HomeAWLA Member News

Do you have professional news to share with AWLA members? Please email AWLA Administrators with your exciting news so that we can share it here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO AWLA MEMBERS

Diandra Benally is the first female general counsel of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, a former special assistant U.S. attorney and former staff attorney with the Navajo Nation Department of Justice. She has led the National Native American Bar Association Foundation, the Native American Bar Association of Arizona and the Navajo Nation Bar Association. To increase the number of Native American students in colleges and law schools, she helped start a mentoring program and personally mentors students herself.

Four trailblazers in diversity were honored by the American Bar Association Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession at its Spirit of Excellence Award luncheon on Feb. 4 during the ABA 2023 Midyear Meeting in New Orleans.

Here's a link from her acceptance speech:

https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2023/02/spirit-of-excellence-awardees/

The mission of the ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession is to promote racial and ethnic diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. The commission serves as a catalyst for change, so the profession may more accurately reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of society and better serve society. The commission promotes the recruitment, hiring, promotion and advancement of attorneys of color and works to ensure equal membership and employment opportunities for diverse lawyers in the ABA. The commission accomplishes this through many initiatives, activities and programs, including the annual Spirit of Excellence Award.

2022_UA_Lifetime_Achievement_Award_Margaret_Houghton.png

The Award recognizes a criminal defense practitioner who has worked tirelessly to advance the principles of criminal justice by representing clients or the public with integrity, fairness, tenacity, creativity, brilliance and, above all, professionalism. Lori will receive the Award at the State Bar Convention luncheon, to be held on Monday, June 27, from 12:00 to 1:45 p.m. Tickets for the luncheon are $30. To read more about Lori and the Award, click here.

Paige Martin Bio Photo

Paige A. Martin is pleased to announce that she joined Carpenter, Hazlewood, Bolen & Delgado, LLP in December 2021. Paige will continue practicing employment law on behalf of executives and employers, including advice, training, and litigation. She will also be handling insurance defense matters involving the defense of homeowner association, legal malpractice, and a myriad of other issues.

Paige A. Martin
602.448.6790 Cell
paigemartinesq@aol.com

Phoenix Legal Marketing CEO Completes SBA Emerging Leaders Program

AWLA Member Krista Duncan Black, founder and CEO of TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC, recently completed the US Small Business Administration (SBA) Emerging Leaders Initiative training series as a member of the 2021 Phoenix Cohort. The intensive, award-winning program arms C-level executives of promising small businesses with tools and knowledge to accelerate business growth and improve operational strategies.

The SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative delivers the Interise StreetWise “MBA” program to selected C-level executives. The program has been found to increase revenue and contracts for participating businesses while creating more jobs at higher salaries. Each executive who completes the program drafts a three-year Strategic Growth Action Plan developed throughout the course.

The 2021 Phoenix Cohort of the SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative graduated 16 entrepreneurs from diverse business types, including professional services, accounting, psychology, sports and recreation, entertainment, and more.

Led by instructor Nick Rago and program coordinator Craig Jordan, the Phoenix group completed more than 100 hours of specialized training and peer-to-peer counseling in four areas: business and leadership, finances, marketing and sales, and resources. Experts also spoke to the group and provided guidance on various topics, including accounting, government financing, and marketing.

“I cannot overstate what a valuable learning opportunity this was,” said Black. “We are already implementing changes at TOPDOG based on the knowledge I gained through the SBA Emerging Leaders program, and I’m looking forward to seeing what doors open next as a result.”

TOPDOG Legal Marketing is a Phoenix, Arizona-based law firm marketing company that serves clients nationwide. Learn more about the company at topdoglegalmarketing.com.

About TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC: TOPDOG Legal Marketing’s attorney-led team serves clients nationwide, providing legal content, digital marketing, and website services to help attorneys and law firms “get found” online.

AWLA MEMBER COMPANY - TOPDOG LEGAL MARKETING TO AWARD AZ LEGAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Arizona students pursuing a degree in the legal field may now apply for scholarships to be awarded by Phoenix-based TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC in 2022. TOPDOG will select one student in a Juris Doctor program at Arizona State University or the University of Arizona to receive a $1,000 scholarship and one student in paralegal studies, legal assisting, or a related field at an Arizona educational institution to receive a $500 scholarship.

