Top Appeals Lawyers in Phoenix | 36 available

Taylor has more than a decade of experience working as a lawyer and advocate in Arizona. He has helped shape the law in the courtroom, at the legislature, and via the ballot box. An excellent writer, oral advocate, and strategic thinker, Taylor successfully managed one of the busiest civil appellate practices in the state, advised numerous ballot measure committees, and run public affairs and grassroots campaigns. Taylor is also an engaging speaker, teacher, and writer who designs and delivers educational and training programs for lawyers, business leaders, and university students at both graduate and undergraduate levels.. If you'd like to see Taylor in action, here is a link to a video of his oral argument before the Arizona Supreme Court in 2010. This argument was conducted in the Great Hall of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law--Taylor's alma mater. His portion of the argument starts at the 21:04 minute mark and runs for approximately the next twenty minutes.

Stephen Biggs focuses his practice on appellate work, preventing and solving business disputes, and protecting the reputation and intellectual property of individuals and businesses.. Appellate Practice. Stephen assists individuals, businesses, and other lawyers in appealing a ruling from one court to a higher court and in defending against appeals taken by opposing parties. His appellate experience includes cases involving many different areas of the law, including business and commercial disputes, questions of statutory interpretation, issues regarding the enforceability of contractual provisions, criminal matters, defamation claims, and unemployment insurance benefits—to name a few.. Most frequently, clients and other lawyers hire Stephen to assist them in bringing direct and intermediate appeals (incluidng special actions) before the Arizona Court of Appeals. But Stephen has also prepared multiple petitions for review to the Arizona Supreme Court, and he has briefed and argued two cases accepted for review by that court. Stephen also has experience briefing and arguing cases in the federal courts of appeal, and he has assisted or consulted with other lawyers in pursuing and defending appeals before appellate courts in states outside of Arizona.. Preventing and Solving Business Disputes. Stephen helps individuals and businesses avoid and solve disputes, both before and after they become lawsuits. Effective risk management (including seeking the advice of a lawyer about how to prevent and protect against legal problems before they occur) and early negotiation to resolve problems that do arise before they become lawsuits can oftentimes keep individuals and businesses out of court and avoid the costs of litigation. But when litigation is necessary or a court action has already been filed, Stephen assists businesses and individuals in pursuing or defending against legal claims in court or in arbitration.. Some examples of the types of problems and situations that Stephen helps his clients avoid or address include contract disputes, unfair competition, disclosure of confidential information, fraud claims (including claims for consumer fraud, securities fraud, and other forms of investment fraud), business management disputes (including claims for breach of fiduciary duty, self-dealing, or disloyalty against officers, directors, and other managers of businesses), business ownership disputes (including business break-ups), failed business deals, trust disputes, and professional negligence (including malpractice claims against accountants, auditors, and lawyers).. Protecting and Defending Reputations and Intellectual Property. Your good name matters, whether you are an individual or a business. In the age of the Internet, it is easier than ever for harmful, negative statements to be communicated to large audiences instantaneously. Stephen assists individuals and businesses in protecting their reputation when others defame, slander, or libel them. He also assists those who have been accused of defamation, slander, or libel in defending against those claims.. In addition to reputation, another valuable asset of every business and entrepreneur is intellectual property. Stephen assists individuals and businesses in pursuing and defending against claims of trade secret misappropriation, copyright infringement, trademark infringement, Lanham Act violations, and other forms of unfair competition related to intellectual property rights (including palming off and passing off claims).

Sean McNally is a litigator specializing in criminal and DUI offenses. Sean is a graduate of the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law. His main focus while in law school was primarily on criminal defense law. While at university, he interned at the City of Tucson Municipal Court, as well as with the Pima County Public Defender’s office. Sean’s efforts in criminal defense culminated in him earning a Certificate of Criminal Law and Policy and being presented with the Hon. Joseph M. Livermore Service Award upon graduation.. After law school, Sean clerked at Pima County Superior Court for the Honorable Kellie Johnson, and at the Arizona Court of Appeals; Division 2 for the Honorable Sean E. Brearcliffe. He then spent several years working at a criminal defense firm based in Tucson.. Before becoming an attorney, Sean served with distinction in the United States Air Force for 20+ years mostly at Luke Air Force Base. While at Luke AFB, he attended Arizona State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, receiving a Bachelor of Applied Science in Political Science.. In his free time, Sean enjoys spending his time  unwinding with friends and family during evening and gatherings, and watching his Dbacks.

