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Andre L. Pennington

Probate Attorney at Surprise, AZ

4.9   21 reviews
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • State Years
    Arizona - AZ 7 years
    Colorado - CO 17 years
  • Licensed for 7 years
    State AZ
    Acquired 2016
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 17 years
    State CO
    Acquired 2006
    Status
    Inactive No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Andre

Learn Andre’s areas of practice.

PROUD AIR FORCE VETERAN! KIND & COMPASSIONATE ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY. CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!

Andre Pennington specializes in estate planning, wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. What makes Andre unique is that he has specialized estate planning training and experience from his time as an attorney for the United States Air Force, but also has extensive trial experience with over 75 jury trials to his credit at the state, military and federal level. This blend makes him uniquely qualified and able to effectively navigate the waters of your estate plan and administration.

Since 2011, Andre has lived in Surprise, Arizona. He is married to his beautiful wife, Amanda, and has five children, a son and four daughters, ages twelve, ten, eight, seven and five. As a father, he rarely misses a family obligation and understands that family is the greatest gift a person can receive and that protecting their future is of paramount importance. With that sentiment, he uses his years of estate planning, trial experience and expertise to guide, navigate, and protect your family’s interests in their most difficult time.

He grew up in Southern California, graduating from California State University, Fullerton, and Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. He then started his legal career in 2006, as a trial attorney within the Colorado state courts. In 2007, he joined the United States Air Force and for four years engaged in estate planning and trial work. During that time, he was recognized by leadership as being within the top five percent of trial attorneys in the Air Force.

With a desire to have a more stable home life, he left active duty and transferred to the Air Force Reserves, where he is the rank of Major, and has been a trial advocacy instructor, government appellate counsel and estate planning attorney. Until 2014, Andre practiced as a federal trial attorney for the District of Arizona, when he left to take his current position and to go into private practice as a full-time estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate attorney.

Andre co-founded Hearts of the Desert, residential homes dedicated to the well-being of foster children; he was appointed as a part-time Judge for the Maricopa County Justice Courts (2015-2017); and co-founded and is a Director for Arizona’s Children Coalition. Andre is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is an adult instructor and lifetime member at De Boa Jiu Jitsu Academy in Surprise, Arizona.

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
2016

Photos and videos

Andre is a purple belt in brazilian jiu jitus and is an adult instructor and lifetime member at De Boa Jiu Jitsu Academy in Surprise, Arizona.

Contact Andre

Pennington Law, PLLC (Surprise)
Pennington Law, PLLC (Sun City West)
13925 W. Meeker Blvd., Suite 20
Sun City West, AZ, 85375
Pennington Law, PLLC (Litchfield Park)
12725 W Indian School Rd Suite E-106
Avondale, AZ, 85392
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Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  21 customer reviews
5 Star
 
