Office Location: Tempe, Arizona

James Hazlewood

Shareholder

James Hazlewood is a shareholder in the Phoenix office of CHDB Law, having joined the firm in 1998. Since 1989, he has been representing community associations. He now focuses on community association general counsel matters – from simple to complex, other general business matters, and assessment recovery.

Office Locations

Overview

James Hazlewood is a shareholder in the Phoenix office of CHDB Law, having joined the firm in 1998. Since 1989, he has been representing community associations. He now focuses on community association general counsel matters – from simple to complex. In addition, he works with the Assessment Recovery department because of his years of experience, and on general business and real estate matters. 

James is a member of the College of Community Association Lawyers and a current member of the Education Committee of the Arizona Association of Community Managers where he has taught a number of courses. He has been a speaker at national Community Associations Institute seminars over the years as well as at local events and continuing legal education. Prior to becoming a lawyer, James represented clients as a media director and account executive for advertising agencies.

Education
  • Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, JD
  • University of Illinois, MS
  • The University of Texas at Austin, BJ
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL)
  • Arizona Trustee Association
Speaking Engagements
  • What’s in store for 2024 – HOA Legislative Update, Presented by James Hazlewood, Jason Miller – June 28, 2024
  • What you don’t know, could hurt you, Presented by James Hazlewood, Jason Miller – understanding state laws as they apply to your Community Association – May 31, 2024
  • From Boomtown to Slowdown: HOA Assessment Recovery, Presented by James Hazlewood, Jason Miller – preparing for delinquencies, foreclosure and more – April 26, 2024
  • Enforcing with Confidence, Presented by James Hazlewood, Jason Miller – March 29, 2024
  • Group Homes & Sober Living Homes, Presented by James Hazlewood, Jason Miller – December 1, 2023
  • Dogs, Chickens & Emotional Support Ponies, Oh My!, Presented by James Hazlewood, Joshua Bolen, Jason Miller – March 29, 2023
Awards
  • Outstanding Partner Affiliate Leader, 2015
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)

Seminars

Upcoming

December 18, 2026

Ahead of the Curve: Leveling up for 2027

Explore important topics, emerging trends, and key considerations that can impact boards, managers, and communities in 2027 and beyond.

Upcoming

November 20, 2026

Insurance Coverage Every Board Should Understand

Explore the key types of insurance every HOA board should understand, common coverage gaps, claims considerations, and the roles of the association, homeowners, and insurers.

October 30, 2026

Artificial Intelligence in Community Associations: What Arizona Boards and Managers Need to Know

How HOA boards and community managers are currently using AI tools, the legal and practical risks those tools create, and best practices for maintaining compliance with Arizona law

September 25, 2026

Maximize your Meetings!

Learn strategies to encourage productive discussion and informed decision-making while minimizing director/owner conflict.

June 26, 2026

2026 Legislative Update

Learn about key compliance requirements, governance updates, enforcement changes, and practical steps your association should take now to reduce risk and stay compliant.

May 29, 2026

Seminar Change Based Upon New Ruling: Navigating the New Open & Executive Board Meeting Procedures

Given the ruling in AZNH Revocable Trust v. Sunland Springs Village HOA, and potential new legislation, CHDB will discuss how this ruling changes how your Board must conduct its meetings, why this is concerning, and the options your Board can implement to address these concerns. This seminar will be held in place of our regularly scheduled […]

April 24, 2026

Security & Privacy in HOAs: Cameras and Compliance

Learn how to balance community safety with resident privacy. This session addresses privacy laws, installation guidelines, legal considerations for recordings, and best practices for managing security in your HOA.

March 20, 2026

Collecting with Confidence: HOA Strategies That Work

Navigate the tricky world of unpaid assessments with confidence. This seminar provides practical tips for enforcing payments, maintaining compliance, and keeping your HOA financially healthy.

February 27, 2026

Reasonable Accommodation in HOAs: Animals & More

Learn how to navigate reasonable accommodation requests in your HOA, with a focus on assistance and service animals. This seminar will cover best practices for responding to residents, understanding the differences between animal types, addressing breed-specific concerns, and spotting potential legal or compliance issues throughout the process.