Applicants for the 2021-2022 TOPDOG Legal Marketing Arizona Student Scholarships must be Arizona residents with a cumulative 3.0 grade point average who are enrolled in the programs noted for the 2021-2022 school year.

“We know that education is a critical component of a strong legal community,” said licensed Arizona attorney and TOPDOG founder Krista Duncan Black. “As members of that community, we are excited to support the growth and development of legal talent in Arizona through these scholarships.”

The deadline to apply for the 2021-2022 TOPDOG Legal Marketing Arizona Student Scholarships is March 31, 2022. Recipients of the scholarships will be selected and notified on or before April 15, 2022. Additional information and the online application form are available at topdoglegalmarketing.com/arizona-student-scholarships.

About TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC: TOPDOG Legal Marketing’s attorney-led team serves clients nationwide, providing legal content, digital marketing, and web services to help attorneys and law firms “get found” online.

Contact:

AWLA Member, Krista Duncan Black, J.D., CEO
tdog@tdoglegal.com

Governor Ducey Appoints AWLA Members Andrew Russell and Lisa Wahlin To The Maricopa County Superior Court

July 23, 2021

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today announced the appointments of Glenn Allen, Andrew Russell and Lisa Wahlin to the Maricopa County Superior Court. These appointments are to fill vacancies created by the retirements of Judges Arthur T. Anderson, Dawn M. Bergin and John C. Rea.

Andrew “Andy” Russell has been serving as Commissioner for the Maricopa County Superior Court since 2014. He currently serves as a Special Assignment Commissioner, in which he covers judge calendars as needed and must be able to adjudicate all types of cases. He has broad judicial experience having previously presided over civil, criminal, family, juvenile and probate matters.

Prior to being a Commissioner, Andy practiced commercial and appellate litigation at Kutak Rock, LLP for 8 years. Before that, he worked at Lieberman Dodge Gerding & Anderson, Ltd. and Cavanagh Law Firm.

Andy began his legal career by clerking for Judge Noel Fidel of the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One.

Andy is actively involved with the Thurgood Marshall Inn of the Court, including serving as its President from 2010 to 2011. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Arizona Judges Association and the State Bar’s Elder Law, Mental Health, and Special Needs Planning Executive Council.

“Andy is trusted to be a pinch hitter for the Maricopa County Superior Court. His broad judicial and commercial experience will allow him to be a strong contributor, and I am pleased to appoint him to the Maricopa County Superior Court,” said Governor Ducey.

Andy graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in Music. He subsequently taught music in public schools in California. He then received his law degree from the Washington and Lee University School of Law.

Lisa Wahlin has been serving since 2017 as General Counsel for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, where she provides legal advice on decisions impacting the agency. Previously, she served as General Counsel and Deputy Director for the Arizona State Lottery from 2016 to 2017. From 2015 to 2016, she served as an assistant city attorney for the City of Goodyear, where she provided day-to-day legal advice to various city departments and reviewed city contracts.

Lisa also worked in private practice as a civil litigator for 8 years, including at Jones, Skelton & Hochuli and at Ryley, Carlock & Applewhite. During this time, she also served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Maricopa County Superior Court from 2011 to 2014.

Lisa began her career in the public sector and over a 15-year period, she worked for several agencies including the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office’s, Arizona Attorney General’s Office and Phoenix City Prosecutor’s Office. During this time, she was also an adjunct professor for Grand Canyon University in the Public Safety Administration Programs and an instructor for the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy.

Among other organizations, Lisa has been active with the Arizona Law Enforcement Legal Advisors Association, including serving as its President. Lisa also serves on the Robinson Ranch Board of Directors, which provides equine-assisted learning and horse therapy.

“Lisa’s devotion to protecting the public will serve the bench well. She brings a plethora of experience from public safety to contracts to civil litigation. I am thrilled to appoint her to the Maricopa County Superior Court,” said Governor Ducey.

Lisa graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Texas A&M University. She subsequently worked as a substitute teacher and microbiologist. She then received her law degree from Arizona State University.

Governor Doug Ducey today announced the appointment of Kimberly Ortiz to the Pima County Superior Court to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul E. Tang.

“Kim has given so much to the Southern Arizona community as a Judge Pro Tem, as a prosecutor, and as a professor. I am pleased to appoint her to the Pima County Superior Court,” said Governor Ducey.

