• Business Law

• Construction Law

• Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate

• Litigation

• Surety Law 

• Creditors' Rights 

Business Law

"Raising Red Flags" by Elan Mizrahi and Christopher R. Stovall in Arizona Business Magazine (June 2010).
The authors review the business compliance requirements of the new FTC Red Flags legislation and discuss which businesses will be primarily impacted by the legislation. 

Construction Law

"Getting a Handle on Green" by Matthew H Sloan in AZRE Magazine (March-April 2010).
Mr. Sloan highlights the risk management issues for LEED contruction projects.

"Property Crawlers" by James Csontos in AZRE Magazine (November-December 2009).
Mr. Csontos discusses what developers and owners should know about mechanics' liens claims and how they can protect themselves from claims and double payments with some basic precautions.

"5 Questions With Matthew Sloan" in Phoenix Business Journal (September 25, 2009).
This featured section provides information regarding common questions that the construction industry has about legal issues related to LEED and Green constuction.

"Construction and Bankruptcy" by Matthew H. Sloan, Esq., Corey R. Foley, Esq. and Kristin W. Mazon, Esq. in Legal Notes (May 2009).
A Q&A discussion of common questions that contractors ask relating to bankruptcy in the construction industry.

"Intersections of Bankruptcy" and "Construction: Not Your Average Overview" by Chad Schexnayder at 21st Annual Conference of the American College of Construction Lawyers.
The panel will focus on three key bankruptcy issues important for construction lawyers to understand: treatment of executory contracts - including strategies for addressing the uncertainty of the period before the debtor elects to assume or reject and the enforceability of cross-default provisions; the importance of the corporate form of a contract counter-party, and the treatment of mechanic's liens in bankruptcy.

"Resolving Problems and Disputes on Construction Projects" by Jim Csontos at Resolving Problems and Disputes on Construction Projects (January 13, 2009).
Mr. Csontos was one of the speakers at this seminar in Phoenix, Arizona. The topics covered include differing site condition claims, contract changes and many more construction litigation related topics. For more information, contact Jim Csontos or visit National Business Institute.

"Professional Liability in Design and Construction Contracts" by Jim Csontos (September 9, 2008).
Mr. Csontos, a partner with the Firm, was one of the speakers at this seminar at the Phoenix Airport Marriott, 1101 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, Arizona. The topics covered include litigating the negligence claim and many more related topics. For more information, contact Jim Csontos or visit National Business Institute.

"Arizona Construction Law for Architects, Engineers and Contractors" by Mark Barker, Jim Csontos and Ed Rubacha for HalfMoon Seminars (April 3, 2008).
Mr. Barker, Mr. Csontos and Mr. Rubacha, partners with the Firm, were speakers at this seminar at the Embassy Suites Airport Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. The topics covered include Surety Payment and Performance Bonds, Key Contract Clauses and many more construction related topics. For more information, contact Mark Barker, Jim Csontos or Ed Rubacha or visit HalfMoon Seminars.

"Builders, Construction Contractors and Developers in Bankruptcy" by Chad Schexnayder for American Bar Association Tort and Insurance Practice Section (February 20, 2008).
Mr. Schexnayder, a partner with the Firm, was one of the speakers at this seminar. The topics covered include Basis Bankruptcy Law, Strategies for Working Out a Contractor's Debt, Subcontractor and Supplier Payment Issues and many more construction/bankruptcy related topics. For more information, contact Chad Schexnayder.

"What to Do When Construction Projects Go Bad in Arizona" by Ed Rubacha for Lorman Education Services (February 20, 2008).
Mr. Rubacha, a partner with the Firm, was one of the speakers at this seminar in Tucson, Arizona. The topics covered include Mechanics Lien Claims, Surety Bonds, Construction Insurance and many more construction related topics. For more information, contact Ed Rubacha or visit Lorman Education Services.

"Construction Law Fundamentals: Managing Project Risk" by Jim Csontos for National Business Institute (December 12, 2007).
Mr. Csontos, a partner with the Firm, was one of the speakers at this seminar in Phoenix, Arizona. The topics covered include Reducing Project Risk, Project Management Tips and Techniques, Overcoming Common Construction Problems and many more construction related topics. For more information, contact Jim Csontos or visit National Business Institute.

"Builders, Construction Contractors and Developers in Bankruptcy" by Chad Schexnayder for American Bar Association Tort and Insurance Practice Section (February 20, 2007).
Mr. Schexnayder, a partner with the Firm, was one of the speakers at this seminar. The topics covered include Basis Bankruptcy Law, Strategies for Working Out a Contractor's Debt, Subcontractor and Supplier Payment Issues and many more construction/bankruptcy related topics. For more information, contact Chad Schexnayder.

