Versatile and highly accomplished legal professional offering over 14 years of experience that includes over 10 years as a successful Trial Lawyer in the areas of criminal law, case negotiations and trial proceedings in the legal sector.
A qualified Lawyer with expertise in understanding and interpreting the law, mastering and managing legal briefs (cases), and researching relevant points of law.
Skilled in providing legal assistance and utilizing expertise in sharp planning and analytical ski |
 Contact Richard Gaxiola
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Area of Expertise: |
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Human Rights, Law, Migration, Conflicts, Justice
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Professional Experience: |
Career Progression
Criminal/Civil Trial Attorney
July 2012 - present
Gaxiola & Associates, PLLC, Phoenix, AZ
Carrying out trial criminal defense & plaintiff’s personal injury litigation.
Responsible for all aspects of trial and litigation including investigation, research, witness interviews, motion drafting, and oral advocacy/trials.
Completed several successful major felony trials.
Criminal/ Civil Trial Attorney & Partner
Apr 2003 - June 2012
Alex & Gaxiola, P.C., Phoenix, AZ
Carrying out trial criminal defense & plaintiff’s personal injury litigation.
Responsible for all aspects of trial and litigation including investigation, research, witness interviews, motion drafting, and oral advocacy/trials.
Completed 19 major felony jury trials and 2 civil trials.
Criminal Notable Trials
Served as Lead Defense Trial Counsel in multi-defendant case
Yavapai County Superior Court, CR2010-00207
State v. Mike Kopeke: Case involves multiple defendants and multiple victims in Hells Angels and Vagos Motorcycle gang shootings.
Charges: 12 counts of Attempted Murder and Aggravated Assault Dangerous Felonies.
Result: Case Dismissed on Motion Practice
Maricopa County Superior Court, CV2004-015083
State v. Fayek Mohammad: Client shot unarmed person in the back.
Charge: Murder
Trial Result: Murder acquittal, lesser included offense of manslaughter conviction.
Civil Notable Cases
Lopez v. City of Tempe and State of Arizona, CV2009-052689
Result: Achieved 2 million dollar policy for client.
Criminal Trial Attorney
Jun 2001 – Apr 2003
Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, Phoenix, AZ
Gained extensive felony jury trial experience.
Responsible for all aspects of litigation including investigation, research, drafting, oral advocacy, and settlement negotiations.
Reduced the negative consequences of the client.
Adhered to strict ethical guidelines and held immense responsibility.
Wrote opinions and advised solicitors and other professionals.
Prepared cases for court, including holding client conferences and preparing legal arguments.
Presented arguments in court.
Law Clerk
Jun 1999 – May 2001
Chandler, Tullar, Udall & Redhair, Tucson, AZ
Researched legal issues relating to insurance defense, personal injury litigation, medical malpractice, professional malpractice, constitutional law, and general civil litigation.
Drafted various motions, disclosure statements, answers, and legal memoranda.
Provided assistance to legal attorney in researching issues before the court and in writing opinions.
Studied and reviewed legal documents to investigate facts and law of cases.
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Education: |
Educational Qualifications
Juris Doctor Aug 1997 – May 2000
University of Arizona College of Law, Tucson, AZ
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Aug 1992 – May 1996
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
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Affiliations and Achievements: |
Arizona Community College Teaching Certification
Arizona High School Teacher Certification
Finalist, Richard Grand Oral Argument Competitions, University of Arizona,1998, 1999
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Finalist, Jenkes Oral Argument Competition, 1999
Immigration Law Clinic Oral Advocate, University of Arizona, 1998
National Moot Court Competition, Oklahoma, 1997
Total Immersion Spanish Program, Guadalajara, Mexico, 1996
Academic Tutor, University of Arizona, 1994-1996
Editor Arizona State Bar Magazine, 2002 - 2005
MartinDale-Hubbel Distinguished Attorney 2010
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Available for: |
- Consulting assignments
- Job opportunities
- Internships / Fellowships
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