Kimberly “Kim” Ortiz has been serving as a Judge Pro Tem on the Pima County Superior Court since November 2018. She is one of three full-time Judges Pro Tem permanently assigned to the criminal bench. In this role, she handles a full criminal docket and regularly hears appeals from the Tucson City and Pima County Justice Courts.

Kim also teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona College of Law, her alma mater. She has been teaching Sentencing Law since 2011 and previously taught at the Arizona Attorney General Rule 38(e) Prosecution Clinic from 2005 to 2018.

Prior to being appointed as a Judge Pro Tem, Kim was a prosecutor at the Arizona Attorney General’s (“AG”) Office for nearly 20 years. She ultimately served as Section Chief Counsel for the Southern Arizona White Collar & Criminal Enterprise Section from 2011 to 2018. As Section Chief, Kim managed all criminal cases initiated by the AG’s Office in Southern Arizona. She reviewed and approved felony charges against more than 1,700 defendants, and helped more than 3,000 victims recover restitution totaling over $34,000,000. She additionally handled personnel, budget, legislative and grant writing matters. Kim also served on the Wiretap, Ethics and Brady Committees. During her time as an Assistant Attorney General, she also handled civil forfeiture cases and defended medical malpractice claims in the Liability Management Section.

Kim began her career working at the Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office from 1994 to 1999. She was a Drug Enforcement Unit Supervisor and prosecuted drug cases in high intensity drug trafficking areas.

In 2018, Kim was recognized by the State Bar of Arizona through the prestigious Michael C. Cudahy Criminal Justice Award. This award recognizes one criminal law prosecutor per year in Arizona who has worked tirelessly to advance the principles of criminal justice by representing the public’s interest with integrity, fairness, tenacity, creativity, brilliance and, above all, professionalism.

Kim received her Bachelor’s degree in English from Columbia University. She then received her J.D. from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law.

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today announced the appointment of Kathryn Hackett King, a member of the Arizona Board of Regents and University of Arizona College of Law graduate, to the Arizona Supreme Court.

King brings a breadth of private and public experience to the bench, from her background in complex civil litigation to her work in all three branches of government. King is the fifth woman in Arizona history to serve on the Supreme Court.

“Kate’s strong belief in the separation of powers and experience serving in all three branches of government will serve the people of Arizona well,” said Governor Ducey. “I have witnessed her intelligence and wisdom firsthand, and I know she is well-respected in the legal field. I am delighted to appoint Kate to the Arizona Supreme Court.”

King is currently a partner at BurnsBarton PLC, a woman-owned law firm made up of big firm attorneys. Her practice is dedicated to representing private and public employers in employment litigation and related civil matters. She has worked on a wide range of legal matters including those involving discrimination, harassment, disability law, wage and hour law, drug testing, medical marijuana, restrictive covenants, torts and breach of contract claims. She routinely drafts employment agreements and other contracts and conducts investigations of allegations of discrimination, harassment and other workplace misconduct. She has also represented clients before administrative agencies, such as the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. King began her private practice career at Snell & Wilmer LLP, where she practiced in the areas of employment law and commercial and business litigation.

From 2015 to 2017, King served as Deputy General Counsel to Governor Ducey, where she assisted with legal issues involving the Governor’s Office and executive agencies. She advised Governor Ducey on constitutional, statutory and other legal requirements of the Office.

King is returning to the Court that she clerked for after law school. She clerked for Arizona Supreme Court Justice Michael D. Ryan from 2007 to 2008. During law school, among other positions, she was a Legal Fellow for Senator Jon Kyl and an extern for federal Judge Earl Carroll of the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.

King gives back to the community in several ways, including currently serving on the Arizona Board of Regents, which is the governing body of Arizona’s public university system. She was a member of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board from 2016-2020, serving as Vice Chair from 2019-2020. In that role, she helped draft legislation creating a civil cause of action and remedy for human trafficking victims, which Governor Ducey signed in March 2021.

In addition, King is a member of the Arizona Women Lawyers Association and a mentor for the Latina Mentoring Project. She has provided pro bono legal services to non-profit organizations serving the homeless and through the Volunteer Lawyers Program of Community Legal Services. In 2011, the Volunteer Lawyers Program awarded her the Consumer Litigator of the Year for her pro bono representation.

King was also recently recognized as a Southwest Super Lawyer in the area of Labor and Employment.

King graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and minoring in History. She then obtained her law degree from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, where she served as the Note and Comment Editor on the Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law.

