Elisabeth M.W. Trefonas, ESQ.
Elisabeth M. W. Trefonas provides formidable and compassionate representation in criminal, immigration, and family law. She graduated cum laude from California Western School of Law and moved in 2005 to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She opened her private practice to provide exceptional legal services and access to justice for every community member, particularly the region's underrepresented, Spanish-speaking, and immigrants. She is devoted to zealous advocacy and clear and frank communication.
Ms. Trefonas is the only lawyer in Wyoming with two decades of experience in the intricacies of criminal law and its significant impacts on immigration law. She expertly assists clients with deportation defense, affirmative benefits applications, and representation in civil and criminal matters.
Simultaneously, Ms. Trefonas was a contracted Assistant Public Defender, appearing in Teton and Sublette County District and Circuit Courts, and a contracted Assistant Appellate Public Defender, appearing before the Wyoming Supreme Court over a dozen times, in collaboration with the Wyoming Public Defenders Office. In 2013, she became the Supervising Assistant Public Defender in Teton and Sublette Counties, and is the only full-time Public Defender in that area.
She is admitted to the Wyoming and California State Bars and all Federal Courts.
Ms. Trefonas was featured in the article "Lady Justice, How one woman is waging the battle for Jackson's Voiceless," November 8, 2016.
To contact Ms. Trefonas, email her at EMWT@TrefonasLaw.com
Resume 2023 | See "Lady Justice" Article
Milessa Ortiz de Jesus - Paralegal
Milessa Ortiz de Jesus graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in 2009, where she majored in Anthropology. Soon after, she moved to Granada, Spain for two years, where she attended graduate school and lived through some of her most fascinating experiences. When she moved back to Puerto Rico in 2011, she was given the opportunity to work for the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis National Program (FIA) and started an exciting five-year journey that brought her to Montana, Utah, and finally, Driggs, ID, where she has lived since 2013. After the U.S. Forest Service, Ms. Ortiz de Jesus worked for the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming, for three years, where she developed her leadership and other skills both personally and professionally.
Melanie Flemma - Paralegal/File Clerk
Melanie Flemma is that rare individual who is a "true local" because she was born and raised here in Jackson, Wyoming. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Criminal Justice in 2010 from the American Intercontinental University. She is finishing three classes to complete her Bachelor's degree in Accounting at Western Governor's University.
Melanie was employed in various regional jobs, with an extensive background in human resources, accounting, and banking, which gave her a well-rounded outlook on the community as a whole. In all of her work, she strives to strengthen and maintain her passion for helping those in need.
Melanie joined Trefonas Law part-time in August 2021 and rapidly developed essential paralegal skills and knowledge about immigration, criminal, and family law processes, quickly becoming necessary full-time support for the firm. She is a crucial team player for Trefonas Law, and the firm relies on her daily support, compassion, and sense of humor. Melanie continues her passion for learning, using her talents to help others, and developing her legal knowledge. While raising and caring for a large family and supporting Trefonas Law full-time, she endeavors to continue her legal education. Trefonas Law may someday see her re-hired as an attorney.
Alejandra Chavez - Legal Assistant
Alejandra Chávez joined Trefonas Law in June 2023. She graduated from the challenging program at “Climb Wyoming” in 2023, having focused her education in “Professional Office Careers Training.” She has worked as a supervisor and manager in numerous hospitality industries in Teton County, Wyoming, including apartments, grocery stores, and restaurants, for more than two decades.
Alejandra served on the Board of Directors for Jackson Hole Youth Soccer and continues to volunteer, support, and recruit youth in our community, especially underserved members. She volunteered for years at the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club and Unidos X El Futbol.
Alejandra dedicates herself to her family and her three daughters. She is focused and diligent in learning new legal skills every day. She is completely bilingual in Spanish/English and an expert in serving Trefonas Law clients. She excels at caring for others, especially those neglected in our community or those facing devastating trauma. Trefonas Law is proud to have Alejandra join our team.
To contact Alejandra Chavez, please email AC@TrefonasLaw.com
Employment Opportunities
Trefonas Law is seeking professional part-time and full-time paralegal and attorney applicants. Bilingual Spanish/English REQUIRED. Please send cover letter, resume, and references to EMWT@TrefonasLaw.com, no phone calls, please. Salary commensurate with experience, health/dental benefits included.
Trefonas Law, PC
175 S. King St., Suite 100
PO Box 2527
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 203-9019 phone | (800) 572-6458 fax