About Us
History of Goss & Fentress
The Law Offices of Goss and Fentress was founded by attorney John O. Goss in 1982 in Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Goss began his private practice in the general practice of law with an emphasis in the field of SSI claims. Attorney J. Russell Fentress, IV joined the firm in 1994, at that time practicing primarily in the field of personal injury litigation. Since that time, the law firm has represented thousands of clients with cases in both of these areas of practice in Virginia and in northeastern North Carolina. Mr. Fentress opened the law firm’s first offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
Our Attorneys
John Goss
After graduating from both Virginia Tech and William and Mary’s School of Law, John Goss jumpstarted his legal career in 1977 with the Tidewater Legal Aid Society in Norfolk, Virginia. For four years, he represented disability claimants living in the Tidewater region of Virginia in Social Security Administrative courts, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and in the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. He continued to represent disability claimants when he entered private practice in 1982 and has successfully represented thousands of claimants over the years of his legal career. When Mr. Goss entered private practice in 1982, he also began representing victims of accidental injuries caused by the negligence of others. He established the law firm of Goss & Fentress that same year of 1982 and has welcomed additional attorneys to the firm over the years. Within his 45 years of practice, Goss has received the American Bar Association’s 2016 Pro Bono Award for his advocacy work in the Appalachia hills of Kentucky.
Whether he is presenting his case to an administrative law judge or to a jury, John Goss takes great dignity in being the most prepared and the most determined advocate he can be in advancing the cause of justice for his client.
Russ Fentress began his legal career in 1987, representing victims of personal injury accidents after graduating from the University of Richmond and the University of Baltimore’s School of Law. In 1994, he joined with John Goss to form the firm now known as Goss & Fentress, and at that time began representing disability claimants in Social Security Administrative courts in Virginia, North Carolina, and in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. After he became licensed to practice law in North Carolina, the firm’s practice expanded to include representing accident victims in that state as well. He continues to represent disability claimants, injured accident victims, and disabled veterans. Fentress has been in active practice now for 35 years, currently back in the city he graduated from.
Russ Fentress takes great pride as a lawyer in being able to help people fight the giant insurance companies and fight through the federal government’s red tape. His passion is winning benefits & monetary awards that fairly compensate his clients for what they rightfully deserve.
J. Russell Fentress IV
Affiliated Attorneys
Robert H. Silberman
Since founding his own law practice in 1980, Robert H. Silberman became one of Maryland’s most prominent lawyers, providing clients a complete range of legal services, but with an emphasis on Social Security Disability claims and personal injury litigation. His firm was listed in The Best Lawyers in America and has received the highest rating (AV) for professional and ethical standards by Martindale-Hubbell. After over 45 years of active practice, he now is “of counsel” to Goss and Fentress, bringing a rare combination of experience, talent, enthusiasm, and a demonstrated commitment to public service.
Our Staff
Nancy Fox
Social Security Disability Paralegal
A long-standing paralegal here, Nancy assists clients at the Hearing level with the last names A-K. Since November 2009, Nancy has been a source of information and comfort for clients and other staff. Her favorite part of working at Goss and Fentress is the intersection of law and medicine when she works with clients on intakes—no intake is the same! Nancy would like all her clients to know that we are going to try to help them the best we can. When she is not glued to her headset in the office, Nancy loves golfing, bowling, fishing, and going to her grandchildren’s baseball and softball games. Last but not least, she loves playing with her four cats, Calli, Lucky, Bumble, and Charlotte.
Tariq Walton
Firm Administrator
Tariq Walton is a Firm Administrator of Goss and Fentress. He started at the firm in July 2020, and now manages all things technology, fees, and problem-solving. The master of all programs and computers in the office, Tariq is the one who resolves any digital issues and keeps applications running smoothly. He enjoys knowing the work we do at Goss and Fentress makes a difference in the lives of people who genuinely need help and wants all clients to know he will never discount any client’s request for help and will always try his best to deliver what they need. When he is not rectifying situations in the office, Tariq enjoys playing video games, going to sporting events and car shows, watching anime and history documentaries, and adding to his collection of cool pants and jackets. He aspires to constantly grow and enhance his skills, specifically in leadership and IT, while simultaneously creating a positive impact in society and local communities.
Arian Sultani
Paralegal
Arian is our Reconsideration Department paralegal for last names L-Z. A member of our team since August 2023, she has completed training to lead clients through the different phases of the appeals process. In her work, Arian is thankful for the support she receives from the staff here and likes interacting with clients in order to guide them through the process of obtaining their Social Security Disability. Attentive to her clients, Arian wants our clients to know she tries the best she can to meet all their wishes and demands: “I can empathize with them and their frustrations when it comes to the process of obtaining their benefits, so it is important for them to know that I am here to assist throughout this journey.” Beyond office walls, Arian enjoys trying new foods, working out, and spending time with her friends, family, and fur babies. She aspires to work alongside the federal government to assist victims of crimes and advocate on their behalf.
