The Team


Don Bivens
Principal Attorney
Experience
Don Bivens has over 40 years of “big law” trial and appellate experience in complex litigation, class actions, arbitration, and mediation. Don has been recognized as a “Best Lawyer” and three-time “Lawyer of the Year” across multiple practice areas. He is the current Chair of the ABA’s Center for Innovation, is a member of the American Law Institute, and has served as Chair of the Section of Litigation of the American Bar Association, and President of the State Bar of Arizona.
Professional Leadership
Don's commitment to legal excellence extends beyond the courtroom. He has held numerous esteemed leadership positions, including:
Chair of the American Bar Association's Section of Litigation
President of the State Bar of Arizona
Chair of the Arizona Supreme Court's Committee on Civil Justice Reform
Chair of the Board of Non-Legal Service Providers
Areas of Expertise
Don's comprehensive skill set encompasses mediation, arbitration, and litigation across diverse practice areas, including:
Consumer Protection
Environmental Law
Employment Law
Product Liability
Business Disputes
Intellectual Property
Medical Malpractice
Securities Litigation
ERISA
Privacy & Data Breach
Banking and Finance
Education & Accolades
J.D., University of Texas School of Law
Note and Comment Editor, Texas Law Review
First Place, Mock Trial Competition
Departmental Honors in English
B.A., English Literature, Yale University (magna cum laude)
Awards & Recognitions
Southwest Super Lawyers
Business Litigation
Chambers USA
Commercial Litigation
Walter E. Craig Distinguished Service Award
Maricopa County Bar Association Hall of Fame
Law dragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America
Southwest Super Lawyers Top 50 in Arizona
The Best Lawyers in America
(Banking & Finance Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation, Securities Litigation, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation)
Benchmark Litigation, Litigation Star
Arizona, Intellectual Property, Antitrust, General Commercial, Professional Liability
Memberships
American Law Institute
American Law Institute
Memberships
Center for Innovation,
Chair (2020-present
Litigation Section,
Chair (2013-2014)
Board of Governors
(2007-2010)
Board Executive Committee
(2009-2010)
Board Operations Committee,
Chair (2009-2010)
House of Delegates
(1999-2010, 2014-present)
Section of Litigation Delegate
(2014-present)
Arizona State Delegate
(1999-2007) (elected statewide three terms)
Rules and Calendar Committee
(2000-2004), Chair (2002-2004)
Standing Committee on Independence of the Judiciary
(2006-2008)
Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession
(2004-2006)
Standing Committee on Technology and Information Systems,
Chair (1999-2002)
Standing Committee on Bar Activities
(1999-2000)
Western States Bar Conference,
Past President
State Bar of Arizona,
Past President
Maricopa County Bar Association,
Past President
Thurgood Marshall Inn of Court,
Founding President
Fellows of the American Bar Foundation
Arizona Chair
(2006-2008)
Patron Life Member
Arizona Equal Justice Campaign, Co-Chair
(2001-2006)
Arizona Lawyer Representatives to 9th Circuit Judicial Conference
(1999-2001)
Arizona Supreme Court
Appointed member of the Arizona Judicial Council
(since 2020)
Litigation Section,
Chair (2013-2014)
Appointed Chair of the Committee on Civil Justice Reform
(2015-2016)
Appointed, Subcommittee Chair on Task Force on the Delivery of Legal Services
(2020)
Board Operations Committee,
Chair (2009-2010)
Appointed Chair of the Board of Non-Lawyer Service Providers
City of Phoenix Public Defender Review Committee,
Chair (1984-1989)
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Lisa Bivens
Partner
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Lisa Bivens is Of Counsel at Don Bivens PLLC. Lisa's practice at the firm focuses on representing injured parties in class actions and mass arbitrations, with a particular emphasis on privacy, labor and employment, ERISA, securities, and sexual-abuse cases. Lisa's practice also includes commercial and administrative law litigation, including defending clients against federal and state government investigations, as well as representing plaintiffs and defendants in civil rights cases.
Experience
Lisa has nine years of experience as plaintiff and defense litigator in Arizona and federal courts. Her practice has historically focused on complex commercial litigation, federal and state administrative investigations, and section 1983 claims. Lisa also has extensive experience in healthcare law, representing health care entities and providers in the capacity of both private and in-house counsel. Prior to practicing law, Lisa taught English at Northern Arizona University, from which she graduated with a master's in fine arts and at which she served as Editor inChief of the university newspaper.
When she is not working, Lisa enjoys spending time with her daughters and pets, and volunteering her time as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Defenders of Children, an Arizona non-profit law firm providing pro-bono legal representation to victims of child abuse and domestic violence.
Education
J.D., Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University (2017)
Distinctions include:
Moot Court Board President
CALI Award -Negotiation
Peer-selected Graduation Speaker
M.F.A. in Creative Writing,Northern Arizona University (2013)
Distinctions include:
Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Honors recognitionfor 4.0 GPA
B.S. In Sociology, NorthernArizona University (2009)
Distinctions include:
Editor-in-Chief of the university newspaper
Dean's List
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Maxwell Weiss
Partner
Overview
Maxwell Weiss is Of Counsel at Don Bivens PLLC. Max specializes in representing injured parties in class actions and mass arbitrations, with a particular emphasis on privacy, labor and employment, ERISA, securities, and sexual-abuse cases.
Experience
Max spent seven years as a “big law” litigator in New York City, first with Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and then with Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP. Betweenfirms, Max served as a law clerk for two years in the Federal District Courtfor the District of New Jersey.
Max’s past experience includes complex commercial, securities, privacy, and intellectual property litigation. Max also conducted sensitive investigations into the theft of historical artifacts, match-fixing in professional sports, and legal issues surrounding reality television programs. A significant portion of his work was also dedicated to finding and seizing dangerous counterfeit medicines, including those used to treat HIV.
Education
J.D., summa cum laude
Order of the Coif
Senior Projects Editor, The George Washington Law Review
The George Washington University Law School
B.A., magna cum laude
Triple Major: Anthropology, Philosophy, Political Science
Captain, The University of Pittsburgh Rugby Football Club
University of Pittsburgh