95%
4 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Steven | November 20, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Finally a Lawyer that looks out for his clients
Andre is 2nd to no one! He knowledge, experience and desire to help is unmatched. I will look no where else.
Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Experienced, Personable and Honest
It was a pleasure working with Mr. Pennington. His military and years of experience shine through the moment I spoke with him. He made dealing with hard decisions comfortable, he used terms that where easy to understand and gave knowledgeable advice. I would not only recommend Mr. Pennington, but I will be using him again.
Posted by Lynn | October 14, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Special Needs Trust
I came here for help with a Special Needs Trust and the firm provided exactly what I needed and was very compassionate and thorough in doing so. Would definitely recommend to anyone and especially to individuals with the same needs as ours.
Response from Andre Pennington October 16, 2021
It was a pleasure!
Posted by Kevin | September 9, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trusts
Very thorough, compassionate and fair. Best attorney I've found in Arizona!
Posted by Tracy | May 2, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Took my stress away
After the sudden death of my husband I needed a probate lawyer to help me refinance my home. We thought we had taken all the right steps to insure all the necessary steps were taken so we wouldn't run into any problems. Boy was I wrong. Seems the verbiage was written wrong in our Wills. I was so stressed out from losing my husband, and trying to get this refinancing done in the time frame I was given I needed help. Andre at Pennington Law took a lot of that stress away from me, and ensured me things would get done. Even during this Covid-19 Pandemic Andre was able to file and work his magic to make sure I was taken care of, and this overwhelming process was done, and done right.
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Posted by Steve | April 13, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Free consult...Wow
Andre was super. I had a Estate question outside of Maricopa and Andre overlooked the documents I had and gave me his honest opinion and suggested I contact a attorney down in Tucson. If this is the kind of effort and service Andre does on a free consult I can only imagine what he does once retained. Thanks a bunch Andre!!!
Posted by Jack | April 7, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Consummate and Dedicated Attorney
I recently had the opportunity to work with Andre and found him to be exactly the kind of attorney I want in my corner. Andre talked me through my estate plan with detail and care, all the while keeping the communication simple and understandable. By the time we were done, I had a firm grasp in what we set up in my and my wife's estate plan, what the next steps were to completion, and complete confidence that we had a rock solid plan in place. And, in today's uncertain times, that certainty is worth a lot.
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Posted by Elaine | March 8, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Honorable
Mr. Pennington was the ONLY lawyer I reached out to that said he would try the simple (informal) probate first and was almost certain he could get it through. If not, we would then go the formal route. He succeeded, as he said was possible, with the informal. The quick turnaround time amazed me (less than 4 weeks). He is a down-to-earth, straight talking, amazing professional that I would highly recommend to anyone!
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Posted by Debbie | January 28, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Attorney, Just what I was looking for
Mr Pennington responded to my questions regarding the ancillary probate quickly, and has been hired as a result. He has shown that he cares about his clients, and fees are reasonable. We will be able to complete the process without hassles, and know we have an attorney that will ensure all necessary paperwork is filed correctly. Thank you Andre Pennington for your assistance with the ancillary probate we need.
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Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
What a great experience!
I went in to see Andre about setting up my estate plan and I was not disappointed. He was very knowledgeable and got me exactly what I needed. I would recommend Andre to anyone looking to have an estate plan done the right way.
Posted by Leslie | November 26, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Superb Attorney
My experience with Mr. Pennington was great! I was treated like a friend not just another client. Mr. Pennington was great about explaining dermatologist in my case in terminology that made sense to me. My case was handled with care in a timely manner, making a situation that could be painful and drawn out quick and painless! I HIGHLY recommend Pennington Law!
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Posted by Tirrell Turner | November 20, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Work!
Andre was very understanding and easy to talk to. He took on my case with urgency and made me a top priority!