This appointment fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Justice Andrew Gould.

AWLA - Maricopa Chapter at the MCBF Tim Huff Pro Bono Classic - "Most Honest Team"

The AWLA team (Commissioner Melissa Zabor, Kelley Durham, Jessica Clark and Amanda Chua) tied for “Most Honest Team” at the MCBA Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic on April 10, 2021. In addition to having fun on a beautiful day, the proceeds benefited the Volunteer Lawyers Program, which is a joint project of Community Legal Services and the Maricopa County Bar Association.

CONGRATULATIONS TO KARA KARLSON ON HER IMPACT ON THE ARIZONA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ADVISORY COUNCIL

Kara Karlson applied for appointment to the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council ("DDAC"), a body appointed by the Governor to provide oversight to the Division of Developmental Disabilities and provide policy input. Kara was appointed in November 2020, and by February she was already making big changes. In March 2021, with the unanimous approval of the DDAC, Kara sent a letter to state and county health officials providing why people with intellectual and developmental disabilities ("I/DD") that the DDAC serves should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination, and how health departments could easily and effectively administer this policy change. Within twenty-four hours, three counties had changed their policies so that people with I/DD were vaccinated, and Kara had a call with Dr. Cara Christ, among others, about what further steps could be taken to prioritize the I/DD community. For more information about Kara and her life-saving work, originally inspired by the LAC, visit momvocate.net

Governor Ducey Appoints AWLA Member Stasy Click To The Maricopa County Superior Court

March 9, 2021

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today announced the appointments of David McDowell and Stasy Click to the Maricopa County Superior Court. These appointments are to fill vacancies created by the retirement of Judges Douglas Gerlach and Jeanne Garcia.

Stasy Click is an experienced family law practitioner who has had her own firm since 2009. She also takes on pro bono cases representing victim’s rights in criminal proceedings and preparing wills for first responders through Wills for Heroes. In addition, Stasy has been serving as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Maricopa County Superior Court since 2018, presiding over family and criminal law cases. While managing her firm, Stasy also worked as a family law attorney with the ASU Alumni Law Group from 2015 to 2017. Additionally, she was a Family Law Clinic Supervisor, as well as an Adjunct Professor of Family and Community Property Law, for Arizona Summit Law School from 2012 to 2015.

Prior to opening her firm, Stasy was a civil and family law associate at Burch & Cracchiolo from 2005 to 2009. Prior to that, she was the Director of ASU’s Victim’s Legal Assistance project from 2001 to 2004, where she implemented the nation’s first pro bono legal clinic representing crime victims. During this time, she also served as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Gilbert Municipal Court and as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Law for the University of Phoenix. Stasy also has a strong criminal background, having worked in both the Maricopa County and Pima County Attorney’s Offices, as well as a criminal defense attorney for local firms.

Stasy has been recognized as a Southwest Super Lawyer for several years. Currently, she serves on the Board of the Family Law Section for the Maricopa County Bar Association. She has volunteered for many years with Operation Stand Down, aiding homeless veterans in family and criminal court matters, and with the Children’s Law Center, assisting the Court in determining if child abuse has occurred in family law matters.

“Stasy’s vast experience and passion for giving back to the profession and local community in a multitude of ways makes her an excellent addition to the bench. I am pleased to appoint her to the Maricopa County Superior Court,” said Governor Ducey.

Stasy majored in Philosophy and minored in Political Science at Drake University in Iowa, graduating cum laude. Thereafter, she graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law.

AWLA PAST PRESIDENT

ROBERTA TEPPER

CHOSEN AS ONE OF 12

WOMEN OF LEGAL TECH 2021 HONOREES

The American Bar Association Legal Technology Resource Center has honored “Women of Legal Tech” since 2015 for the leadership and innovation in legal technology. In 2021, 200 women were nominated and 12 were selected, including Roberta Tepper, AWLA Past President, Maricopa Chapter Past President, and current member of the AWLA Board of Directors and the Maricopa Chapter Steering Committee. Roberta is the Lawyer Assistance Programs Director at the State Bar of Arizona. The honorees will be recognized at the 2021 Women of Legal Tech Summit being held on March 3 and 4, 2021. Congratulations, Roberta!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JULIE MATA FOR HER RECENT APPOINTMENT TO THE MARICOPA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

September 8, 2020

AWLA Member Julie Mata has been a Commissioner with the Maricopa County Superior Court since 2013, where she has served in the Criminal and Probate Divisions. As Commissioner, Julie gained broad experience conducting judicial hearings throughout all stages of the criminal process. Prior to serving as Commissioner, Julie worked as an Administrative Law Judge for ADOT from 2011 to 2013. In this position, Julie handled cases involving suspensions, denials, and revocations of drivers licenses and presided over hearings regarding fuel tax evasion, franchise disputes, and dealership and title disputes.