Roger Cohen has over 40 years’ experience as a business attorney, representing clients in both litigation and transactions. He has a deep knowledge and understanding of commercial law and the litigation process and is a forceful and effective advocate for his clients. Roger’s experience as a transactional attorney adds value in the litigation setting, as he can relate the documentation process to issues that arise in business and commercial disputes. Conversely, his knowledge and skill as a litigator affords him an advantage in negotiating and drafting settlement agreements with maximum protections to his clients. This unique blend of expertise is particularly useful in workout representation.. He has long-standing relationships with business clients in a variety of industries, providing business counseling, transactional assistance and litigation services. For over 30 years, he has represented an independent escrow company, successfully defending numerous claims asserting alleged breaches of contract and fiduciary duties. He acted as Arizona lead counsel in an 18-year multiple state legal battle arising out of a jojoba investment scheme, and was litigation counsel for the receiver of a group of lenders taken over as the result of a Ponzi scheme investigation. Roger has obtained favorable results, through trial or settlement, for clients in a variety of matters, including legal and accounting malpractice, shareholder and partner disputes, employment contract and restrictive covenant disputes, bankruptcy adversary proceedings, and complex collections.. Roger has published articles and spoken on a variety of topics, including the Arizona homestead and judgment lien statutes, Uniform Commercial Code Articles 2 (sales) and 9 (secured transactions), attorney conflicts and misconduct, bankruptcy appeals, and civil procedure. His article “Foreign Judgments and Community Property” was published in Arizona Attorney in November, 2009 and he co-authored “The Top 50 Leading Cases that Shaped Life and Law in Arizona’s First 100 Years” published in Arizona Attorney in February 2012. He is co-author of a chapter of the recent Thompson Reuters publication, “Inside the Minds: Strategies for Consumer Bankruptcy Appeals”.. A former law clerk to the Honorable Duke Cameron, former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, Roger has substantial experience as an appellate practitioner, having supervised and written numerous appellate briefs and argued cases in the Arizona Supreme Court, Arizona Court of Appeals, California Court of Appeals, and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. His published decisions include: Phares v. Nutter, 125 Ariz. 291, 609 P.2d 561 (Ariz. Supreme Court 1980) (established right to debtor to seek relief from judgment registered under the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act); Corporate Inv. Business Brokers v. Melcher, 824 F.2d 786 (9th Cir. 1987) (reversing District Court and holding that Colorado franchisee was subject to jurisdiction in Arizona in suit brought by franchisor); Mid Kansas Federal Sav. and Loan Ass’n of Wichita v. Dynamic Development Corp., 167 Ariz. 122, 804 P.2d 1310 (Ariz. Supreme Court 1991) (counsel for amicus curiae Southwest Savings & Loan Assoc.); Anderson v. Contes, 212 Ariz. 122, 128 P.3d 230 (Ariz. App. 2006); Austin Shea (Arizona) 7th Street and Van Buren, L.L.C. v. City of Phoenix, 213 Ariz. 385, 142 P.3d 693 (Ariz. App. 2006) and Rackmaster Systems, Inc. v. Maderia, 219 Ariz. 60, 193 P.3d 314 (Ariz. App. 2008).

