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Roundup: A Multi-Disciplinary Review of Domestic Violence Law and Issues
Original Program Date :
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month, our seminar provides a comprehensive look at domestic violence law across multiple practice areas in Arizona. In this program, you will learn about contested protective order hearings, firearms prohibitions, and new rule changes. Program explains how the Address Confidentiality Program is used to protect victims of domestic violence. Learn about the legal and practical implications of domestic violence in family law, immigration, and employment law cases. Hear from the prosecution and defense perspectives on the challenges of domestic violence in criminal cases.
8:30 – 10:20 a.m.
Protective Orders and Firearms Issues and Updates
Hon. Wendy Morton, Maricopa County Superior Court
Charles Adornetto, Maricopa County Justice Courts
10:35 - 11:05 a.m.
Address Confidentiality Program
Merri Tiseth, Executive Director, Address Confidentiality Program, Office of the Secretary of State
11:05 - 11:45 a.m.
Domestic Violence and Implications for Family Law Cases
Benjamin Cunningham, Donaldson Stewart PC
12:45 - 2:05 p.m.
Domestic Violence in Criminal Cases: Prosecution and Defense Perspectives
Stacey Good, Assistant City Prosecutor III, Mesa City Prosecutor’s Office
Michael Neufeld, The Neufeld Law Firm PLC
2:20 – 3:00 p.m.
Domestic Violence and Immigration Law
Ayensa Millan, Cima Law Group PC
3:00 - 3:40 p.m.
Domestic Violence and Employment Law
Jill Chasson, Coppersmith Brockelman PLC
3:40 - 4:10 p.m.
Multidisciplinary Roundtable
Hon. Wendy Morton, Maricopa County Superior Court
Charles Adornetto, Maricopa County Justice Courts
Jill Chasson, Coppersmith Brockelman PLC
Benjamin Cunningham, Donaldson Stewart PC
Stacey Good, Assistant City Prosecutor III, Mesa City Prosecutor’s Office
Ayensa Millan, Cima Law Group PC
Michael Neufeld, The Neufeld Law Firm PLC
Merri Tiseth, Executive Director, Address Confidentiality Program, Office of the Secretary of State
Seminar Chairpersons
Hon. Wendy Morton, Maricopa County Superior Court
Charles Adornetto, Maricopa County Justice Courts
Elizabeth Ortiz, Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council
ABOUT THE MODEST MEANS PROJECT
The Modest Means Project provides low-cost legal assistance to people who cannot afford attorneys' standard rates but don't qualify for free legal services. For more information about the program, and to volunteer visit: https://www.azbar.org/for-lawyers/access-to-justice/modest-means/.
Current Modest Means Project Volunteers: Contact Fabiola Perez at Fabiola.Perez@staff.azbar.org to receive your coupon code for 50% off registration.
Legal Aid Attorneys: Contact Chris Groninger at chris.groninger@azflse.org for your coupon code.
Jill J Chasson
Jill Chasson is a partner with Coppersmith Brockelman, a 21-lawyer firm located in central Phoenix. Her practice focuses on helping businesses of all sizes in a variety of industries with their employment law needs. She provides timely, practical advice to management and human resource professionals regarding personnel matters and compliance with the many federal and state laws that govern the workplace. When disputes can’t be avoided, Jill represents employers before administrative agencies, in arbitration proceedings, and in litigation in federal and state courts.
Jill earned her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and her J.D. from Boston University School of Law. A collegiate and Olympic swimmer before embarking on her legal career, Jill brings both a natural competitiveness and a sense of sportsmanship to her law practice. Jill is also in her third year as the Chair of the firm’s Governance Committee, or “GovCom” as it’s known within the firm. She strives to lead the firm’s amazingly talented lawyers and staff with empathy, humility, and a sense of humor.
