Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC

Client Focused Phoenix Lawyers with a Team Based Approah

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC

Client Focused Phoenix Lawyers with a Team Based Approah

Firm Overview

At Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, your case is our top priority. No matter what your case involves, the diverse experience and skills of our Phoenix law firm can ensure that your needs will be met with expertise. When working with our law office you can expect a calm, comfortable, and competent environment as we work to resolve your case. We serve clients throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Glendale, Peoria & Scottsdale. If you need to find a lawyer, contact us today for a free consultation at (480) 467-3434.

Cases We Handle

Our Phoenix lawyers specialize in several areas of the law and have an in-depth knowledge of both civil and criminal law. Our team based approach and broad legal knowledge allow our firm to serve you in highly specific cases as well as those that involve several different areas of the law.

Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer-Serving Glendale and surrounding areas.

An average week in Arizona sees 87 deaths, 816 hospitalizations, and 7,779 emergency room visits due to injury. Over the course of a year those figures add up to 4,456 fatalities, 41,857 hospitalizations, and 404,522 emergency room treatments. Injury related hospitalizations cost Arizonans roughly $2.2 billion each year, to say nothing of their physical and emotional impact.

You can count on our personal injury lawyers to pursue full financial recovery resulting from all of the physical, emotional and financial harm you have suffered through no fault of your own. We serve clients throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Sun City, Scottsdale, Glendale and Peoria.

Sun City Criminal Defense Attorney-Serving Glendale and surrounding areas

Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorneys can help in your fight for justice if you have been charged with a crime. Our firm provides legal services to clients who have been accused or charged with Arizona felony and misdemeanor crimes. A misdemeanor or felony conviction in the state of Arizona can have a lasting impact on many aspects of your life such as employment, the right to drive, education, family and your freedom, which is why it is necessary to hire a lawyer that has experience fighting aggressive criminal defense cases. Simply call or connect with us online.

Peoria Estate Planning Lawyer-Serving Glendale and surrounding areas

Everything you own, your home, car, life insurance, investments, bank accounts, and other personal possessions, are all considered a part of your estate. Hiring an estate lawyer ensures that your estate is distributed according to your wishes after your death. Our experienced Phoenix estate planning attorneys understand that you, and your needs, are unique. Our goal is to listen to what your estate planning concerns and goals are for the future. We care about what is important to you as you begin this journey. Simply call (480) 467-3434 for a free consultation.

Phoenix Civil Law Attorney-serving Glendale and surrounding areas

At Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, we understand that having a dedicated, qualified team to represent you in the face of a Civil Law dispute is a vital component to having your rights, interests, and property protected. Civil litigation often can be resolved outside the courtroom.

We realize the value of limiting costs to our clients while achieving their goals. Our civil practice thrives by being thorough, precise and sophisticated in its approach. With a service oriented relationship, the Firm collectively and collaboratively is able to advance your position. Please call (480) 467-3434 to find out how we can help you.

Peoria Estate Litigation Attorney-Serving Glendale and surrounding areas

The loss of a loved one can be an incredibly painful experience. When settling your loved one's affairs, the last thing that you need to deal with are claims of fraud, exploitation, and undue influence. Our attorneys want to help you through this difficult time.

If you have recently lost a loved one, you know it can be very painful. Settling your loved one's affairs can be even more difficult when someone contests the will or makes allegations of fraud, exploitation or undue influence. You may find yourself involved in litigation. If that occurs, you need an experienced Phoenix estate litigation lawyer by your side. We have the skills and experience needed to protect your interests and defend and advance your loved one's final wishes. To learn more about the legal options available, call us for a consultation today at (480) 467-3434.

Phoenix Family Law Attorney

Family units possess distinct personalities. The dynamic range of personalities in every family generates a variety of emotionsfrom light hearted happiness to fury and steaming anger. When a relationship goes awry, the extreme emotion that kept it alive often can also create heated battles. The emotional stress of such situations can take a substantial toll on the health and well being of family members. Our family law attorneys are committed to helping you make the difficult but often necessary decisions to protect you and your family's future. To learn more about the legal options available to you and your family, call us for a consultation today at (480) 467-3434.

Main Office

Main Office
15249 N. 99th Avenue
Sun City, AZ 85351

Phone

(623) 889-0691

Criminal Defense

Family

Personal Injury

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Heather Baker

Family Law Attorney Heather Baker

Heather Baker graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2001, and obtained her Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School in 2004. Ms. Baker is an Arizona native that left the state for school, but returned home to practice law in 2004. Heather's primary area of focus at the firm is family law. Ms. Baker also has substantial criminal law experience. Prior to joining Mushkatel, Robbins and Becker, Ms. Baker practiced criminal defense with the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office, where she handled a wide variety of criminal matters, ranging from the most simple of infractions up to the most severe and complex cases. While practicing criminal defense, Ms. Baker also gained ample experience as a trial attorney.

