Carrie L. O'Brien

James is a first-chair trial lawyer with the insight from serving as an Arizona trial judge for more than seven years. He focuses his practice on trial and appellate representation in complex commercial litigation and elections disputes. He also serves as arbitrator, mediator, and special master. Before joining the firm, James served as a judge on the Arizona Superior Court, where he presided over hundreds of jury trials, bench trials, evidentiary hearings, and oral arguments. The civil trial...

James H. Patterson has been certified as a specialist in real estate law by the State Bar of Arizona since 1986. His practice concentrates on matters relating to all aspects of real estate and financing, including negotiating acquisitions and dispositions; drafting options, purchase contracts and escrow supplements; title review and negotiation with title insurers; preparation of closing documents, including notes, security instruments, assignments and collateral assignments, and deeds; prepa...

Appeals Eric regularly handles high-profile appeals and issue litigation. He has argued major cases before the Ninth Circuit, Arizona Supreme Court, and Arizona Court of Appeals. Eric is listed in Benchmark Litigation’s 40 & Under Hot List, Best Lawyers, and Southwest Super Lawyers for appeals. Before joining private practice, Eric clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He currently serves as a Ninth Circuit Appellate Lawyer Representative and as Chair Elect for ...

Caitlin A. Donovan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Health Care Law. Caitlin A. practices law in Phoenix, Arizona Best Lawyers has recognized Caitlin A. Donovan since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Caitlin A. Donovan is held by other lawyers.

Ms. Villanueva is an attorney in the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. She practices in the areas of domestic and international trademark and copyright prosecution, licensing and enforcement. Ms. Villanueva assists clients with brand development and with identifying various protectable aspects of the clients’ products, services and concepts. She also helps clients with clearing all aspects of advertising, promotional and marketing materials and products, including trademark...

David practices in the area of environmental and natural resources law, focusing on environmental compliance auditing, Superfund, solid and hazardous waste, asbestos, water quality, underground storage tank, environmental management systems, environmental remediation and environmental due diligence matters. He has conducted over 120 comprehensive environmental audits throughout the United States and internationally over the past eight years. He was recently named among the 2013 Best Lawyers i...

Michael H. Bate is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Tax Law. Michael H. practices law in Phoenix, Arizona Best Lawyers has recognized Michael H. Bate since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Michael H. Bate is held by other lawyers.

Jeffrey L. McLerran is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Health Care and Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Jeffrey L. practices law in Phoenix, Arizona Best Lawyers has recognized Jeffrey L. McLerran since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jeffrey L. McLerran is held by other lawyers.

Debora L. Verdier is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Debora L. practices law in Phoenix, Arizona Best Lawyers has recognized Debora L. Verdier since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Debora L. Ver...

Nicholas Boca is a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of Arizona who represents clients throughout Phoenix and the surrounding areas in a wide range of family law matters. At DM Cantor , he works closely with individuals and families navigating significant personal and financial transitions, providing thoughtful counsel and strong courtroom advocacy tailored to each client’s circumstances. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Nicholas began his legal career at the Ar...