Jill earned her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and her J.D. from Boston University School of Law. A collegiate and Olympic swimmer before embarking on her legal career, Jill brings both a natural competitiveness and a sense of sportsmanship to her law practice. Jill is also in her third year as the Chair of the firm’s Governance Committee, or “GovCom” as it’s known within the firm. She strives to lead the firm’s amazingly talented lawyers and staff with empathy, humility, and a sense of humor.
Wendy S Morton, Commissioner, Superior Court of Arizona
Honorable Wendy S. Morton is a Commissioner for the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County. She was appointed to the Superior Court bench in 2011 and is currently assigned to the Family Department. This is her second rotation in the Family Department, having previously served as Presiding Family Court Commissioner. Prior to her current assignment, she served in the Juvenile Department and the Criminal Department in Rule 11/Mental Health and Veterans Court. She has also served on the bench at the City of Phoenix, the City of Scottsdale and as an Administrative Law Judge with the Office of Administrative Hearings. She began her career as a Deputy Maricopa County Attorney.
Charles J Adornetto, Judicial Education Officer, Maricopa County Justice Courts
Honorable Charles J. Adornetto is the Judicial Education Officer for the Maricopa County Justice Courts and a Judge Pro Tempore in several courts. In his many years of legal practice, Mr. Adornetto has been the Wickenburg Town Magistrate, the Chief Hearing Officer at the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, the Chief Hearing Officer/Assistant Director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, and an Assistant Chief Administrative Law Judge at the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Mr. Adornetto graduated from Stanford Law School and has a B.S. in Political Science from Arizona State University. He has also attended the Judicial College of Arizona, the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, the Certified Public Manager program, and the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Mr. Adornetto is a member of the Arizona Commission on Access to Justice and the Chair of that group’s Limited Jurisdiction Court Self-Represented Litigant Workgroup. He is a past Chair of the Executive Council of Arizona State Bar Public Lawyer Section and of the Juvenile Law Section.
Mr. Adornetto was awarded the 2024 Limited Jurisdiction Judges Association Sherry Geisler Member of the Year Award, and he has received three Strategic Agenda Awards from the Arizona Supreme Court for Enhancing Professionalism within Arizona’s Courts: in 2015 (Best Practice for Ensuring Access to Justice for Self-Represented Litigants); in 2020 (Best Practices and Webinars for Evictions During the Pandemic); and 2021 (New Judge Pro Tem Training Program).
Mr. Adornetto graduated from Stanford Law School and has a B.S. in Political Science from Arizona State University. He has also attended the Judicial College of Arizona, the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, the Certified Public Manager program, and the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Mr. Adornetto is a member of the Arizona Commission on Access to Justice and the Chair of that group’s Limited Jurisdiction Court Self-Represented Litigant Workgroup. He is a past Chair of the Executive Council of Arizona State Bar Public Lawyer Section and of the Juvenile Law Section.
Mr. Adornetto was awarded the 2024 Limited Jurisdiction Judges Association Sherry Geisler Member of the Year Award, and he has received three Strategic Agenda Awards from the Arizona Supreme Court for Enhancing Professionalism within Arizona’s Courts: in 2015 (Best Practice for Ensuring Access to Justice for Self-Represented Litigants); in 2020 (Best Practices and Webinars for Evictions During the Pandemic); and 2021 (New Judge Pro Tem Training Program).
