$ 350-500 per hour
Christopher Michael Doran
also known as Chris Doran
About Christopher
Biography
“True success can only be accomplished by succeeding at something you are passionate about.”
Chris Doran’s passion is in the courtroom and speaking up for those who need a voice. To date, every one of his jury trials have resulted in directed verdict dismissals, full acquittals, hung juries, or guilty verdicts with the same or lesser sentence than the plea that was offered. The one case that resulted in a guilty conviction for his client was later overturned and completely dismissed for egregious discovery violations by the police and the prosecution. In addition to success at trial, Mr. Doran has also achieved many victories in the pre-trial phase of cases, including: negotiating hundreds of deviated plea offers, helping to significantly reduce people’s bonds to allow them to be out of custody while they fight their case, receiving numerous case dismissals, obtaining significantly mitigated sentences from judges, handling various kinds of evidentiary hearings that have resulted in the suppression of crucial evidence, fighting injunctions harassment and orders of protections on both sides, reuniting parents with their children in contentious child custody matters, and assisting injured clients with receiving large monetary settlements. While Mr. Doran is still early in his career, he has already represented professional athletes, lawyers, doctors, police officers, and various high-profile cases that have gained national media attention. He has appeared on local news stations multiple times, and he was featured on CNBC’s show “American Greed”. In just two short years, he rose from an associate attorney at DuMond Law to a named partnering attorney of the DuMond & Doran Law Firm. Before he was 30-years-old, Mr. Doran started his own law firm in 2019: Doran Justice.
Mr. Doran’s primary experience is with criminal defense (over 800 cases) and personal injury civil litigation. He has also represented clients on contract disputes, landlord tenant issues, bond forfeiture hearings, juvenile delinquency matters, and family law cases. He represents people all over the State of Arizona in city courts, justice courts, municipal courts, superior courts, federal courts, and at the Court of Appeals. He has defended clients on small traffic offenses, DUIs, drug offenses, domestic violence offenses, violent offenses, sex offenses, white collar crimes, and even on charges of manslaughter and first degree murder.
Mr. Doran traces the groundwork of his many successes back to his participation in collegiate undergraduate mock trial with Sun Devil Mock Trial at his alma mater, Arizona State University. Mr. Doran was a captain and a leader in the program, earning individual lawyer awards, witness awards, team awards, and awards for professionalism and integrity (SPAMTA). More importantly, undergraduate mock trial taught him effective trial advocacy techniques; it took his public speaking to new levels; and it gave him a strong grasp of the Rules of Evidence used at trial. These skills serve as some of his greatest advantages over his opponents in the courtroom. Anyone that faces Mr. Doran in the courtroom can attest to his trial advocacy skills and his public speaking abilities.
After he graduated with two bachelor’s degrees and a 4.0 grade point average from ASU, he continued straight to law school with the Sun Devils at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. During his time in law school, Mr. Doran continued to compete in internal and external moot court, mediation, and mock trial competitions. Mr. Doran graduated from law school in 2015 with various 1st place victories, as a member of the exclusive Order of the Barristers, as a top moot court / mock trial law student of his graduating class by receiving the Janet S. Mueller Oral Advocacy Award, and with many other accolades. He was also President of the Executive Moot Court Board during his final year.
Despite his busy schedule and his successes, Chris has always found time to improve the community and the world. During his undergraduate years, he jointly started the first collegiate chapter of New Global Citizens, a non-profit, grassroots organization that helped indigenous, third-world countries to meet Millennium Development Goals. In law school, he was a homeless shelter director for the Homeless Legal Assistance Project (HLAP) at the East Valley Men’s Center, and he served as President of the Pro Bono Board for two consecutive years. Chris set, and still holds, the record for the most pro bono hours ever recorded by an ASU law student during law school with more than 2,000 logged pro bono volunteer hours. Chris still regularly attends the East Valley Men’s Center to provide free legal advice to the homeless. Additionally, Chris currently serves as co-head coach for ASU’s undergraduate mock trial team. This is his 12th year coaching the Sun Devils. During these twelve years, he has been coaching undergraduate students to guide and train future lawyers, and to give back to them what he was given in college. In these twelve years, the program has advanced beyond Regionals all but once, has consistently sent two teams to the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS), has competed at Nationals, and in 2023 advanced all 5 of ASU’s teams out of Regionals – making it only the second time in history that a program has done that.
