William Shore III

Of-Counsel

William Shore, III, a seasoned trial lawyer for over 40 years, is a member of the State Bar of Arizona. His practice spans construction defect law, corporate law, and commercial litigation. Bill’s extensive experience involves handling cases for numerous common interest communities, covering issues like construction defects, covenant enforcement, underfunded reserves, breach of fiduciary duties, and professional liability of engineers and architects. He is recognized with an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and actively contributes as a lecturer and author on community association law.

Office Locations

Overview

William Shore, III is a member of the State Bars of Arizona. As a trial lawyer for more than 40 years, Bill practices in the areas of construction defect law, corporate law and commercial litigation. Hundreds of common interest communities have hired Bill in cases involving construction defects, construction related injury and wrongful death, covenant enforcement, underfunded reserves, breach of fiduciary duties by developers, officers and directors, and the professional liability of engineers, architects and surveyors. Prior to joining CHDB Law,  Bill was a partner for thirteen years with Burdman & Shore, PLLC. Bill received an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible peer reviewed rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.

Bill is a frequent lecturer and author regarding community association law for the Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) and the Community Associations Institute (CAI).

Education
  • Georgetown University Law Center, JD
  • Georgetown University, BA
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • State Bar of Arizona
Awards
  • AV-Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
Speaking Engagements
  • Bill is a frequent lecturer and author regarding community association law for the Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) and the Community Associations Institute (CAI).

Seminars

Wade Causey

Partner

Wade Causey litigates a variety of insurance defense matters involving professional liability, personal injury, property damage and commercial issues. He is certified to practice in all Arizona Courts, State and Federal, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Office Locations

Overview

Wade R. Causey joins our firm as a partner with 30+ years of litigation experience. His practice specializes in litigation in the areas of general commercial liability, construction defect, construction accident and product liability.

Mr. Causey also litigates a variety of insurance defense matters involving professional liability, personal injury, property damage and commercial issues.

Mr. Causey is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, Maricopa County Bar Association, and the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel. He is certified to practice in all Arizona Courts, State and Federal, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Wade Causey was born in Weatherford, Oklahoma and graduated with recognition on the Dean’s List from the University of Oklahoma, J.D., 1988.

Mr. Causey and his wife, Candice, have raised four children, all adults now. Mr. Causey enjoys all sports and enjoys playing golf, bike riding and occasional fishing.

Education
  • University of Oklahoma, JD
  • Oklahoma State University and Central State University of Oklahoma, BA
Professional Memberships
  • Arizona Association of Defense Counsel
  • Maricopa County Bar Association
  • State Bar of Arizona

Tessa Knueppel

Partner

Tessa Knueppel, a Partner at CHDB Law’s Phoenix office since 2021, excels in community association law, business law, and litigation, focusing on general counsel and civil litigation. With extensive litigation experience in criminal law, she has successfully handled over 15 jury trials and received recognition as the Arizona Rising Star Prosecutor of the Year in 2020. Tessa’s diverse legal background also includes bankruptcy, personal injury law, and a certification in Law, Science, and Innovation. Beyond her legal pursuits, she’s an avid traveler, theatre enthusiast, and coffee lover.

Office Locations

Overview

Tessa Knueppel joined CHDB Law’s Phoenix office in 2021 where she works as a Partner. Tessa practices in the areas of community association law, business law, and litigation. She focuses on general counsel and civil litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Tessa had several years of extensive litigation experience in the criminal law sector as a prosecutor in both the Major Offenders’ and Special Victims’ Divisions. She has successfully tried over 15 jury trials, in addition to bench trials, and received the state-wide award in 2020 for the Arizona Rising Star Prosecutor of the Year.

In addition to criminal law, Tessa has also worked for a bankruptcy and personal injury law firm, clerked for the Environmental Enforcement section at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and for the Staff Attorneys at the Arizona Supreme Court. She also has a certification in Law, Science, and Innovation from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Tessa enjoys traveling, theatre, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

Education
  • Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, JD
Professional Memberships
  • Arizona Women Lawyers Association
Awards
  • 2020 Arizona Rising Star Prosecutor of the Year
  • High Distinction for Pro Bono from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
  • Pedrick Award for scholastic achievement
Speaking Engagements
  • Water Rights

Seminars

Nikita Patel

Shareholder

Nikita Patel is a shareholder at CHDB Law. She manages the firm’s Assessment Recovery practice. Nikki represents hundreds of associations in collecting delinquent homeowner assessments and oversees associates, paralegals, and support staff. Nikki educates community association boards on the collections process as well as assists boards in adopting and implementing collection policies.