Elizabeth Burton Ortiz, Executive Director, Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council
Elizabeth Burton Ortiz has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, a Master of Arts in Political Science, and a Juris Doctor. After graduating from law school, Ms. Ortiz clerked at the Arizona Court of Appeals. Ms. Ortiz then joined the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, in Phoenix, Arizona, where she prosecuted cases for sixteen years. During that time, Ms. Ortiz served as a Bureau Chief in Juvenile, Pretrial, Charging, and Appeals. In 2009, Ms. Ortiz joined the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council (APAAC) as the Senior Staff Attorney and was subsequently named Executive Director. In addition to her APAAC duties, Ms. Ortiz is co-chair of the Arizona Governor’s Commission to Prevent Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence and chair of the State Bar of Arizona Public Lawyers Executive Council. She serves as a board member for the National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators, the National District Attorney’s Association, the Arizona Forensic Science Academy, the Arizona Supreme Court’s Commission of Victims in Court, the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization, the State Bar of Arizona Criminal Justice Executive Council, and the State Bar of Arizona Professionalism Advisory Council. Further, Ms. Ortiz is co-chair of the National District Attorney’s Association Training & Education Committee, and chair of the National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators Training Committee. Ms. Ortiz teaches extensively throughout Arizona, the United States, and in Mexico on a wide variety of trial advocacy and ethics topics for organizations including the American Bar Association, the Office of the New York Attorney General, the Alliance Partnership Program, the National Crime Victims Law Institute Conference, and for prosecutor conferences in Arkansas, Idaho, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Additionally, she serves as a facilitator across the country for the Lessons From the Holocaust: What You Do Matters course. In 2022, Ms. Ortiz was recognized by the State Bar of Arizona with the Michael Cudahy Criminal Justice Award.
Michael Aaron Neufeld, The Neufeld Law Firm PLC
Michael A. Neufeld of the Neufeld Law Firm PLC splits his practice evenly between Immigration and Criminal law; focusing on the interplay between the two. He is the current Chairman of the State Bar of Arizona Criminal Justice Section executive council and past Chairman of the State Bar of Arizona Immigration Section executive council. In addition to handling of his own immigration and criminal cases he provides consulting services on immigration consequences for other law firms and individuals. He is the immigration resources attorney for the Pinal County Public Defender Office. He has served as a court appointed expert on criminal and immigration issues in state and federal court. He was a member of the most recent committee to update the “Quick Reference Chart for Determining Immigration Consequences of Selected Arizona Offenses,” published by the Florence Project for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. He is also available for expert witness letters and testimony. He has extensive experience in dealing with immigration cases for those accused or convicted of criminal offenses as well as representing individuals who may have to later face immigration court in criminal cases. He also practices family based and investor based immigration law and has secured green cards for countless individuals from all over the world. He is based out of Phoenix but often travels to the Immigration courts in Florence and Eloy as well as the Superior Courts of several counties. He can be reached at Mneufeldjd@gmail.com or (602)685-1112.
Ayensa Irais Millan, CIMA Law Group
Ayensa I. Millan has over 10 years of experience handling personal injury, criminal, and immigration, matters. Her past work with various firms and non-profit organizations strengthened her belief that there is a need for compassionate and effective legal representation. This understanding compelled her to form Cima Law Group, PC.
Ayensa relates to the needs and struggles of her clients. She has worked tirelessly in her community and devoted her life to improving the lives of those she represents. Ayensa volunteers her time, expertise, and resources with various community organizations. This kind of advocacy has established her as a trusted and respected attorney among her colleagues. Her opinion regarding legal matters is often sought by major international news outlets including Univision and Telemundo.
In 2014, she was one of the recipients of the “40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40” award for her work and commitment to the community. In 2017, Ayensa was named Top 40 under 40 National Advocate. In 2019, she was appointed as “Abogada Consultora'', or Legal Consultant, to the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix because of her continuous commitment and dedication to the legal field and the legal needs of Mexican nationals in Arizona. The consulate's staff rely on her legal advice and expertise to better assist Mexican nationals in the U.S.
The Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, México native was appointed Judge Pro Tempore by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2021. Ayensa currently serves as the Board Chair for Children’s Action Alliance of Arizona and is a member of the Los D-backs Ambassadors Council, a group of community leaders that helps highlight Hispanic initiatives for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ayensa is also a member of the Arizona Association for Justice (AAJ), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and is the former Chair of the Immigration Section of the Arizona State Bar.
Ayensa has been recognized for her exceptional work in the Best Lawyers of America for 2024. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctor from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Arizona, the United States District Court of Arizona, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
When Ayensa is not in court advocating for her clients, she spends her time with her family and traveling around the world experiencing new cultures.
