Office Location: Tempe, Arizona

James-Henry Courteau

Associate

James-Henry Courteau joins CHDB Law as an Associate Attorney with experience in civil litigation, commercial and residential real estate, personal injury, and construction defect law. He earned his Baccalaureate Degree in Economics from The Johns Hopkins University and his J.D. from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, and is admitted to practice in Arizona state courts and the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. Outside of work, Jimmy enjoys spending time with his wife, following his beloved Dodgers and Lakers, visiting baseball stadiums, and exploring Arizona’s dining scene.

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Overview

James-Henry Courteau joins CHDB Law as an associate attorney with the firm. James has practiced law in the areas of civil litigation, commercial and residential real estate, personal injury tort, and construction defect law. He graduated with a Baccalaureate Degree in Economics from The Johns Hopkins University. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the practice of law in 2023 and is a current member of the State Bar of Arizona. He is admitted to practice in all state courts in Arizona, as well as the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.

Jimmy enjoys spending his free time with his wife, whom he met in Arizona and married in May 2025. A lifelong Los Angeles sports fan, Jimmy grew up cheering for the Dodgers and Lakers. A long time lover of baseball, he and his family try to catch the Dodgers when they’re in town to play the Diamondbacks every year. He dreams of attending all 30 Major League Parks in his lifetime. Besides baseball, he and his wife are also passionate food lovers who enjoy exploring Arizona’s dining scene and trying new restaurants whenever they can.

Education
  • Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, JD
  • The Johns Hopkins University, BE
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)

Madison Brunk

Associate

Madison Brunk joins CHDB Law as an Associate Attorney in our Phoenix office, focusing her practice on homeowners’ association and community association law. She assists associations with governance, covenant enforcement, assessment recovery, and new development formation, with additional experience in landlord-tenant disputes, professional liability, and construction law. Madison earned her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2023 and her B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

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Overview

Madison Brunk joins CHDB Law as an Associate Attorney in our Phoenix office. Her practice focuses on homeowners’ association law and community association matters. She works closely with community associations on governance matters, covenant enforcement, assessment recovery, and new development formation. Madison also has experience in landlord-tenant disputes, professional liability matters, including real estate errors and omissions claims, and construction law.

Madison earned her Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2023. While in law school, she was actively involved with the Institute to Transform Child Protection and participated in the Child Protection Clinic, where she provided legal assistance to families and represented parents and kinship caregivers in child protection matters. These experiences reinforced her commitment to advocacy and helping clients navigate complex legal challenges.

Before law school, Madison received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Psychology, from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

Outside of work, Madison enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. Whether she’s attending a Pilates class, taking a long walk, or playing beach volleyball with friends, she values opportunities to stay connected to her community and maintain a healthy balance between work and life.

Education
  • Mitchell Hamline School of Law, JD
  • University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, BA
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)

Janis Pelletier

Associate

Janis Pelletier is an associate in our Tempe office with a diverse background spanning criminal defense, insurance defense, and real estate law in Arizona and Washington. After returning to Arizona, she became a Realtor®, bringing valuable transactional insight to her real estate and property law practice. Her dual legal and sales experience allows her to navigate complex matters with strong analytical and negotiating skills, serving brokers, agents, and clients with confidence and care. Active in the community and the Arizona Bar’s Real Property Section, Janis is committed to professional excellence and enjoys travel, history, and fine dining in her free time.

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Overview

Janis Pelletier is an associate in our Tempe office. She has a diverse personal and legal background. Janis spent time right out of law school as a criminal defense attorney. Thereafter, she transitioned to civil practice, mainly insurance defense, in Arizona and then to practice in Washington State. Missing her sunny home state, Janis returned to Arizona after seven years where she later added Realtor® to her list of credentials. Janis has always loved property law and her experience as a Realtor® brings invaluable insight to real-estate related cases. This dual perspective has shaped her ability to navigate complex legal and transactional matters, offering clients a well-rounded approach to problem-solving. Janis thrives on the intellectual challenges of the law and leverages the positivity and determination she developed in sales to achieve favorable outcomes for her clients. Janis’ experience positions her perfectly to develop the Firm’s representation of real estate brokers, agents, and others within the real estate realm.

Personally, Janis has lived and traveled extensively in Europe. She has engaged in her community, serving for a number of years as a commission on the Phoenix Women’s Commission. She is also an active member of the Real Property Section of the Arizona Bar Association. Her involvement reflects her commitment to advancing issues that matter both professionally and socially. Clients trust Janis for her analytical skills, strategic negotiating abilities, and extensive knowledge of contract law, premises liability, real estate agency standards, and construction litigation. Her comprehensive legal background instills confidence and ensures clients receive sound advice and effective representation.

