Trish Stuhan

Trish is a Partner at Pierce Coleman, PLLC. Trish’s practice includes public law, employment law, civil litigation, and criminal prosecution. 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 handles real property matters, including property acquisitions, sales, land use, zoning, annexation, and development agreements. 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. Trish strives for a solutions-oriented approach to the law, assisting clients in achieving their goals and minimizing risk.

In her litigation practice, Trish handles a wide range of issues including breach of contract, quiet title, condemnation, constitutional issues, and wrongful termination and discrimination claims. Whether acquiring real property for public roadways or defending a city contract, Trish enjoys advocating for public entities. She also offers services for corporate clients.

Trish was licensed to practice law in Arizona in 2009 and is 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. Trish has handled bench and jury trials, bringing diverse experience to the courtroom.

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. She balanced her strong trial 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). From college to practice, Trish has focused on developing strong advocacy skills.

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

Arizona City Attorneys Association (served as President for 2021-2022)
Ladder Down, Federation of Defense and Corporate Council (2017-2023)
Coach, The National Moot Court Competition, ASU Law School Team (2017-2023)
Pro Bono Attorney, Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project (2019-2023)
Maricopa County Bar Association (member through 2023)

Trish's Service has been recognized by national organizations as well, including:

The Best Lawyers in America® for Municipal Law, 2024
Southwest Super Lawyers® Rising Stars for State, Local, Municipal Law, 2018-2019

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 enjoys being able to provide focused, effective services, whether discussing a quick issue or briefing a complex legal matter.