Ms. Baker is actively involved with the State Bar of Arizona. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the Young Lawyer's Division, is a member of the Criminal Defense Practice and Procedure Committee, and was selected to be a participant in the 2012-2013 Arizona Bar Leadership Institute. Ms. Baker is also a member of the Arizona Women's Lawyer Association, Maricopa County Bar Association, West Maricopa County Bar Association, and has served on several panels to educate young lawyers and law students on various aspects of law.

Education

Brooklyn Law School
J.D., 2004

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Heather Baker

Family Law Attorney Heather Baker

Heather Baker graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2001, and obtained her Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School in 2004. Ms. Baker is an Arizona native that left the state for school, but returned home to practice law in 2004. Heather's primary area of focus at the firm is family law. Ms. Baker also has substantial criminal law experience. Prior to joining Mushkatel, Robbins and Becker, Ms. Baker practiced criminal defense with the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office, where she handled a wide variety of criminal matters, ranging from the most simple of infractions up to the most severe and complex cases. While practicing criminal defense, Ms. Baker also gained ample experience as a trial attorney.

Ms. Baker is actively involved with the State Bar of Arizona. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the Young Lawyer's Division, is a member of the Criminal Defense Practice and Procedure Committee, and was selected to be a participant in the 2012-2013 Arizona Bar Leadership Institute. Ms. Baker is also a member of the Arizona Women's Lawyer Association, Maricopa County Bar Association, West Maricopa County Bar Association, and has served on several panels to educate young lawyers and law students on various aspects of law.

Education

Brooklyn Law School J.D., 2004


Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Susan Robbins

Estate Litigation Attorney Susan Robbins

Susan Robbins believes that clients are best served when they can make informed decisions about their cases. To that end, she has always seen her role with clients as being the person who educates them and guides them so that they can do precisely that.

Robbins began learning and honing her skills as a counselor during a 10 year period as a social worker, her career path before she became a lawyer, receiving her master's degree in social work from Arizona State University in 1981. As a social worker, Robbins worked at the Visiting Nurses Association in Phoenix, as a counselor at Phoenix Interfaith Counseling, and also served as director of Cigna Health Plan's drug and alcohol program.

"I enjoyed the problem solving aspect of working in mental health, and drug and alcohol abuse, but I thought I'd have even more ability to accomplish good by getting a law degree, and that's turned out to be true."

Robbins received her J.D. from Arizona State University Law School in 1988 and began practicing law in Phoenix in a small firm and then on her own. She joined attorney Ron Cooley to create the firm Cooley & Robbins in 1998. That firm merged with Mushkatel and Becker in 2012.

The focus of her practice throughout her legal career has been elder law. Although she has ample experience as a litigator handling contested matters in this area, Robbins has been moving toward mediation for resolving disputes.

Her interest in elder law mediation has moved beyond her own practice. She recently spearheaded a committee to launch a mediation project in Maricopa County Probate Court, an effort that has received funding to be taken to other Arizona counties. These court affiliated mediation programs would offer opposing parties an opportunity to resolve their problems quickly and less expensively with the guidance of experience attorneys who are trained in probation and mediation who may provide services on a sliding fee scale depending on the clients' need.

Robbins considers the creation of this project to be one of her proudest achievements.

"The thing that I like most about my work is teaching people how to understand what the legal issues are, what their options are, and helping people to make a planrather than me telling them what to do," she says. "That's especially true in estate planning, but it's also true in guardianship and conservatorship work. If people have the right information, they make good choices most of the time."

Oftentimes, Robbins points out, people need to consider things they'd rather not think about.

"People don't like to think about what happens if they become incapacitated and they really don't like to talk to their family about it. So I see my job as trying to help people understand the consequences of not planning and then help them figure out what's the most efficient and cost effective way to be responsible and accountable."

"They have to learn some things they don't know in order to make those good decisions," Robbins says. "It's not me telling them what to do; it's me teaching them so they know what to do."

Education

Arizona State University
Juris Doctorate, 1988

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Susan Robbins

Estate Litigation Attorney Susan Robbins

Susan Robbins believes that clients are best served when they can make informed decisions about their cases. To that end, she has always seen her role with clients as being the person who educates them and guides them so that they can do precisely that.

Robbins began learning and honing her skills as a counselor during a 10 year period as a social worker, her career path before she became a lawyer, receiving her master's degree in social work from Arizona State University in 1981. As a social worker, Robbins worked at the Visiting Nurses Association in Phoenix, as a counselor at Phoenix Interfaith Counseling, and also served as director of Cigna Health Plan's drug and alcohol program.

