Deon M. Franklin

Associate

Deon Franklin is an Associate in the firm’s Phoenix office. Deon joined the firm in 2023 and his practice focuses on HOAs in governing document interpretation and amendment, covenant enforcements and general counsel representation.

Office Locations

Overview

Deon Franklin is an Associate in the firm’s Phoenix office. Deon joined the firm in 2023 and his practice focuses on HOAs in governing document interpretation and amendment, covenant enforcements and general counsel representation. Deon received his JD from Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Prior to law school, Deon graduated with degrees in International Business and Finance from Marquette University. During his time at Marquette he was also a member of the Men’s Basketball team and was honored with selections in the Big East All-Academic team and the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

Deon was born and raised in Italy, and moved to the US for college. He is fluent in Italian, and Spanish. In his free time Deon enjoys playing basketball, watching his favorite Italian soccer team, and exploring restaurants in the valley.

Education
  • Marquette University Law School, JD Marquette University, BS in Business  Administration
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)

Chuck Oldham

Partner

Charles (Chuck) Oldham is a highly experienced litigation attorney with over 20 years of expertise in real estate and commercial litigation. His primary practice areas focus on real estate litigation, including escrow and title insurance disputes, partitions, landlord/tenant conflicts, adverse possession, deed restrictions, broker/agent disputes, and purchase contract conflicts. His broad experience extends to collections, business dissolutions, bankruptcy, professional liability, and dissolution issues between co-habitants. Chuck has served as lead and co-lead counsel in jury and bench trials, is proficient in mediation and arbitration, and excels in appellate matters before the Arizona Court of Appeals and the Arizona Supreme Court. Graduating cum laude from Arizona State University College of Law, Chuck’s accomplishments include awards like Order of the Coif, Order of the Barristers, and serving as a clerk for the Honorable Rebecca White Berch of the Arizona Supreme Court.

Office Locations

Overview

Charles (Chuck) Oldham is a litigation attorney with more than 20 years’ experience in handling real estate and commercial litigation. Mr. Oldham’s primary areas of practice include commercial litigation matters with a focus on real estate litigation, including escrow and title insurance disputes, partitions, landlord/tenant disputes, adverse possession, specific performance, deed restrictions, professional real estate broker/agent disputes and purchase contract disputes. Mr. Oldham also has significant experience in other commercial litigation matters such as collections, business dissolutions, bankruptcy and professional liability and dissolution issues between unmarried co-habitants. Mr. Oldham has served as both lead and co-lead counsel in both jury and bench trials. Mr. Oldham also has extensive experience in mediation and arbitration, both as a mediator and arbitrator and as an advocate. Mr. Oldham also has a proven track record on appellate matters before both the Arizona Court of Appeals and the Arizona Supreme Court. Mr. Oldham’s varied experience makes him uniquely qualified to assist clients with their real estate and other commercial disputes.

Mr. Oldham grew up in New England and graduated from Keene State College in Keene, NH in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. While at Keene State, Mr. Oldham served as the Chair of the Student Assembly, Student Body President and was named the Student Leader of the Year. Following graduation Mr. Oldham served in the United States Navy from 1989 until 1999. While in the Navy, Mr. Oldham served as a quartermaster, assistant navigator, deep sea diver and military free-fall parachutist.

Upon leaving the Navy in 1999 Mr. Oldham attended Arizona State University College of Law, graduating cum laude in 2002. While at ASU College of Law, Mr. Oldham was awarded the Order of the Coif and Order of the Barristers, was a CALI Award recipient for the highest grade in his first year real property class and was named a Pedrick Scholar. Following law school, Mr. Oldham served a clerkship with the Honorable Rebecca White Berch of the Arizona Supreme Court.

