David Martinez

When I started law school over 25 years ago, my goal was to make a difference in the world. I thought I was going to practice constitutional or criminal law. However, I soon realized I was more interested and concerned about affecting the world around me. I wanted to do something that would directly touch the lives of the people in or close to my community.

I started out my legal career at Jennings Strouss & Salmon, a large law firm in downtown Phoenix. I spent many late nights working on commercial and tort litigation cases. I had 2 jury trials and several arbitrations at a very early stage in my career. My family was young, I was young, and I was burning the candle at both ends.

But then I got an unexpected opportunity. I accepted a job as in-house attorney for Arizona Public Service (APS). I quickly learned what life was like working in a large corporate setting. I worked on regulatory matters, helping the corporation comply with numerous rules and regulations, and various contracts. It was an invaluable experience. I loved the numerous opportunities I had to visit different power plants and facilities, and to interact with a wide range of professionals, from executives to front line employees.

Then, as it always happens, life threw me a few unexpected curveballs. I left APS and re-entered the world of private law practice with another firm where I practiced several different areas of law, including commercial litigation, business transactions, estate planning and franchising. It was a good change of pace, one that I enjoyed very much. However, while I enjoyed the areas of law I was practicing in, it became apparent to me that I was not going to be happy as an employee working for someone else. I am an entrepreneur at heart and when the time was right, I started my own practice.

During the last 8 years, I have continued to refine my skills so that I am better able to help individuals, business owners and executives on a wide variety of legal issues.

I am passionate about helping individuals structure their affairs so they can avoid unnecessary legal proceedings and disputes, and ensure that their assets pass on efficiently, how, when and to whom they want. Everyone has a unique situation that requires a different solution that is right for them. I find great satisfaction when people leave my office feeling as if a huge burden has just been lifted off of their shoulders. There is nothing quite like it.

I work with many business owners and fellow entrepreneurs. I help clients with a variety of legal issues, including starting new business ventures, franchising and all its nuances, business formations, drafting different types of agreements, buying and selling businesses, and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. My experience in law, whether working for a large firm, with a private corporation, or with past individual clients, has enabled me to bring innovative and unique legal solutions to people and businesses that are just as unique. I love a good challenge, and I have come to learn that with each unique set of problems there is a solution, and it brings me tremendous fulfilment when I am able to help a client find a solution, or overcome a daunting task or problem.