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Ryan Spencer Tait

also known as Ryan Tait
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Avvo Rating10
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Licensed for 12 years
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About Ryan

Mr. Tait is a founding partner of Tait & Hall and practices in the areas of criminal and civil litigation, where he is a fearless, aggressive and effective advocate. Mr. Tait began his career as a prosecutor in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted in the Pretrial, Juvenile, Adult, and Major Crimes trial bureaus. His trial skills earned him recognition in each bureau he was assigned. As a Major Crimes prosecutor, Mr. Tait took more cases to trial and boasted a higher trial success rate than any other attorney in his bureau.

After learning the tactics employed by prosecutors, Mr. Tait became convinced that his talents would be better utilized by protecting the accused against the injustice of over-zealous prosecution. His effectiveness as a Criminal Prosecutor quickly translated into success when he joined one of Arizona’s largest criminal defense firms. There, he was tasked with handling the most serious and complex cases retained by the firm, ranging from Aggravated DUI to First Degree Murder.  His passion for defending the Constitutional rights of the accused combined with his natural, polished courtroom presentation quickly translated into consistent trial victories for his clients, saving them, in some cases, from decades of incarceration. 

Mr. Tait attended UCLA Law School, where he participated in Moot Court, was an editor on the Entertainment Law Review, and participated in the Business Law Program. He also cofounded the UCLA Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, which focused on ensuring integrity in the practice of law.

Mr. Tait’s legal education did not stop at Law School.  He has attended hundreds of hours of specialized training in identifying weaknesses in his opponents’ cases. Mr. Tait is a member and graduate of the inaugural class of the Arizona Criminal Forensic Academy, where he developed a sharp ability to identify and attack weaknesses in even the most complex cases. Coupled with his passion for defending individuals against government overreach, Mr. Tait’s acquired knowledge and natural abilities have resulted in an impressive collection of dismissals and jury acquittals for his clients.

Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defenseCar accident
  1. Car accident: 40%

    8 years, 150 cases

  2. Criminal defense: 40%

    Ryan spent his first five years practicing Criminal Law as a felony prosecutor. He worked for one of the largest prosecuting agencies in the country, where he boasted the highest trial success rate in his Major Crimes Bureau. He was recognized multiple times for his trial work and assigned to train new attorneys on effective trial skills. As a criminal defense attorney, Ryan uses those trial skills to defend all types of criminal charges, from DUI's to First Degree Murder.

    13 years, 1,000 cases

  3. DUI and DWI: 20%

    13 years, 175 cases

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Photos and videos

4241801 1580835021

4241801 1580835117

Contact

4455 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. C250
address map

Tait and Hall, PLLC

4455 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. C250
Phoenix, AZ, 85018

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
AZActive 200711/28/2019
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers45
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top 40 under 40National Trial Lawyers Association2016
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Managing PartnerTait & Hall, PLLC2015 - Present
Associate AttorneyAlcock & Associates, PC2012 - 2015
Deputy County AttorneyMaricopa County Attorney's Office2007 - 2012
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Maricopa County Bar AssociationMember2017 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember2015 - Present
United States District Court for the District of ArizonaMember2015 - Present
Arizona Forensic Science AcademyGraduate2010 - 2011
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
State Bar of Arizona - Young Lawyers DivisionArizona Disaster Assistance Manual2011
State Bar of Arizona - Young Lawyers DivisionArizona Disaster Assistance Manual2011
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of California at Los Angeles School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2007
Brigham Young UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science2002
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Paralegal Training SeminarManaging Criminal Case Flow2014
New Hire TrainingEffective Cross-Examination2012
Juvenile Law SymposiumIntroduction to Juvenile Delinquency Law2010
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
State v. JFAll charges dismissed!
State v. NSAll charges dropped!
State v. RCAll charges dismissed!
State v. J.A.Dismissal
State v. R.C.Dismissed
State v. RCONot Guilty
State v. R.C.Not Guilty
State v. A.K.Case dismissed
State v. F.M.Not Guilty on all major charges
State v. L.B.Case Dismissed

Reviews

(18)
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Review Ryan Tait

Life changer

Posted by

I was facing a few felony counts with two prison priors and facing another prison term and I was being accused of some serious allegations. I made one of my best choices in life by hiring Ryan S Tait and he fought hard and aggressively and was able to get my case dismissed and I honestly don't have words to describe how thankful I am. Thanks to his hard work and dedication I'm able to get back with my life. I highly recommend this attorney. So if you find yourself in a difficult situation please don't hesitate and call and ask for Ryan and the rest will be taken care of trust me. He knows the system. Thanks once again Ryan, You guys are the best!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Client

Posted by

He was hired last minute re arranged his schedule while taking the time to compassionately talk with me to prepare. He came into court and owned it.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Ryan Tait's response: Thank you Cheryl! It was a pleasure to help you on this case! We are thrilled with the outcome.
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Attorney endorsements

(18)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Joy Riddle, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 5, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I have had the great pleasure of working with Mr. Tait for several years. Mr. Tait was a thoughtful and effective supervisor and teacher while at the county attorney's office. I was fortunate enough to work with him on a jury trial where I saw first hand how well he prepared motions, opening and closing statements and cross examination. It was a valuable lesson for me in trial preparation. As a defense attorney Mr. Tait and I worked together for just under a year. He again was an inspiring person to work with and learn from. I relied on his advice and legal knowledge heavily when I began working in criminal defense. He is easily one of the most brilliant legal minds, any case he takes rest assured is in good hands.

