THORPE SHWER - Key Persons
André is an accomplished trial lawyer who practices in the areas of complex business and commercial, trust and estate, product liability, tort, and franchise litigation. André has tried dozens of jury and bench trials to verdict in numerous state and federal courts. Additionally, André has extensive appellate experience. His skills and reputation have earned him an AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, a Best Lawyers in America ranking for Commercial Litigation and Trust and Estates Litigation, and selection as a Southwest Super Lawyer® in Business Litigation.
Job Titles:
- College Association, Board Member
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Co - Founding Partner
Brad is a co-founding partner of Thorpe Shwer who practices in the areas of business and commercial litigation, personal injury torts, and products liability. Along with his partner Bill, Brad co-founded Thorpe Shwer to create a law firm that provides quality litigation services, as well as a dedication to strong client relationships, efficient and aggressive representation, and personal service. In other words, Brad believes that clients should receive top-shelf quality plus top-shelf service.
He represents his clients in a variety of contractual disputes, business tort claims, personal injury defense, product liability claims, collections, franchise litigation, premises liability claims, insurance litigation, and deficiency actions. Brad has litigated and tried cases in numerous states around the country in both federal and state court. His clients are a diverse group ranging from Fortune 500 companies to individual entrepreneurs. They include national franchisors, massage and spa providers, big-box retailers, ridesharing companies, restaurants, bars, product manufacturers, transportation companies, railroads, financial institutions, software companies, real estate entities, medical practices, moving companies, and a wide variety of small businesses.
Prior to co-founding Thorpe Shwer, Brad served as a Director at Fennemore Craig. Brad is well-recognized and respected in the Arizona legal community, including being named one of the top 50 lawyers in Arizona by Southwest Super Lawyers and one of the top 100 lawyers in Arizona by AZ Business Magazine. He is also AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated (the highest rating available) by Martindale-Hubbell and has routinely been named to the Best Lawyers in America list. In addition, the Phoenix Business Journal recognized him on its 2011 "40 Under 40" list of Arizona leaders and rising stars in the legal industry.
Brad is active in the community, including serving as an adjunct law professor at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and as a founding Board Member for the PCH50 with Phoenix Children's Hospital. He has previously served on the Board of Directors for the MVP Foundation and as the President of the Board of Directors for the American Liver Foundation.
Bree Nevarez is an associate who primarily practices in the areas of tort defense, premise liability, commercial litigation, and products liability. Bree has ample experience handling insurance defense, employment matters, and contract disputes. Bree regularly advises national clients on risk management efforts and represents clients in negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, and every stage of the litigation process. Bree prides herself on building lasting relationships with her clients. Bree's experience covers a wide range of business formats, including various liability coverages, and she successfully navigates clients through complex legal disputes with her keen advocacy skills.
Bree serves on the board for the American Constitution Society. She is a member of the Arizona Bar Association and the Hispanic Bar Association. Bree enjoys spending time with her family, Victor and Witt, hiking throughout the state, and reading anything from the modernist literary movement.
Caroline Larsen draws on nearly twenty years of litigation experience at some of the nation's biggest law firms to advise and defend companies on a wide range of employment issues, including discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, leave management, terminations, reductions in force, non-compete agreements and other employment-related contracts, and wage and hour laws. Her extensive experience litigating employment claims and employment-related commercial disputes includes representing employers in bench and jury trials in state and federal court, private arbitration, and investigations and hearings before numerous state and federal agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Arizona Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice, Department of Labor, and Industrial Commission.
Caroline partners with her clients to understand their business priorities and provide practical advice, counseling, and training for employers of all sizes to minimize the risks of claims and litigation. She drafts and updates employment policies and agreements, conducts investigations, and helps client navigate all phases of the employment process, including hiring, classification of workers, accommodating disabilities, performance management, discipline, and termination.
Caroline also has extensive experience helping businesses comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar state laws to ensure access for individuals with disabilities. Caroline provides guidance to retailers, hospitals and other healthcare providers, hotels and resorts, movie theaters, and other places of public accommodation regarding their obligations, including removing architectural barriers, ensuring website accessibility, and mandatory disclosure of accessible features for hotels. She also represents and advises businesses in Department of Justice and Arizona Civil Rights Division investigations regarding accessibility issues.
Best Lawyers has recognized Caroline for her work in employment law and litigation since 2018, and selected her as the 2023 "Lawyer of the Year" for labor and employment litigation, based on peer feedback. Only one lawyer is recognized as the "Lawyer of the Year" for each specialty and location. Super Lawyers recognized Caroline as a Rising Star from 2012-2015.
