Michelle Jager
About Michelle Jager
Michelle Jager is a lawyer based in Phoenix, AZ and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2021. Michelle Jager is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Commercial Litigation
- Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Current Firm: The Checkett Law Firm PLLC
Education: Arizona State University, J.D., graduated 2004
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Nearby Lawyers
Carolyn (“CJ”) Johnsen has over 30 years’ experience representing debtors, creditor committees, and lenders in complex multi-million dollar reorganizations. Her expertise spans a wide-range of industries including healthcare, mortgage lending, real estate, manufacturing, retail, refining, hospitality, aviation and energy-related. She was lead counsel in one of the largest real estate bankruptcies filed in Arizona, has counseled Arizona’s largest utility company on bank...
Nora Jones is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Nora, 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 Nora is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Andrew’s practice is focused on zoning, land use, real estate law, government relations and municipal law. His areas of concentration include development agreements, rezoning ordinances, code enforcement, intergovernmental financing agreements and complex transactional matters. Prior to joining Burch & Cracchiolo, Andrew served as the Town Attorney for the Town of Paradise Valley for 22 years from 1998-2020. He oversaw high quality growth and development that strictly adhered to the...
Joshua Fisher has tried over two hundred cases before juries in state, federal, and military court, including DUI and vehicular crimes, complex felony and fraud, homicide and second-degree murder, theft, white collar crimes, sex crimes, and various other criminal defense matters. He has also handled administrative and licensing hearings, advocating for professionals before various medical boards in Arizona. After over 15 years working as a government prosecutor, Joshua moved into private prac...
Hillary P. Gagnon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Hillary’s practice is devoted exclusively to probate, trust, estate, guardianship, and conservatorship matters, as well as estate planning and the mediation of probate and trust disputes. Hillary has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hillary is held by...
Jonathan is an inimitable advocate for Arizona’s growth-oriented startup community, acting as both legal counsel and trusted advisor to emerging entrepreneurs. Before graduating Rutgers University of Law, Jonathan worked as an electrical engineer providing internet security and infrastructure consulting services for companies like Accenture, Tosco, Phillips Petroleum Company, and ConocoPhillips. Jonathan’s unique experience as a seasoned information technology specialist and in-ho...
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 ...
Fred Fathe practices extensively in all real estate transactional areas; banking (primarily real estate and corporate finance); corporate acquisitions; and in Uniform Commercial Code matters. He is a Certified Specialist, Real Property Law, State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Fathe is actively involved with real property acquisition and development, including acquisition and sales of both unimproved and improved property; real property master- and development planning; maj...
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.
Ari Ramras has more than 20 years of experience in resolving business and real estate disputes. He is a Certified Specialist in Real Estate Law (State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization). Ari is an AV rated attorney (Martindale-Hubbell) and has been selected to Best Lawyers in America for Litigation – Real Estate and Real Estate Law (2013-) and Southwest Super Lawyers (2010-). He has been interviewed on NBC12 and ABC15 regarding real estate issues. Ari has litigated a variety ...
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.
Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking
by Jamilla Tabbara
How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.
Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections
by Jamilla Tabbara
How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
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