Joel B. Robbins

Joel Robbins is a trial lawyer based in Phoenix, Arizona with Robbins Curtin Millea & Showalter LLC. After graduating from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 1986, he began his legal career with a Phoenix law firm and has practiced continuously since that time. Since 1989, his work has focused on serious personal injury, wrongful death, and civil rights matters arising throughout Arizona.

Joel has represented individuals and defendants in a wide range of cases, including construction accidents, automobile collisions, aviation and hot air balloon incidents, police shootings, and claims involving governmental entities. His practice includes Civil Rights Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. Throughout his career, Joel has emphasized accountability, careful case preparation, and respect for the individuals and families affected by injury or loss.

Joel has held numerous leadership roles within the legal community, including serving as Phoenix Chapter President of the American Board of Trial Advocates and President of the Phoenix Trial Lawyers. He has also served as a board member of the Arizona Association of Justice, where he was named Trial Lawyer of the Year for 2017–2018. He is a member of the American Association of Justice, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, and the National Police Accountability Project.

In addition to his trial practice, Joel has handled appellate matters that have shaped Arizona law. These include AA Mechanical v. Superior Court (Vree), addressing affidavits of merit in professional liability cases; Hayes v. Continental Insurance Co., preserving workers’ compensation bad faith claims; and Bachus v. State, affirming the right to pursue claims against governmental entities.

Joel is the recipient of the Kenneth D. Freeman Award for Excellence in Continuing Legal Education from the Maricopa County Bar Association. He has authored articles for the Arizona Advocate, including discussions on A.R.S. § 12-2601 and Arizona’s indivisible injury rule in multiple-collision cases. He has also been recognized by peer-review organizations, including Martindale-Hubbell, and has been listed by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers publications in multiple years.

Joel’s commitment to civil rights advocacy is deeply personal. His father, USAF Captain Richard Robbins, was shot down over Laos in 1966 and was not recovered until 1996. Joel’s representation of civil rights clients reflects the constitutional principles his father served to defend. Colleagues and clients frequently note his dedication, preparation, and concern for those he represents. As Joel often explains, his goal in practicing law is to help people who have been injured and to treat each case with the seriousness it deserves.

Joel has been certified by the State Bar of Arizona in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation and maintains an AV® Peer Review Rated designation from Martindale-Hubbell.