Juanice Thomson
Paralegal
A paralegal for our Hearing Department, Juanice has been with Goss and Fentress since February 2021. She works diligently to help clients through the hearing process with the last names L-Z. She enjoys helping clients navigate through the Social Security process and building relationships with them: “I want clients to feel open and honest about their conditions and know that our firm will do the best to meet them half-way and to help them win and succeed.” When she is not in our office, Juanice loves to read, make desserts, eat sushi, and spend time with her family and friends.
Halima Coe
Paralegal
Added to the Goss and Fentress team in March 2024, Halima is an Applications paralegal for last names L-Z. Her job is to aid clients with all involved in applying for disability, from supplemental forms to application summaries. Halima’s favorite part of working at Goss and Fentress is the incredible team we have. “Our staff is not only helpful but also genuinely caring, creating a supportive environment for everyone.” Halima wants our clients to know she is here to assist you—her passion lies in helping those in need and supporting our clients in achieving positive outcomes. Outside of the office, Halima enjoys reading and spending time with loved ones. She aims to become an attorney, where she can further advocate for those she serves.
Kelly Jarvis
Paralegal
Since October 2020, Kelly has been a pillar of Goss and Fentress. She has had previous experience with Social Security and uses this repertoire to assist clients with last names A-K as a paralegal in the Reconsideration Department. Dedicated to helping people, she wants all her to know she works hard on all their cases individually with concern and passion. When she is not glued to her headset here at Goss and Fentress, she enjoys relaxing by spending time with her Yorkie Poo Kobe and talking with her family in New York. She looks forward to retiring from a field she loves, Social Security work.
Brigette Hallis
Paralegal
A former Disability Determination Services analyst, Brigette has been with our firm since July 2024. She handles last names A-K for the Applications Department as a paralegal. With additional previous disability law firm experience, she is a wealth of knowledge on the disability application and denial process. Having landed at Goss and Fentress, she enjoys the smaller firm, saying, “Our smaller, tight-knit firm allows for more collaborative time with co-workers, which ensures efficiency throughout the claim’s process.” Brigette wants clients to feel a sense of relief knowing she is there to help them navigate the complex process of filing for disability benefits. When off work, she loves to try new restaurants, go to concerts, read autobiographies, and play video games. Brigette aspires to advance her knowledge in the field of Social Security Disability claims and to educate people on the benefits available to them.
Elly Parker
Firm Administrator
Elly quit her seven-year career of teaching high school and ended up at Goss and Fentress in June 2022. As an Administrator and Case Manager at the firm, Elly handles everything from training to marketing to daily case management. Having taught Special education students, disability is a cause that is near and dear to her: “Finding another job to apply my knowledge of disabilities to has been rewarding; I enjoy feeling like I help people in what I do day-to-day.” Elly’s favorite part of working at Goss and Fentress is learning about medical law and how to help people work within the system. When she is not in the office, she is painting, gardening, playing video games, or herding her four cats. She aims to continue to advocate for disabilities in whatever she does.
Chris Fellowes
Office Assistant
Chris has worked with our firm since December 2021. An integral part of casework, Chris does behind-the-scenes production that provides audits, SSA correspondence, client correspondence, and more. His speed and efficiency put everyone else to shame, and his favorite tasks are faxing and closing cases for clients. He would like clients to know that if there is an error on a case, he does his best to spot and correct it for them. When he is not in the office, he enjoys playing video games.
Welles Chan
Administrator
A numbers man, Welles was added to the Administration team to take on accounting responsibilities in April 2024. Often on the phone with banks or payment centers, Welles does his best to assist everyone he can and hopes to convey a sense of comfort and ease to anyone he assists. His favorite thing about Goss and Fentress is the support from other team members: “Everyone makes an effort to help if you reach out to them.” When not crunching numbers for the firm, Welles enjoys skating, building various things, and spending time with friends and family. He hopes to become a licensed CPA and work as a financial advisor in the future.
Mary Ellen Fentress
Paralegal
Mary Ellen is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Mary Ellen has returned to Goss & Fentress after previously working here in the late 1990’s. She is currently a paralegal in our Norfolk, VA office specializing in Personal Injury, Auto Accidents and Wrongful Death claims. In her spare time, Mary Ellen enjoys baking, live music, and spending time with her family including their beagle, Brownie, especially on the Outer Banks.