Robert Smith, Litigation Attorney on Mar 12, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Mr. Tait is a tireless advocate for his clients. He explores and pursues all legal avenues of defense on behalf of his clients, insuring the best possible outcome. I endorse him completely.

Raymond Kimble, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 9, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ryan for several years. We have worked together on several cases where he and I have represented co-defendants. Ryan is a great lawyer, is always prepared and does a tremendous job for his clients

Jordan Clegg, Government Attorney on Jan 28, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I have worked with Mr. Tait on a number of cases involving mutual clients facing immigration consequences. Mr. Tait's skillful advocacy skills helped him successfully defend these clients. He is an exceptional attorney with years of trial and courtroom experience. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Tait.

Armando Nava, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 27, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Mr. Tait for over two years. During that time, he handled multiple matters with ease. These ranged from every day misdemeanors to serious felonies. I was always impressed with his work, and I learned a lot about being an effective lawyer from Mr. Tait. He is one of the best trial attorneys I have ever seen. He cares about his clients and uses his experience to explain everything happening in their case. You can tell from the moment you meet Mr. Tait that he genuinely cares about what he is doing. You are in great hands if you choose Mr. Tait to represent you.

Matthew Bartz, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 27, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I've known Ryan since he began practicing in Arizona. When he was a prosecutor, he had a great reputation. It is one that has carried with him in all the years he has practiced criminal defense. He is well liked by his clients and respected by his peers. We often discuss current legal issues when we see each other in court and I hold him in high regard.

Kareen O'Brien, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 7, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Ryan and I had a major felony trial together. He fights for his clients. He's smart, charismatic, and very skilled in the art of cross examination. You won't regret hiring him!

Roland Rillos, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ryan is an excellent attorney, he is dedicated to his clients and diligently works on their cases. His courtroom demeanor and litigation skills are exceptional and he is highly respected in the legal community.

E Maupin, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ryan Tait is an exceptional attorney and is well respected in the community among prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges. He is especially talented at oral argument and in conducting trials. He is incredibly smart and convincing. I would trust him to handle a matter of my own.

Yasser Sanchez, Immigration Attorney on Sep 22, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ryan Tait is a fantastic attorney. I strongly endorse this lawyer. Hire him with with the ease of knowing that he is one of the top attorneys in Arizona.

Shane Miller, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ryan is a skilled and intelligent trial lawyer. He is relentless in his quest to achieve the best possible results for his clients.

Cody Curry, Insurance Attorney on May 29, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

Great attorney. Smart and aggressive.

Jerry Hannant, Criminal defense Attorney on May 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Tait is one the best attorneys in Phoenix. Highly recommended and highly skilled.

Arthur Hall, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 8, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Mr. Tait is an extremely smart and persuasive trial attorney and has managed to achieve some incredible results for his clients. He was a prosecutor for the State of Arizona and worked diligently in that position and has carried that same passion into private practice. I've personally observed Mr. Tait in trial and have been very impressed with the knowledge, presence and strategy that he uses to accomplish enviable results. I don't hesitate when I endorse this lawyer.

Darius Amiri, Immigration Attorney on Jul 31, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I have worked as immigration counsel on a few matters that were first handled by Mr. Tait as criminal matters. He has always been very responsive when I have needed information about the case and helpful in framing any issues from the criminal matter that I needed help understanding. From what I can see, his clients have had nothing but positive things to say about his professionalism, punctuality, fee affordability, and results in the court room. Highly recommend for any type of criminal litigation matter.

Kaitlin Verdura, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 18, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker

Mr. Tait is a highly skillful trial lawyer and litigator. I recommend him to anyone looking for an aggressive criminal defense attorney.

Paul Knost, General practice Attorney on Jun 15, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Ryan is a great trial lawyer. I have personally observed him in trial here in Phoenix. He is a master of the facts and the law. He truly cares about his clients and he achieves impressive results. He is also quite friendly and approachable. I endorse this lawyer without reservation.

James Tinker, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 14, 2014
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Ryan can take on the most difficult and serious felony cases, and get great results. I would trust him with my own case if I were facing such dire circumstances.