Education
  • Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, JD
  • Keene State College, Keene, New Hampshire, BA
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Panelist with the American Arbitration Association
  • Mediator, Arizona Association of Realtors
  • Certified Real Property Specialist, State Bar of Arizona
Speaking Engagements
  • The Wildfire Menace: Will the West Learn or Burn; May 2015
Publications and Media
  • Wildfire Liability: The Feds Give and Take; Arizona State Law Journal Spring 2016
    (author)
  • Defenses to Liability Under CERCLA; Arizona State Law Journal Summer 2014 (coauthor)
  • Arizona Condemnation Summit; Environmental Law Impact on Condemnation: Takings and Appraisal Issues; October 2013.

Charlene Cruz

Partner

Charlene Cruz specializes in Community Association Law, covering collections, general counsel, enforcement, and insurance defense cases. She holds a Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law and a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business from the University of Victoria, Canada. With prior experience in finance and petrochemicals, Charlene is admitted to practice law in Arizona and the U.S. District Court of Arizona.

Office Locations

Overview

Charlene Cruz practices in Community Association Law and her practice includes assessment recovery, general counsel, enforcement, and insurance defense cases. Char received her Juris Doctor Degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut and her Bachelor of Commerce in International Business from the University of Victoria in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Before attending law school, Charlene worked in the financial industry and the petrochemical business.

Charlene was admitted to practice law in Arizona and the U.S. District Court of Arizona. In her spare time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, hiking and spending time with her family.

Education
  • Quinnipiac University School of Law, JD
  • University of Victoria, BCom
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
Speaking Engagements
  • National Business Institute – FDCPA and Collection Law, Lecturer 
  • Arizona Trustee’s Association 2023 Annual Convention

Seminars

Chad Miesen

Shareholder

Chad Miesen offers comprehensive guidance to diverse business entities and entrepreneurs, spanning for-profits, non-profits, and community associations, throughout their lifecycle, from establishment to dissolution. Since joining in 2007, Chad has risen to partner and equity shareholder, wielding extensive expertise in corporate organization, financing, governance, contract negotiation, litigation, and bankruptcy. His specialization includes advising condominium and planned community associations, as well as developers, investors, lenders,
purchasers, and sellers of commercial property, driving cost savings and rejuvenating thriving communities.

Office Locations

Overview

Chad has extensive experience advising condominium and planned community associations, where he demonstrates a profound understanding of the unique challenges and issues facing these specific clients.

Joining our firm in 2007, Chad rapidly ascended to partnership in 2014 and further secured his position as an equity shareholder in 2016. His extensive experience encompasses various facets of corporate law, including corporate organization, reorganization, and governance, as well as private equity and debt financing. He is adept at handling matters related to shareholder and owner relations, buyouts, and dispute resolution, in addition to contract negotiation, supplier and manufacturing agreements, and securities regulation.

Furthermore, Chad brings a wealth of knowledge in joint ventures, strategic alliances, fund formation, corporate asset protection, and succession planning. He has successfully navigated numerous mergers and acquisitions, and his litigation prowess is well-demonstrated through a diverse range of civil cases in both state and federal courts.

Chad also has significant experience representing creditors in bankruptcy and leads the firm’s bankruptcy practice. Of notable experience, Chad successfully represented an insolvent condominium association in a bankruptcy case that resulted in a confirmed plan of reorganization and final decree that not only saved the association thousands of dollars but also helped it to be a thriving community once again.

Education
  • University of Idaho College of Law, JD
  • Northern Arizona University, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Open Doors Charity 501(c)(3), Director
Speaking Engagements
  • Presenter – National Bank of Arizona CLE Series – Arizona Community Association Law 101 – November 3, 2022
  • Presenter – National Bank of Arizona CLE Series – Arizona Community Association Law 101 (Part 2) – March 8, 2023
  • Presenter – CHDB Law LLP Certified Legal Document Preparer
  • Education Series – Bankruptcy 101: Basics of Bankruptcy Law

Seminars

Carlotta L. Turman

Partner

Experienced litigator Carlotta Turman adeptly handles civil and commercial litigation matters in state and federal courts. Her practice specializes in insurance defense, professional liability, real estate, community association and condominium litigation, and business law. Carlotta brings a wealth of experience from defending professionals including real estate agents, attorneys, architects, contractors, and appraisers. Formerly an Assistant Attorney General, she defended the Arizona Department of Corrections against inmate liability lawsuits. Carlotta earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School and has a background in criminal justice. Born and raised in Arizona, she enjoys singing, volunteering, and spending time with family and her dogs.

