Ruth M. Swenson, PLC

20 Years Experience. Capable. Family Oriented.

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Arizona and has no record of discipline from the Arizona bar association.*

Firm Overview

I became a sole practitioner in 2004. One of my specialties is in the area of assisting victims of domestic violence in family law issues.

Example cases

Throughout my twenty years of practice, I have litigated hundreds of cases in family court and represented clients on issues including social security and personal injury.

Main Office

Main
1550 S. Alma School Road
Mesa AZ 85210

Phone

(480) 649-3044

Fax

(480) 615-0538

Websites

http://www.ruthswensonlaw.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

No, it costs $75 for the initial one-hour consultation.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

I charge $75 for an initial one-hour consultation.

Hourly Rates

My rate is $250 per hour.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For emergencies, clients may call (480) 570-8024.

Office Manager

Joy Anderson

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

None

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

My interest in Family Law and particularly cases concerning domestic violence developed early in my career while working on a domestic violence project through legal aid. It was there, while dealing with family issues in Civil Court, that I became aware of the lack of attorneys who weren't afraid to take on cases involving all types of abuse. Many years later, I continue to champion my clients, the domestic abuse victims, in court.

Choosing to represent disabled adults, disabled children and their parents was inevitable. I am the parent of a disabled child, and am also disabled myself. I am all too aware of the difficulties often faced by the disabled who lack quality representation. My expertise comes from real life experience, both with a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Special Education.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I believe that it is important for clients to educate themselves with respect to the issues they are facing, so long as the education is directed and assists the client in understanding the legal process.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

Yes.

Ruth M. Swenson

Sole Practitioner, 2004 - Present

Partnership, Swenson & Brown, P.L.L.C., 2000 - 2003

Sole Practitioner, 1991 - 2000

Community Legal Services, Eastside Office, Maricopa County, Managing Attorney, 1991 - 1993

Community Legal Services, Eastside Office, Maricopa County, Staff Attorney, Domestic Violence Project, 1988 - 1991

State Services for the Visually Impaired, Lincoln, Nebraska, State Consultant for the Multi-Disabled/Blind, 1977 - 1982

Kansas Neurological Institute, Topeka, Kansas, Resource Room Teacher, 1972 - 1973

As a licensed attorney practicing in Arizona for 20 years, I have extensive experience in the areas of Family Law - particularly cases involving domestic violence - and Personal Injury. Of course, keeping up-to-date on changes in these areas of law, I attend numerous hours of continuing education each year.

I have always had a real interest in assisting disabled adults, disabled children and their parents by guiding them through their education process. Having both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Special Education, I am more than qualified.

I have the unique ability to know when to be assertive in a case and when negotiation and/or mediation would be in the client's best interest, both in and outside the courtroom; focusing on those issues which will best represent the client in their case.

I realize the importance of establishing a trusting relationship with the client, thus allowing me and my staff to represent the client in a way that provides the most positive resolution of their case.

I am easy-going, familiar, and have a comforting staff that ensures privacy and confidentiality.

Personal interests:

I enjoy reading, working with the blind (former President of National Federation of the Blind of Arizona; also on the Board of Governor's Council on Blindness and Visual Impairment, and formerly a Board Member of the Association of Blind Lawyers of the National Federation of the Blind).

License

Bar Number: 010731
Arizona , 1986

Education

University of Nebraska College of Law
J.D. , 1985
Lincoln, NE
Illinois State University
Masters in Education , 1976
Normal, IL
I focused on special education and behavioral disorders in children, and had 13 post-graduate hours in Special Education and Behavior Disorders of Children.
University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Arts , 1971
Greeley, CO
I majored in Special Education.

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.