Office Locations

Overview

Nikki has been representing homeowner and community associations since she joined the Firm in 2008. After litigating insurance defense cases for eight years, Nikki shifted her focus to managing the Firm’s collection practice group. Nikki represents hundreds of associations in collecting delinquent homeowner assessments and oversees associates, paralegals, and support staff. Nikki educates community association boards on the collections process as well as assists boards in adopting and implementing collection policies. Nikki also has expertise in applying for and collecting surplus funds from trustee’s sales.

Nikki is a member of the Education Committee of Community Associations Institute and has taught a number of courses for the organization as well as in house seminars. Nikki enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and following college football and basketball.

Education
  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law, JD
  • Arizona State University, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • The Leadership Centre

Morgan Slawson

Associate

Morgan Slawson is an Associate in CHDB Law’s Phoenix office. Before joining the firm, she served as a Summer and Fall Associate with CHDB Law and gained additional experience at the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. Morgan earned her J.D. from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and her B.A. in Business Law from Arizona State University, graduating summa cum laude.

Office Locations

Overview

Morgan Slawson is an Associate in the firm’s Phoenix office. She previously served as a Summer and Fall Associate with CHDB Law for two years before completing her internship in January 2025. Prior to joining the firm, Morgan gained valuable legal experience interning at the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office.

Morgan earned her Juris Doctor from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and her Bachelor of Arts in Business Law from ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, graduating summa cum laude. During her undergraduate studies, she developed strong communication and leadership skills while working with students and families in the W. P. Carey Undergraduate Center and serving with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office Mitigation Team.

Outside of the office, Morgan enjoys baking sourdough, reading, and traveling. She recently became engaged in Oahu, Hawaii.

Education
  • Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at Arizona State University, JD
  • W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, BA
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Arizona Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)

Monya Cohen

Associate

Monya Cohen, an associate at the Firm, focuses on community association and insurance defense litigation, along with general counsel services. Her practice encompasses interpreting governing documents, covenant enforcement, and providing legal representation to HOAs. Monya earned her J.D. from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. She gained valuable experience through clerkships at the Firm, honing skills in diverse legal areas like contract disputes, real estate, and corporate liability. With a certificate in trial advocacy, Monya’s background includes externships with various legal offices and active roles in Moot Court and the Corporate and Business Law Journal.

Office Locations

Overview

Monya Cohen is an associate in the Firm’s community association litigation, insurance defense litigation and general counsel practice. Her practice involves assisting HOAs in governing document interpretation and amendment, covenant enforcements and general counsel representation. Monya received her J.D. from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

While in law school, Monya clerked for two summers at the Firm, where she was able to acquaint herself with all aspects of the Firm’s practice, including: drafting demand letters, pleadings, and memoranda concerning contract disputes, general and corporate liability, real estate, foreclosures, and more.

Monya was an O’Connor Merit Scholar and graduated with a certificate in trial advocacy. She also held several legal externships, including with the Maricopa County Superior Court, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Phoenix Division. Additionally, Monya was an oral advocate and brief writer for the Vis Moot Court Team as well as a Managing Editor for the Corporate and Business Law Journal.

Monya is originally from Indiana where she grew up a Hoosier sports fan. In her spare time, Monya enjoys bouldering, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Education
  • Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at Arizona State University, JD
  • Indiana University Bloomington, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Arizona Women Lawyers Association
  • Arizona Jewish Lawyers Association
  • Young Lawyers Division
Awards
  • Fall and Spring 2020 Willard H. Pedrick Scholar Award
  • Dean’s Award for Academic Performance and Contributions to the College of Law

Michelle Wellnitz Taylor

Partner

Michelle Wellnitz Taylor, a Partner in CHDB Law’s Phoenix office, boasts a diverse practice ranging from community association and condominium general counsel and litigation to business law, litigation, and securities law. Michelle engages in a variable practice, including community association and condominium general counsel and litigation, business law and litigation, and securities law. As a Certified Public Accountant in both California and Arizona, Michelle brings a unique skill set to her legal practice.

Office Locations

Overview

Michelle Wellnitz Taylor joined the firm’s Phoenix office in 2019 where she works as a Partner in the firm’s general counsel practice. Michelle engages in a variable practice, including community association and condominium general counsel and litigation, business law and litigation, and securities law. She has experience defending creditors, in commercial law litigation, arising from the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Prior to joining the firm, Michelle worked for a corporate transactional law firm in Santa Monica, California. She also worked for Deloitte in Los Angeles in the firm’s audit department where she specialized in private equity real estate clients. Michelle is a Certified Public Accountant in both California and Arizona.