Ayensa relates to the needs and struggles of her clients. She has worked tirelessly in her community and devoted her life to improving the lives of those she represents. Ayensa volunteers her time, expertise, and resources with various community organizations. This kind of advocacy has established her as a trusted and respected attorney among her colleagues. Her opinion regarding legal matters is often sought by major international news outlets including Univision and Telemundo.
In 2014, she was one of the recipients of the “40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40” award for her work and commitment to the community. In 2017, Ayensa was named Top 40 under 40 National Advocate. In 2019, she was appointed as “Abogada Consultora'', or Legal Consultant, to the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix because of her continuous commitment and dedication to the legal field and the legal needs of Mexican nationals in Arizona. The consulate's staff rely on her legal advice and expertise to better assist Mexican nationals in the U.S.
The Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, México native was appointed Judge Pro Tempore by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2021. Ayensa currently serves as the Board Chair for Children’s Action Alliance of Arizona and is a member of the Los D-backs Ambassadors Council, a group of community leaders that helps highlight Hispanic initiatives for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ayensa is also a member of the Arizona Association for Justice (AAJ), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and is the former Chair of the Immigration Section of the Arizona State Bar.
Ayensa has been recognized for her exceptional work in the Best Lawyers of America for 2024. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctor from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Arizona, the United States District Court of Arizona, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
When Ayensa is not in court advocating for her clients, she spends her time with her family and traveling around the world experiencing new cultures.
Benjamin Hart Cunningham
Benjamin H Cunningham (He/Him)(“Ben”):
Ben went to Arizona Summit Law School at night and worked as an injury claims adjuster by day. During law school, Ben participated in the Family Law Clinic as a Rule 38 under the direction of Judge Stasy Avelar. While at the clinic, Ben filed one of the first same-sex dissolutions in Maricopa County and completed a post-decree modification of legal decision-making trial.
After law school, was hired by a small family law firm in Phoenix. However, needing more experience, Ben went to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in late 2015, where he completed countless bench trials and more than 20 felony jury trials for offenses ranging from homicide, child abuse, white collar offenses, robbery, aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, and substance possession. Ben spent his last two years at the County Attorney’s office in the Family Violence Bureau, where he participated in numerous abusive head trauma investigations, medical child abuse investigations, and several high-profile domestic violence cases.
In 2021, Ben joined Donaldson Stewart, PC, to practice both family and juvenile law. Ben’s practice with Donaldson Stewart, PC focuses on mediated outcomes; however, Ben leads the litigation department with Donaldson Stewart, PC, and routinely volunteers to handle trials whenever necessary and wherever he can. His focus is on helping survivors of domestic violence navigate the family court and ensuring their safety and the safety of their children.
Outside of the office, Ben spends time with his wife Gillian, their three children, two cats, and their dog. Ben is an avid fan of the Los Angeles Chargers, Florida Gators, live musical performances, and weekly rounds of golf.
Ben went to Arizona Summit Law School at night and worked as an injury claims adjuster by day. During law school, Ben participated in the Family Law Clinic as a Rule 38 under the direction of Judge Stasy Avelar. While at the clinic, Ben filed one of the first same-sex dissolutions in Maricopa County and completed a post-decree modification of legal decision-making trial.
After law school, was hired by a small family law firm in Phoenix. However, needing more experience, Ben went to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in late 2015, where he completed countless bench trials and more than 20 felony jury trials for offenses ranging from homicide, child abuse, white collar offenses, robbery, aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, and substance possession. Ben spent his last two years at the County Attorney’s office in the Family Violence Bureau, where he participated in numerous abusive head trauma investigations, medical child abuse investigations, and several high-profile domestic violence cases.
In 2021, Ben joined Donaldson Stewart, PC, to practice both family and juvenile law. Ben’s practice with Donaldson Stewart, PC focuses on mediated outcomes; however, Ben leads the litigation department with Donaldson Stewart, PC, and routinely volunteers to handle trials whenever necessary and wherever he can. His focus is on helping survivors of domestic violence navigate the family court and ensuring their safety and the safety of their children.