December 10, 2025

Trends in HOA Living: What’s Changing in 2026 and Beyond

HOA living is evolving. Explore emerging trends shaping community associations in 2026 and beyond—legislative updates, sustainability initiatives, shifting homeowner expectations, and technology advances. Learn how to proactively adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

November 21, 2025

Lessons Learned the Hard Way: Real Stories, Real Consequences

Learn from costly mistakes made by community managers and board members. We'll show how seemingly small decisions lead to expensive legal battles and offer practical strategies to avoid these pitfalls and keep your association out of court.

October 31, 2025

Conflict Resolution & Handling Difficult People

Community association leaders need strong conflict management skills. Learn to resolve disputes, address challenging behavior, and maintain compliance while staying professional.

September 26, 2025

HOA Responsibilities vs. Homeowner Responsibilities

Which responsibilities belong to the HOA versus individual homeowners? We'll cover community property management, enforcement authority, and neighbor disputes to help maintain a compliant, well-functioning community.

September 27, 2024

Politics in Associations

It’s the most political time of the year, with candidate signs dotting every corner and political ads filling the airwaves. Are you wondering if that sign is political? Can homeowners host political assemblies within an HOA? We will discuss how HOAs regulate political activities.

February 26, 2021

Lawful but Awful | Collections

Is THAT legal? Better yet, are we going to collect? Learn from the unintentional mistakes of boards that took action that was lawful, but awful.

December 4, 2020

Election Results and How They Impact Your HOA

Now that the election is over, what changes, if any, could we see for Associations? Will the results of the election effect upcoming HOA statutes? Join us for a preview into the possible future of HOA Regulation both at the state level and nationally. Please note that this online viewing will not qualify for CAI […]

October 30, 2020

Cameras & Enforcement

As cameras get smaller and more readily available, what steps can your association take to ensure a member’s privacy and security concerns? We will discuss your association’s authority to install security cameras in common areas, to regulate cameras on a lots/units, and its potential need to adopt various record, security and privacy policies.

September 25, 2020

Water Law Basics and Opportunities

Water Law Basics and Opportunities Presented by: Clyde Halstead and James Hazlewood Do you or anyone you know ever use water? If so you should learn about where it comes from, how it is managed, and things to watch that will shape the future of water in Arizona. Join us to learn how your community […]

August 28, 2020

COVID Proofing Your Collections

Change is coming. Your community association survived the Great Recession, but this one just feels different. Will owners continue to pay voluntarily? Does a wave of lender foreclosures lie just beyond the horizon? What about bankruptcy? You may not be able to control the economy but you can control your collection strategy. You have options!

Erin McManis

Partner

Erin McManis, with prior specialization in homeowner association law, brings comprehensive experience to CHDB Law. Proficient in assessment collections, covenant enforcement, governing document interpretation, and general counsel matters, she offers adept advice on construction contracts, lien issues, and subcontractor concerns. Erin also excels in representing housing cooperatives and creditors in commercial law litigation involving the FDCPA, FCRA, and TCPA. She frequently trains new Board members and addresses community audiences on homeowner association topics.

Office Locations

Overview

Prior to joining CHDB Law, Erin McManis worked for several years in law firms specializing in representing homeowner associations. Erin has significant experience with assessment collections, covenant enforcement, governing document interpretation and other general counsel issues. Erin also advises clients on construction contracts, to make sure clients understand all applicable lien issues, progress payments, termination procedures, and legal concerns involving subcontractors. Erin also has significant experience representing housing cooperatives in litigation and general counsel matters.

Erin’s experience also extends to defending creditors, in commercial law litigation, including class actions, arising from the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Erin regularly provides training to new members of the Board of Directors, and speaks throughout the community on various homeowner association topics.

Erin grew up in rural Missouri and received her law degree from Creighton University. In her free time, she enjoys watching the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, Erin volunteers with Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.

Erin is licensed to practice law in Arizona and California, as well as the Federal District Courts in Arizona and California.

Education
  • Creighton University School of Law, JD
  • Truman State University, BA
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Arizona Women Lawyers Association

Authored Articles

Seminars

August 18, 2026

Maximize your Meetings!

Learn strategies to encourage productive discussion and informed decision-making while minimizing director/owner conflict.

April 7, 2026

Security & Privacy in HOAs: Cameras and Compliance

Learn how to balance community safety with resident privacy and best practices for managing security in your HOA.

February 3, 2026

Reasonable Accommodation in HOAs: Animals & More

Learn how to navigate reasonable accommodation requests in your HOA, with a focus on assistance and service animals.

