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Hayley Worrell’s commitment to criminal defense and post-conviction advocacy is not merely professional — it is profoundly personal. After witnessing firsthand, the devastating impact of her husband’s wrongful conviction, Hayley gained an intimate understanding of the fear, uncertainty, and helplessness that families experience when navigating the criminal justice and prison systems. That experience did not simply shape her perspective; it ignited her purpose.
Hayley draws upon that lived experience every day in her practice. She understands what it feels like to sit on the other side of the courtroom, powerless and overwhelmed, watching a loved one’s future hang in the balance. She knows the emotional toll, the sleepless nights, and the weight families carry and has witnessed the pain that a conviction causes for the accused. Because of this, she is deeply committed to ensuring that her clients and their families never feel alone, unheard, or left in the dark.
Hayley believes that the strongest defense is built collaboratively. She works closely with her clients and their families, recognizing that they often know the facts of their case better than anyone. By fostering transparency and open communication, she empowers her clients to be active participants in their own defense. Every client has her direct phone number and the assurance that their questions and concerns will be addressed — day or night. Her goal is not only to fight tirelessly in the courtroom, but also to help shoulder the emotional burden her clients carry, so they know someone is steadfastly standing beside them.
While attending the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, Hayley served in the Post-Conviction Clinic, where she advocated for individuals seeking relief from unjust convictions and excessive sentences. There, she developed substantial experience drafting and preparing post-conviction relief petitions, commutation applications, parole hearing materials, pardon petitions, and habeas corpus filings.
Her extensive work in post-conviction proceedings provides her with an invaluable perspective at the trial level. Having meticulously reviewed complete trial transcripts in numerous cases — analyzing what succeeded, what failed, and where critical errors occurred — Hayley approaches trial advocacy with a sharpened eye. She is skilled at identifying legal issues quickly, anticipating vulnerabilities, and implementing strategies that strengthen her clients’ positions from the outset. This depth of experience allows her to safeguard her clients’ rights at every stage of the process and to build the strongest possible defense.
Hayley’s advocacy is defined by precision, persistence, and compassion. She is relentless in her pursuit of truth and justice, unwavering in her dedication to correcting injustice, and meticulous in ensuring that each client receives individualized, thorough representation—whether they are innocent or they have made a mistake that led them here. Guided by both personal conviction and professional discipline, Hayley strives not only to defend her clients, but to restore hope, dignity, and fairness within a system that too often feels overwhelming.
7
Practice Areas
2 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2025
No misconduct found
Mobile
Mobile
7310 N. 16th Street, Suite 330A, Phoenix, AZ, 85020
dwanecates.com/8 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews
Posted by Monica | March 24, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Hayley is AWESOME! Wouldn’t recommend anyone else!
Hayley was extremely personable And professional. She took time to thoroughly make sure we understood everything and really cared about us as her clients. Any questions we had she answered and if we had questions she wasn’t sure of she made sure she found the right answer for us. It did not matter wh...
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so glad that I could help get the resolution for her that she truly deserved.
Posted by Martha | March 18, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Hayley Worrell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
i hired Hayley to represent My Son on some pretty serious charges . Hayley’s knowledge and commitment to seeing this case through has been more than exceptional she has kept me informed throughout this whole process and has been more than clear on all the possible outcomes i highly recommend Hayle...
I am so happy that I could help get a good resolution from him. Thank you for the kind words.
Posted by Megan | March 15, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
Professional and Supportive
I had a great experience working with Hayley. Even as a newer attorney, she was incredibly professional, responsive, and thorough throughout my case. She took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I understood each step of the process, which I really appreciated. What stood out the mo...
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so glad that I was able to help and that you felt supported throughout this difficult time.
Posted by Melinda | March 14, 2026 | Criminal Defense
Honest and helpful
I’m a woman in my 60s and, like many people, I had never needed to deal with a lawyer before. When I needed one, I started calling around to understand my options. That’s how I ended up speaking with Hayley Worrell. I ultimately did not hire Hayley, but it wasn’t because I didn’t think she would be a...
Melinda, it was a pleasure getting to talk to you. I am glad that we were able to connect and I could help guide you to make the best decision for yourself regarding this situation. I appreciate all of your kind words.
Posted by Kelsie | March 14, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Caring and supportive
I cannot say enough great things about Hayley. She is truly phenomenal at what she does. From the very beginning, she made us feel heard and understood. She takes the time to listen carefully and genuinely cares about the people she represents. Communication is one of her greatest strengths. She k...
Kelsie, thank you so much for your kind words. I am so glad to hear that I was able to provide you support and ensure that you never felt in the dark during this difficult time.
"Hayley is a passionate, fierce and dedicated trial attorney. I have had the pleasure of supervising her since she became licensed, and it is clear that her work ethic and dedication to her clients is unmatched. We are lucky to have her on our team and I highly recommend Hayley. She is a rising star in this profession."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2025 - Present
Attorney, Cates and Reed, PLLC
2023 - 2025
Rule 39 Certified Student Attorney, Arizona State University's Post-Conviction Clinic
2025
JD - Juris Doctor
English