied several several years in Argentina and the United States and has had the opportunity to exercise his bilingual skills in many places.
“Currently, I am grateful to be able to work in this office where I feel useful doing something good for my community. Being able to serve both in court and in office gives me the satisfaction of seeing positive changes in the community’s perspective towards immigrants.
I work with excellent professionals dedicated to doing the best possible job in a warm environment where human beings are respected and loved.”
Perla Hernandez
Perla Hernandez is a front office receptionist and assistant. Perla was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. She has been raised her entire life in the city. She graduated from West High School as well as most of her family. Her parents are both proud immigrants from Mexico. Perla, as well as many here in the office, speaks both Spanish and English. During her time out of the office she enjoys watching movies, spending time with friends, and being outdoors. Perla’s favorite food is of course any delicious Mexican dish such as chilaquiles, mole, and much more. However, she is an open-minded person who’s willing to try new things. Perla’s interest for immigration was brought to light when she discovered there are so many ways to contribute to her community and race in obtaining legal status here in the U.S. She looks forward to learning new things each day here in the office.