October 7, 2025

Conflict Resolution & Handling Difficult People

Community association leaders need strong conflict management skills. Learn to resolve disputes, address challenging behavior, and maintain compliance while staying professional.

May 7, 2024

What You Don’t Know Could Hurt You

There are over 225 state laws that have the potential to regulate your community association. How well do you really know them?

May 2, 2023

What would you do?

Back by popular demand – Arizona’s hot topics seminar presented in an entertaining and interactive format.

April 4, 2023

Vendors, Contracts & Liens Oh My!!

Do I need a contract with every vendor? What type of insurance should a vendor carry? Why did I get a lien notice? Where did our money go? What is indemnity and why is it important? How can I make a vendor fix their subpar work? We received a notice of lien, now what? These […]

Kate Merolo

Partner

Kate Merolo’s extensive legal career is dedicated to Arizona’s community associations and condominiums. With a comprehensive practice encompassing community association, condominium, intellectual property, employment law, and insurance defense matters, she serves association, non-profit, and business clients.

Office Locations

Overview

Kate Merolo has been representing community associations and condominiums throughout Arizona for nearly her entire legal career. Kate’s practice serves the firm’s association, non-profit corporation, and business clients. Her practice areas include all aspects of community association and condominium law and also encompass intellectual property, trademark protection, employment law, and insurance defense.

Kate graduated cum laude from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2009 and summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University in 2005. While at Loyola University New Orleans, she was a member of the Loyola Maritime Law Journal and the Phi Delta Phi legal honors fraternity.

Kate’s favorite thing to do is spend time with her family. She is also an amateur yogi and an avid consumer of audio books.

Education
  • Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, JD
  • Arizona State University, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM)

Seminars

March 9, 2021

HOAs, Movie and Music Licenses

Movie Night at the HOA? Music in the Clubhouse? Utilizing images you found online? You might need a license for that! What can happen if violate federal/state intellectual property law? Find the answer to these questions and more.

March 2, 2021

HOAs, Movie and Music Licenses

Movie Night at the HOA? Music in the Clubhouse? Utilizing images you found online? You might need a license for that! What can happen if violate federal/state intellectual property law? Find the answer to these questions and more.

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 joined the firm in 2007, became a partner in 2014, and became an equity shareholder in 2016.

Chad advises condominium and planned community associations and has deep familiarity with the unique challenges these clients face. His corporate practice covers organization, reorganization, and governance; private equity and debt financing; shareholder and owner relations, buyouts, and dispute resolution; contract negotiation, including supplier and manufacturing agreements; and securities regulation. He also counsels clients on joint ventures, strategic alliances, fund formation, asset protection, and succession planning, and has guided numerous mergers and acquisitions.

Beyond his client work, Chad is active in shaping the laws that govern community associations in Arizona. He is the current President of the Community Association Lawyers of Arizona (CALA) and a former member of the Legislative Action Committee (LAC) of Community Associations Institute’s (CAI) Arizona Chapter. In his role with CALA, he continues to work closely with the LAC and others on legislative efforts, including reviewing proposed legislation and engaging directly with lawmakers on issues affecting Arizona’s community associations.

Chad has litigated a wide range of civil matters in state and federal courts. He leads the firm’s bankruptcy practice, with significant experience representing creditors. Notably, he has represented insolvent condominium associations in bankruptcy proceedings that resulted in confirmed plans of reorganization — saving the associations from receivership and protecting owners’ investments and property values..

Education
  • University of Idaho College of Law, JD
  • Northern Arizona University, BS in Business Administration (Economics)
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
  • Open Doors Charity, Director
  • Community Association Lawyers of Arizona (CALA), President
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
  • Presenter – Community Associations Institute Annual Conference – “Empowering Communities – Effectively and Legally Integrating AI for Excellence” – May 2024

Authored Articles

Seminars

Upcoming

December 1, 2026

Ahead of the Curve: Leveling up for 2027

Explore important topics, emerging trends, and key considerations that can impact boards, managers, and communities in 2027 and beyond.

June 23, 2026

2026 Legislative Update

Learn about possible new compliance requirements, governance updates, enforcement changes, and practical steps your association should take now to reduce risk and stay compliant. Ideal for board members and community managers.

December 2, 2025

Trends in HOA Living: What’s Changing in 2026 and Beyond

HOA living is evolving. Explore emerging trends shaping community associations in 2026 and beyond—legislative updates, sustainability initiatives, shifting homeowner expectations, and technology advances. Learn how to proactively adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

June 12, 2025

2025 Legislative Update

The 2025 legislative landscape for HOA’s introduced several significant changes. Here’s a breakdown of what associations can expect.