As previously mentioned, Mr. Doran’s success is rooted in his participation in undergraduate mock trial, but what he, his clients, his friends, his family, and his colleagues attribute most of his success to is his passion for his clients. Mr. Doran is hard-working, dedicated, and passionate about each and every one of his clients. He does not stop in his pursuit for fairness, rehabilitation, second chances, and justice. By all accounts, Chris Doran truly cares about all clients that he represents in a unique and individual capacity. To him, this is more than just a career, it is his purpose.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
33%-40%
Pro bono
5 %
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Arizona for 10 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2015
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2020
Location
Doran Justice, PLLC
3550 North Central Avenue, Suite 1006, Phoenix, AZ, 85012
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Christopher Michael Doran's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 187 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Julian | November 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
My lawyer
Chris and his did an amazing job with my case. This was my first case and didn’t know what to do Chris and his team walked me through every step and explained everything in a simple and understanding way
Posted by Alex | November 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Doran Delivers
He knows the law, he knows the game, He shields the innocent from blame. With grit and grace in every fight, He turns the darkness into light. If justice needs a fearless guide, With skill and honor on its side, Then trust the name that stands unmoved Chris Doran, proven, tried, approved.
Posted by Brisa | July 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding Legal Help in a Difficult Time
I’m so grateful for the incredible work Chris Doran did on my protection order case. He acted fast, treated me with so much respect, and was genuinely kind throughout the entire process. From the start, he made me feel heard and supported, clearly explained everything, and kept me informed every step...
Posted by Lanna | May 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
So grateful to have Chris Doran representing our son! Best decision we ever made!
You never want to need a lawyer, but I am eternally grateful to have had Chris Doran represent us during this difficult experience. Our 15-year-old son made questionable life choices (as all 15-year-olds do). Chris and his team helped us through this tough process and got us the best possible outcom...
Posted by Zobia | April 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Strength, support and unmatched integrity
I can't thank Chris enough for the incredible support during my protective order case. This was one of the most difficult times in my life—I felt exposed, scared, and even ashamed to be in the position of a victim. But from start to finish, he made me feel supported, heard, and respected. Chris w...
Christopher Michael Doran's Lawyer Endorsements
"Chris is a bright and rising star in the Phoenix legal community and he will enjoy much success over the length of his career in law. As a friend and mentor to Chris over the last eight years, I can personally attest to his work ethic, integrity, intelligence, passion, and skills. Chris is a sharp and creative lawyer, a good writer, and a genuinely polished trial advocate with an unquenchable thirst for improvement and a commitment to serving his clients."
"Chris and I worked together as law clerks, attended law school together, and began practicing at about the same time. Throughout that time I have witnessed how passionate Chris is when representing those accused of committing crimes or victims of personal injury. He is very knowledgeable and charismatic, both of which go a long way in the courtroom. I highly recommend Chris."
"I am proud to have known Chris as a student, friend, and colleague for over a decade. Chris is a truly compassionate person motivated to help others and bring positive resolution to his cases. His dedication is second to none. I genuinely appreciate Chris's thinking and input, and his desire to serve his community by ensuring quality representation for those involved with the courts. Chris has the characteristics and work ethic required to be a strong advocate, and his success in and out of the courtroom speaks volumes as to his ability."
"I have known Chris for many years and have had the distinct opportunity of working with him on cases in the past. You will be hard-pressed to find a better oral advocate in the criminal defense community or a lawyer who cares about his clients more. Chris is highly competent, hard-working, and compassionate. He fights hard for his clients and puts himself in their shoes. He is also highly professional with other attorneys and knows how to interact with colleagues with kindness and grace. I would absolutely endorse him."
"Chris is an incredible attorney and it has been a privilege to work with and learn from him. I began working for Doran Justice while I was still in law school and have since stayed on as an associate attorney. Throughout that time, I have witnessed first hand how hard working and knowledgable Chris is and how his skill benefits his clients. Chris's experience in the courtroom allows him to advocate effectively for all clients and obtain great results. He is passionate about criminal defense and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking representation."
"Chris is not only a skilled trial attorney, but also a true advocate for his clients. I have known Chris since law school, and it is no surprise to me that his dedication, passion, and work ethic have served him well in his successful criminal defense practice. When a friend or colleague is in need of a talented, knowledgeable, and assertive criminal defense attorney, Chris is the first person that comes to mind."