Outside of the office, Ben spends time with his wife Gillian, their three children, two cats, and their dog. Ben is an avid fan of the Los Angeles Chargers, Florida Gators, live musical performances, and weekly rounds of golf.
Stacey Yvonne Good, Prosecutor, Mesa City Prosecutor's Office
Stacey Good, Deputy City Prosecutor, Mesa City Prosecutor's Office. Stacey received her license to practice law from the State Bar of Arizona in June 2015. She chose to focus her career as a public lawyer and in July 2015, she became a Deputy County Attorney with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. She maintained a felony case load while prosecuting DUIs and domestic violence cases at the West Mesa Justice Court.
In 2016, she joined the Mesa Prosecutor's Office as an Assistant City Prosecutor. She prosecutes misdemeanors for the City of Mesa with the majority of her cases consisting of DUIs and domestic violence. She was specially assigned the Domestic Violence Prosecutor in 2019, monitoring the high risk of lethality cases that come through the city prosecutor's office. In 2020, Stacey organized and co-hosted a public awareness event for Mesa's Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Stacey has a passion for prosecuting DUI cases. She has conducted trials dealing with alcohol, marijuana, medical marijuana, prescription drugs and other impairing substances. Stacey has also written appeals regarding reasonable suspicion for DUI that progressed to the Arizona Supreme Court. In 2018, she collaborated with the Mesa Police Department's Traffic Unit to create a new DUI face sheet for investigations regarding marijuana impairment. Stacey also regularly attends continuing education opportunities to stay informed on the changes in DUI laws. She attended the Drug Recognition Expert training in August 2018.
As a public lawyer, Stacey understands the importance of education, ensuring that all public servants are proficient in the laws that we prosecute. She takes pride in teaching for organizations like Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council, GOHS and the Mesa Police Department. She has become an excellent resource for DUI law enforcement and in 2019 received the Rising Star Award from the Arizona State Bar and in 2021 she received the Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year award from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
In 2016, she joined the Mesa Prosecutor's Office as an Assistant City Prosecutor. She prosecutes misdemeanors for the City of Mesa with the majority of her cases consisting of DUIs and domestic violence. She was specially assigned the Domestic Violence Prosecutor in 2019, monitoring the high risk of lethality cases that come through the city prosecutor's office. In 2020, Stacey organized and co-hosted a public awareness event for Mesa's Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Stacey has a passion for prosecuting DUI cases. She has conducted trials dealing with alcohol, marijuana, medical marijuana, prescription drugs and other impairing substances. Stacey has also written appeals regarding reasonable suspicion for DUI that progressed to the Arizona Supreme Court. In 2018, she collaborated with the Mesa Police Department's Traffic Unit to create a new DUI face sheet for investigations regarding marijuana impairment. Stacey also regularly attends continuing education opportunities to stay informed on the changes in DUI laws. She attended the Drug Recognition Expert training in August 2018.
As a public lawyer, Stacey understands the importance of education, ensuring that all public servants are proficient in the laws that we prosecute. She takes pride in teaching for organizations like Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council, GOHS and the Mesa Police Department. She has become an excellent resource for DUI law enforcement and in 2019 received the Rising Star Award from the Arizona State Bar and in 2021 she received the Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year award from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
Merri Tiseth, Executive Director, Address Confidentiality Program
Merri Tiseth joined the Arizona Department of State- Secretary of State’s Office in December 2016 as the Program Coordinator for the Arizona Address Confidentiality Program (ACP). In September 2019 she was appointed Executive Director of the ACP and also joined the National Association of Confidential Address Programs (NACAP) where she serves on the board as Treasurer as well as several other committees.
Prior to joining the ACP team, Merri was with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (formerly AzCADV) from 2004 until December 2016, as the Director of Legal Services.
Prior to joining the ACP team, Merri was with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (formerly AzCADV) from 2004 until December 2016, as the Director of Legal Services.