Rob is an AV® Preeminent™ peer review-rated appellate and trial court litigator. Trained at two of the nation's preeminent law firms in New York City before relocating to Arizona in 2003, and thereafter elected shareholder at one the nation's largest law firms, Rob has helped clients large and small navigate business, constitutional and public law disputes for nearly two decades.. Mindful of his clients' desire to devote their resources to business growth rather than litigation, Rob makes it a priority to gain a precise understanding of the client’s objective and to formulate a strategy to achieve it as early as possible and within budget.. It seems like most cases that wind their way to trial are destined for appeal. Rob routinely appears in causes pending before the Arizona Supreme Court, the Arizona Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  Rob is passionate about appellate practice. He is recognized throughout the legal community for the potency of his appellate advocacy.. While Rob also thoroughly enjoys trial advocacy, he knows that clients are rarely enthusiastic about going to trial. He therefore places great emphasis on the deployment of forceful, dispositive pre-trial motions to bring the case to an end if it cannot sooner be settled.. Sometimes a case will wind its way to trial. When it does, Rob is ready. He co-chaired a two-week false advertising jury trial as recently as May 2010, resulting in victory. He co-chaired a three-and-a-half week jury trial of a distribution agreement dispute just months earlier, scoring a unanimous verdict for the client.. Rob is honored to have been endorsed by Practical Law Company both as an appellate advocate and business litigator based on its annual survey of in-house counsel.. Select accomplishments:. - Secured Arizona Supreme Court victory for mortgage lender, loan servicer and mortgage-backed securitization trustee in proceeding to resolve disputed questions of law pertaining to non-judicial foreclosures/trustees’ sales. Crafted principal brief, coordinated amici curiae counsel, engaged in extensive motion practice and presented oral argument, all within seven weeks.. - Persuaded Ninth Circuit to vacate natural gas company’s $60 million punitive damages award against former ACC Chairman as unconstitutionally excessive. Subsequently persuaded panel to vacate $4 million punitive damages remittitur on due process grounds, resulting in another published decision. Convinced trial court to stay enforcement of judgment without a supersedeas bond during appeals.. - Repelled Maricopa County Regional School District Superintendent’s petition for review and special action petition to Arizona Supreme Court, wherein superintendent sought to vacate trial court’s appointment of three-member panel to manage school district in the wake of her indictment.. - Co-chaired and prevailed in two-week bet-the-company trial in federal district court on behalf of multinational photo radar enforcement company after persuading district court to dismiss on summary judgment two-thirds of rival’s false advertising claims seeking tens of millions of dollars in purported damages.. - Co-chaired and prevailed in three-week jury retrial of wrongful termination claim in federal district court on behalf of electronics manufacturer after persuading Ninth Circuit to reverse seven-figure judgment in favor of former distributor based on trial court’s exclusion of probative evidence and other errors.. - Instrumental in securing eight-figure damages settlement for general contractor on construction design defect claims against Maricopa County arising out of public works project.

Ms. Miller has a diverse practice representing both plaintiffs and defendants in employment and business-related matters. Ms. Miller has a passion for problem-solving and assists clients with developing a strategic approach to legal disputes. She is a fierce advocate and has served as lead counsel and assistant counsel in over one hundred lawsuits. Ms. Miller has counseled multi-million-dollar companies as in-house counsel and has litigated against national and global entities supporting workers and alleging violations of employment laws. In that role, she has collected cumulatively more than $2,000, in settlement funds for clients. She has also filed appellate briefs and argued in front of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in a matter that gained national attention from the EEOC. Ms. Miller has been recognized by Super Lawyers and was selected as a “Rising Star” based on peer recognition and professional achievement.Ms. Miller’s employment practice extends to healthcare and other licensed professionals with complaints against their licenses.Ms. Miller graduated magna cum laude from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law as one of the most distinguished in her class. She was an appointed Chairwoman on the Arizona State Law Review where she was a staff editor.

Max Mahoney practices mainly Family Law, but also has experience in the areas of business, construction, real estate, and collections law. Max graduated cum laude from Arizona State University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing in Anthropology, History, and Political Science. Max attended Phoenix School of Law where he received his J.D. in 2011. While at Phoenix School of Law Max was the Administrative Editor for Phoenix Law Review. Max is licensed to practice in Arizona and is admitted to both the state and federal bar.