"I enjoyed the problem solving aspect of working in mental health, and drug and alcohol abuse, but I thought I'd have even more ability to accomplish good by getting a law degree, and that's turned out to be true."

Robbins received her J.D. from Arizona State University Law School in 1988 and began practicing law in Phoenix in a small firm and then on her own. She joined attorney Ron Cooley to create the firm Cooley & Robbins in 1998. That firm merged with Mushkatel and Becker in 2012.

The focus of her practice throughout her legal career has been elder law. Although she has ample experience as a litigator handling contested matters in this area, Robbins has been moving toward mediation for resolving disputes.

Her interest in elder law mediation has moved beyond her own practice. She recently spearheaded a committee to launch a mediation project in Maricopa County Probate Court, an effort that has received funding to be taken to other Arizona counties. These court affiliated mediation programs would offer opposing parties an opportunity to resolve their problems quickly and less expensively with the guidance of experience attorneys who are trained in probation and mediation who may provide services on a sliding fee scale depending on the clients' need.

Robbins considers the creation of this project to be one of her proudest achievements.

"The thing that I like most about my work is teaching people how to understand what the legal issues are, what their options are, and helping people to make a planrather than me telling them what to do," she says. "That's especially true in estate planning, but it's also true in guardianship and conservatorship work. If people have the right information, they make good choices most of the time."

Oftentimes, Robbins points out, people need to consider things they'd rather not think about.

"People don't like to think about what happens if they become incapacitated and they really don't like to talk to their family about it. So I see my job as trying to help people understand the consequences of not planning and then help them figure out what's the most efficient and cost effective way to be responsible and accountable."

"They have to learn some things they don't know in order to make those good decisions," Robbins says. "It's not me telling them what to do; it's me teaching them so they know what to do."

Education

Arizona State University Juris Doctorate, 1988


Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Laura Still

Estate Planning Attorney Laura Still

Laura Still's career path has been marked by a series of discoveries that have pushed her in new directions.

As an undergraduate at the University of Southern California, she thought she wanted to become a doctor. But she soon learned that biology was not her favorite subject and that medicine might not be the best career for her. She settled on history and the law instead, and her track record as a lawyer shows that she made the right decision.

Still enrolled at the University of Miami School of Law in 2004. Although she was drawn to that school by its reputation for entertainment law, Still soon learned that the area of law she really loved was estate planning workwills, trusts, and probate. During her summers between law school semesters, Still held two judicial internships in Maricopa County that provided experience in those practice areas.

After receiving her J.D. in 2007, Still came back to Arizona to launch an estate planning and probate practice in the Phoenix firm of Cooley and Robbins. When that firm joined forces with Mushkatel and Becker in Sun City in 2012, Still handled her first solo estate litigationand discovered that she loved it.

"It has definitely been a very positive change in my career," she says. "I came out of law school thinking, 'I do not want anything to do with the courtroom.' And now I really enjoy the entire litigation process."

Still's practice at Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, combines the best of both worlds. In addition to her litigation work, she continues to handle estate planning and probate matters for Sun City residents.

"I have an opportunity that most people in my generation don't have," she says. "I get to meet World War II veterans, and most of them are willing to share incredible stories. Getting to know those men and women has been very fulfilling to me."

In addition to her busy law practice, Still commits significant energy to professional activities. She is now the Vice President and the former Secretary and Treasurer of the Maricopa County Bar Association and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona's Probate and Trust Section and its Elder Law and Mental Health Section.

She is also a member of the Phoenix Art Museum and enjoys international travel and attending live theater.

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Laura Still

Estate Planning Attorney Laura Still

Laura Still's career path has been marked by a series of discoveries that have pushed her in new directions.

As an undergraduate at the University of Southern California, she thought she wanted to become a doctor. But she soon learned that biology was not her favorite subject and that medicine might not be the best career for her. She settled on history and the law instead, and her track record as a lawyer shows that she made the right decision.

Still enrolled at the University of Miami School of Law in 2004. Although she was drawn to that school by its reputation for entertainment law, Still soon learned that the area of law she really loved was estate planning workwills, trusts, and probate. During her summers between law school semesters, Still held two judicial internships in Maricopa County that provided experience in those practice areas.

After receiving her J.D. in 2007, Still came back to Arizona to launch an estate planning and probate practice in the Phoenix firm of Cooley and Robbins. When that firm joined forces with Mushkatel and Becker in Sun City in 2012, Still handled her first solo estate litigationand discovered that she loved it.

"It has definitely been a very positive change in my career," she says. "I came out of law school thinking, 'I do not want anything to do with the courtroom.' And now I really enjoy the entire litigation process."

Still's practice at Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, combines the best of both worlds. In addition to her litigation work, she continues to handle estate planning and probate matters for Sun City residents.

"I have an opportunity that most people in my generation don't have," she says. "I get to meet World War II veterans, and most of them are willing to share incredible stories. Getting to know those men and women has been very fulfilling to me."