Caroline earned her undergraduate degree from Weber State University and her law degree from Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, where she was the Note & Comment Editor of the Arizona State University Law Journal. Prior to joining Thorpe Shwer, Caroline worked for Ogletree Deakins, an international labor and employment boutique, and Bryan Cave LLP, an international full-service firm.
Diane Johnson has over 23 years of experience providing legal support in various environments. As Thorpe Shwer's Firm Administrator, Diane is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of non-legal personnel and communication with firm management. Diane also provides administrative leadership for the office and acts as a liaison between office staff and management. Diane's cheerful personality, positive attitude, attention to detail and energetic willingness to assist any department whenever needed makes her an invaluable asset to the firm.
Education
A.A.S., Legal Assistant Program
Professional Affiliations
Maricopa County Bar Association
Guy Forte is an attorney who practices in the areas tort defense, products liability, and commercial litigation.
Guy graduated from the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona, where he served as the Senior Note Editor for the Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law, directing the journal's student note program. Guy focused his studies on intellectual property and involved himself in leadership and mentoring opportunities. Guy served both as a second-year teaching assistant and as the Senior Writing Fellow for the University's legal writing program.
Guy is a musician who loves playing guitar and going to see live music of any kind. He enjoys cooking but also loves getting out of the house to try the amazing restaurants around town.
Education
University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law, J.D., cum laude
Ian is a civil litigator with experience overseeing matters through all stages of litigation. His practice focuses on complex civil and commercial litigation. Ian also has experience handling insurance defense, legal malpractice, personal injury, and premises liability matters.
Ian earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Washington. Upon graduation, Ian served as a Teach for America corps member for two years, teaching 8th grade science at Barcelona Middle School in the Alhambra Elementary School District. He then went on to attend the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.
During law school, Ian was an associate editor for the Law Journal for Social Justice, where he edited articles submitted to the Journal. He was also selected to participate in the Diversity Legal Writing Program sponsored by the Maricopa County Bar Association during his 2L year. Ian earned the highest pro bono distinction for his volunteer work throughout law school as well as the Trial Advocacy Fellowship Designation.
Ian is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending his free time exploring the many off-road trails throughout the Southwest on his dual-sport motorcycle.
Jamie Gill Santos is an associate with the firm practicing in the areas of commercial litigation and business and personal injury torts. While in law school, Jamie served as a law clerk for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and interned with the New York State Attorney General's office. She began her career as an associate with Fennemore Craig, P.C., one of the largest law firms in the Southwest. Jamie has a myriad of experience litigating cases on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. She has also practiced in the areas of securities litigation/arbitration and insurance regulatory compliance.
Jamie has been named to the roster of Southwest Rising Stars® in Business Litigation for 2016 and 2017 by Super Lawyers®.
Lorena practices in the areas of business, commercial, lending, and trust and estate litigation. Lorena has experience resolving disputes involving business, financial, and employment contracts, restrictive covenants, real estate, commercial leases, and wills and trusts. Her clients include businesses, financial institutions, commercial landlords and tenants, developers, entrepreneurs, and public entities.
Lorena is a passionate supporter of the Hispanic community. As a first-generation American whose first language is Spanish, Lorena grew up in the border town of Yuma, Arizona and spent significant time across the border in Ciudad Morelos, Baja California, Mexico.
Matt is an attorney who practices in the areas of business and commercial litigation, personal injury, and franchise litigation. He is experienced in all stages of litigation. Matt has represented a diverse group of clients, ranging from individuals to large international corporations. He has represented financial institutions, small businesses, manufacturers, and property management companies. His experience ranges several subject matters including business torts, personal injury, employment matters, intellectual property, and constitutional law.
Matt graduated from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he served on the Executive Board of the Arizona State Law Journal. He also won multiple awards for legal writing and oral advocacy. During law school, he worked at one of the largest law firms in the Southwest and with in-house counsel at two of the biggest companies in Arizona. Matt's extensive background working in-house at multiple corporations as well as multiple law firms of various size has shaped his view that no two clients are the same, but every client must receive the same thing: the best quality and the best service.
When Matt is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He also plays pickleball, golf, and enjoys historical non-fiction in his spare time.
Max is a civil litigator who has experience overseeing matters throughout various stages of litigation. His practice involves general civil and commercial litigation. Max also has experience handling insurance defense, construction defect, and premises liability matters.
Max is a native Arizonian, being born and raised in Flagstaff before attending Northern Arizona University, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance. Max then went on to attend law school at Arizona State University, where he received numerous academic accolades, and held leadership positions with multiple journals. Additionally, Max was elected by his peers to be a class representative for the law school's student government.