Office Locations

Overview

Carlotta Turman is an experienced litigation attorney and handles civil and commercial litigation matters in state and federal courts in Arizona and is admitted to practice before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Carlotta focuses her practice in the areas of insurance defense, professional liability, real estate and commercial litigation, community association and condominium litigation, and business law and litigation. She has defended professionals including real estate agents, attorneys, architects, contractors, and appraisers. Before practicing in the private sector, Carlotta was an Assistant Attorney General for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, where she defended the Department of Corrections against inmate liability lawsuits including 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights claims.

Carlotta obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School and did her undergraduate work at Grand Canyon University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. Inspired by her father who was a Federal Probation Officer, Carlotta worked as an Adult Probation Officer for Maricopa County prior to earning her law degree.

Carlotta is an Arizona native, born and raised in the northwest valley. In her free time, she sings and volunteers with various organizations. Carlotta also loves to spend time with her family and her dogs.

Education
  • University of Minnesota Law School, JD
  • Grand Canyon University, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Arizona Women Lawyers Association
Speaking Engagements
  • Speaker/Panelist, “How to Bring Equality to the Legal Profession & How Allies Can Help,” Arizona State Bar Convention (June 2023)

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.

Office Locations

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

Seminars

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.

Office Locations

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

Allison Preston

Partner

Allison Preston transitioned from real estate and property management to a legal career. Her prior work managing residential rental properties, homeowner associations, and real estate portfolios provides her a unique understanding of both legal intricacies and day-to-day management. With expertise in homeowners’ associations, real estate, landlord/tenant, civil litigation, and general business law, Allison effectively bridges legal matters and practical management.

Office Locations

Overview

Allison Preston joined the legal arena with a background in real estate and property management. Before attending law school, Allison worked for a real estate and property management firm where she managed residential rental properties and homeowner associations, as well as the firm’s real estate portfolio.

Her experience working one-on-one with homeowners, board members, landlords and tenants has translated into a legal career where she understands not only the legal aspects involved in real estate matters, but also the day-to-day management of real estate. Allison has extensive knowledge in homeowners’ association, real estate, landlord/tenant, civil litigation and general business law.

Education
  • Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, JD
  • Arizona State University, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM), Instructor for AACM’s Certified Arizona Association Manager Program

Seminars

Alexis Firehawk

Shareholder

Alexis Firehawk practices in the areas of community association law, business law, and litigation. She focuses on entity formation and dissolution, securities, general counsel, and civil litigation. Alexis counsels nonprofit and for-profit organizations of all sizes, across industries, regarding business transactions and strategy, capital market transactions, intellectual property disputes, and conflict resolution.

Office Locations

Overview

Alexis Firehawk practices in the areas of community association law, business law, and litigation. She focuses on entity formation and dissolution, securities, general counsel, and civil litigation. Alexis counsels nonprofit and for-profit organizations of all sizes, across industries, regarding business transactions and strategy, capital market transactions, intellectual property disputes, and conflict resolution.

Alexis’ practice includes advising companies, boards of directors, and individuals on statutory and regulatory compliance; assisting clients with respect to employment and consulting agreements, contract interpretation and negotiation; and advising clients with regard to compliance with internal policy and procedure. Alexis also represents companies on both sides of civil litigation, bringing affirmative claims and providing litigation defense.

Alexis manages the Firm’s summer associate, internship/externship, and mentor programs. She believes that success is inspired by building relationships.

Prior to joining the Firm she created corporate policy for global companies and advised on Information Governance and eDiscovery issues including privacy, security, and regulatory compliance.

