J. Matthew "Matt" Derstine
About J. Matthew Derstine
J. Matthew Derstine is a lawyer based in Phoenix, AZ and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2011. J. Matthew Derstine is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Energy Law
- Litigation - Bankruptcy
Current Firm: Snell & Wilmer LLP
Education: University of California Hastings College of the Law, J.D., graduated 1987
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Nearby Lawyers
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.
Andrew W. Gould is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law and Commercial Litigation. Andrew W., 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 Andrew W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ron Lowe, a partner in the firm's Real Estate & Land Use practice, focuses on real estate transactions and secured real estate financing. He provides representation in virtually all areas of real estate and real estate finance, including homebuilder and community development representation, leasing, financing and workouts. Ron's clients include national and local homebuilders, master planned community developers, commercial landlords and tenants, commercial developers, lenders and borrowe...
Robert D. Mitchell focuses his legal practice on complex commercial and financial litigation, particularly in the areas of securities and investments, financial fraud litigation, business disputes and torts, defamation, and commercial real estate litigation. He has more than 25 years of experience in such cases. His cases generally involve litigation, arbitration and mediation of legal matters involving business and contractual disputes, investment and financial frauds, commercial real estate...
Andrew Pappas is a nimble advocate and trusted counselor whose practice focuses on appeals, complex commercial disputes, and governmental and regulatory matters. Before joining Osborn Maledon, Andrew served as general counsel of the Arizona House of Representatives, where he was the principal legal advisor to the Speaker and members of the majority caucus. In that capacity, Andrew provided legal, policy, and strategic advice on a vast range of issues, with a particular focus on elections, red...
Rob added to HB's office a built-in mock courtroom, complete with jury box, audio-visual equipment to record witnesses and lawyers, and separate deliberation rooms for two juries. INTRODUCTION Mr. Carey handles various types of injury and consumer claims. Mr. Carey was lead counsel on a jury trial that produced the largest medical-malpractice verdict in 2018, secured class certification in class actions on behalf of consumers and workers where damages are almost $2 billion, and investigated t...
Kurt A. Peterson has practiced in the areas of commercial finance, real estate and general business law for nearly 30 years. His practice is concentrated in commercial and corporate transactions, including complex real estate transactions involving all aspects of acquisition, finance, development, leasing, operation and disposition of commercial, retail, residential, multi-family and agricultural property.Kurt has a broad commercial banking and finance practice, in which he advises banks and ...
Darren T. Case is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Darren T., who practices law in Phoenix, Arizona, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Darren T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
For more than three decades, Steve has represented companies raising both private and public financing, and buyers and sellers of businesses of all kinds. Whether seeking initial funding, expanding the business through follow on funding or an acquisition, or pursuing an exit strategy through an asset/stock sale or public offering, Steve offers each client the veteran experience, practical judgement and seasoned know-how to realize even the most lofty goals in all phases of financing and growt...
Rachel Frazier Johnson is an experienced, innovative powerhouse. Focusing her practice in Family Law, Personal Injury and Wills and Trusts—law is her expertise, a skill she has mastered in order to alter life paths for the better, everywhere she goes. Her skills and leadership, combined with the dedicated and passionate team she’s assembled, makes Rachel Frazier Johnson Law Arizona’s choice law firm. A POWERFUL LEADER—Each day Rachel demonstrates tenacity and leverages...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.