In her spare time, Janis loves fine dining, travel, history, and hanging with her friends.

Education
  • Arizona State University, JD
  • North Carolina Wesleyan College, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Arizona Bar Association, Real Property Section

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.

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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)
  • Ladies in Land
  • Horace Rumpole Inn of Court

Amber Li

Associate

Amber Li is an Associate in the firm’s Phoenix office, focusing on civil litigation, insurance defense, and general counsel matters. She earned her law degree from ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, where she served on the Moot Court Executive Board and received CALI Awards for academic excellence. Her experience includes internships with a Fortune 100 company, employment and IP law firms, and a judicial externship in Chicago. Amber also holds dual degrees in Supply Chain Management and Spanish from ASU. Outside work, she enjoys Pilates, thrifting, and visiting the Uptown Farmers Market.

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Overview

Amber Li is an Associate in the firm’s Phoenix office, where she focuses her practice on civil litigation, insurance defense, and general counsel matters.

Amber graduated from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. While there, she served on the Moot Court Executive Board and earned CALI Awards in the Innovation Advancement Clinic and Genetics and the Law. During law school, she interned with a Fortune 100 firm’s Latin America legal department, a prominent employment litigation law firm, and an intellectual property law firm. She also volunteered at her school’s pro bono program, where she deconstructed immigration, probate, and family law matters for underserved communities. During her final year of law school, Amber was a judicial extern at the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Mortgage Foreclosure and Mechanical Lien’s Chancery Division under the Honorable Marian E. Perkins and attended a local Chicago law school while there.

Before law school, Amber earned undergraduate degrees in Supply Chain Management and Spanish Language and Culture from Arizona State University. She also studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, earning a certificate in International Business while taking advanced Spanish classes.


Outside the office, Amber enjoys Pilates, treasure hunting at HomeGoods and local thrift stores, and strolling through the Uptown Farmers Market when the weather cools below 80 degrees.


Amber is the first in her family to become an attorney.

Education
  • Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, JD
  • Arizona State University, BA & BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Arizona Asian American Bar Association (AAABA)

Arielle Bowhay

Associate

Arielle Bowhay is a dedicated attorney at CHDB Law’s Phoenix office, specializing in Social Security disability law since 2018. She holds a psychology degree from Emporia State University (2012) and a law degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law (2016). Before moving to Phoenix in 2022, she practiced in Minnesota, where she also volunteered to help clients expunge criminal records.

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Overview

Arielle Bowhay joins our Phoenix office as an associate. Arielle graduated from Emporia State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2016. Arielle began practicing Social Security disability law in 2018 with one of the largest disability firms in the nation, where she honed her expertise in advocating for clients seeking benefits.

During her time in Minnesota, Arielle volunteered with the Volunteer Lawyers Network, assisting claimants in expunging their criminal records, reflecting her dedication to helping individuals navigate complex legal challenges. In the spring of 2022, she moved to Phoenix, where she continued her practice, representing clients before the Social Security Administration and appearing before Administrative Law Judges across the country.

Arielle Bowhay brings her commitment and extensive legal experience to CHDB, enriching the team with her diverse background and expertise.

In her free time, Arielle enjoys hanging out with her dogs; watching football; and shopping.

Education
  • Mitchell Hamline School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, JD
  • Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, BS
Professional Memberships

  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Arizona State Bar, Member
  • Minnesota State Bar, Member

Emily Cooper

Associate

Emily Cooper joins the firm as an associate in our Phoenix office. Emily litigates cases on behalf of condominium and planned community associations throughout Arizona, and manages all aspects of litigation from breach of contract claims to lien foreclosure claims. She aims to understand the needs of her clients to provide the best legal guidance for the community.

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Overview

Emily Cooper joins the firm as an associate in our Phoenix office. Emily litigates cases on behalf of condominium and planned community associations throughout Arizona, and manages all aspects of litigation from breach of contract claims to lien foreclosure claims. She assists associations with assessment recovery, enforcement, and general counsel matters pursuant to their governing documents. Emily regularly educates associations on board duties and protections, changes in the law, and best practices to efficiently meet community goals. She aims to understand the needs of her clients to provide the best legal guidance for the community. Prior to transitioning to association law, Emily represented publicly traded banks and debt buyers for a national creditor’s rights law firm.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes and techniques. This love for creating is now emulated by her toddler who loves to be in the kitchen with her. Additionally, Emily can be found journaling about her and her family’s adventures and experiences.