"I have been working with and for Chris since I started law school. I have worked for Chris as both a law clerk and associate. Outside of the law firm, Chris and I serve as co-head coaches of the undergraduate mock trial program at Arizona State University. Chris is the perfect combination of talent, knowledge, work ethic, and compassion that any client should look for in an attorney. With years of competitive mock trial and real trial experience, Chris has gone unparalleled in every trial I have seen him in. His ability to come up with creative and compelling strategies in each case leads to favorable results for his clients. More than anything else, Chris truly cares about his clients. Time and time again, Chris goes above and beyond what is expected to give his clients the best representation possible. I would recommend Chris to anyone in need of an attorney."
"Chris is a brilliant attorney. I have worked as an associate for Chris, and he continues to impress me with his work ethic, compassion for his clients, and his positive attitude towards every individual case. Chris has an unparalleled knowledge of the Rules of Evidence and has a unique ability to make every case into a compelling story tailored to that specific judge or jury. Day or night, Chris works diligently to ensure that each and every one of his clients have a voice in their criminal or personal injury matter. I feel very fortunate to be able to continue to learn from Chris. I highly endorse Chris with no reservations."
"I have seen Chris litigate cases and have amazing outcomes. I would trust Chris with a family member's case. He is truly one of the best in the state. Not only is Chris extremely well versed in the law but he is very passionate about his clients. Chris cares about what happens to his clients and their future. I have watched Chris in trial and he has a captivating court room presence it's no wonder he has had so many not guilty verdicts. I would highly recommend Chris."
"Chris is an exceptionally talented attorney and advocate for his clients. He obtains outstanding results and is passionate about the client experience."
"Chris is an amazingly response, professional, courteous and diligent lawyer. He looks out for the interest of his clients and he acts quickly to ensure that matters are handled promptly and appropriately. I highly recommend Chris and I am happy to call him my college."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Chris Doran is a intelligent, knowledgeable, and caring. I have referred cases to Chris knowing that the client has a more a knowledgeable and skilled advocate who genuinely cares for his client. I endorse Chris with no reservations."
"Most young attorneys are incapable of walking into a courtroom and trying a case. Chris Doran is the exception to the rule. From day one, I have seen Chris flawlessly try cases that 20-year attorneys are incapable of handling. His knowledge of of the rules of evidence are unparalleled for an attorney his age. This is a superstar in the courtroom. I have also seen his tireless work ethic and boundless compassion for his clients. He will see clients at all hours of the day (even sometimes seeing clients in the middle of the night) and fights for them with every fiber of his being. Having Chris Doran on your side means that you you ha chance, no matter how high the odds are stacked against you. Chris Doran is a superstar in the criminal defense world, and he goes above and beyond for every case he takes. He has my full endorsement and I'm lucky not only able to call him a contemporary, but also a friend."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris and I went to law school together. I have seen him grow professionally and seen him achieve real successes for his clients. Chris is not only a knowledgable attorney, but he's also a community leader. He is engaged in volunteer work that helps others in the community reach their potential."
"Chris is one of the most gifted, hardworking, passionate lawyers I know. I frequently refer him cases because I know all of his clients are in good hands."
"I worked with Chris when I first became an attorney. One of the things I admired most about him was his passion for taking care of his clients. He is a relentless litigator and will work around the clock to make sure his clients get the best representation anyone can offer. He is also the kind of person who will drop what he is doing to help others in need. His rare qualities make him one of the best attorneys in this state."
"Chris is a talented and passionate criminal defense attorney who cares deeply about seeking justice for his client's case. He fights the good fight and I unreservedly recommend him to my clients in need of his services."
"Chris is an excellent attorney. He has the highest ethical and professional standards. I highly recommend Chris."
"Chris is a smart, hard working and passionate attorney. He works diligently to ensure his clients are well represented."
Madison Van Natter
Criminal defense lawyer
Sarah Barrios
Family lawyer
Anna Wendorf
Family lawyer
Chelsea Hesla
Real estate lawyer
Tyler Schwenke
Criminal defense lawyer
Shifa Alkhatib
Criminal defense lawyer
Alden Thomas
Employment and labor lawyer
Shelby Anderson
Family lawyer
Samantha DuMond
Criminal defense lawyer
Ross Kader
Family lawyer
Matthew Brown
Criminal defense lawyer
Robert Northrop
Personal injury lawyer
Peter Krehbiel
Intellectual property lawyer
Richard Suzuki
Criminal defense lawyer
Jack Litwak
Personal injury lawyer
Chase Rasmussen
Car accident lawyer
Russell Wenk
Family lawyer
Benjamin Rundall
Civil rights lawyer
James Cool
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2020.