Michelle earned her law degree from Pepperdine University where she served as the editor-in-chief of the law school’s Journal of the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary. She also externed for the honorable Stephen V. Wilson at the US District Court for the Central District of California. At Pepperdine, Michelle participated in the law school’s Investor Advocacy Clinic, which provides pro bono assistance to low-income clients in arbitrating their federal securities claims before FINRA. Prior to law school, Michelle graduated cum laude from USC where she double majored: earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC’s Marshall School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from USC’s Leventhal School of Accounting.

Michelle is originally from Arizona and is an avid football fan. You will find her rooting for the USC Trojans, Michigan Wolverines, and Arizona Cardinals. In the offseason, Michelle enjoys skiing, traveling with her family, and raising her baby girl with her husband and two cats.

Education
  • Pepperdine University School of Law, JD
  • University of Southern California, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
Publications and Media

Matthew Nicely

Partner

Matthew Nicely has more than 26 years of litigation experience. He is certified to practice in all Arizona Courts, State and Federal and is a member of the Maricopa County Bar Association, Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, and State Bar of Arizona.

Office Locations

Overview

Matthew Nicely joined our firm as a partner in 2024. He has more than 26 years of litigation experience. His practice areas include: civil litigation, commercial litigation, general liability defense, personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage. Matthew is a member of the Maricopa County Bar Association, Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, and State Bar of Arizona. He is certified to practice in all Arizona Courts, State and Federal. Matthew was born in Stamford, Connecticut and graduated from the Arizona State University College of Law, J.D., in 1997.

Matthew was born in Stanford, Connecticut in 1971, moved to Arizona in 1980 and considers himself a “nearly native.” He is the proud father of three children. During his leisure time, he can be found golfing, hiking, bicycling, and jigsaw puzzling.

Education
  • Arizona State University, College of Law, JD
  • Bates College, BA
Professional Memberships
  • Arizona Association of Defense Counsel
  • Maricopa County Bar Association
  • State Bar of Arizona
Accomplishments
  • Published Opinion of Morgan v. Carillon Investments, Inc., 210 Ariz. 187, 109 P.3d 82 (2005)
  • Published Opinion of Morgan v. Carillon Investments, Inc., 207 Ariz. 547, 88 P.3d 1159 (App. 2004)
  • Published Opinion of State of Arizona v. Vallejo, 194 Ariz. 201, 979 P.2d 529 (App. 1999)

Mark Sahl

Shareholder, Co-Managing Partner

Mark Sahl, Shareholder and Co-Managing Partner at CHDB Law, leads the Insurance Defense practice group, showcasing a wealth of trial experience. He navigates cases spanning from irregular board meetings and removal actions to complex architectural review matters. Offering general counsel insights, Mark, a Certified Public Accountant, advises on Board duties, risk minimization and taxation. Beyond work, he cherishes time with his family.

Office Locations

Overview

Mark Sahl is a Shareholder and Co-Managing Partner at CHDB Law and is responsible for overseeing the Insurance Defense practice group at the firm. Throughout his career at Carpenter Hazlewood, he has practiced in the following areas: enforcement litigation, insurance defense litigation, general counsel, fair housing, common area tax appeals/ abatement /administrative hearings, collections, and community association liquor law liability.  This diversity within the practice area has allowed him to become an expert in many facets of community association law.  His litigation experience has also allowed him to try dozens of cases in Superior Court, Justice Court and administrative court in Arizona. He has handled many different types of cases ranging from board meeting irregularities, removal actions, and slip and falls to complex receivership matters. 

Mark also provides general counsel guidance and routinely provides practical advice to minimize risks for his clients. A Certified Public Accountant in Arizona since 2015, Mark also provides tax guidance on a variety of issues presented by his clients.

Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters and getting outside whenever possible. When Mark is not working or spending time with his family, you can find him grilling out on one of his smokers or grills.

Education
  • Baylor Law, JD
  • Northern Arizona University, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Certified Public Accountant, Arizona
Awards
  • Fellow, College of Community Association Lawyers
Speaking Engagements
  • “Who’s the Client Anyway?  Ethical challenges in representing corporate clients with volunteer boards”, College of Community Association Lawyers National Conference, January 2023
  • “Protecting Your Association From Fraud”, CAI National Conference, May 2018
  • “Drones”, CAI Central and Southern AZ, 2018
  • “Priceless Legal Advice”, CAI Central AZ, 2017
  • “Litigation for Managers”, CAI National Conference, May 2017
  • “Millennials in the Workplace”, Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, Mar. 2017
Publications and Media
  • Arizona Manual for Claims Professionals ­­‑ HOA and Condominiums Claims

Seminars

Lydia Peirce Linsmeier

Partner

Lydia Peirce Linsmeier, a Partner at the Tempe office, commenced her legal journey as a sole practitioner in animal and equine law, later developing a distinctive practice within community associations that recognizes animals’ roles. Within the insurance defense group, Lydia adeptly handles claims in state and federal court, emphasizing general counsel expertise in Arizona community association law. Passionate about fair housing and disability access, she educates associations on these topics, while actively contributing to the State Bar of Arizona Animal Law Section and teaching and writing on animal law issues.

