Our team

Mohamedu F. Jones
CHAIRMAN
Mohamedu F. Jones is a Partner at Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O’Gara LLC, specializing in the firm’s Special Masterships practice. With over three decades of legal experience, Attorney Jones has distinguished himself as a veteran advocate in complex class action lawsuits, particularly focusing on conditions of confinement and civil rights issues affecting incarcerated individuals across the United States. He founded an advocacy organization dedicated to securing immigration relief for Liberian citizens residing in the U.S.
Attorney Jones earned his Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Harvard Law School in 1990, following his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Liberia Law School in 1988. Prior to his legal studies, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1975.
Admitted to practice law in the United States (New York and Maryland) as well as in his home country, the Republic of Liberia, Attorney Jones brings a unique international perspective to his practice.
In addition to his legal practice, Attorney Jones is an active member of the New York Bar Association and the Maryland Bar Association. He leverages his memberships to stay abreast of legal developments and contribute to professional standards in his field.

Dakollie E. Lavala
Board Member
With over ten years of nonprofit experience, Mr. Lavala is a former president of a Maryland nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering strong bonds among African diaspora members through charitable activities. He developed policies and programs to provide healthcare and educational support to war-torn communities in Africa. He holds a Graduate Level Software Engineering Certificate and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer and Information Science from the University of Maryland University College, a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from Atlanta University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Central State University.

Nancy T. Burphy
Executive Director
Nancy T. Burphy is a dedicated leader and community advocate, with more than 27 years of successful nonprofit management. She is the Founder and Executive Director of ACISS, Inc. in Silver Spring, MD. Under her leadership, ACISS uses a Christian holistic approach to its services (social, legal, business).
As CEO Nancy adopts a collaborative-consultative approach to management where she highly values all contributions of her professional team. Together, they have achieved a more than 95 percent success rate in USCIS adjudicated cases; a 99 percent success rate of victimized clients regaining positive control over their own lives; a 99 percent success rate of business’ revitalization via effective strategic planning, and a growing outreach to the immigrant communities via collaborations with other credible community and professional entities.
Nancy oversees casework and establishes partnerships to enhance service delivery and community integration. Along with her professional team, she has cultivated impactful collaborations, including the University of Maryland’s influential RACC Lab, expanding ACISS’s outreach to the immigrant communities, with an emphasis on victims of trauma within those communities.
Nancy’s previous professional experiences include adult education administration and projects administration for development financing institutions.
Nancy holds a Master of Arts degree from The American University, Washington, D.C.; with post-graduate diplomas/certificates in basic immigration law, development finance, project proposals for development finance institutions, adult learners assessment administration, and trainer of trainers. She is currently pursuing accreditation in immigration law.