"Managing Complex Construction Law Issues" by Jim Csontos for National Business Institute (September 8, 2006).
Mr. Csontos, a partner with the Firm, was one of the speakers at this seminar at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, 122 North Second Street, Phoenix, Arizona. The topics covered include Project Delivery Methods, Contract Drafting Issues, Scheduling Issues and Resolving Disputes. For more information, contact Jim Csontos or visit National Business Institute.

"Managing Complex Construction Law Issues" by James L. Csontos in National Business Institute, Inc. (2006).

"No License? No Problem..." by James L. Csontos at the Construction Section of the Arizona State Bar Association meeting (September 5, 2006).

"Using a Mechanics' Lien to Get Your Money" by Jim Csontos for National Business Institute (June 5, 2006).
Mr. Csontos, a partner with the Firm, was one of the speakers at this seminar at the Wells Fargo Conference Center, 100 W. Washington, Phoenix, Arizona. The topics covered included Contract Documents, Payment Problems, Preparing and Recording Mechanics' Liens; Litigating Lien Foreclosures and Payment Bond Claims, and Releases. For more information, contact Jim Csontos or visit National Business Institute.

"Using a Mechanics Lien to Get Your Money" by James L. Csontos in National Business Institute, Inc. (2006).

"State by State Guide to Construction Contracts and Claims" (Arizona chapter) by Edward Rubacha and James L. Csontos (2006-present).

Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate

"Guardianships and Conservatorships" by Hillary Gagnon (Fall 2011).
When a loved one becomes incapacitated and is no longer able to manage his or her affairs, it may be necessary to seek the appointment of a guardian and/or conservator in order to protect your loved one and his or her assets. A guardian and conservator is essentially a surrogate decision maker appointed by the court for an adult with mental or physical disabilities.

"Caring for Aging Parents" by Hillary Gagnon
Many of us have undertaken or anticipate undertaking the care of our aging parents. Although it may be difficult to discuss end of life issues with our parents, such discussions and pre-planning are essential.

"Changes to Federal Estate & Gift Tax Laws" by Hillary Gagnon (January 2011)
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 made several significant changes to wealth transfer taxes, effective January 1, 2011.

"Understanding the Revocable Living Trust" by Hillary Gagnon (May 2010).
The Revocable Living Trust is the primary legal document in a typical estate plan. It controls the management and transfer of assets. This article discusses the benefits of a Revocable Living Trust and keys to preparing the document.

"Inexpensive Estate Planning Strategies" by Hillary Gagnon (June 2010).
Estate planning can feel a little overwhelming. This guide provides an overview of the key elements and benefits of having your estate plan in place so you know what to expect, and to facilitate the process.

"8 Life Stages of Estate Planning" by G.M. Filisko on Bankrate.com (October 13, 2009).
Hillary Gagnon was included in this article discussing key stages of life when individual and families should evaluate and consider their estate planning and what important factors contribute to changes to an estate plan.

"Estate Planning and the Special Needs Trust: Protect the Future of Your Special Needs Child" by Hillary Gagnon (August 2009).
This article explains the importance of proper estate planning and serves to aid parents of children with special needs in protecting the child's personal and financial future and increase his quality of life, in the event of a parent's death or incapacity.

Litigation

"How to Deal with the 'Rambo' Litigator and Avoid Dirty Litigation Tactics" by Jim Csontos for National Business Institute (June 25, 2008).
Mr. Csontos, a partner with the Firm, was one of the speakers at this seminar in Phoenix, Arizona. The topics covered include Effective Remedies and many more litigation related topics. For more information, contact Jim Csontos or visit National Business Institute.

Surety Law

"Pearlman 2008" by Chad Schexnayder and Edward Rubacha (September 11-12, 2008).
Mr. Schexnayder and Mr. Rubacha spoke at this annual surety seminar held in Seattle, Washington. The main topic at this year's seminar dealt with complex bankruptcy matters. Mr. Schexnayder is a recognized national speaker in this area. Mr. Rubacha spoke on tribes and tribal entities from the surety's and the tribe's perspective. Mr. Rubacha is a nationally-known resource in the area of construction in Indian Country with tribes and tribal entities from the contractors' and sureties' side. 

"The Surety's Indemnity Agreement - Law & Practice" by Chad Schexnayder for American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (May 9, 2008).
Mr. Schexnayder, a partner with the Firm, was one of the speakers at this seminar held on May 8 and 9, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri. The topics covered include Underwriting Risks, Tribal Principals, Bankruptcy and many more surety related topics. For more information, contact Chad Schexnayder. 

"National Bond Claims Association's Annual Seminar " by Jim Csontos (October 11, 2007).
Mr. Csontos, a partner with the Firm, was one of the speakers at this seminar, held October 11-12, 2007 at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, contact Jim Csontos or visit National Bond Claims Association.

Creditors' Rights

"Leasing in Indian Country - Understanding Important Issues" by Edward Rubacha and John Sinodis for the Monitor, 2011 Conference Issue .