Office Locations

Overview

Lydia Peirce Linsmeier is a Partner in the Tempe office. Lydia began her legal career as a sole practitioner concentrating on animal and equine law. In 2011, Lydia joined a Valley firm and developed a unique practice area that is sensitive to the role of animals in a community association setting.

As part of the insurance defense practice group, Lydia successfully defends claims in both state and federal court, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Lydia’s general counsel foundation and in-depth understanding of Arizona community association law makes her ideal for representing the interests of associations at every stage, from pre-litigation to trial.

Lydia is passionate about fair housing and disability access issues, and teaches fair housing seminars to managers, associations, and the public. Assistance and service animals are always a contentious issue, and Lydia enjoys educating associations locally and nationally on how to best implement both the spirit and law of the Fair Housing Act.

Currently serving on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Arizona Animal Law Section, Lydia routinely teaches and writes on animal law topics, including her ‘Community Animal’ column. She spends her spare time hanging out with a variety of mutts and attempting to grow antique roses.

Education
  • James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona College of Law, JD
  • University at Albany, BA
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI), Amicus Review Committee
  • State Bar of Arizona
    • Animal Law Section
    • Real Estate Section
  • American Bar Association
    • Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Animal Law Committee
    • Civil Rights and Social Justice Section
  • Animal Legal Defense Fund

Seminars

Kyle von Johnson

Partner

Kyle von Johnson, a Partner based in CHDB Law’s Phoenix office, boasts an extensive background in insurance defense litigation, business litigation, and general counsel practice. With a focus on commercial litigation and transactional work, Kyle is well-versed in real estate litigation encompassing HOA disputes, landlord-tenant law, and contract disputes. On the transactional side, he handles residential and rental agreements, business contracts, commercial leasing, subleasing, and general contract drafting and review.

Office Locations

Overview

Kyle von Johnson is a Partner in our Phoenix office. Kyle works in the Firm’s insurance defense litigation, business litigation, and general counsel practice. He has extensive experience with commercial litigation and transaction work. His litigation practice involves primarily real estate litigation including HOA disputes, landlord tenant law and contract disputes. On the transactional side, Kyle practices around residential purchase agreements/rental agreements, business agreements, commercial leasing and subleasing, as well as general contract drafting and review.

Prior to joining CHDB Law, Kyle worked as an associate as Combs Law Group, P.C. handling real estate litigation disputes and transactional work. Kyle is originally from Iowa where he graduated from Drake Law School with Highest Honors. While in Iowa, Kyle practiced at a general practice law firm.  His primary areas of practice were contract disputes, estate planning, criminal law, and civil litigation. He also practiced in real estate transactions and probate.

In his free time, Kyle enjoys renaissance fairs, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Education
  • Drake University Law School, J.D. 2018
  • Iowa State University, B.S. 2016
Professional Memberships
  • Community Association Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • State Bar of Arizona
  • Young Lawyers Division

Kyle Banfield

Partner

Kyle Banfield, a Partner in the firm’s Tempe office, specializes in insurance defense litigation and community association counsel. Previously in Massachusetts, he excelled in healthcare-related defense litigation, earning recognition as a Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star for client advocacy. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University and Northeastern University School of Law, Kyle’s background includes work for Boston law firms and as a Judicial Intern for Judge Jennifer C. Boal in the US District Court. Kyle has extensive litigation experience in both state and federal courts, and strives to provide his clients with a comprehensive legal approach.

Office Locations

Overview

Kyle Banfield is a Partner in the firm’s Tempe office. Kyle’s practice focuses in the area of insurance defense litigation as well as community association general counsel. Prior to joining the firm, Kyle worked in Massachusetts at several insurance defense litigation firms with his most recent position in insurance defense for healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals in the Boston area. Kyle was named a Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2021 and 2022 for his strong advocacy on behalf of his clients.

Kyle is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and Northeastern University School of Law. During his time at Northeastern, Kyle worked for several Boston area law firms and was a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Judge Jennifer C. Boal in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Kyle is a member of the Phoenix Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and is an avid Penn State football fan. Kyle enjoys playing all types of sports and is frequently found on the golf course or playing basketball.

Education
  • Northeastern University School of Law, JD
  • The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
Awards
  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star 2021 and 2022

Seminars