In his free time, Max enjoys spending time with his dog Jude, cooking, crosswords, and all things Chicago Bears football.
Meagan has ten years of experience as a civil litigation paralegal. Her experience includes insurance defense and construction defect matters in both Colorado and Arizona. She has worked in both state and federal court as well as mediation and arbitration. Meagan is highly skilled in trial preparation/assistance and large document management
Education
Arapahoe Community College, Paralegal Certificate
Professional Affiliations
Maricopa County Bar Association - Paralegal Division, Director, 2019-present
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the State Bar of Arizona
Mitch focuses his practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation, real estate and business disputes, and tort law. In his diversified practice, Mitch has engaged in wide-ranging advocacy in domestic and international business and commercial litigation matters. In serving a diverse group of clients, ranging from individuals to large international corporations, Mitch has consulted, advised, litigated, and resolved matters involving, amongst others, contractual disputes, trade secret and unfair business practice matters, tort claims, fiduciary duties, and federal and state statutory violations. He has significant trial experience in both large and small-scale litigation matters, as well as written and oral advocacy experience in both federal and state appellate courts.
Mitch has additionally taught as a Professor of Law at two ABA-accredited law schools. His subject matter expertise focused on real property law, trial evidence, and contracts. He additionally served as the Director of a law-school research and writing program.
Mitch is an active member of the State Bar of Arizona and donates his time to the Volunteer Lawyers Program. He has previously served on numerous Board of Directors for charitable and non-profit organizations.
Nicole Stewart practices in the areas of personal injury, product liability, franchisor liability, medical malpractice, and commercial litigation. She is licensed in Arizona and Colorado and often appears pro hac vice to litigate on her clients' behalf in various jurisdictions throughout the country. Nicole is experienced in all stages of litigation, including through trial. She regularly takes and defends plaintiff and primary witness depositions; appears for oral argument on dispositive motions and other important issues; and leads pre-trial settlement negotiations. She is skilled at defending cases with unique, localized issues, as well as developing and executing a national defense strategy for larger clients. She practices in state and federal court, before the American Arbitration Association, and in front of state licensing boards.
Nicole attended the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and was named an Advocacy Fellow for maintaining a course schedule that focused on becoming a trial lawyer. Upon graduation, she was awarded the Paul W. Holloway Trial Advocacy Award for her academic achievement and courtroom advocacy skills. In her free time, Nicole enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband and their two Boston Terriers.
Raquel Gomez has over 20 years of paralegal and case management experience. She assists with all aspects of litigation from inception, through discovery, motion practice, and trial. As part of her litigation support, Raquel has extensive experience in document examination and management, drafting of pleadings, fact development, deposition preparation, exhibit management, and trial presentation. She has worked on a wide variety of cases brought in federal and state courts as well as arbitration and mediation.
Job Titles:
- News & Resources
- Paralegal
Rosaland Love has over 20 years of experience as a civil litigation paralegal. Her extensive experience includes the management of document-intensive products liability, commercial and complex litigation, and labor and employment cases. Rosaland has assisted in numerous trials in various electronic courtrooms, which includes the utilization of trial technology. She is exceptionally skilled at electronic discovery, document management, and trial assistance and preparation.
Prior to joining Thorpe Shwer, Rosaland was a paralegal with Quarles & Brady, LLP, and Leonard, Collins & Kelly, P.C.
Job Titles:
- College of Law, Adjunct Professor
Sara's practice focuses on business and commercial litigation, and personal injury torts. She has represented and counseled clients in a wide range of pending or threatened disputes in state and federal courts, and in mediations and arbitrations. Sara has extensive experience with complex commercial disputes, real estate litigation, business torts, and shareholder/partner/member disputes. Sara also has substantial experience with employment issues, construction-related disputes, civil rights matters, and appellate advocacy.
Sara has represented chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees as general and special counsel, as well as creditors and other interested parties in various bankruptcy proceedings.
Prior to joining Thorpe Shwer, Sara was a Partner at Witthoft Derksen and at Zwillinger Greek Knecht & Gibson, PC. Before entering private practice, Sara served as a law clerk to the Honorable James B. Sult (Ret.) of the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division I.
Bill's broad-based litigation skills are reflected by his listing in Southwest Super Lawyers®, for Civil Litigation Defense, his designation for personal injury defense in Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants and Railroad Law, 2005-2021, and his designation as a leading commercial litigator in Chambers USA, Leading Lawyers for Business. He has sustained an AV Preeminent® rating by Martindale-Hubbell for 25 years. Before forming Thorpe Shwer, Bill was a Director at Fennemore Craig, one of the largest law firms in the Southwest, where he had served for many years as the Chair of the Litigation Department.