Education
  • California Western School of Law, JD, cum laude
  • W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, BS, Economics, cum laude
  • University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, International Business Certificate
  • Arizona State University’s Center for Mindfulness, Compassion, and Resilience, Mindfulness Leadership Certificate
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institutes (CAI): Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force; Annual Conference & Exposition Education Session Speaker
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM), Teaching Faculty for Continuing Education and Education Committee
  • Arizona Women Lawyers Association, State Board Member, Maricopa Chapter Steering Committee Member, Membership Committee Chair
  • Arizona Asian American Bar Association, Member
  • State Bar of Arizona, Appointments Committee Member and Special Constitutional Appointments Committee Member
  • The Horace Rumpole American Inn of Court, Past President
  • Open Doors Charity 501(c)(3), Board Member
  • ABA Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP), Alumni and Attorney Volunteer
  • Mindfulness in Law Society, Board Member, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee
Awards
  • The Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services, 2008
Speaking Engagements
  • “Sharing Perspective: A Dialogue with Women in the Community Association Industry,” Community Association Institute (CAI) Annual Conference & Exposition, [Coming soon! May 2023]
  • “The Brain Science Behind Attorney Wellness Through Mindfulness Practices,” Community Association Institute (CAI) Annual Law Seminar, January 2023
  • “Women in Community Association Law: A Dialogue,” Community Association Institute (CAI) College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL) Webinar, November 2022
  • “CAI Chapter Knowledge Series: DEI,” Community Association Institute (CAI) Webinar, November 2022
  • “Resiliency Through Sisterhood: Working Together, Elevating Each Other, Forming an Alliance,” Arizona Women Lawyers Association 2022 Annual Convention, October 2022
  • “Promoting Lawyer Wellbeing Through Mindfulness,” Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association, October 2022
  • “Mindfulness and Stress Management,” Annual State Bar of Arizona Convention, June 2022
  • “In the Now: Wellness (and Happiness!) for Community Association Professionals and Homeowner Volunteers Through Mindfulness Practices,” Community Association Institute (CAI) Annual Conference & Exposition, May 2022
  • “Mindfulness and Meditation to Cope with Stress,” Arizona Women Lawyers Association Monthly Meeting, April 2022
  • “Attorney Wellness – Guided Mindfulness Exercise,” Community Association Institute (CAI) Annual Law Seminar, February 2022
  • “ABA Grit and Growth Mindset Workshop,” Arizona Women Lawyers Association 2021 Annual Convention, November 2021
  • “Lawyer Wellbeing,” State Bar of Arizona 2021 Solo/Small Firm Institute, October 2021
  • “Lawyer Well-Being Track Diaphragmatic Breathing Mindfulness Exercise,” American Bar Association TECHSHOW2021, March 2021
  • “Wellness: Building Resiliency,” State Bar of Arizona 2020 New Lawyer Boot Camp, December 2020
  • “Remembering Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg,” Arizona Women Lawyers Association 2020 Annual Convention, November 2020
  • “Practice in Your Personality: How to Thrive as a Community Association Lawyer,” Community Association Institute (CAI) 41st Annual Law Seminar, January 2020
  • “What I Wish I’d Known,” State Bar of Arizona 2018 New Lawyer Boot Camp, June 2018
  • “Mentors and Champions: Inspiring Success by Building Relationships,” Arizona Women Lawyers Association 2017 Annual Convention, June 2017
  • “#Privacy, Do We Still “Like” Our Civil Liberties,” State Bar of Arizona 2017 Spring Training for Lawyers, March 2017
Publications and Media
  • Ladies Leadership Circle on Phoenix Business Radio X – Anjali Patel, Kellie Callahan, and Alexis Firehawk of Carpenter, Hazlewood, Delgado & Bolen LLP. “Embracing the mantra “practice within your personality”, these attorneys, and the rest of the team are making a positive impact on the industries they serve. This focus helps them stay ahead of the pack along with their commitment to mentorship and collaboration. Listen in as we learn how these things have played an important role in attracting female attorneys to their practice; and, in furthering the advancement of females in law nationwide.

Seminars