Trish Stuhan

Direct Dial: 602-218-6877 | E-mail: Trish@PierceColeman.com

Trish’s practice includes public law, employment law, civil litigation, criminal prosecution, and alternative dispute resolution. She primarily represents public entities, which often face multi-faceted problems that involve several areas of law. In her transactional practice, Trish regularly advises on procurement issues, contracts, and construction law. She also handles real property matters, including purchases, sales, licenses, and easements. She handles land use, zoning, annexation, and related development issues. She prepares employee handbooks and conducts training programs for employees. She also assists municipalities in compliance with the open meeting law, public records law, election law, and conflicts of interest.

When not working with municipalities on day-to-day legal needs, Trish also handles litigation matters, including breach of contract, quiet title, condemnation, election disputes, and wrongful termination and discrimination claims. Whether acquiring real property for public roadway or defending a city contract, Trish enjoys advocating for public entities. She also offers services for corporate clients and private employers. Trish keeps herself in court on a regular basis while serving as the lead prosecutor on contract with municipal clients.

Trish is a member of numerous professional organizations, ensuring up-to-date legal advice and service to her community, including:

Arizona City Attorneys Association (serving as President for 2021-2022)
Maricopa County Bar Association (member, Public Lawyers Division)
Board Member, Ladder Down, Federation of Defense & Corporate Council (2017-2021)
Coach, ASU New York City Bar Moot Court Competition (2017-2021)
Pro Bono Attorney, Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project (2019-2021)
Southwest Super Lawyers® Rising Stars (State, Local, Municipal) 2018-2019

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 and justice courts to state and federal appellate courts, as well as the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona. She 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. She also balanced her strong litigation skills with a passion for dispute resolution, winning national awards two years in a row at the American Bar Association Representation in Mediation Competition while in law school.

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 (all while participating in competitive speech and debate, winning over 120 awards in her collegiate career).

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 to public entities and corporate counsel. She regularly attends City Council meetings; researches and analyzes Arizona and federal law; reviews and drafts contracts; reviews and drafts resolutions, policies, and other public documents; handles public record requests; is available by telephone and email for quick consultation and timely feedback; and provides other general counsel duties as assigned. Trish also refers her clients to specialists, as needed, ensuring the client always has the best representation and choice in who handles its most complex matters. Trish enjoys being available to provide focused, effective services, whether discussing a quick issue or briefing a complex legal matter.