MacQueen & Gottlieb adds John J. Halk

Arizona’s top-ranked real estate law firm, MacQueen & Gottlieb, PLC (M&G) announced the hiring of its’ newest attorney John J. Halk. Halk comes to M&G from BrownǀOlcott, PLLC where he was a litigator, trying cases in both Justice and Superior Courts in the areas of breach of contract, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and collections.

He earned his Juris Doctorate from the Phoenix School of Law in 2014, where he received the CALI Award for Estate Planning and had the highest grade in his class and made the Dean’s List in 2014. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Arizona State University, where he also earned recognition on the Dean’s List and served on the ASU Student Council as President of Events for the 2009-10 school year. He also holds an Associate in Arts degree with honors from Mesa Community College.

“We are excited to add John to our staff – his level of enthusiasm and excitement about our firm and the law in general is contagious,” said Patrick MacQueen, a founding partner in the firm. “John is kind of a ‘bootstrap’ guy, he worked his way through ASU and law school, and that work ethic has continued through his career. We think he’s going to bring a lot of energy and a fresh legal mind to the firm.”

MacQueen & Gottlieb hires Director of Complex Litigation

MacQueen & Gottlieb announced that Christopher J. Zarda will serve in the newly-created role of Director of Complex Litigation. Zarda, who joined M&G in October of 2018, is a graduate of the University of Missouri Kansas City Law School and the University of Kansas and boasts more than 10 years’ experience in commercial and business litigation, real estate and construction law, and insurance coverage representation.

In addition to his new post at M&G, Zarda also recently was accepted into the Horace Rumpole American Inn of Court chapter in Phoenix. Established in the late 1970s, by Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court Warren Burger, American Inns of Court are groups of judges, practicing attorneys, law professors and students who meet regularly to discuss and debate issues relating to legal ethics and professionalism. It is that diversity of knowledge and thirst for more than makes him ideal for the new position, according to Patrick MacQueen, a founding partner in the firm.

“Chris’ knack for handling multi-faceted files and unique matters is unparalleled,” said MacQueen. “He is the firm’s go-to attorney for complex files and has put systems and technology in place to enable us to move quickly and provide outstanding client service on even the most complicated matters. We feel like having Chris in this position will give us a distinct advantage in the marketplace.

Arizona Realtors announces 2020 Executive Committee

Arizona REALTORS recently held its annual Leadership Conference to appoint 2020 state and regional association officers and recognize members for outstanding leadership, community contributions and professional achievements.

Starting December 1, Mary Roberts will begin her term as the Arizona REALTORS 2020 President. She will serve with 2020 President-elect Jan Leighton, Vice President Gary Nelson and Treasurer Eric Gibbs. Other leadership roles include two terms as the president of the Lake Havasu Chapter of Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the 2013 President of the Lake Havasu Association of REALTORS®.

“We’re extremely proud to have Mary leading our executive team in 2020,” said Arizona REALTORS CEO Michelle Lind. “Her passion is contagious. She inspires others to get involved, to advocate for their communities and in protection of private property rights for all Arizona citizens.” 

Arizona REALTORS presented the 2019 Distinguished Service Award to Paula Serven of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. This award recognizes a member who has tirelessly provided meaningful service to the association, while having a positive impact on association members. Serven has been a REALTOR® for more than 25 years, filling multiple leadership roles including 2016 president of Arizona REALTORS and 2010 president of the Scottsdale Area Association. She has also served on the Board of Directors for both the Arizona and National Associations as well as numerous committees. Most notably, Serven acts as a state representative on the National Association’s Political Action Committee (RPAC) Participation Council. 

The Tyler Strout Vision Award recognizes a real estate practitioner who elevates the profile of REALTORS in the community and embodies the association’s vision of the best prepared real estate practitioner with the highest standards. This award was given to Lisa Paffrath, broker and owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Grand View North in Flagstaff. With more than 15 years of real estate experience in Arizona, Paffrath has served the community through multiple leadership roles. She was 2017 president of the Northern Arizona Association of REALTORS® and is the current chair of the Arizona REALTORS®risk management and legislative committees. Paffrath is also a 2019 leadership academy representative of the National Association’s RPAC Major Investor Council.

“We are pleased to recognize those who have made an incredible impact throughout our community and our industry,” said Arizona REALTORS 2019 President Patrick Lewis. “Serving as president of Arizona REALTORS this past year has been a true honor and I couldn’t ask for a more inspiring group of leaders and real estate professionals to work with.”

Arizona REALTORS consists of more than 50,000 professionals from all areas of real estate including residential, commercial, property management, land, appraisal, relocation and more. As the largest trade organization in the state, Arizona REALTORS provides a number of professional benefits to its members and acts as the legislative voice of the industry through professional lobbying, legislative analysis, grassroots contacts and long-term political relationship. To learn more, visit aaronline.com.