December 3, 2024

2025 is Just Around the Corner

Top Issues for 2025: Will it be a turning point for better days ahead, or will current trends persist? What changes will associations need to make in an ever-evolving world? Goodbye 2024, hello 2025!

June 4, 2024

What’s in Store for 2024 – HOA Legislative Update

What you can expect going forward and how the new laws and trends are likely to impact you.

September 7, 2017

Double Seminar: Fair Housing and Facilities Audit at Transition

The wait is over! Find out what laws have been signed and what that means for Associations in...

July 20, 2016

Two Hot Topics In the News Seminar Repeat!

Popular topics deserve a repeat seminar! Transgender Issues in Associations: Whose Bathroom is it Anyway? Drones; HOAs: Camera...

Ed O’Brien

Partner

Edward D. O’Brien is a Partner at CHDB Law’s Phoenix office. Ed brings a wealth of expertise encompassing litigation, general business counsel, harassment cases, assessment recovery, insurance defense, fair housing, administrative cases, and public speaking, with a specialized focus on representing community associations. Ed has practiced law in courts throughout Arizona for over ten years and his experience spans civil trials and other adversary hearings across the State of Arizona.

Office Locations

Overview

Edward D. O’Brien is a Partner in the Phoenix office of CHDB Law. His practice includes general counsel, litigation, civil injunctions, injunctions against harassment and injunctions against workplace harassment, fair housing, lien foreclosure, contract disputes, community association training, assessment recovery, insurance defense, and public speaking on legal issues. Since 2010, Ed has specialized in representing community associations. Ed has more than a decade of experience litigating in courtrooms throughout the State of Arizona and providing general counsel to Arizona businesses. Ed has also represented community associations and homeowners in large construction defects cases. Ed has conducted hundreds of civil trials and adversary hearings, state and federal, throughout the cities and counties of Arizona.

Ed earned a Juris Doctorate with a certificate in criminal practice from University of Oregon School of Law, where he was an editor of the University of Oregon Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation, and a student criminal defense attorney for the local public defender. He graduated from Arizona State University with degrees in History and Political Science.

In his free time, Ed enjoys supporting ASU and Oregon Athletics, visiting the natural wonders of Arizona, fishing, baseball, reading biographies and fiction, and participating in his Church. His charitable efforts focus on aid to the homeless, and he loves to spend time with his family and his pet dogs.

Education
  • University of Oregon School of Law, JD
  • Arizona State University, BA, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)

Authored Articles

Seminars

November 5, 2024

Owner Harassment

Are you dealing with hostile homeowners – in meetings, in person, or on social media? What are the boundaries of acceptable behavior? When does conduct cross the line into harassment or defamation? Learn about your rights and your options.

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)
  • Arizona Women Lawyer’s Association

Allison Preston

Partner

Allison Preston is a trusted legal advisor to Arizona’s community associations, providing strategic guidance to boards, leadership teams, and managing agents. She helps community associations navigate governance, operational decision‑making and evolving legal requirements with clarity and confidence. Ms. Preston also keeps clients informed of regulatory and legislative developments to support effective and compliant community management.

Office Locations

Overview

Allison Preston serves as general counsel for a number of Arizona’s community associations. In this role, Ms. Preston has counseled association board of directors, executive leadership teams, managing agents, employees and other association agents in nearly every aspect of community association law, including corporate governance, risk management, and litigation management. Ms. Preston’s practice includes, among other things, drafting, revising and interpreting governing documents, advising on an association’s rights and obligations in various situations, contract drafting, review and negotiation, board operations, minimizing liability and litigation, land acquisitions and dispositions, capital projects, and financing initiatives. Ms. Preston also monitors regulatory and legislative changes impacting Arizona’s community association industry in order to educate her clients on any such changes along with any operational changes that may be necessary.

In addition to her practice, Ms. Preston is actively involved with Arizona’s Association of Community Managers serving as a member of its Education Committee, as well as an instructor for its continuing education courses.

In her spare time, you will likely find Ms. Preston at a baseball game, whether hers kids’ club and little league games, an Arizona Diamondback’s game, or a Chicago Cubs spring training game.