Posted by Ron | November 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Painless representation
Mr. Pennington explained, handled, and executed my will. His receptionist was very curtious and scheduled my consultation with in days of my call. Andre listened to my needs answered all my question in a way that I could understand. Explained the process from start to completion in a simply way that I could understand without needimg a law degree myself. Mr. Pennington is worth more that what I had to pay that is for sure. I recommended him to my family and friends with out hesitation. If you want promt, professional, and top notch representation look no further than Mr. Andre Pennington.
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Posted by Chris | November 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent service and prompt action
Andre Pennington is an excellent lawyer and cares about your needs. He helped me with an insurance claim and was able to handle any questions, as well as needs, that I had. He is an honest person and you will immediately be able to tell that your best interests are his best interests while you are his client. I would recommend Mr. Pennington to all of my friends and family for any legal services that may be needed.
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Posted by Rolando | November 19, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great Professional Care
Excellent work ethic and professionalism.
Posted by Be | November 19, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great attorney
Andre is very honest, and knowlegable. I would recommend him to anyone. Please come see Andre about your estate planning needs. You will not be disappointed.
Posted by Loyd | November 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent experience.
Andre was helpful, thoughtful and responsive counsel in my estate planning process. I would not hesitate to work with him again, or recommend him to my closest friends and family.
Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding
I hired Andre to draft a will. He brought up important issues that I did not think about and responded to all my questions. He was easy to get a hold of and very professional. I would highly recommend his services.
Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Couldn't ask for a better attorney
While my husband was serving our country in Afghanistan, thieves broke into our storage units and vandalized it. The management failed to take responsibility for their lack of security which was promised and promoted, they also refused to pay out for the insurance we purchased on or units so we looked into attorneys and found Mr. Pennington who handled everything for us and got the storage company to pay out what they owed us in an expeditious manner. Mr. Pennington was very reliable, knowledgeable and friendly. Not once did we feel overwhelmed or lost. I would definitely be telling my friends who are need of an ottorney about Mr. Pennington.
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Posted by anonymous | November 16, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Very personable and knowledgeable. Excellent experience.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Assistant Staff Judge Advocate (Reserves)
  • U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (Jag) Corps
  • 2020 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Pennington Law, PLLC
  • 2016 - Present
  • Assistant Staff Judge Advocate
  • U.S. Air Force Jag Corps
  • 2006 - Present
  • Appellate Government Counsel & STC
  • United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (Jag) Corps
  • 2016 - 2020
  • Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, Hickam AB
  • United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (Jag) Corps
  • 2015 - 2016
  • Deputy Director, TRIALS Program
  • United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (Jag) Corps
  • 2015 - 2018
  • Judge Pro Tem
  • Maricopa County Justice Courts
  • 2015 - 2017
  • Adjunct Professor, Judge Advocate General's School
  • United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (Jag) Corps
  • 2013 - 2018
  • Training by Reservists in Litigation Skills (TRIALS), Instructor
  • United States Air Force Judge Advocate Corps
  • 2012 - 2018
  • Founder & General Counsel
  • Hearts of the Desert, LLC
  • 2012 - 2017
  • Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, Luke AFB
  • United States Air Force Judge Advocate Corps
  • 2011 - 2015
  • Trial Attorney
  • Federal Defender Office, District of Arizona
  • 2011 - 2014
  • Area Defense Counsel, Peterson AFB
  • United States Air Force Judge Advocate Corps
  • 2009 - 2011
  • Chief of Military Justice, Peterson AFB
  • United States Air Force Judge Advocate Corps
  • 2008 - 2009
  • Chief of Legal Assistance, Peterson AFB
  • United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (Jag) Corps
  • 2007 - 2008
  • Trial Attorney
  • Colorado State Public Defender's Office
  • 2006 - 2007
  • Rule 9.42 Certified Law Student
  • San Diego County Public Defender's Office
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Rule 9.42 Certified Law Student
  • Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Law Clerk
  • Orange County Public Defender's Office
  • 2004 - 2005
View all work experience