Kathi Sandweiss, a former award-winning television journalist, now enjoys a combined arbitration and appellate practice. She is a partner at Jaburg & Wilk, P.C., where she has practiced law over 30 years. Since 2016, Kathi has been an active commercial arbitrator on the roster of the American Arbitration Association. Her AAA cases have included complex asbestos trust claims, franchise agreements, service agreements, landlord/tenant disputes, emergency injunctive relief in a cannabis dispute and multiple consumer claims. She served as sole arbiter on a complex commercial case, with over $1.4 million in dispute, involving issues of breach of contract, UCC and agriculture law. She is currently chair of a three-arbitrator panel in a complex multi-state arbitration. In her capacity as an AAA neutral, she has addressed various procedural issues, including arbitrability, attorney disqualification, jurisdiction and discovery disputes.. She is on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Executive Council, State Bar of Arizona. She presented a seminar on arbitrability at the 2021 State Bar Convention and has written on the issue of delegation clauses in arbitration agreements – “Putting the Shine on Schein.”. Her arbitration practice is enhanced and enlightened by years of appellate experience – she has filed more than 150 appellate briefs and petitions for review in the Arizona Court of Appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court, and has 23 published opinions.

Isabel handles federal and state appeals and conducts an active civil practice, and has received the highest rating for legal ability and ethics (an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating*) from Martindale Hubbell.*AV®, BV®, AV Preeminent® and BV Distinguished® are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.

I am a Certified Specialist in Family Law, and have practiced for 38 years.  At the firm, we handle all types of family law matters, including divorce, separation, modifications and enforcement of family court orders, child support, spousal maintenance (alimony), all with efficiency, responsiveness, experience and assertiveness.

I am a "strategic interpretive replicator."  Basically, I see or experience success in one context and I do my best to replicate it in another. The law presents a fascinating opportunity to apply that ability by taking a mixture of facts, personalities, case law, statutes, experience, and extracting the useful parts of each to apply to my next case.I enjoy helping people who have been fired or discriminated against for the wrong reasons - especially when it's companies or individuals who should know better. As a former small business owner, I also enjoys helping small and mid-size businesses avoid employment-related disputes by either taking steps NOW to prevent that risk or defending a lawsuit when it happens.  I absolutely love being part of the appellate process to either defend a great result or change a bad one.I am married with two daughters (8 & 5). My interests include reading, writing, piano (30+ years), shooting (not hunting), aviation, foreign travel, and saving for the weddings.

Florence is licensed in Arizona, U.S. District Court of Arizona, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of the United States.  Florence’s Appellate work has brought her to Stanford Law School to argue before the Ninth Circuit.  Florence received her JD degree from Loyola University Chicago.  Florence has served the community by volunteering for many different programs.  Florence is a big fan of Beyonce' and has developed time management tips using Beyonce' as a guide.

Erica Leavitt practices Family and Appellate Law.. Erica graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a degree in political science.  She then attended the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, where she graduated cum laude with pro bono distinction.. Erica is licensed to practice in Arizona and is admitted to both the state and federal bar.

Elizabeth Mullins is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the State Bar of Arizona. She has litigated a wide variety of criminal matters ranging from misdemeanors to first degree murder. She has represented clients in municipal courts, superior courts, federal court, administrative board hearings, federal and state civil forfeiture proceedings, competency hearings, appeals, and federal habeas proceedings. She has had numerous trial victories including aggravated DUI, theft of means of transportation, human smuggling, aggravated assault, interfering with judicial proceedings, transportation of narcotic drugs, fraud schemes, attempted murder and first degree murder. She has also successfully argued for dismissals for a wide range of consitutional violations.

Doug is a dedicated litigation attorney. He currently works on a wide array of legal issues, which include HOA and contract disputes, employment discrimination, and wrongful termination. Prior to his time at the Dessaules Law Group, Doug worked at a general litigation firm that covered personal injury, professional malpractice, contract disputes, real estate and business litigation, and appeals.. Doug has had the opportunity to write numerous appellate briefs, including one for a case in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals that was remanded down from the Supreme Court of the United States. He also attended and graduated from the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy in order to hone his trial skills. With such a diverse background, Doug has the legal expertise to handle whatever issues his clients are dealing with.

David focuses his practice in family law. He assists clients with divorces, child custody issues, post-decree modifications, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. David is experienced with high conflict family law matters and has tried numerous cases. He has particular expertise when dealing with issues relative to children both during dissolution and issues that arise after a client’s divorce or establishment matter. David passionately advocates for what matters most to his clients and builds a strategic, custom game plan for each. He takes pride in the details and genuinely cares for his clients and the best interests of their children. While his primarily practice is family law, David continues to have a passion for sports law and teaches both Family Law and Sports Law courses at ASU’s College of Law.