Prior to being an Administrative Law Judge, Julie had her own practice handling criminal, probate, family, personal injury, and corporate matters. During this time, she also served as a Judge Pro Tem for the City of Tolleson from 2010 to 2012. Julie began her career at the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office from 2003 to 2009.

Julie is a member of the Arizona Women Lawyers Association and the Phoenix Rotary 100. Through her involvement in the Phoenix Rotary 100, she has volunteered for the Encanto Reading Program. Julie has also volunteered for the Veteran’s Stand Down and National Adoption Day events.

“Julie’s determination and professionalism make her an excellent candidate for the bench,” said Governor Ducey. “I am delighted to announce her appointment to the Maricopa County Superior Court.”

Julie received her Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Political Science from the Northern Arizona University in 1996 and received her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2003.

CONGRATULATIONS TO KELLEY DURHAM WHO WAS FEATURED AS A
TOP WOMEN TO DO BUSINESS WITH IN THE 2020 PHOENIX KNOW BOOK

Kelley Durham, founder and attorney at K Durham Law, PLLC, was named one of the top women to know and do business with in the 2020 Volume of the Phoenix KNOW Book. The KNOW Book, an annual publication, features dynamic women across multiple industries that are leaders in their field, as well as within their community. Ms. Durham was nominated and vetted for this prestigious designation and joins 100 other women in the Valley for their exemplary accomplishments. The KNOW Book features proven leaders and high producers focusing on the best and brightest women that Arizona has to offer. Ms. Durham was selected due to her immense involvement with non-profit organizations, and her above and beyond care for her personal injury clients, as well as providing an outstanding culture for her team at K Durham Law.

CONGRATULATIONS TO EADIE RUDDER ON HER PROMOTION TO PARTNER AT CARPENTER HAZELWOOD DELGADO & BOLEN, LLP

Edith I. Rudder (Eadie) has been promoted to partner at Carpenter Hazelwood Delgado & Bolen, LLP, effective January 1, 2020. Eadie focuses her practice in the areas on insurance defense, civil litigation, and general counsel work, primarily representing community and condominium associations. She also represents the Firm's small business clients. Eadie is Membership Chair for Horace Rumpole Inn of Court and Membership Co-Chair for Arizona Women Lawyers Association. Eadie also is a member of the Defense Research Institute and the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel. She is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and a graduate of Webster University (BA and MA) and of the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law.

Natalie Evans Parker

The McCarthy Law Firm is pleased to welcome attorneys

Natalie Evans Parkman

and

Esther I. Brilliant to our team.

The McCarthy Law Firm is a full service Family Law Firm and is Southern Arizona’s largest dedicated family law firm. Natalie and Esther will handle all aspects of divorce and legal separation including, spousal maintenance, child support, paternity, parenting time/legal decision-making issues, property division and prenuptial agreements. Natalie’s practice will also include Juvenile Court matters. Discover more information about Natalie, Esther, and the entire McCarthy team at: www.mccarthyfamilylaw.com.

Esther I. Brilliant

Congratulations to Laura Meyer on being appointed to the Arizona State Bar Civil Practice and Procedure Committee!

AWLA member Laura Meyer of Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. was recently appointed to the State Bar's Civil Practice and Procedure Committee. The Committee receives proposals from the Bar, third parties, and court-appointed committees and commissions about how to improve and streamline the rules of civil practice and procedure, and assists the superior court with local-rule conformance and restyling efforts. As a member of the Committee, Laura will assist with review of the existing rules, making recommendations on the proposals submitted, and preparing petitions regarding rule amendments and comments on petitions as deemed necessary. As a designated co-Secretary for the Committee, Laura will be an integral and important part of updating and simplifying civil practice in Arizona.

CONGRATULATIONS TO
TRICIA SCHAFER
ON BEING SELECTED TO THE
SCOTTSDALE LEADERSHIP CLASS XXXIV

Tricia Schafer, of Vitality Law PLLC has been selected to participate in the Scottsdale Leadership Class XXXIV.

