Sandra Cianflone
Chief Trial and Managing Attorney 

  [email protected]
  (470) 936-1583

Sandie comes to MMPO defense following seven years as a National Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyer at a premier medical malpractice firm in Atlanta, Georgia. In her role, she represented doctors, hospitals, nurses, and a broad spectrum of other medical professionals from coast to coast. Her passion for the medical community is evident in all the cases she handles. She prides herself on learning from the providers and understanding the importance of evidence-based medicine and the individual nature of practical medicine. 

Prior to moving to Atlanta, she started her career with one of the oldest medical malpractice law firms in New York City. She is licensed to practice law in Georgia, New York, New Jersey, and Arkansas. She is also admitted to practice in several federal courts around the country. 

Sandie joined MMPO in September 2023 as the Chief Trial and Managing Attorney allowing her the opportunity to focus on defending healthcare providers across the state of Georgia. Sandie remains active in numerous medical organizations and strives to listen to and protect healthcare providers through an ever-changing litigation and social landscape. 

Sandie lives in Atlanta with her husband, two children, and dog.  

Credentials 

  • Fairleigh Dickinson University 
  • Pace University School of Law
  • Environmental Law Certification 

Bar Admissions 

  • New York
  • Georgia
  • New Jersey
  • Arkansas 

      Kristen Cesario
      Trial Attorney

       [email protected]
        (770) 686-5081

      Kristen is a dedicated medical malpractice litigator with a passion for defending physicians and healthcare providers. She diligently serves clients by providing strategic legal advice and representation. 

      Prior to joining MMPO Defense, Kristen practiced at a National litigation firm in Atlanta defending clients against a wide variety of ordinary and medical negligence claims. She understands the importance of trust and transparency in an attorney-client relationship and is devoted to ensuring that clients understand their options and the legal process every step of the way. Knowing how vexing litigation can be, Kristen is ready to unfailingly advocate on behalf of her clients during all stages of litigation. She is admitted to practice in the Northern District of Georgia, the Court of Appeals of Georgia, and the Supreme Court of Georgia. 

      Kristen is a born and raised Georgia native who lives in the Atlanta Area. 

      Credentials

      • BA, Managerial Sciences Georgia State University (2016)
      • JD, Mercer University School of Law (2020)

      Bar Admissions

      • Georgia

      Alex Kinzinger
      Trial Attorney

       [email protected]
        (470) 955-8001

      Alex Kinzinger is an experienced attorney who specializes in medical malpractice defense. She has established a reputation for providing exceptional legal representation to clients facing complex medical malpractice cases. 

      As a passionate attorney, Alex is committed to providing each client with personalized attention and diligent representation. She understands that each case is unique, and therefore, takes a tailored approach to every matter she handles. Alex utilizes strategic thinking, thorough analysis, and exceptional communication skills all the while effectively advocating for her clients' interests. Knowing how overwhelming medical malpractice claims can be, she works tirelessly to ensure that her clients receive the support and guidance they need. Her commitment to client service is evident in each matter she works on. 

      Before MMPO Defense, Alex worked in private practice defending medical providers in medical malpractice litigation in Illinois, Missouri, and Georgia. She also previously was the Associate General Counsel for the largest health care provider to county jails in the U.S. In that role, she helped defend numerous medical malpractice and federal civil rights lawsuits, negotiated and drafted contacts, advised on HIPAA regulations and other corporate legal issues, and handled labor and employment law matters. Alex started her career as an assistant public defender in Illinois, zealously representing hundreds of defendants on an ongoing basis. 

       

      Credentials 

      • BA, Legal Studies and Political Science, University of Illinois at Springfield (2013) 
      • JD, Tulane University (2016) 

      Bar Admissions 

      • Illinois: 2016 
      • Missouri: 2019 
      • Georgia: 2022 

        Jacob Raehn
        Senior Trial Attorney

         [email protected]
          (678) 355-7934

        Jacob has significant expertise defending complex medical malpractice claims and related issues. He has extensive experience representing hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare professionals in complex malpractice claims. As the Senior Trial Attorney for MMPO Defense’s Georgia office, he concentrates on medical malpractice and healthcare law matters.

        Before joining MMPO Defense, Jacob was partner at a national defense litigation firm where he specialized in high exposure medical malpractice cases. As a leader on the National Trial Counsel team, he has handled high stakes claims on behalf of carriers and clients in over 20 states.

        Before moving to Atlanta in the 2010’s, Jacob started his legal career with one of the preeminent plaintiff firms in the country, where he spent years learning the plaintiff-perspective on medical malpractice claims. He continues to utilize this experience on behalf of MMPO’s clients.

        A native of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, he received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina, where he also received the Luther Lee Award for trial practice. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Clemson University. Jacob lives in Atlanta with his fiancé and their dog Odin.

        Credentials 

        • Clemson University (Clemson, SC)
        • University of South Carolina, Joseph F. Rice School of Law (Columbia, SC)
        • Trial Certification (AAJ – Cambridge, MA)

          Bar Admissions 

          • Georgia
          • South Carolina
          • North Carolina
          • The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
          • The U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina
          • The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
          • The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
          • S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

          Memberships 

          • Defense Research Institute
          • Georgia State Bar Association
          • North Carolina State Bar Association
          • South Carolina Bar Association
          • South Carolina Bar House of Delegates, Out of State Representative (2020-present)

          Recognitions

          • Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch, 2021 – 2024
          • Georgia Super Lawyers® Rising Star, 2021 – 2024
          • Luther Lee Award for Trial practice

          Whitney Stuart
          Trial Attorney

            [email protected]
            (470) 734-0858

          Whitney is a gifted trial attorney who specializes in medical malpractice lawsuits. She has dedicated her professional career to defending physicians and healthcare providers of all specialties, and has been recognized multiple times within the legal community for her skillful defense.

          Whitney knows that healthcare providers work tirelessly to provide outstanding care to each patient they treat. In doing so, they rely on their extensive training, expertise and resources. That understanding drives the legal representation Whitney offers to her clients. Her goal for every case is to spotlight the care her clients provide and defend the difficult decisions they often must make.

          In defending each lawsuit, Whitney develops a case strategy that successfully navigates the unique facts of the case. She thoroughly prepares healthcare providers for the litigation process and keeps them informed of important developments. Whitney is a competitor at heart and welcomes any opportunity to successfully defend her clients at hearings and trials. At every point during litigation, Whitney focuses on achieving the best possible result so her clients can confidently continue to provide the care and treatment our communities need.

          Whitney lives in the Atlanta area with her husband, Jonathan.

          Credentials

          • BA, International Affairs, University of Georgia (2012)
          • JD, University of Georgia (2015)

          Bar Admissions

          • Georgia: 2015

          Memberships and Recognition

          • Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for Medical Malpractice Defense (2022 and 2023) 
          • Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for Personal Injury Defense (2022 and 2023)
          • Clarke-Carley Inn of Court Barrister (2019-2022)
          • National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40

          This is not intended as an advertisement for legal services or to solicit employment for the delivery of legal services. The content is for informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon for legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created.