About Us
Meet Lisa…
Estate & Wealth Planning Attorney
With over 15 years experience discovering, litigating against and attaching liens to people’s assets, there are few better equipped to design a plan to protect yours.
MLG’s team is led by Estate & Wealth Planning Attorney Lisa A. Haster, Esq., who maintains a fresh and different perspective on the practice of estate law. Lisa offers 15 years of courtroom litigation experience representing families, individuals and businesses. Her #1 priority is keeping clients’ families out of conflict and out of probate court because she knows first-hand, the unpredictability of the courtroom.
Lisa’s practice includes Estate Planning, Wealth Planning, Business Succession Planning, Asset Protection, & Special Needs Planning and uncontested probate. Her resume’ is impressive. She has acquired accolades that include chairing bar association groups, sitting on esteemed expert panels, assisting in co-authoring of asset protection statutes, lobbying before the legislature and educating other lawyers in her areas of expertise as a keynote speaker at Continuing Legal Education seminars. She has authored several books including The Ultimate Guide to Protecting your Family from Uncle Sam, Opportunists, Uncertainty & Probate and has been a contributing writer for several legal publications.
Lisa obtained her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2001 and acquired an advanced certification in contracts and trusts law from Harvard University in 2020.
Brandon Thorp
CEO
Brandon is the CEO of Metropolitan Law Group. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the firm, having spent over a decade working as an operations consultant. With a passion for helping others and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by clients, Brandon is committed to ensuring that every client receives exceptional service and support.
Throughout his career, Brandon has developed a reputation for his strategic thinking, attention to detail, and ability to build strong relationships with clients. He is dedicated to ensuring that Metropolitan Law Group remains at the forefront of the legal industry, and is constantly exploring new ways to better serve our clients.
In addition to his work at Metropolitan Law Group, Brandon is actively involved in his community. He believes strongly in giving back and making a positive impact on the world around him.
When he’s not working, he enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with his 2 dogs, exploring the great outdoors, and indulging in his passion for fine wine.
Leighton Tyau
Of Counsel Attorney
Barbara Connelly
Vice President of Sales and Training
Barbara Connelly is a highly accomplished business leader currently serving as the Vice President of Sales and Training. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, Barbara has a knack for crafting strategic initiatives that enhance the business’s growth and success.
A devoted mother, Barbara’s experiences raising her two successful daughters have enriched her management style with a nurturing yet results-oriented approach. She views every opportunity as a learning experience and strives to cultivate an environment that encourages professional and personal growth, making her an influential figure in employee development.
Barbara’s career spans over two decades and has seen her navigating through diverse sectors, including higher education, sales and training, and real estate. This multifaceted background has equipped her with an array of insights and skills that she leverages to steer the law firm toward new opportunities and business expansion.
A double Master’s holder, Barbara has an MBA and a Masters in Human Resource Management, underscoring her strong understanding of business operations and human resource dynamics. She is adept at identifying talent and unlocking their potential, leading to the development of successful leaders within the organization.
Adding to her impressive repertoire, Barbara is fluent in Spanish, a testament to her commitment to fostering diverse, inclusive environments and facilitating cross-cultural exchanges. Her bilingual skills also position her to engage with a broad range of clients and partners.
Barbara’s commitment to personal growth, passion for mentoring, and comprehensive industry experience make her an invaluable asset to the Metropolitan Law Group. She embodies the firm’s mission to provide excellent service and works tirelessly to expand their reach and reputation, both locally and globally.
Jodi Dybsetter
Jodi Dybsetter is a dedicated paralegal with a passion for helping overworked attorneys. She founded her business with the goal of providing legal support services that allow attorneys to focus on the work only they can do, freeing up more time for them to enjoy life outside of work.
Jodi understands the importance of work-life balance and believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make memories with loved ones. She is a proud mother of a 9-year-old daughter and loves nothing more than going on road trips, baking, and spending quality time with her. Jodi is also an avid hiker and enjoys taking trips with her boyfriend, exploring new trails and scenery.
When Jodi is not busy at work or spending time with her family, she enjoys taking her dog for walks and appreciating the natural beauty of the outdoors. With her unwavering commitment to.
Joy Vera
Client Experience Specialist
With an impressive tenure spanning over 15 years in the customer service domain, Joy Vera has consistently showcased her expertise in ensuring optimum client satisfaction. Beginning her journey as a Customer Care Specialist in 2008, Joy has been an indispensable asset in providing customer support through diverse channels such as calls, emails, and chat.
Her vast experience encompasses collaborations with sectors as varied as Telco, E-commerce platforms, and live streaming apps. This versatility enables her to understand and cater to a varied clientele with precision and commitment.
Outside the professional realm, Joy is a passionate home chef, delighting her family with culinary creations. She cherishes road trips, with the mountains and the beach being her favorite retreats. A Netflix aficionado, Joy spends her downtime diving into gripping series and enlightening documentaries. A frustrated writer at heart, Joy finds solace in the comforting embrace of coffee and the nostalgic tunes of the 80’s and 90’s hits.
Weekends for Joy are a celebration of life and camaraderie, as she belts out karaoke tunes with friends, sharing bottles of beer and indulging in delectable food.
In both her professional and personal life, Joy embodies a blend of dedication, passion, and resilience. At Metropolitan Law Group, her commitment to enhancing the client experience stands as a testament to her unwavering drive for excellence.
Danielle Bechtel
Client Experience Specialist
A native of Arizona, Danielle hails from a proud lineage of cotton farmers, spanning over four generations. Her deep-rooted love for Arizona inspired her to stay in-state for her education. Danielle earned her Bachelor of Science in International Agribusiness from Arizona State University’s prestigious Barrett Honors College and the Morrison School of Agribusiness. Her academic journey didn’t stop there; she continued at ASU, where she achieved her Master of Science in Agribusiness.
Danielle brings her passion for helping others to our team, ensuring every client feels welcomed and supported from the very first interaction. Her dedication to providing an outstanding client experience is matched only by her love for her family and personal pursuits. Danielle has one son, with whom she shares a love for equestrian activities. Together, they spend countless hours riding and caring for their horses, creating cherished memories and deepening their bond.
When Danielle isn’t at work or with her son and horses, she loves traveling the world to experience new cultures. Her adventurous spirit and curiosity about the world make her an engaging and well-rounded team member. Danielle’s enthusiasm for new experiences and meeting new people enriches her interactions with our clients, making them feel valued and understood.
Tucker
Chief “Tucknology” Officer
Tucker, the English Bulldog, is much more than just a mascot at Metropolitan Law Group – he’s a cherished member of the team who exudes sophistication and charm. As the Chief Tucknology Officer, Tucker’s impeccable taste and refined demeanor inspire the team to maintain a level of professionalism and excellence that is unparalleled in the industry. He takes his job seriously, overseeing the latest advancements in “Tucknology” and ensuring that the firm’s snacks and treats are of the highest quality.
But despite his busy schedule, Tucker always makes time to spread joy and love throughout the office. Whether he’s requesting a belly rub or playing tug-of-war, his unwavering loyalty and dedication to his team members are unmatched. And when it comes to the firm’s clients, Tucker’s commitment to their needs is unwavering. He truly embodies the spirit of the law firm, bringing positivity and happiness to all those around him.
Tucker is more than just a dog – he’s a source of comfort, motivation, and inspiration to all those who have the pleasure of working with him. His presence at Metropolitan Law Group is a reminder of the importance of kindness, loyalty, and dedication, and we are incredibly grateful to have him as a part of our team.