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
  • Ladies in Land

Authored Articles

Seminars

October 6, 2026

Artificial Intelligence in Community Associations: What Arizona Boards and Managers Need to Know

How HOA boards and community managers are currently using AI tools, the legal and practical risks those tools create, and best practices for maintaining compliance with Arizona law.

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.

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.

August 27, 2024

Politics in Associations

It’s the most political time of the year, with candidate signs dotting every corner and political ads filling the airwaves. Are you wondering if that sign is political? Can homeowners host political assemblies within an HOA? We will discuss how HOAs regulate political activities.

November 7, 2023

Group Homes & Illegal Sober Living Homes

Do you know who your neighbors are? Complaints about sober living homes got you down? Are group homes for “sex offenders” a thing? Do they need a license? Can we restrict them? What do I tell my board? What can we tell the residents?

October 4, 2022

Managing the Morbid – Dealing with Death, Disease and other Undesirables

Death of an owner? Infectious disease outbreak? What’s the HOA’s role? Are roof rats and other vermin an “HOA” problem”? Join us for what is sure to be a “spooktacular” session!

May 3, 2022

What to do with a Fair Housing Complaint

What is Fair Housing? What is the most common Fair Housing Complaint? How can the Association prevent these complaints from happening? If the Association does get a Fair Housing Complaint, what should we do?

April 13, 2021

Breaking Up is Hard to Do | Vendor Issues

Do we need a formal contract for that job? Does the vendor need insurance? What if we are unhappy with the work? Who is responsible if something goes wrong? What if we want to change vendors?

April 6, 2021

Breaking Up is Hard to Do | Vendor Issues

Do we need a formal contract for that job? Does the vendor need insurance? What if we are unhappy with the work? Who is responsible if something goes wrong? What if we want to change vendors?

Eadie Rudder

Partner

Eadie Rudder’s practice focuses on enforcement litigation, collections, insurance defense, and general counsel for community associations and condominium associations. She also serves the Firm’s small business clients. Before joining the Firm in March 2016, Eadie worked in various legal areas, including real estate, civil litigation, contract law, collections, and bankruptcy representation. Admitted to practice in Arizona’s state and federal courts, Eadie has represented clients in diverse business disputes and homeowners associations for foreclosure and monetary judgments. A St. Louis native, she passionately supports the St. Louis Cardinals.

Office Locations

Overview

Eadie Rudder focuses her practice in the areas of enforcement litigation, collections, insurance defense and general counsel, primarily representing community associations and condominium associations. She also represents the Firm’s small business clients.

Prior to joining the Firm in March 2016, Eadie worked primarily in the areas of real estate, both commercial and residential (including foreclosures and loan modifications); general civil litigation, contract, commercial and general litigation; collections; non-technical intellectual property; and representing creditors in bankruptcy matters.

Eadie is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Arizona. She has represented numerous clients in a variety of business disputes by and among competitors, contractors and the like, involving claims of breach of contract, fraud, and construction companies including mechanic and materialmen liens. She has also represented numerous homeowners associations to obtain foreclosure judgments and money judgments.

Eadie is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and is an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Education
  • James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona, JD
  • Webster University, MA
  • Webster University, BA
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Women Lawyers Association
  • Horace Rumpole Inn of Court, Master of Bench
  • Morris K. Udall American Inn of Court, Alumni
  • Arizona Association of Defense Counsel
  • Ladder Down, 2018 Graduate
  • Tempe Judicial Advisory Board
Speaking Engagements
  • 2024 CLE by the Sea, Real Estate Section, “HOA Case Law and Legislative Updates”
  • 2023 CLE by the Sea, Real Estate Section, “HOA Legal Trends in the Era of Kalway v. Calabria Ranch
  • Board Education and Training, Property Management Services, Mohave County
Published Decisions
  • Cao v. PFP Dorsey Investments, LLC, 257 Ariz. 109, 545 P.3d 459 (2024)
  • Great American Duck Races, Inc. v. Kangaroo Manufacturing, Inc., 398 F.Supp.3d 494 (D. Ariz. 2019)
  • Motzer v. Escalante, 228 Ariz. 295 (App. Div. 2 2011)

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 CHDB Law, 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

Authored Articles

Seminars

November 3, 2026

Insurance Coverage Every Board Should Understand

Explore the key types of insurance every HOA board should understand, common coverage gaps, claims considerations, and the roles of the association, homeowners, and insurers.

March 3, 2026

Litigation and Insurance: What HOAs Need to Know

Gain practical insights into handling HOA litigation and how insurance coverage impacts the process.