Admonition and Probation issued in AZ, 2020
updated on 03/10/2021An admonishment means the attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. While on probation, the State monitors the attorney's activities for a period of time in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.
Honors
2017
Top 10 Under 40 Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2017
Top 20 Litigation Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona, Expertise
2017
Criminal Law "10 Best Attorneys" for Arizona, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2016
Top 20 Litigation Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona, Expertise
2016
Criminal Law "10 Best Attorneys" for Arizona, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2015
Order of the Barristers Inductee, Order of the Barristers National Honor Society
2015
2nd Place, Richard Oplinger Closing Argument Competition
2015
Most Outstanding Student Leader, Student Bar Association at Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
2015
Student Leader of Philanthropy, Student Bar Association at Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
2015
Pro Bono Achievement Award (School Record for Most Hours), Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
2015
Janet S. Mueller Oral Advocacy Award, Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
2014
1st Place, Jenckes Closing Argument Competition
2014
4th Place, Richard Oplinger Closing Argument Competition
2014
4th Place, Ralph Spritzer Appellate Argument Competition
2014
5th Place, Alan Matheson Client Counseling Competition
2014
CALI Award-Public Defenders Clinic (highest grade in class), The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI)
2013
1st Place, Jenckes Closing Argument Competition
2013
7th Place, Ralph Spritzer Appellate Argument Competition
2013
CALI Award-Litigation Experience (highest grade in class), The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI)
2012
Moeur Award (graduated college with a 4.0 or higher), Arizona State University
2010
All Region Attorney, American Mock Trial Association (AMTA)
2008
Rapporteur (Best Delegate), Model United Nations Far West Conference
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Founder, Owner, & Attorney, Doran Justice, PLLC
2018 - 2019
Partnering Attorney, DuMond & Doran, PLLC
2015 - 2018
Attorney, DuMond Law, PLLC
2014 - 2014
Law Clerk, Suzuki Law Offices, LLC
2014 - 2015
Law Clerk, DuMond Law, PLLC
2014 - 2014
Rule 38 Certified Limited Practice Intern, Maricopa County Public Defender
2013 - 2014
Law Clerk, The Brill Law Firm, PLLC
2013 - 2013
Intern, Maricopa County Office of the Legal Advocate
2013 - 2013
Intern, Feder Law Office
Associations
2020 - Present
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2017 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2015 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember
2013 - Present
American Association of JusticeMember
2012 - Present
Sun Devil Mock TrialHead Coach
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Lindell TR-2016005203
Plead guilty to DUI-Impaired to the Slightest Degree, a class one misdemeanor. 3 days in jail, 12 days on house arrest, and approximately $2,100 in fines. All other charges dismissed.
State v. Wren CR2014-152942-001, CR2014-151567-001, CR2015-002319-001
Plead guilty to three felonies (one per case), supervised probation with one year of deferred jail.
State v. Bellomy CR2015-80483
Plead No Contest to Theft, a class four felony and Attempted Trafficking in Stolen Property, a class four felony. Plead guilty to Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a class six felony. 2 years of supervised probation with no jail or prison.
State v. Ware 16-C-4238321
Case dismissal with diversion (one year of unsupervised probation)
State v. Shambhulingaiah 16-029318-1
Plead guilty to DUI-Impaired to the Slightest Degree, a class one misdemeanor. 1 day in jail and statutory minimum fines.
State v. Terlaje (Prefile)
Case dismissal with TASC offer
State v. Turner 16-039193-1
Complete case dismissal
Quaid v. Quaid FN2008-050130
Successfully negotiated a favorable agreement.
State v. Durbin CR2016-137090-001
Case dismissal with TASC offer
State v. Porter CR2015-127223-005
Plead to one count of Theft, a class six undesignated felony. Successfully argued for it to be designated a class one misdemeanor at the time of sentencing. Two years of supervised probation with reduced probation fees of $30/month instead of $65/month.
State v. Granado CR2016-138001-002
Case dismissal with TASC offer
State v. Mead 16-026713-1
Case dismissal
State v. Rodriguez-Padilla M-0741-4592768
Case dismissal at bench trial.
State v. Crouse CR-2015016556
Not guilty verdict at bench trial. Case dismissed on a Rule 20 motion halfway through trial.
State v. Gramp CR2016-106686-001
Case dismissal with TASC offer
Department of Child Safety v. Oakley #832980
Successfully negotiated agreement.