Education

  • Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2006
  • California State University, Fullerton
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2003
  • Mount San Antonio College
  • Associates Degree
  • 2001

Legal Cases

  • U.S. v. Merrick
  • Charges withdrawn

Associations

  • Arizona's Children Coalition (Non-profit)
  • General Counsel & Director
  • 2017 - Present
  • State Bar of Arizona
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • El Paso County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • Arizona Group Home Coalition
  • Member
  • 2015 - 2018
  • Agape Adoption Agency
  • Board Member
  • 2014 - 2018
  • Arizona Children's Foundation
  • Member
  • 2012 - 2017
  • Loyola Law School, Center for Juvenile Law & Policy
  • Member
  • 2005 - 2006
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Client Champion (Platinum Level / Highest Distinction)
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2021
  • 5-Star Peer Reviewed
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2020
  • 10.0 Rating
  • JUSTIA
  • 2020
  • Client Champion Platinum
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2020
  • Client Champion Gold
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2020
  • PACAF Harmon Award (Reserve JAG of the Year)
  • U.S. Air Force Reserves
  • 2016
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2016
  • Excellent Attorney
  • Avvo
  • 2016
  • Superb Attorney
  • Avvo
  • 2016
  • Meritorious Service Medal
  • U.S. Air Force
  • 2015
  • Air Force Commendation Medal
  • U.S. Air Force
  • 2013
  • Trial Defense Officer of the Quarter
  • U.S. Air Force, JAG Corps
  • 2011
  • Air Force Commendation Medal
  • U.S. Air Force
  • 2011
  • Rocky Mountain Region Company Grade Officer of the 3rd Quarter
  • U.S. Air Force JAG Corps
  • 2010
  • Rocky Mountain Region Officer of the 2nd Quarter
  • U.S. Air Force, JAG Corps
  • 2010
  • 21st Space Wing Company Grade Officer of the Quarter
  • U.S. Air Force
  • 2009
  • Rocky Mountain Region Company Grade Officer of 4th Quarter
  • U.S. Air Force JAG Corps
  • 2009
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (24)
Given (26)
Endorse Andre
Probate Attorney | Aug 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Andre is an excellent attorney who is well-versed in his field. What really sets him apart is the great job he does relating to and explaining things to his clients. I have had the privilege of representing some of his clients on other matters, and the level of trust and faith they have in him is inspiring and speaks volumes about him. I have sent clients of my own his way in the past, and will continue to do so without hesitation because I know he will do a great job for them."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I STRONGLY endorse this lawyer! I have had the pleasure of teaching trial advocacy with Andre Pennington all over the globe as part of our duty in the military. We have taught classes in Korea and Germany together and I am always impressed by his knowledge on the law and the tips he provides students. Even though I have been practicing law for over 14 years, I often found myself jotting down many of the tips he gives students! He is a gifted trial advocate instructor and will absolutely go the extra mile for his clients! I highly recommend Andre! You should definitely pick Pennington Law to help you with your legal issues!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Andre Pennington is a highly diligent and skilled attorney."
Wills and living wills Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have known Mr. Pennington since we were studying for the Bar exam and we were assigned to the same county court division, essentially as permanent opposing counsel. Andre and I worked on literally hundreds of cases together, and I have always found him to be prepared, diligent, honest and incredibly intelligent. I wholly endorse him, as I've seen firsthand how strong of an advocate he is for his clients."
Litigation Attorney | Jan 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Andre is an articulate, thoughtful, and passionate lawyer. I have had an opportunity to observe him in both an academic and litigation setting, and his skills are second to none. Not only that, but he is willing to take the time to listen, think issues through, explain his reasoning, and teach when needed. I absolutely endorse Andre as a lawyer and fellow litigator."
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 13
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Andre is an outstanding attorney and consistently impressed me during our years working together in the Air Force. He is committed to excellence and extremely adept at coming up with creative solutions to tough problems."
Military law Attorney | Dec 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Pennington when he was opposing counsel on a court-martial we handled. I was highly impressed by his work ethic, skill and integrity. I give Mr. Pennington my highest endorsement."
Unknown Attorney | Dec 08
Relationship: Co-worker
"It is without reservation that I endorse Mr. Pennington. He is a skilled litigator, a strong advocate for his clients, possessing great intellectual ability, and above all unquestionable moral character."
Military law Attorney | Dec 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Pennington is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Andre is a very talented and dedicated attorney and advocates ferociously for his clients. He is highly skilled in estate planning, probate matters, criminal law, trial advocacy, and appellate work. Definitely one of the best!"
Military law Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Andre is a terrific advocate, and a genuine, empathetic person. He's the attorney you want on your side, providing wise counsel about matters of importance to you and your family. I know Andre as a colleague and as a friend, but I'm also familiar with his stellar reputation."
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I met Andre at a training I went to for trial advocacy. He was by far one of the best instructors there. He gave me advice that I still use. His help also made me a vastly improved attorney. He was encouraging and knowledgeable. We've kept in touch since then and he was always willing to help me and answer any questions I might have. Andre is an excellent attorney. I would hire him for any estate planning matter in a heartbeat."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Mr. Pennington since we served together in the Air Force. He is a brilliant attorney who combines his expertise with compassion. I fully endorse Mr. Pennington."
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Pennington prepares diligently for each case, exercising independent judgment and conferring with his clients."
Litigation Attorney | Dec 01
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Andre is an amazing advocate. Both a perfect example of zealous advocacy and professional courtesy. Andre won what I believe most would agree an improbable victory. No stone was left unturned and his arguments and preparation were simply beautiful. I have worked with him on several matters since and I always walk away impressed with his level of advocacy and gained knowledge."
Military law Attorney | Nov 30
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse Andre Pennington. Andre is a skilled litigator with both passion and respect for the legal system. His superior knowledge is an invaluable resource for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 30
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"Major Andre Pennington is a gifted courtroom advocate with refined skills honed from experience as both a former military prosecutor and military/civilian defense counsel. He is a recognized expert whom the Air Force regularly calls upon to provide full spectrum criminal litigation training at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced level courses. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer."
Probate Attorney | Nov 30
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Military law Attorney | Nov 30
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"CPT Andre Pennington was a thoughtful advocate for his clients and a valued mentor to me."
View more endorsements
Estate planning
Estate planning
Divorce and separation
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Personal injury
Criminal defense
Estate planning
Federal crime
Military law
Criminal defense
General practice
Personal injury
Military law

Avvo Contributions

26 Legal Answers 0 Legal Guides
Surprise Probate Lawyer Andre L. Pennington
Andre L. Pennington
Probate Attorney
Surprise, AZ
Licensed for 17 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available