Scottsdale Leadership and its alumni are consistently sought out to engage in grassroots initiatives and community conversations regarding the future and growth of our City. Their collaborative efforts help to move issues forward from an apolitical stance. Alumni have had a significant impact on not only the City of Scottsdale, but the Valley and throughout the state, influencing the preservation of open space; improving the quality of youth programs and our education system; championing public art; and, sitting on boards and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for nonprofit organizations. Click here for more information: Scottsdale Leadership

CONGRATULATIONS TO PAIGE A. MARTIN

ARIZONA WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION - MARICOPA CHAPTER'S
RUTH V. MCGREGOR AWARD

The AWLA-Maricopa Chapter’s Annual Wine and Cheese Reception celebrates an individual who supports women in the law by contributing to the advancement of women in the profession. This year, Justice Ruth V. McGregor (ret.) presented the award named in her honor to Paige A. Martin.

The Reception was held at the Desert Botanical Garden on October 23, 2019.

Paige is a former President of AWLA (2010) and former President of the AWLA-Maricopa Chapter (2002), long-time AWLA Board Member and Maricopa Chapter Steering Committee member. Paige received the AWLA President's Award in 2005 and the AWLA Sarah Herring Sorin Award in 2011. She also received the Scottsdale Bar Association Award of Excellence in 2013. She has been a member of AWLA since 1991.

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LAW OFFICE OF WENDY ANDERSON, PLLC

September 4, 2019

My practice will continue to focus on: business law, including entity formation, business transactions, contract drafting and review, and general counsel services; employment practices including guidance surrounding independent contractors; marketing and advertising law; dispute resolution and mediation; and probate proceedings.

I'm excited to continue working with you and your contacts and clients regarding any legal matters - or just questions - that arise. Please make a note of my new email address and website. If you'd like to receive my monthly news “brief” regarding business and employment law, please sign-up here.

Wendy M. Anderson
Law Office of Wendy Anderson, PLLC
5050 North 40th Street, Suite 320
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
Direct: 480-825-4509
Fax: 480-448-9809
Wendy@WendyAndersonLaw.com
www.WendyAndersonLaw.com

GOVERNOR DOUG DUCEY APPOINTS AWLA MEMBER KRISTA CARMAN TO THE YAVAPAI COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

August 2, 2019

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today announced the appointment of Krista Carman to the Yavapai County Superior Court. The vacancy on the Yavapai County Superior Court was created by the retirement of Judge Patricia Trebesch. Under the Arizona Constitution, judges of the Superior Court in counties with a population of less than 250,000 persons are elected by the voters. When a judge retires or resigns prior to a general election, the vacancy created by the retirement or resignation is filled by gubernatorial appointment until the next general election.

Krista is an experienced trial attorney who currently practices in the diverse areas of personal injury, employment, insurance coverage, probate, commercial litigation, medical malpractice and victim’s rights. She also serves as an appointed arbitrator for the Yavapai County Superior Court and volunteer fee arbitrator for the State Bar of Arizona. Before starting her own law firm, Krista was a partner with Warnock, MacKinlay & Carman.

Krista is the Vice President of the Arizona Association for Justice/Arizona Trial Lawyers Association. She has served on the State Bar of Arizona Civil Jury Instructions Committee and Supreme Court Committee on Civil Justice Reform. Governor Jan Brewer appointed her to the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments where she served from 2015 to 2018. She has received awards from the Arizona Women Lawyers Association, Yavapai County Bar Association and Prescott Area Young Professionals.

With a passion for children, Krista is very active in the Yavapai County community. She serves as President of the Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation. She is on the board of directors for the Community Pregnancy Center of Prescott. Additionally, she is the regional co-coordinator for the high school mock trial competition.

“Krista’s depth and breadth of practice, as well as her commitment to serving the community, make her well-equipped to serve the Yavapai County community,” said Governor Ducey. “I am pleased to appoint Krista to the Yavapai County Superior Court.”

