JacksonWhite Law

Susan Court joined JacksonWhite in 2005. She focuses her practice on elder law, probate, guardianships, conservatorships, and estate planning. Susan has been a member of the Arizona State Bar since 1978. Susan earned her B.A. in English from Brigham Young University in 1974. She attended the Arizona State University Law School and the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU where she earned her J.D. in 1977. She is a former Maricopa County prosecutor and taught Business Law at Mesa Community College and Chandler Gilbert Community College. Susan is also active on the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Board of Directors and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

Christine F. Crockett joined JacksonWhite as an associate in 2006. Her areas of practice include employment and labor law and commercial litigation. Christine was admitted to the Arizona State Bar in 2006. Christine earned her bachelors degree in music, with a focus in piano performance and pedagogy, from Brigham Young University in 2001. She attended the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and graduated in 2006. During this time, Christine served as the editor of the Brigham Young University Journal of Education and Law. Christine is a member of the State Bar of Arizona. Christine also served a judicial externship with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington D.C. She is fluent in Spanish.

Timothy Durkin is a JacksonWhite senior associate who joined the firm as a family law attorney in 2010. Tim dedicates his practice to help clients successfully deal with a variety of family law issues. Tim is licensed to practice law in all Arizona State Courts, as well as the United States District Court, District of Arizona. Tim completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University, and his graduate studies at Utah State University where in 1992 he earned a M.A. in American Studies. Tim received his Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School in 2000, graduating with honors. Tim is married and has five children. Tim also spends numerous hours volunteering to help families and young adults in need.

Jared Everton is a JacksonWhite shareholder and joined the firm in 2001. Mr. Everton has been advocating for the injured and disabled for more than a decade. He has a passion for assisting individuals in obtaining redress for their injuries under the law. He has extensive experience litigating such matters in various Arizona state courts and federal courts. Mr. Everton also represents individuals seeking social security disability benefits through the appeals process. Jared was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 2001. He is also licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

Roger Foote practices in the area of bankruptcy and creditors rights, commercial litigation and real estate litigation since 1987. Roger graduated from Brigham Young University in 1973 with an undergraduate degree in history. Roger graduated cum laude with his J.D. from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU in 1987. Roger is a member of the State Bar of Arizona (Bankruptcy Section), the Association of Landlord-Tenant Attorneys, and Judge Pro Tem for the Maricopa County Superior Court. He is married to Debbie and has six children. Roger is active in Boy Scouts, formerly a member of the S.W.A.T team, and has been a lecturer and counselor for Youth Drug Awareness and Prevention.

Jeremy Geigle is a shareholder at JacksonWhite who joined the firm in 2005. Jeremy practices in the area of criminal defense, with an emphasis on felony and misdemeanor matters in both adult and juvenile courts. Jeremy became licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona in 2002, as well as the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. Jeremy earned his undergraduate degree from the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University in 1998. He then attended Pepperdine University and graduated from the Graziadio School of Business Management in 2001 and from Pepperdine University Law School in 2002. Jeremy is a member of the Arizona State Bar Association and served as secretary for the Dispute Resolution Section. His publications include Time and Punishment Ideas for Speeding Discovery, and Trials Draw Public Comment. Jeremy enjoys coaching athletics, playing racquetball and participating in scouting programs.

Mark Heath joined the firm in 2011 as an associate criminal defense lawyer. His practice emphasizes white collar crime as well as felony and misdemeanor matters in both juvenile and adult courts. Mark was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 2007, and is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of Arizona. Mark earned his undergraduate degree in history, magna cum laude, from Brigham Young University – Hawaii in 2004. He received his J.D. from the Roger Williams University School of Law in 2007. Mark teaches master’s level online courses in Criminal Justice Ethics. He is also a former Deputy County Attorney for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, where he worked over a thousand criminal cases including dangerous felonies and homicides. When he is not representing clients, Mark enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and surfing when the chance to travel arises.

Nathaniel Hill joined the firm in 2010 and focuses his practices areas on employment and labor law and commercial litigation. Nate is a member of the Arizona and California State Bars. Nate is also licensed in Arizona’s Federal District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Nate earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Brigham Young University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas.  While in law school Nate served as a Staff Editor (2008-2009) and Senior Articles Editor (2009-2010) for the Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy.  He completed the law school’s certificate programs in the areas of advocacy and business and commercial law, earned top honors in advanced legal research courses, and competed in moot court.

