Pierson and Brooks Recognized as Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2017
Education Law Attorney Heather R. Pierson and Family Law Attorney Jonathan D. Brooks have been recognized as Rising Stars 2017 by Super Lawyers for 2017. Ms. Pierson has been with Udall Shumway PLC since 2009. Ms. Pierson primarily focuses her School Law practice on special education and disability related matters. She routinely defends school districts and other public educational institutions in matters related to disability law matters, such as special education due process hearings, Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”) complaints, Section 504 due process hearings, mediation, and special education state complaints. She provides daily advice and assistance in matters related to special education, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, student discipline, personnel issues and student records.
Family Law Attorney Jonathan D. Brooks has also been recognized as a Rising Star. It is Mr. Brooks’ second year to receive this honor. Mr. Brooks joined Udall Shumway PLC in 2016. He focuses his practice on representing individuals in the diverse area of family law, handling a variety of matters including dissolution, paternity, child support, spousal maintenance, relocation, premarital agreements, and adoption. Mr. Brooks is an experienced litigator, representing clients throughout all stages of the family court process. He was selected by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2016 and 2017, a recognition received by no more than 2.5 percent of Arizona lawyers.
Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, we limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys.
The selection process for the Rising Stars list is the same as the Super Lawyers selection process, with one exception: to be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less.