Krista graduated from Northern Arizona University with degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education. She then graduated from Arizona State University College of Law.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TASK FORCE ON THE ARIZONA RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE JUVENILE COURT AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS

The Arizona Judiciary Strategic Agenda, Justice for the Future, Planning for Excellence, includes several initiatives on improving the efficiency of juvenile court case processing and management. Among these new initiatives is a review of the Arizona Rules of Procedure for the Juvenile Court to identify ways in which court procedures can be restyled, clarified, and improved. The current set of the Arizona Rules of Procedure for the Juvenile Court were adopted with an effective date of January 1, 2001. Although they have been amended at various times since their adoption, a comprehensive review of those rules would now be beneficial.

AWLA Members Professor Barbara Atwood, Hon. Kathleen Quigley, and Hon. Anna Young were appointed to the task force.

To read the full Administrative Order, please click here.

IN MEMORIAM

We sadly report the passing of Cari Gerchick, who was President of AWLA-Maricopa Chapter in 2004. Cari passed away unexpectedly at the age of 49 on Friday, May 24, 2019. She was a warm, vibrant woman who contributed much to her family and friends, including the AWLA community. A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, June 3. For details, please click here: Cari Gerchick Obituary and Service. To read more about Cari’s accomplishments in her short life, please click here: azcentral article about Cari. The Maricopa Chapter has donated $150 in Cari’s name to Hospice of the Valley, the charity designated by Cari’s family.

AWLA MEMBERS BARBARA LAWALL AND CHRISTINA CABANILLAS RECEIVE INAUGURAL JOHN M. ROLL AWARD

On May 21, 2019, Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Cabanillas received the Pima County Bar Foundation’s inaugural John M. Roll Criminal Justice Award. Judge Roll, who was tragically killed in a mass shooting on January 8, 2011, had served as a prosecutor, a Court of Appeals judge, and Chief Judge of the Arizona District Court. The Foundation Trustees created the award to honor Judge Roll for his dedication to the criminal justice system and to recognize deserving prosecutors who follow his example.

The award is given to a Pima County Bar Association member who has, during his or her career, “demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, the highest standards of professionalism, innovation, and selfless dedication to the improvement of the criminal justice system as a prosecutor.” The Pima County Bar Foundation cited Barbara’s proven commitment to improving the administration of criminal justice, her dedication to protecting the rights of victims, and her innovative programs to enforce criminal laws, reduce recidivism, and provide treatment to drug offenders. Chris’s award was based on her accomplishments as a state and federal prosecutor, her consistent professionalism, and her years of volunteerism as a legal educator and in the community.

THE MCCARTHY LAW FIRM WELCOMES TWO NEW ATTORNEYS

The McCarthy Law Firm is pleased to welcome attorneys Megan Hill and Randi Burnett to our team.

The McCarthy Law Firm is a full service Family Law Firm and is Southern Arizona's largest dedicated family law firm.

Megan is in her 17th year of law practice and is thrilled to be back at the Steinfeld Mansion, her original family law "home."

Randi is in her 12th year of law practice, nearly all of it in family law.

Megan and Randi both handle all aspects of the divorce including, paternity, and parenting time/legal decision-making process, and property division. Their practice also includes complex financial matters and high-conflict cases. Discover more information about Randi, Megan, and the entire McCarthy team at: www.mccarthyfamilylaw.com.

CONGRATULATIONS

CAITLIN CAPUTO
&
COMMISSIONER AMY KALMAN

They have been elected to the Board for the Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Section of the Maricopa County Bar Association.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ROSEMARIE PENA-LYNCH IN HER APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR OF THE MARICOPA COUNTY OFFICE OF THE LEGAL ADVOCATE.

This new position will allow her to continue serving indigent clients by leading the office with the same fervor and dedication she displayed in her role as a Capital Trial Attorney.

AWLA MEMBERS LISA K. LOO, PAIGE A. MARTIN, AND PATRICIA L. REFO HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO THE COMMERCIAL COURT REVIEW COMMITTEE BY ARIZONA CHIEF JUSTICE SCOTT BALES.

Administrative Order 2018-17 established the Committee and its mandate. The Committee shall review the data and issues included in progress reports provided by the Superior Court in Maricopa County and the Administrative Office of the Court (AOC) to the Arizona Judicial Council, and solicit input from Superior Court judicial leadership and any others it deems relevant to its review. The Committee will make recommendations on whether the experimental rules of procedure should be made permanent and, if so, any recommendations it believes would improve the rules or commercial court program in Maricopa County or statewide. The Committee shall submit its recommendations to the Supreme Court and the Arizona Judicial Council by June 1, 2018.