Contracts

Quite often, law firm names are just a string of surnames like Davis Miles McGuire Gardner, or Lewis and Roca. But with every corporate shakeup, the incredibly expensive renaming and rebranding process begins anew. For example, since 2013, the law firm formerly known as Lewis and Roca underwent four name changes - one with each new merger. In 2025, it combined with and is now known as Womble Bond Dickinson.  

Athena Contract & Insurance Law, my Phoenix-based firm specializing in insurance disputes and contract issues, draws its name from the Greek goddess Athena—patron of wisdom, strategic warfare, and justice. I chose it for a few key reasons that align with our mission:

First, Athena embodies strategic advocacy. Just as she was the goddess of calculated battles (not brute force), our firm approaches cases with sharp, evidence-based tactics to level the playing field against big insurers. After years as in-house counsel rooting out unfair practices, I wanted a name that signals we're fighters who plan meticulously to win.

Second, it highlights wisdom and fairness. Athena sprang fully formed from Zeus's head, symbolizing clarity and intellect emerging in tough situations. Insurance claims can feel like a labyrinth of legalese and delays—our name reassures clients we're the clear-headed guide helping them navigate to just outcomes, whether it's bad faith delays or coverage denials.

Finally, it's memorable and empowering in a male-dominated field. As a female founder with a background as a licensed insurance agent and underwriter, I aimed for something strong yet approachable, evoking protection and empowerment for everyday people facing corporate giants. The vast majority of law firms are comprised of one or more last names, strung together in ways that mean absolutely nothing to no one, and tell us absolutely nothing about the people or values that make up the firm. But with every corporate shakeup, the incredibly expensive renaming and rebranding process begins anew. For example, since 2013, the law firm formerly known as Lewis and Roca underwent four name changes - one with each new merger. In 2025, it combined with and is now known as Womble Bond Dickinson. 

In fairness to the old crop, Arizona did not allow law firms to use anything but surnames until 2003. However, it's been over 20 years, and if they haven't renamed their firm something catchy, meaningful, or relevant by now, they probably never will. And if

When firms are founded more on values than egos, clients win. 

Contact us today to assist.

It depends. You generally do not need legal services in conjunction with standard transactions, e.g. if you are buying or selling a car or home. If you are entering into any service contract (e.g. a home remodel), however, you should consult us before you sign a contract or pay a deposit. 

Hiring a lawyer before things go south sounds like a waste of time and money. But waiting until a dispute arises is not only more time-consuming and costly, it is also extremely stressful. The best time to solve a problem is before you have one. Remember, if the contract is breached or needs to be enforced, attorneys and other legal professionals commonly become involved. 

And, while legal involvement is costly, it can quickly become a financial burden if a significant dispute arises over an ambiguous contract provision. Lawyers will need to comb through documents, conduct interviews, research the law, and formulate and write convincing arguments. If your lawyer cannot resolve the dispute with the other party, you will incur additional costs in settlement efforts. If those efforts are unsuccessful, litigation may commence, and costs will rapidly accelerate.

Our contract review service could save you considerable time, money, and stress down the road. We also provide drafting, editing, and negotiating services if needed. Contact us today to assist.

No problem! Athena Law has successfully taken cases alleging damages ranging from the low four-figures to six figures, at little to no up-front cost to clients. 

We are able to take cases on contingency because Arizona is in the minority of states that allow the "prevailing party" to recover their reasonable attorney's fees in a breach of contract action (this includes an insurance claim denial or underpayment). The fee-shifting statute, A.R.S. section 12-341.01, is a powerful negotiating tool when dealing with any contract dispute. 

We may be able to solve your problem during our initial consultation, or it could take months or years. There is simply no way to tell how long a case will take because it largely depends on external factors like coordinating schedules, response times, court rulings, settlement discussions, and other disruptive work/life events.

We conduct a thorough document review at the beginning of every potential representation. If we cannot take your case, we will let you know as soon as we make that determination and explain our reasoning. Our first priority is honesty, even when we need to deliver unpleasant news. 

The vast majority of cases do not get to the decision stage (e.g. an arbitration award, judgment, or verdict). Most often, cases are settled or voluntarily dismissed. We strive to resolve every case at the earliest opportunity because doing so works to every party's (and the court system's) benefit. Ultimately, if an insurer pays a steep price for its missteps, it passes that cost onto its insureds (us). For more on my obsession with insurance, click here.

Reach out! Many of our past clients have benefitted from Pam's breadth and depth of insurance experience and expertise. We were able to help all of the following people in cost-effective ways (e.g. charging a low flat fee or reduced hourly rate):

• A homeowner called because his insurer and contractor disagreed on the scope and amount of coverage for his claim and the applicability of a building ordinance and he wondered who was correct.

  • • After reviewing emails, policy documents, and the disputed building ordinance, we concluded his insurer was justified in denying the contractor's request for extended coverage.

• An auto policyholder was informed that his liability limits would not be enough to cover the not-at-fault party's injuries and that he should consider consulting an attorney.

  • • After speaking with his claims adjuster, we determined that a judgment against the policyholder would be unlikely.

• A businessowner was not getting answers from her insurance agent when she asked for help understanding what her policies covered.

  • • We provided written and verbal summaries of coverage categories and associated limits and premiums and explained the purpose and scope of optional coverages. 

• A retired homeowner had not been fully paid for a loss that occurred several years ago and was facing a policy provision limiting the time for requesting unpaid funds.

  • • We worked directly with his insurer to provide proof of repairs and ultimately secured an exception to the time limit provision to recover withheld depreciation.

• An auto policyholder questioned whether he should fill out an asset disclosure statement from an attorney representing an injured party. 

  • • We worked directly with the policyholder's claims adjuster and, based on the facts of the accident, responded without disclosing his assets.

• A homeowner's jewelry was stolen, but her policy contained a provision that capped her coverage and left her underinsured.

  • • We determined that her insurer may not have given her sufficient notice of a recent coverage change, and that she may be entitled to substantially more compensation.

Whether your contractor is a relative, a close friend, or a complete stranger, you are not immune to the fallout of a bad contract. In addition to the litany of things that could go wrong in an arm's-length transaction, you could lose a cherished relationship or have lasting emotional baggage. As a result, our first recommendation is that you do not hire friends or family to act as your contractor.

If you choose to do so anyway, hiring a lawyer is essential. You are far more likely to ignore important pieces of your agreement because you both trust each other to do the right thing. The problem is that you may disagree about what "the right thing" is. And if a dispute arises, confusion and tension over important terms are virtually guaranteed, such as: 

• Terminating the contract (e.g. with/out cause, notice, etc.);

• Project completion criteria;

• Scope changes;

• Dispute resolution;

• Consequences for delays or overages; and

• Scope of project and contractor's authority.

A well-drafted contract is critical to a smooth and successful project. Start your project off on a secure footing, and schedule a consultation to speak with us.

That depends on your situation, but we recommend speaking with an attorney prior to involving the Registrar of Contractors. An ROC complaint may be the best or only viable course of action in some cases, but an experienced attorney should always be your first call.

For more information, schedule a consultation to speak with us.