The investigation began typically enough. The allegations included inappropriate comments, unwanted texts, and a pattern of behavior targeting newer employees. Simple enough, until one witness described how the respondent followed her to her car, grabbed her arm with enough force to leave a bruise, and forcibly kissed her. My stomach dropped. Not because of the conduct, but because I knew this was no longer just a workplace policy matter. It was potentially a criminal assault, and that changed everything.Workplace investigations do not handle the criminal side – it is not our lane. However, what we do in the moments
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Join our Team: Hiring a Legal Operations Director
If you’re an experienced operations leader with a strong background in legal billing, financial workflows, and team management, and you’re looking for a meaningful role in a supportive, high-performing law firm, Berk Law Group in Scottsdale is hiring, and this could be the perfect fit.
We’re an AV-rated probate, trust, estate, and inheritance litigation firm known for our integrity, dedication, and excellence. Our team is close-knit, hardworking, and genuinely supportive. If you’re looking for a professional yet collaborative environment where your leadership truly makes an impact, you’ll feel at home here.
We’re seeking a full-time Legal Operations Director with at…
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New Faculty Publications – Spring 2026
This bibliography comprises scholarly books, book chapters, and journal articles published or accepted for publication by full-time, emeritus, and retired faculty of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law between January 1, 2026 and March 31, 2026.
Ellen M. Bublick, A Research Agenda for Tort Law (Ellen M. Bublick & John C.P. Goldberg eds., Edward Elgar 2026)
This Research Agenda indicates key directions for future investigation in tort law, with particular focus on the ways in which laws could and should assign responsibility for injury and regulate safety. Bringing together leading international experts, this book maps out key challenges of…
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When Can Police Enter Your Private Property?
In Arizona, police don’t have unlimited power to come onto your private property; they usually need permission from a judge in the form of a warrant, or a valid legal reason. Your property is protected by both state and federal laws, and officers can’t just walk in without meeting certain requirements. However, there are some situations where police can legally enter without a warrant, and understanding these exceptions and what to do if you find yourself in this situation is critical.
When Officers May Still Enter Without a Warrant
While a warrant is usually required, there are important exceptions where…
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What Is Agentic AI and Should Your Law Firm Care?
Just when lawyers are getting accustomed to incorporating AI into their daily routines, a new learning curve emerges: Agentic AI. In 2024, the legal world was captivated by questions like: Can AI write my blog posts? Attorneys experimented with ChatGPT, debated its ethics, and cautiously began to test its limits. The conversation was almost entirely […]
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Can a Dog Sitter Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
Article Summary
- Arizona has a strict liability law for dog bites, making the dog owner responsible for damages.
- When a dog bites someone while in the care of a dog sitter, liability for damages can be more complex.
- Working with a dog bite lawyer to determine negligence could help build a stronger personal injury claim.
Dogs aren’t always with their owners. And when they aren’t, an increasing number are with a dog sitter rather than a boarding service. In fact, industry data indicates that two-thirds of pet owners prefer a pet sitter over a boarding facility.
About the same percentage…
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Good Vibes Are Contagious — And That’s Actually Good for Business
The energy of a workplace is not an accident. It is a direct reflection of the people in it, and more specifically, the attitudes those people choose to bring through the door every single morning. Science has long confirmed what most of us already know intuitively — emotions spread. When one person on a team leads with enthusiasm, optimism, and genuine warmth, those feelings ripple outward in ways that are measurable. For professionals and businesspeople in high-pressure fields, understanding this dynamic is a competitive advantage.
Think about the colleagues who have had the greatest impact on your career. Chances are,…
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Construction and employment attorney Lori Metcalf joins Lang Thal King & Hanson
We are pleased to welcome construction and employment attorney Lori Metcalf to the firm.
A former general counsel for an international construction company,
LORI METCALF
focuses her practice on
construction law, employment law,
and
government liability
.
In her employment law practice, Lori helps contractors avoid and resolve employment disputes and government compliance issues, such as:
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employee claims of workplace harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination;
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jobsite safety issues;
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wage-and-hour compliance;
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employment and independent contractor agreements;
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severance and noncompete agreements; and
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employee handbooks.
After earning her law degree at Arizona State University, Lori served for two years at the Arizona…
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Life Insurance for Singles: Do You Need It?