Education
  • Phoenix School of Law, JD
  • University of Arizona, BA
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Arizona Bar Association
  • Arizona Women Lawyers Association
  • Mindfulness in Law Society
Speaking Engagements
  • CAI AZ Board Leadership Development Workshop, February 2025
  • “I Solemnly Swear…: Board Duties and Best Practices,” April 2024
  • “Dude, Where is My Car?: Street Parking Enforcement,” April 2024

Authored Articles

Seminars

September 1, 2026

Aging Communities: the Odyssey through 2046

This seminar explores long-term planning needs, from reserve funding and capital improvements to deferred maintenance and risk management.

August 5, 2025

Lessons Learned the Hard Way: Real Stories, Real Consequences

Join us as we delve into lessons learned from decisions and actions of community managers and board members. Discover how certain decisions and actions can lead to costly legal battles and gain valuable insight on potential pitfalls and best practices.

Ashley Turner

Partner

Ashley Turner is a Partner in our firm’s Phoenix office. Ashley began her legal career as an office assistant with a community association law firm while studying as an undergraduate at Arizona State University.

She has extensive experience in community association law and litigation, providing a comprehensive range of legal services to these associations.

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Overview

Ashley Turner is a Partner in our firm’s Phoenix office. Ashley began her legal
career as an office assistant with a community association law firm while
studying as an undergraduate at Arizona State University. After graduating
summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies in
2012, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, to attend law school. She earned her
law degree cum laude from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2015. Following
her graduation, Ashley re-joined her previous firm as an attorney, focusing
on representing homeowners associations and condominium associations.
She has extensive experience in community association law and litigation,
providing a comprehensive range of legal services to these associations.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys hiking the many Arizona trails with her
husband and her dog, taking road trips, training her Australian cattle dog,
and reading.

Education
  • Chicago-Kent College of Law, JD
  • Arizona State University, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Executive Committee, Horace Rumpole Inn of Court
  • Executive Committee, Horace Rumpole Inn of Court
  • Volunteer, Arizona Cattle Dog Rescue

Authored Articles

Seminars

March 4, 2025

HOA Reserve Studies, Loans & Funding Mechanisms

Common areas are among the most valuable assets of any HOA—they enhance property values and foster community engagement. Learn how your HOA can protect its assets while reducing liability.

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.

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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)

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.

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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

Dianne Dickman

Associate

Dianne received her Juris Doctorate from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in 2023. During law school, Dianne held several legal externships, including with the Office of the Arizona Governor, the City of Phoenix Civil Department, a boutique real estate law firm, and an employment and municipal law firm. She currently works in the Firm’s litigation and insurance defense practice areas.

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Overview

Dianne Dickman is an Associate and works with the Firm’s litigation and insurance defense practice areas.

Dianne received her Juris Doctorate from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in 2023. During law school, Dianne held several legal externships, including with the Office of the Arizona Governor, the City of Phoenix Civil Department, a boutique real estate law firm, and an employment and municipal law firm. In addition, Dianne served as a Managing Editor for the Corporate and Business Law Journal.

Before law school, Dianne attended the University of Arizona, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She also served as Special Projects Coordinator and Majority Staff Intern for the Arizona State Senate.

In her free time, Dianne enjoys hiking, trying out new coffee shops, and spending time with her family.

Education
  • Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at Arizona State University, JD
  • University of Arizona, BA, summa cum laude
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Arizona Women Lawyers Association
  • Young Lawyers Division
Speaking Engagements
  • Sun City Board Member Presentation – OHOA Leadership Academy, January 2025

Eden Cohen

Senior Associate

Eden focuses her practice on litigation, insurance defense, governing document interpretation and amendment, covenant enforcements and general counsel representation for homeowner associations. She has worked with a wide range of attorneys to counsel and defend corrections departments, law enforcement agencies, governmental entities, and other public and private entities within Arizona and across the nation in cases involving complex litigation and class action suits.

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Overview

Eden Cohen is a Senior Associate on our Phoenix our office. Eden focuses her practice on litigation, insurance defense, governing document interpretation and amendment, covenant enforcements and general counsel representation for homeowner associations. Prior to joining CHDB Law, Eden focused her practice defense of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claims and constitutional law. She has worked with a wide range of attorneys to counsel and defend corrections departments, law enforcement agencies, governmental entities, and other public and private entities within Arizona and across the nation in cases involving complex litigation and class action suits.

Eden has clerked for the Honorable Judge Peter B. Swann (retired) and externed for the Honorable Judge Patricia B. Orozco (retired) at the Arizona Court of Appeals.

In her free time Eden enjoys spending time with family, cooking new recipes, and reading.

Education
  • Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, J.D.
  • University of Arizona, B.A. Political Science
Professional Memberships
  • Federal Bar Association, Member
  • State Bar of Arizona, Member
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)