Christopher M. Skelly

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...

Stephanie L. Chilton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Stephanie L., who practices law in Sun City, Arizona, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephanie L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For over 40 years, Otto has helped individuals, business owners, and employers comply with and plan for laws and regulations related to federal and state taxation, employee benefits, and executive compensation. He assists clients with audits, investigations, and regulatory disputes related to these areas, and advises businesses and their owners regarding business transactions and long-term business succession and estate planning. Otto also has significant experience in federal procurement reg...

Sophia Augeri is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Sophia, who practices law in Phoenix, Arizona, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sophia is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Shareholder Susanne ("Susie") Ingold practices in employment law and litigation and regularly advises clients regarding issues of workplace discrimination, employer policies, employee discipline and termination, and compliance with state and federal labor and employment laws. She regularly represents clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and in complex litigation matters in state and federal court. As an experienced litigator and trial lawyer, Susie has successfully defen...

Known for his extensive work in corporate and business law, Michael Aguirre excels at helping organizations of all sizes and maturities address complex legal and business challenges. Michael has wide-ranging experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and general business transactions, as well as counseling executive teams and boards on corporate governance and various corporate matters. He has also advised clients in complex state, federal, and local regulatory environments, i...

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...

P. Derek Petersen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Environmental. P. Derek, who practices law in Phoenix, Arizona, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which P. Derek is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mervyn Braude is a divorce lawyer with extensive knowledge of family law and is an advocate for protecting children from abusive and undesirable situations. As a State of Arizona Board Certified Family Law Specialist, Mervyn has the knowledge and experience to help people who are struggling through divorces and custody disputes by keeping his clients apprised of their rights so they can make well informed decisions during this difficult period of their life. Mervyn has expertise in all facets...

Karl A. Freeburg has a broad-based practice in the area of corporate finance and commercial transactions. Karl's practice includes the representation of borrowers and lenders in all types of asset-based and real estate secured financings. He also has wide-ranging experience assisting clients in the documentation and negotiation of a variety of contracts. Karl brings a practical, results-oriented approach to the representation of his clients. Karl takes pride in accomplishing his clients' obje...