Ryan Hodges practices in the areas of elder law, probate and commercial litigation.Ryan was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 2008. He is also licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. Ryan earned his undergraduate degree in information systems, summa cum laude, from Arizona State University. He attended the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and graduated magna cum laude with his J.D. in 2008. During law school, Ryan served as an articles editor for Jurimetrics: The Journal of Law, Science, & Technology. Ryan is a member of the Arizona State Bar.

Eric Jackson is the founding shareholder for JacksonWhite. He has been practicing law since 1978 and focuses his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, real estate, probate litigation, civil rights litigation, construction remedies, title insurance defense, homeowner’s disputes, mediations and executive coaching for legal professionals. Eric receives the highest ratings for competency and ethics from Martindale-Hubbell, the leading lawyer rating and referral service. Eric has been licensed to practice both in the State of Arizona and the State of Utah since 1978. He is also licensed to practice law in the United States Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Districts of Arizona and Utah. Eric earned his J.D. from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University in 1978. Prior to this distinction, Eric attended Arizona State University and Brigham Young University and earned is undergraduate degree in communication. Eric is a member of the State Bar Construction Law section and the State Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution section. He is the past president of the Mesa Rotary Club, former chairman of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, former member of the Financing the Future of Mesa: 2025 committee, chairman for the 2005 Mesa Citizens Bond Committee, former board member of the Mesa United Way, and Families Helping Families, Inc. Eric and his wife Saurell have six children and 15 grandchildren. Eric recently returned from a 3-year church mission in San Jose, California.

Steven Laureanti is a shareholder at JacksonWhite and practices in the areas of patent law, international intellectual property, technology licensing, trade dress, trade secrets, patent litigation consultation, trademarks, and copyrights. He is a Registered Patent Attorney with considerable experience in patent preparation and prosecution, patent appeals, interferences and reexaminations. Steven’s patent practice focuses on working with companies to develop and maintain offensive and defensive intellectual property portfolios that closely aligns with technologies that are strategic to the company’s corporate objectives.

Eric Macdonald joined JacksonWhite in 1993 and is a shareholder for the firm. He focuses his practice in Elder Law. Eric is licensed to practice in all state courts, the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Eric earned his undergraduate degree in finance from Arizona State University in 1989 and graduated magna cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1992. He is a member of the Arizona Medicaid Planning Council, the State Bar of Arizona Mental Health and Elder Law Section, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), an organization which promotes improvement in substantive law, legal education and ethical guidelines in serving older individuals. Eric is also a member of NAELA’s Medicaid Task Force and Grassroots Task Force.

Anthony Misseldine joined the firm in 2011 and is a shareholder for Jackson White. He focuses his practice on eminent domain, inverse condemnation, commercial real estate valuation, land use litigation and complex commercial lawsuits. Anthony was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 1987, and is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of Arizona, U.S. District Court for the District of AZ and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Anthony earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in 1984. He earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College. Anthony has extensive experience providing litigation services at trial. Anthony’s clients include property owners, private companies and national corporations. Anthony is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, and former member of the State Bar of Arizona Professionalism Committee.

Christina N. Morgan is a senior associate for JacksonWhite and practices in the areas of Homeowners’ Association Law, focusing on serving community associations. Christina became a member of the State Bar of West Virginia in 2007 and a member of the State Bar of Arizona in 2009.  She is admitted to practice before the Federal Court of Arizona and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth and Fourth Circuits. Christina graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Baylor University. She obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the West Virginia University College of Law where she graduated Order of the Coif in 2007. Following graduation from law school, Christina clerked for the Honorable Thomas H. Keadle of the Twenty-sixth Judicial Circuit of West Virginia.

Scott Potter practices in Real Estate Law. He is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of Arizona and the US District Court for the District of AZ. Scott earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University. He then attended the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU and graduated with his J.D. in 2006. Scott has experience in both litigation and appellate motion practice. Scott’s clients include private construction material suppliers, contractors, banks, homeowners and state agencies. Scott was involved in successfully defending the property rights of landowners against the City of Tempe in its attempts to condemn property for the Tempe Marketplace. He is also heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America.

