About

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 aaron@martinlawandmediation.com

Welcome to Martin Law & Mediation. I started this firm with the belief that I could build long-lasting relationships with clients and to give them great service along with great value. After working in the two largest firms in Phoenix and as the General Counsel to Great Hearts Academies, I took that experience and built a firm dedicated to quality and efficient representation for clients. To that end, I only work in a few dedicated practice areas:

Business services

I represent small businesses and multi-billion-dollar publicly traded companies. Whether you need help with day-to-day legal needs or litigation, I provide affordable and reliable counsel. I regularly serve as a long-term strategic partner to clients and in-house legal teams on a variety of matters.

ERISA Litigation

ERISA is a federal statute that governs employee benefits. I represent individuals with long-term disability claims or other employee benefits issues. I represent businesses in Section 510 and other ERISA claims.

Litigation and Appeals

I represent businesses and individuals in a variety of  litigation matters at trial and on appeal, including business divorces, commercial disputes, contract matters, tort actions, and alleged violations of state or federal statutes. I seek to help clients find an efficient and business-oriented solution to litigation.

I have briefed and argued several cases in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and have briefed cases in the Arizona Court of Appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. I also file amicus briefs on behalf of clients in a variety of courts around the country to protect and advance business interests and policy goals.

Mediation

For many disputes, the cost and time involved in litigation does not make sense. I help parties resolve conflicts through private mediation.

Education Law

I represent students and parents of children who have issues affecting their education. That includes students with special needs who receive special education services. It also includes students who are injured at school or who need help regarding discipline, athletics, or other issues in K-12, undergraduate, graduate, and professional educational settings.

Special Education: My interest in special education law began long before law school when my younger brother was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. From then, I became fascinated with special education law, and I saw the benefits that can come to students who are given the services they need to succeed. Unfortunately, not every school does a good job providing services, and parents often need help navigating the system and advocating for their children. 

PAST EXPERIENCE

Snell & Wilmer, Attorney

Great Hearts, General Counsel

Fennemore Craig, Attorney

Law Clerk, U.S. District Court, Chief Judge John M. Roll

EDUCATION

• University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law
  • Editor-in-Chief, Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law
  • Student Leader, Ninth Circuit Pro Bono Appellate Program
  • Law College Scholarship
  • Dean's List
• The Catholic University of America (Ph.L., Philosophy)
• The Catholic University of America (B.A., Philosophy)
  • Phi Beta Kappa Society
  • Theodore Basselin Fellow
  • Dean's List
  • President of Student Government, Theological College

PROFESSIONAL  AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (PAST AND PRESENT)

• U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Advisory Committee for the State of Arizona
• St. Thomas the Apostle, Parish Council, Member
• Maggie's Place, Board Member
• State Bar of Arizona, Civil Jury Instructions Committee Member
• Catholic Charities, Board Member
• Cub Scout Den Leader

REPRESENTATIVE PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

•  “Cross-Plan Offsetting to Recoup Overpayments Violates ERISA Fiduciary Duties,” American Bar Association, Recent Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation (2018). 
• "Uncovering Hidden Disabilities Through Increased Collaboration Between Medical Providers and Schools," Author, Health Lawyers (February 2017) © 2017 American Health Lawyers Association. All rights reserved
• "The Yates Memo, Ten Months Later: What We Know and What To Do," Co-Author, Snell & Wilmer White Collar, Defense, Investigations and Compliance Blog (July 15, 2016)
• "Ten Tips for Effective Appellate Advocacy," Co-Author, Arizona Attorney Magazine (July 2016)
• Maricopa County Litigation Guide, Editor and Contributing Author (2014)
• "Attorneys' Fees on Appeal," Contributing Author, Arizona Attorneys' Fees Manual, 6th ed. (2014)
• "Homeschooling in Germany and the United States," Note, 27 Ariz. J. Int'l & Comp. L. 225 (2010)

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION 

Southwest Super Lawyers® Rising Star

• Schools and Education (2015–2021)
• Business Litigation (2014–2021)

AV Preeminent Rating (Martindale)

COURT ADMISSIONS

• Arizona
• Colorado (inactive)
• United States District Court, District of Arizona
• United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals, District of Columbia
• United States Supreme Court