November 4, 2025

HOA Board Member Basics

For seasoned or new members, serving on a community association board can be difficult. We'll cover board roles, fiduciary duties, meeting procedures, governing documents, and best practices for ethical leadership.

January 14, 2025

How to be an HOA Pro

Becoming a successful HOA professional, whether as a board member or manager, requires a blend of leadership skills, legal knowledge, and a commitment to the community’s well-being. With the right tools and mindset, your HOA will thrive.

September 7, 2023

Shaken, not Stirred: HOA Alcohol Event Update

Does your HOA permit alcohol consumption on property? What role does the Department play with regards to liquor licensing? If you have a license, are you in compliance? Is BYOB really the answer? Looking to host a large-scale event? What are the potential consequences of getting it wrong? Guidance regarding these matters and more!

September 7, 2022

Big Game Proofing Your HOA – Regulating Short Term Rentals, Party Houses & Street Parking

Arizona’s high tourism season means that a rise in short-term rental, party house, and street parking related complaints are sure to follow. Are you enforcing your short-term regulations strategically? Looking to amend? Party houses and parking disputes keeping you up? Gain insight into these issues and more.

August 16, 2022

Managing Politics in Your Community

It’s the most political time of the year, when corners are covered by candidate signs and commercials are filled with political rhymes. Is THAT a political sign? What rights do Owners have to host political assemblies within the HOA? Join us for a non-partisan discussion on political regulation by HOAs. Register via our ConstantContact event […]

February 9, 2021

Lawful but Awful | Collections

Is THAT legal? Better yet, are we going to collect? Learn from the unintentional mistakes of boards that took action that was lawful, but awful.

July 8, 2020

Five Legal Challenges for the Remainder of 2020

We will be discussing issues ranging from COVID-19 to the upcoming 2020 Election. This is one you won’t want to miss. Please note that this online viewing will not qualify for CAI CMCA Continuing Education Credit. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, but appreciate your understanding.

May 5, 2020

What Would You Do? Covid-19 Scenarios

Have a COVID-19 related annual meeting, board meeting, collection, enforcement, parking, tot lot/fitness center/pool, or notification concern? Unsure how to handle it? 12 advanced COVID-19 scenarios will be presented. Discuss with us, what you would do and why. An opportunity to apply best practices in an uncertain situation. Please note that this online viewing will […]

March 5, 2019

When in Doubt – Tender It Out!

Has your community association been sued recently?  Do you always “tender”?  Deductibles got you down?  Hear from the author of “Arizona Manual for Claims Professional | HOA and Condominium Claims” and have all your insurance questions answered!

August 1, 2017

Safeguarding the Assets of Your Community

The wait is over! Find out what laws have been signed and what that means for Associations in...

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

September 7, 2017

Double Seminar: Fair Housing and Facilities Audit at Transition

The wait is over! Find out what laws have been signed and what that means for Associations in...

Ember Van Vranken

Partner

Ember Van Vranken, a Partner at CHDB Law’s Phoenix office, she specializes in general counsel practice. She boasts experience in creditor defense within commercial law litigation, focusing on the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Ember holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Biology from the University of California, Davis, and a Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, where she engaged in business foundation work and UN-sponsored global business competitions. Ember embraces outdoor activities and is an avid hiker, traveler, kayaker, and fun run enthusiast.

Office Locations

Overview

Ember Van Vranken joined CHDB Law’s Phoenix office in 2019 where she works as a Partner in the Firm’s general counsel practice. 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).

Ember earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Biology from University of California, Davis and a Juris Doctorate with a certificate in law, science, and technology from Sandra Day O’Connor College of law at Arizona State University. During law school she participated in the innovation advancement clinic where she worked with early stage business owners to solidify their legal foundations. She also had the opportunity to travel to New York to attend the United Nation Global Goals week as a student judge for the WE Empower global business competition.

Ember grew up in Northern California where she developed an appreciation for the outdoors. In her free time she enjoys hiking with her dog, traveling, kayaking, and participating in fun runs.

Education
  • Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, JD
  • University of California Davis, BS
Professional Memberships
  • Community Associations Institute (CAI)
  • Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM)
Awards
  • Willard H. Pederick Scholar Award
  • Cali Award for High Tech Licensing
Speaking Engagements

  • Sun City Board Member Presentation – OHOA Leadership Academy, January 2025

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