Michael Pruitt joined the firm in 1989 and is a shareholder and member of the Executive Committee at JacksonWhite. Mike practices in the area of labor and employment law, commercial litigation, real estate litigation and government regulation. Mike was admitted to practice in the State of Arizona in January 1988, and is licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mike earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Brigham Young University in 1984. He then attended the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University where he graduated in 1987. Prior to joining the firm, Mike served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable William E. Eubank of the Arizona Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Arizona State Bar Labor and Employment Section, the Arizona Employment Lawyers Association (AzELA), the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA), and the American Association for Justice.

Otto Shill is a shareholder at JacksonWhite. He practices in the area of tax and human resources planning and litigation. Otto was admitted to practice law in Arizona in 1985, and is also licensed to practice in Arizona Courts, the United States Tax Court and the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, and the United States Supreme Court. Otto is a graduate of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and holds an L.L.M. in Taxation from Boston University. Otto is an active member of the Employee Benefits Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of Taxation. He is also active in the community serving as the Chair of the Public Policy Council and President-elect of the Board of Directors of Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Mesa Downtown Rotary Club, and others. He also served as Former President of the Board of Directors of the United Food Bank in Mesa, Former Member of Boards of Directors for the Mesa YMCA and Former Member of Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Otto is married to JoAnna and has five children and one grandson. He enjoys flying, music, and bicycling.

Benjamin Skinner concentrates his practice on real estate matters including: short sales, traditional real estate transactions, litigation, commercial landlord/tenant issues, and real estate brokerage representation. His practice also includes business and consumer bankruptcy. Ben is an approved mediator with the Arizona Association of REALTORS® (“AAR”).

Prior to joining Jackson White as a senior associate, Benjamin represented the Arizona Association of REALTORS® for more than five and half years as a senior “Hotline Attorney” providing legal advice, and written legal opinions to Arizona brokers statewide concerning a variety of real estate and brokerage business matters. Additionally, as an AAR Hotline attorney, he was involved in the review and production of contract forms currently in use by REALTORS® across the state. Ben writes regularly for the Arizona Republic in the “Your Home and the Law” column in the business section. He is an Arizona Department of Real Estate instructor who speaks and teaches regularly throughout Arizona. Ben’s combination of extensive real estate experience and bankruptcy knowledge make him uniquely suited to today’s challenging real estate and business environment.

James Tanner is a shareholder for JacksonWhite and joined the firm in 1998. He practices in the areas of commercial litigation, dispute resolution, elder financial resolution, and real estate law. James is a member of the State Bar of Arizona., and is licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. James attended the University of Utah where earned his bachelor’s degree in Spanish in 1969 and his master’s in linguistics in 1970. He earned his J.D. from Arizona State University in 1975. In addition to practicing law, James owns a graphics design company. James is a certified computer and laser printer technician and founded the Arizona Macintosh Users Group. He also served as an Intelligence Analyst for the United States Army Southern Command in Panama. James and his wife Ann have seven children and 25 grandchildren. He is currently active in Boy Scouts.

Brad Weech is a shareholder for JacksonWhite and serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. He practices in the areas of commercial litigation, bankruptcy and creditor’s rights, and construction law. Brad also represents clients in the areas of dispute resolution, real estate law and breach of contract. Brad became licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona in 1986. He is also licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Brad earned his associates degree from Eastern Arizona College before graduating with high honors with his bachelors in accounting from Arizona State University in 1983. Brad earned his J.D. from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University in 1986. He is currently a member of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and speaks, reads, and writes Korean. Brad is a fifth generation native of Pima, Arizona, and is married to Dena. They have four children. He serves in a variety of church and service positions and has coached soccer for several years.

Dave Weed is a shareholder for JacksonWhite and practices in the areas of real estate, business, and corporate law. Dave graduated cum laude with an undergraduate degree in economics from Brigham Young University in 1979. In 1984, Dave graduated cum laude from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University where he was the editor of the Brigham Young University Journal of Legal Studies from 1983 -1984. Dave was the author of “Vicarious Liability in Utah Negligence Law” which was published in the Brigham Young University Journal of Legal Studies in 1983. He is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, Business Law and Real Property Sections. Dave currently serves on the Board of Directors for the East Valley Senior Services Foundation and is a former member of the Chandler Regional Hospital Board of Trustees. Dave is also fluent in French.