State v. Taylor CR2016-118984-001
Case dismissal at Grand Jury stage as the result of a successful Trebus Letter
State v. Angela Thomas CR2015-123000-001
Plea to one count of Aggravated DUI, a Class 4 Felony. Sentenced to 4 years of supervised probation with 3 months in county jail with work furlough. No summer months in Tent City and jail costs reduced by $6,000.00
State v. Melanie Batty CR2015-158417-001
Plea to one count of Aggravated DUI, a Class 6 Undesignated Felony. Sentenced to 2 years of supervised probation with 14 days in county jail (credit for 5 days time served), parenting classes, and reduced jail fees to $75 total.
Farber v. Miller FC2015-095847
Successfully negotiated a joint custody agreement that satisfied both parties.
State v. Shaun Danielsen CR2016-101348-001
Dismissal of all charges upon completion of diversion program (Felony Pretrial Intervention Program).
State v. Marchbanks CR-201601237
Case dismissal with TASC offer
State v. Greg Crusco 15-005845-2
Dismissal with 5 hours of community service
State v. Kimberly Kolen CR2015-030540-001
Plead guilty to 2 counts: 1) Endangerment, a Class 6 Undesignated Felony, 2) 1 count of regular DUI (slightest degree). Sentence: 2 years of supervised probation; 24 hours in jail with credit for time served and mandatory minimums on all fines/fees.
State v. Sheek M0747-CR-2015027307
Plead to one class one misdemeanor under the Glendale City Code for Excessive Noise. $380 in fines and restitution and anger management program. Dismissed other charges.
State v. Ronell Elmore CR2015-111085-001
Plea to one count of Disorderly Conduct, a Class 6 Designated Felony. Sentenced to 18 months supervised probation.
State v. Stephen Austin CR2014-101931-001
Plead guilty to 3 counts of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Class 3 Felonies. Sentenced to 10 years in prison (soft time). Lowest plea offer ever extended by this prosecutor at Attorney General's Office for these charges
State v. Jesse Sunn CR2014-158240-001
Plead guilty to one count of Aggravated Assault on a Minor, Class 6 Undesignated Felony. Sentenced to 2 years of supervised probation with domestic violence terms and a deferred 30 day jail term.
State v. Roger Warner CR2015-130763-001
Plead guilty to first time DUI (time served) and Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Accident with a stipulation to supervised probation
State v. Christopher Albaugh (CR2015000328-001)
Jury Trial: Not guilty on all four counts.
State v. Grant Hayse (2015073555)
Plead guilty to one Class 1 Misdemeanor. Unsupervised probation, alcohol screening, and no jail time.
State v. David Lopez (TR2015-122622)
Plea guilty to one Class 1 Misdemeanor for a Super Extreme DUI and an allegation of one prior DUI. Sentenced to 90 days in jail with work release 6 days a week.
State v. Manuel Espinoza (CR2014-001007-001)
Plead guilty to one Class 1 Misdemeanor for Disorderly Conduct. 1 year of supervised probation with no jail time
State v. Lamont Oakley (CR2015-112138-001)
Dismissal
State v. Trzaskos CR2015015782
Case dismissal with domestic violence diversion program
State v. Mark Latoski (CR2013-443034-001)
Jury Trial-Not Guilty Verdict
Education
2015
Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2012
Arizona State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2012
Arizona State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2019
2019 APDA Conference
Here's a Story of a Case Called Brady: Litigating the Failure to Disclose
2017
2017 APDA Conference
The Art of Cross Examination
2016
2016 APDA Conference
The Art of Cross Examination
2015
Mock Trial Workshops
How to Give an Opening Statement
2014
Mocking with the Devils
Basic Cross Examination
2014
Mock Trial Workshops
How to Give an Opening Statement
2014
2014 APDA Conference
Basic Cross Examination
2013
Mock Trial Workshops
Objections & Evidence
2013
2013 APDA Conference
Basic Cross Examination
Publications
2020
Doran Justice, PLLC
Possession Charges without Knowledge
2017
Doran Justice, PLLC
Getting Your Freedom Back
2016
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can i renew my green card with a dui, i have been in us since 1966
09 Feb 2020
Q&A
My husband was convicted of bigamy in Georgia and went to jail. How do I go about getting a divorce as I no longer live in Georg
09 Feb 2020
Q&A
Not eligible for driver's license in AZ?
09 Feb 2020