Gabriel De Leon
Senior Litigation Paralegal & Operations Manager
Overview
Gabriel De Leon serves as the firm’s Litigation Paralegal, specializing in complex plaintiff-side cases such as class actions, mass torts, and mass arbitrations. His role involves strategic case management and meticulous legal research to support attorneys in achieving the best possible outcomes for clients.
Experience
Gabriel's extensive background in regulatory compliance, contract management, and legal research enhances his ability to handle high-stakes litigation effectively. His disciplined approach, refined through his service in the United States Army, adds a strategic edge to his role in the firm.
Education
- M.S. in Global Technology and Development, Arizona State University
- B.A. in History, University of Puerto Rico

Allison Stewart
Legal Intake Team Lead
Overview
Allison Stewart serves as the firm's dedicated legal intake specialist, committed to providing prospective clients with exceptional experiences through meaningful connections and compassionate assistance.
Experience
With many years of experience in the legal industry, Allison employs a multifaceted outreach strategy to connect with clients, ensuring seamless communication and understanding. She has worked on hundreds of cases nationwide, demonstrating her commitment to client satisfaction.
Education
- B.A. in Government, University of Texas

Stephanie Benchetrit
Legal Intake Specialist
Overview
Stephanie Benchetrit is a legal intake specialist at the firm. She is dedicated to providing exceptional service to prospective clients, building meaningful relationships, and offering compassionate guidance.
Experience
With several years of experience in customer service, Stephanie is committed to ensuring a seamless experience for clients.
Education
B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College.

Christopher Carusone
Legal Intake Specialist
Overview
Christopher Carusone, is a legal intake specialist at the firm. Christopher excels in delivering outstanding service to prospective clients by fostering meaningful relationships and offering compassionate guidance.
Experience
Christopher has many years of experience working in the legal industry. He has worked on numerous cases across the country, and is dedicated to providing a seamless client experience.
Education
- B.A. in Political Science, International & Global Affairs, Binghamton University

Valerie Solomon
Legal Intake Specialist
Overview
Valerie Solomon is the firm’s committed legal intake specialist, focused on offering prospective clients an outstanding experience through sincere engagement and compassionate guidance.
Experience
Valerie brings a diverse background in psychology, education, and healthcare to her role. She ensures clear and compassionate client communication and is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and providing a seamless client experience.
Education
B.S. in Psychology, Syracuse University
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Skylar Crystal
Legal Intake
Overview
Skylar Crystal is a dedicated legal intake specialist committed to delivering a welcoming and compassionate first point of contact for prospective clients. With a calm and professional approach, Skylar ensures each individual feels heard, supported, and guided throughout the intake process.
Experience
Skylar brings hands-on experience working withdiverse clients in high-pressure and emotionally sensitive situations. With a background that includes healthcare-related experience, Skylar is skilled at managing complex conversations with empathy, clear communication, and attentionto detail—helping create a seamless and reassuring client experience.
Education
B.S. in Human Development, University ofWisconsin–Madison