Maybe, maybe not. Depending on your situation, even if you who have no dependents, you might have many of the same insurance needs as people who have families.
Because so many of the purposes for having a will, trust, life insurance, etc., are to protect and convey assets to one’s spouse and children, many single persons – unmarrieds and never-marrieds – might place a relatively low priority on estate planning and related issues.
That would be a mistake, as end-of-life planning is important for every adult, regardless of marital status or family composition.
For a single person, having a well-conceived…
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Is It Illegal Not to Have Car Insurance in Arizona in 2026?
Key Takeaways
- Driving without insurance in Arizona is illegal under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-4135.
- Arizona law requires liability insurance for any vehicle operated on a public road.
- A first offense for driving without insurance carries a $500 fine and a three-month license suspension.
- Arizona sets minimum liability coverage at $25,000 bodily injury per person.
- Drivers must provide proof of active insurance during an Arizona traffic stop.
Driving through Glendale, Phoenix, or anywhere across Arizona without proper insurance coverage puts more than your wallet at risk. At The Law Offices of John Phebus, our car accident lawyers regularly work…
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How Bankruptcy Stops Wage Garnishment in Arizona
Quick Summary: Wage garnishment can significantly reduce your take-home pay, making it harder to meet everyday financial obligations. Filing for bankruptcy under Arizona law may temporarily stop or permanently eliminate certain garnishments through a legal protection known as the automatic stay. Whether through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, individuals have options to regain control of their finances depending on their specific circumstances.
Understanding Wage Garnishment and Its Impact
Wage garnishment happens when a creditor receives a court order allowing them to collect money directly from your paycheck. This typically follows a lawsuit where the creditor obtains a judgment against you.
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2026 US News Dispute Resolution Rankings
Every year US News ranks law schools overall as well as by specialty areas, one of which is dispute resolution. Fortunately the specialty rankings are purely peer-based as opposed to some arbitrary number – like bar passage. It’s so unfair that some states have diploma privilege and therefore law schools in those states get a 100% pass rate for US News ranking purposes and states like Arizona have the highest bar cut score in the country and our school is penalized for it – despite having a great pass rate (much higher than the state average, which would be a…
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Plastic Surgery Chains
The Depression era bank robber, Willie Sutton, is famously reported to have said he robbed banks because, “That’s where the money is.” In today’s medicine, the money is in cosmetic surgery and the good doctors, the bad doctors, and the private equity investors are flocking to cash in.
Necessary medical procedures are usually covered by insurance while elective cosmetic surgery procedures are not. Insurance often caps the amount a surgeon can charge for a procedure. Since cosmetic procedures are usually paid for by the patient out of his or her own pocket, the only limit to…
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In Memory – Isabelle R. Gunning (1956-2026)
With great sadness, our field learned of the passing of Isabelle Gunning. Those of us at Indisputably felt that the most meaningful way to honor her life and legacy was to invite people who knew her well to share reflections with our community. We are especially grateful to Sharon Press (Mitchell-Hamline) and Ellen Deason (Ohio State), who worked closely with Isabelle, for offering the remembrance that follows.
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We are honored and humbled to have been asked to share some words in memory of our dear friend and colleague, Isabelle Gunning, who passed away on March 28, 2026. She…
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Jesus Flores Killed in Phoenix Police Shooting
Jesus Gonzalez Flores, of Avondale, Died Following Officer-Involved Shooting Near Interstate 17 in Phoenix
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (April 5, 2026) – A 41-year-old man identified as Jesus Flores has tragically died in a Phoenix police shooting by 19th Avenue and Durango Street.
Phoenix police officials are saying the incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on February 27. Officers were called to the area to assist DPS troopers who required help.
Footage from that night shows officers taking cover behind a vehicle. The squeal of tires can be heard in the background. Smoke also began to fill the air as a result of…
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Are Personal Injury Settlements Taxable?
Article Summary
- Receiving a personal injury settlement could make tax filing a bit more complex than it already is.
- Not every personal injury settlement is the same in the eyes of the IRS, which is why it’s important to work with a personal injury attorney to make sure a claim is classified properly from the beginning.
- Some settlements are viewed as taxable income by the IRS, while others are not. Working with a personal injury attorney and consulting with a tax professional can help to sort it all out.
Filing taxes can be complicated as it is, but when you…
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