In The News
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CURTIS, GOODWIN, SULLIVAN, UDALL & SCHWAB, PLC

- On October 14, 2011 Kelly Schwab and Michelle Swann appeared before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the matter of Braunstein v. Arizona Department of Transportation. Plaintiff had appealed the Summary Judgment awarded to ADOT as well as the award of attorney’s fees and costs sanctioned against Plaintiff for the filing of a frivolous lawsuit. The Ninth Circuit panel will render a ruling in the near future.

- On September 14, 2011, Phyllis Smiley made a presentation at a continuing legal education seminar presented by the National Business Institute on Land Use and Zoning Law Litigation. Ms. Smiley spoke about who has the power to zone and where the authority comes from. Ms. Smiley’s presentation included a description of the process of appeals of exactions, the Arizona Free Exercise of Religion Act and other recent developments in Arizona zoning law.

- Michael Curtis was a guest speaker on the Deluge Energy Report with Brian Hageman on September 20, 2011. The topic of the hour was “Arizona Electric Market Regulation”. The show was broadcast live from the KFNX Talk-Radio studios. Mr. Curtis is a nationally-recognized expert in energy law and his discussion was well-received.

- Kelly Schwab and Phyllis Smiley recently represented the Town of Wickenburg when a large and important annexation was challenged. Oral argument was held in August. The Superior Court’s ruling upheld the annexation and granted summary judgment to the Town of Wickenburg.

- Michelle Swann was recently appointed to the Arizona State Bar Fee Arbitration Committee, which assists bar members and their clients in fee disputes over $500.00. She was also appointed to the State Bar Ethics Committee, which assists the State Bar and its members in the resolution of questions of professional ethics. Congratulations, Michelle!

- Kelly Schwab was appointed as the Co-Chairperson along with Wendy Weigand of Gust Rosenfeld P.L.C. to the State Bar of Arizona Committee for the 2012 Bar Convention. The Convention will be held on June 20 through June 22, 2012 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. We encourage you to attend what will be a great Bar Convention!

- Melissa Parham has joined the Firm and will work with the Firm’s litigation team.  Melissa comes to us from the Attorney General’s Office where she focused on criminal appeals and capital litigation.  Melissa received her B.A. from Smith College and her J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.  Welcome aboard Melissa!

- On June 3, 2011 Susan D. Goodwin spoke at the 2011 Land Use Update CLE.  Ms. Goodwin discussed the impact of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act on Arizona cities and towns.


RESTAURANT TIPS

Nobuo at Teeter House:  Nobuo is in a lovely Japanese restaurant located in an historic building.  We recommend the warm duck salad and the sea bass and mushrooms baked in parchment.  The coconut curry grilled lamb is also delicious.  The restaurant is located in the Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix at 622 East Adams. 

Seasons 52:  Seasons 52 prepares its menu with fresh, seasonal meats and vegetables.  No dish contains more than 475 calories.  It is hard to believe so much flavor can be packed into so few calories!  Recommendations are the cedar plank Atlantic salmon and the caramelized sea scallops.  Seasons 52 is located at the Biltmore Fashion Square, 2502 East Camelback Road, Phoenix.

The Vig:  The décor is stunning and the patio with a fireplace is warm and inviting!  We recommend the gumbo vig vig, the achiote salmon & chorizo arepa and (our favorite) the uptown hot fudge sundae.  The Vig has two locations at 4041 North 40th Street and 6015 North 16th Street, Phoenix.