LINCOLN & WENK - Key Persons
Daniel J. Esparza obtained his Juris Doctor (JD) from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, where he served as an associate and assistant editor for the nationally recognized Indiana Law Journal. He concurrently received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the globally recognized Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School of Business in Seoul, South Korea. Daniel is admitted to both the Arizona State Bar and the United States District Court for Arizona. He also serves on the Sun Health Board of Professional Advisors and the Catholic Foundation Professional Advisory Board.
Daniel was born in Oxnard, California, and raised in Peoria, Arizona. After completing his education, he began practicing primarily in the areas of estate planning and business law. He later added probate litigation as a practice field to better serve his clients. His litigation experience includes removing multiple trustees for breaches of trust and invalidating a will and deed for undue influence.
Daniel's current areas of practice include estate planning, probate, guardianships, conservatorships, and business law. He finds great fulfillment in helping his clients navigate through their legal issues and protect their interests and those of their loved ones.
In his free time, Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, watching baseball, hiking, and studying various cultures and their histories.
Education
Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Bloomington, Indiana
J.D. -2017
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Erin graduated from Belmont University in Nashville where she received her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies,cum laude. She then received her Juris Doctor (JD) from Belmont as well, where she was the first student to graduate from Belmont's 3+3 law program. While in law school, Erin received the Pro Bono Pledge Award for her volunteer legal work with the Department of Children's Services in Nashville and Triage Cancer in Chicago. She also received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Mediation. After completing her education, Erin moved to Arizona to begin her career in family law. Her prior family law externships and classes provided her the hands-on experience that confirmed her desire to work in family law. Combining legal acumen with a deep sense of empathy and genuine concern for her clients and their children's well-being, Erin is the steady hand and sage counsel on which they can rely. Outside of the office, Erin enjoys spending time with her dogs, taking spin classes, and cheering on the Vols.
Michael Lincoln has been licensed to practice law since 2005. He has earned a reputation for being a highly skilled litigator in and out of the courtroom, and has been recognized for his excellence by prominent legal organizations throughout the course of his career. Michael has also served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Maricopa County Superior Court.
Michael grew up in a military family and lived throughout the country as well as overseas before eventually settling in Arizona. He attended the University of Arizona for his undergraduate degree before moving to San Diego and graduating from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2003. Michael began his legal career as a juvenile public defender before transitioning to private practice in 2010. Since then, Michael has focused his practice almost exclusively on family law, divorce and child custody issues. He uses his extensive knowledge of the law and brings a reasoned and compassionate approach to his cases, which has earned him the respect of both his peers and the judicial community.
When not in the office, Michael enjoys time with his family, hiking and traveling. He is an avid sports fan - especially when it comes to his favorite teams, the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, San Antonio Spurs and all things University of Arizona.
Education
University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego, California
J.D. - 2003
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
B.S. - 2000
Russell Wenk is one of only 66 Certified Family Law Specialists in the State of Arizona as of July, 2022. A distinction attained by demonstrating substantial experience, effectiveness and knowledge significantly higher than that possessed by a general practitioner that handles family law matters. Russell is also an "AV Preeminent" Peer Review Rated Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability and 2019-2022 selectee for "Superlawyers".
He is a well-known and well-respected member of the family law legal community and has previously served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Maricopa County Superior Courts. He also served on the Executive Committee for the Family Law section of the Arizona State Bar; is a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Arizona Association of Family Law Attorneys, Arizona Association for Justice, Maricopa County Bar Association and the Arizona State Bar. Russell began practicing law in 2005 and has been recognized by several legal associations for his excellence over the course of his career and has served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Maricopa County Superior Courts.
Russell graduated from Peoria High School in 1991 and enlisted in the Navy. He received an honorable discharge in 1996 and began his studies at Arizona State University. After graduating Magna Cum Laude, he was accepted into the John Marshall School of Law at the University of Akron. He graduated Cum Laude in 2005 and began his legal career with a large law firm in downtown Phoenix. Russell's deep knowledge of the law and many years of courtroom experience make him a powerful ally to his clients and a well-respected member of the legal community.
When not in the office, Russell enjoys camping with his family and working on his vintage Jeep. Originally from Cleveland, he is a Browns, Indians and Cavs fan. He also remains active in various veterans' support groups and organizations.
Education
University of Akron School of Law, Akron, Ohio
J.D. - 2005
Thomas Tuohy was born and raised in the Phoenix area before attending the University of California, San Diego, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. He then received his Juris Doctor (JD) from Santa Clara University Law School before returning to live and work in Arizona. Since then, he has been admitted to practice in all courts in Arizona, as well as the United States District Court, and has experience with a wide range of legal matters.
As an Associate Attorney at Lincoln & Wenk, he assists families and individuals in accomplishing estate planning goals, navigating probate matters, and helping clients come up with solutions for a variety of complex legal dilemmas. Mr. Tuohy enjoys helping clients achieve their goals by explaining the best ways to protect their legal interests (and those of family members) both in the short and long-term. Because of his experience with estate planning and probate matters, his knowledge of how one area can impact the other is helpful to clients in gaining an understanding of the process and in being assured that they are making the most informed decisions possible.
Thomas enjoys spending time outside of the office with friends and family, traveling, exploring Arizona, as well as playing and coaching hockey.
Education
Santa Clara University School of Law, Santa Clara, California
Juris Doctor - 2017
University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
B.A., Bachelor of Arts - 2014