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)
Teresita Mercado
Partner
Overview
Teresita has over 20 years of experience in complex commercial and civil litigation, mediation, arbitration, and corporate counseling. She has successfully represented clients in a variety of practice areas including class actions, consumer protection, labor and employment, and antitrust.
Education
- J.D., Notre Dame Law School
- B.A. in Government & International Studies and Russian, University of Notre Dame
Specializes in
- Corporate Counseling and Dispute Resolution
- Complex Commercial Litigation
- ADR (Mediation and Arbitration)
- Healthcare Professional Licensing
- Immigration Matters
Allison Stewart
Legal Intake Specialist
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
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
Robert Gelfand
Legal Intake Specialist
Overview
Robert Gelfand is one of the firm's dedicated legal intake specialists. Robert is focused on delivering exceptional service to prospective clients through genuine connections and empathetic support.
Experience
Robert leverages a comprehensive outreach plan to engage clients, ensuring clarity and seamless communication. Robert has successfully overseen numerous cases nationally, reflecting his unwavering dedication to clients.
Education
- B.A. in Theatre Studies and History, Emory University