Richard White is a managing shareholder for JacksonWhite, practicing Elder Law. Richard handles pre-crisis and crisis planning for family members in need of immediate long-term health care and helps families qualify for public benefits including Arizona’s Medicaid program, ALTCS, and the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. Richard was admitted to practice in the State of Arizona in 1981, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Richard earned his undergraduate degree in political science from California State University at Fullerton in 1976 and graduated from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University in 1981. Richard is a member of the State Bar of Arizona (Mental Health & Elder Law Sections), the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Medicaid Planning Council, the Governor’s Council on Aging, and the Maricopa County Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance. He currently serves as a board member and chair of the Public Policy Committee for the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter and is a former board member for Mesa Senior Services.

Tyler White focuses his practice on Elder Law, including ALTCS/Medicaid planning, veterans benefit planning, and advance care planning. He also practices in the area of employment and labor law, with a focus on pharmaceutical overtime collective action litigation.

Haley joined Jackson White in 2013. She works with Steven J. Laureanti in the areas of Intellectual Property Law. She is currently working towards her Associates Degree at Mesa Community College. Before joining Jackson White, Haley worked as a receptionist and legal assistant at Booth Udall Fuller, PLC which focuses on patents, trademarks and copyrights. Haley has also worked with graphic design for client logos and marketing brochures. Haley’s hobbies include reading and working with all mediums of art.

Meagan Kaufmann joined JacksonWhite in 2013, assisting with matters involving Guardianship and Conservatorships as well as Probate and Probate Administration. Her experience includes working with the elderly and their families to protect their assets and/or well-being as well as properly administer their estate after they are deceased. She also has experience working with Special Needs children and adults to protect their public benefits and ultimately, their future.

Debra Carpenter joined JacksonWhite in 1994. She works with Michael Pruitt and Christine Farnworth in the area of employment law. Debra earned her associates degree from Eastern Arizona College in 1980 and her paralegal certificate from Phoenix College in 1966. Debra began working in the legal field in 1986. She has experience working in various areas of law. She has been a paralegal in the employment law section since 1997.

Greg Fairbanks joined JacksonWhite in 2004, representing both employees and employers in the area of employment law. His experience includes cases involving civil rights and Title VII actions including discrimination based on sex, race and/or national origin and retaliation claims, age discrimination in the Employment Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, unpaid wage claims, whistleblower claims for unlawful termination, and preparing federally required paperwork for Equal Employment Opportunity Plans. Greg earned his paralegal certificate from Phoenix Career College, and also volunteers his time at area non-profit community organizations.

Brenda Ludwick joined JacksonWhite in 2000. She works with Jared E. Everton and Jeremy S. Geigle. Brenda earned her associates degree from Phoenix College in 1987, and her CLA (Certified Legal Assistant) through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) in 1989 and completed the certification program for paralegals at Phoenix College in 1994. Brenda began working in the Arizona’s legal field in 1976, assisting attorneys in all civil areas of practice. She has devoted the last 18 years of her career to personal injury.

Sandra Padilla joined JacksonWhite in 2011. She works with Scott L. Potter in the area of real estate law.

Ashley Preach joined JacksonWhite in 2010. She works with Benjamin A. Skinner and Kelly G. Black in the areas of Consumer and Corporate Bankruptcy.

Theresa Prater joined JacksonWhite in 2012. She works with Bradley D. Weech in the area of Commercial Litigation.

Barbara Patterson joined JacksonWhite in 2012. She works with Timothy W. Durkin in the area of Family Law.

Brad Black is the Firm Administrator for JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law. He has been with the firm since 2001. Brad manages the operations of the firm in coordination with the executive committee and is responsible for day-to-day operations, overall financial management, human resources and hiring, and strategic technology management. Brad graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and has a master’s degree in business administration. Prior to joining JacksonWhite, he worked in operations and financial management positions for corporations in the technology sector. Brad is a native to Arizona and is married with four children.

Liz Coyle is the Director of Client Services for JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law. She is responsible for internal and external communications for the firm including public and client relations, marketing and advertising, community affairs, newsletters, seminars, special events and the firm Web site. If you have any questions regarding JacksonWhite, our attorneys or practice areas, please feel free to contact Liz.

Kevin is responsible for the Firm’s communication systems including the computer system. Please contact Kevin with any questions you may have regarding the Firm’s communication systems.

Tina handles all accounts receivable. For questions regarding client billings or billing policy please contact Tina.