Trish Stuhan

Trish's practice includes public law, employment law, civil litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. She primarily represents public entities, facing multi-faceted problems that involve several areas of law. In her transactional practice, Trish advises regarding compliance with Arizona’s open meeting law, public records, and conflicts of interest. She handles real property matters, including purchase and sale agreements, licenses, and easements. She guides clients through land use, zoning, and development issues. She prepares employee handbooks and conducts training programs. She regularly reviews contracts and assists with procurement and construction issues.

In her litigation practice, Trish handles a wide range of issues cities and towns face, including issues of constitutional law, zoning, eminent domain, breach of contract, nuisances, construction, and election issues. She also handles employee terminations and appeal hearings, advocating for employers throughout the appeal process. Whether acquiring real property for a public roadway or defending a city contract, Trish enjoys advocating for public entities. Trish also keeps herself in court on a regular basis while serving as a contract prosecutor for municipal clients.

Trish is a member of numerous professional organizations, ensuring up-to-date legal advice and service to her community. Her volunteer work and recognition include:

Top Pro Bono Attorney, Arizona Bar Foundation (2024)
Best Lawyers® Recognition for Municipal Law (2024)
Southwest Super Lawyers® Rising Stars (State, Local, Municipal) (2018-2019)
Arizona City Attorneys Association (served as President for 2021-2022)
Coach, ASU New York City Bar Moot Court Competition (2017-2024)

Trish was licensed to practice law in Arizona in 2009 and was subsequently admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. She has handled litigation from trial to appeal in everything from city courts to state and federal appellate courts, and recently drafted an amicus brief for the United States Supreme Court. Trish attended the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, graduating cum laude in 2009 with a certificate in Law, Science & Technology, and was awarded the Janet S. Mueller Oral Advocacy Award for the best graduating oral advocate.

Trish’s communication skills were refined while earning a Master’s degree in Communication at the University of Utah in 2005 and a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication at Northern Arizona University in 2002. Her advanced studies focused on mediation and dispute resolution.

Trish currently serves as the lead attorney for municipalities in Arizona and special counsel to in-house attorneys in need of assistance. Trish views her role as a trusted advisor. Trish enjoys being able to provide focused, effective services, whether discussing a quick issue or briefing a complex legal matter. She conducts timely, thorough, and impartial investigations for public entities and assists in management of conflict through employee mediations.