Clark L. Derrick began his legal career in Phoenix in 1972 after having graduated, with distinction, from the University of Arizona, College of Law and entering into the practice with John J. Flynn and the firm of Flynn, Kimerer, Thinnes & Derrick. While a student at the University of Arizona, College of Law, Mr. Derrick was Symposium Editor of the Arizona Law Review and was elected a member of the Order of the Coif. He received his undergraduate, Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968 from the University of Arizona; graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.Mr. Derrick is a certified criminal law specialist; devoting his entire practice to criminal defense work with a particular emphasis on white collar offenses at both the federal and state levels. He is licensed to practice in Arizona and in various federal courts throughout the United States including the United States Supreme Court.Mr. Derrick was appointed a lawyer representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference and served in that capacity from 1988 until 1991. He was a member of the Executive Council of the Criminal Justice Section of the Arizona State Bar and served on the Arizona State Bar Criminal law Advisory Commission from 1993 through 2005. He is one of the founding members of Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice and served as President of that organization for two (2) terms from 1988 to 1990.Mr. Derrick is a Fellow and Past President of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, an invitation only national organization of the preeminent criminal defense lawyers in the country. He is currently listed in the white collar criminal defense and non-white collar criminal defense sections of the Best Lawyers in America, Southwest Super Lawyers, is listed in Best Lawyers in Phoenix, Top Attorneys in Arizona, Arizona’s Finest Lawyers, and has an “AV” rating by Martindale-Hubbell.

As a parent, I understand the importance of parental rights and the need to put the interests of the children first and foremost. When parents have other priorities and ignore their parental responsibilities, the children suffer. Abusive or neglectful parents should not be tolerated. The other parent, grandparents, aunts and uncles must step up and attempt to sever the biological parent's rights and adopt the children in those instances. If the extended family is unwilling or unavailable, foster parents may take the place of biological parents to provide the children with a safe, secure, loving and permanent home. I have litigated thousands of these cases, in most Arizona counties, as a private attorney and also as an Assistant Arizona Attorney General. While an AG, I was honored as the Litigator of the Year by my fellow attorneys representing Child Protective Services. I can help you too.. Not only have I battled opponents successfully across the State of Arizona. I have also defeated cancer. Radiation, strong medicine, skilled physicians and, most importantly, with God by my side, I have met my most serious challenge.. Let me see what I can do for you.

Amanda Szpakowski is a seasoned family law attorney with extensive experience representing clients in complex divorce, custody, and post-decree matters throughout the state of Arizona. She is licensed to practice in all Arizona counties and has successfully represented clients at both the trial and appellate levels. Her practice is particularly focused on high-net-worth individuals and families with intricate financial, legal, and custody considerations.. Ms. Szpakowski is known for delivering strategic, detail-oriented representation in matters involving business and asset valuation, forensic accounting issues, high-conflict custody disputes, spousal maintenance, and premarital or postnuptial agreements. Her litigation experience, combined with a strong understanding of financial and psychological dynamics, allows her to offer clients comprehensive, sophisticated solutions that protect their interests and long-term goals.. With over a decade of dedicated family law practice, Ms. Szpakowski approaches each case with precision and discretion. She is deeply committed to client service, ensuring that clients receive consistent communication, clear legal guidance, and a thorough understanding of each phase of the legal process. Her professionalism, preparation, and courtroom acumen have earned her a reputation as a trusted advocate for individuals facing some of the most significant and sensitive transitions of their lives.. Ms. Szpakowski holds a Juris Doctor from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where she concentrated in trial advocacy and family law. She earned her undergraduate degree Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Family and Human Development. During her academic career, she was recognized on the Dean’s List and was inducted into both Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and Phi Alpha Delta, the Pre-Law Fraternity.. At Cantor Law Group, Ms. Szpakowski is part of a distinguished team of attorneys committed to delivering high-caliber legal representation in family law.