In addition to her busy law practice, Still commits significant energy to professional activities. She is now the Vice President and the former Secretary and Treasurer of the Maricopa County Bar Association and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona's Probate and Trust Section and its Elder Law and Mental Health Section.

She is also a member of the Phoenix Art Museum and enjoys international travel and attending live theater.

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Matthew Gobbato

Arizona Probate Attorney Matthew Gobbato
Throughout his legal career, Matthew A. Gobbato has served clients in the areas of probate, estate planning and trust administration, developing skills and insights that serve his clients well.

"Everyone's situation is unique. So, it is important that people engage in estate planning to ensure their wishes and intentions are fulfilled," Matthew says.

"People should work with a lawyer when creating an estate plan to ensure that what they are creating will effectively address their needs and concerns," he adds.

Matthew has lived in Arizona for most of his life, primarily residing in the Northwest Valley. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University in 2006 and his Juris Doctor degree from Texas A&M University School of Law in 2011.

Prior to joining Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, Matthew worked as an attorney at a small firm, where he established himself as a professional dedicated to providing personal attention to his clients and their objectives. He works closely with local professionals such as fiduciaries, financial advisors and certified public accountants (CPAs) to ensure his clients' needs are met and protected. In addition to probate, estate planning and trust administration, Matthew assists clients with the formation of business entities.

"I believe my clients need someone who is detail-oriented and able to provide them with direction," Matthew says. "It is important to listen to their needs and address their concerns to be someone who is truly there for them."

Matthew takes much pride in his professional aspirations, but he believes that supporting his local community is just as significant.

Matthew is involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a fundraiser and volunteer. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Royal Oaks Foundation. Since age 12, he has volunteered with the Valley View Community Food Bank.

"I personally feel it is important to give back to the community in which you live," Matthew says. "It is important to make time to help others."

When he is not in the office, Matthews enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, hiking and mountain biking.

Education

Texas A&M University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2011

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Matthew Gobbato

Arizona Probate Attorney Matthew Gobbato
Throughout his legal career, Matthew A. Gobbato has served clients in the areas of probate, estate planning and trust administration, developing skills and insights that serve his clients well.

"Everyone's situation is unique. So, it is important that people engage in estate planning to ensure their wishes and intentions are fulfilled," Matthew says.

"People should work with a lawyer when creating an estate plan to ensure that what they are creating will effectively address their needs and concerns," he adds.

Matthew has lived in Arizona for most of his life, primarily residing in the Northwest Valley. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University in 2006 and his Juris Doctor degree from Texas A&M University School of Law in 2011.

Prior to joining Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, Matthew worked as an attorney at a small firm, where he established himself as a professional dedicated to providing personal attention to his clients and their objectives. He works closely with local professionals such as fiduciaries, financial advisors and certified public accountants (CPAs) to ensure his clients' needs are met and protected. In addition to probate, estate planning and trust administration, Matthew assists clients with the formation of business entities.

"I believe my clients need someone who is detail-oriented and able to provide them with direction," Matthew says. "It is important to listen to their needs and address their concerns to be someone who is truly there for them."

Matthew takes much pride in his professional aspirations, but he believes that supporting his local community is just as significant.

Matthew is involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a fundraiser and volunteer. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Royal Oaks Foundation. Since age 12, he has volunteered with the Valley View Community Food Bank.

"I personally feel it is important to give back to the community in which you live," Matthew says. "It is important to make time to help others."

When he is not in the office, Matthews enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, hiking and mountain biking.

Education

Texas A&M University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2011


Firm Overview

At Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, your case is our top priority. No matter what your case involves, the diverse experience and skills of our Phoenix law firm can ensure that your needs will be met with expertise. When working with our law office you can expect a calm, comfortable, and competent environment as we work to resolve your case. We serve clients throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Glendale, Peoria & Scottsdale. If you need to find a lawyer, contact us today for a free consultation at (480) 467-3434.

Cases We Handle

Our Phoenix lawyers specialize in several areas of the law and have an in-depth knowledge of both civil and criminal law. Our team based approach and broad legal knowledge allow our firm to serve you in highly specific cases as well as those that involve several different areas of the law.

Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer-Serving Glendale and surrounding areas.

An average week in Arizona sees 87 deaths, 816 hospitalizations, and 7,779 emergency room visits due to injury. Over the course of a year those figures add up to 4,456 fatalities, 41,857 hospitalizations, and 404,522 emergency room treatments. Injury related hospitalizations cost Arizonans roughly $2.2 billion each year, to say nothing of their physical and emotional impact.

You can count on our personal injury lawyers to pursue full financial recovery resulting from all of the physical, emotional and financial harm you have suffered through no fault of your own. We serve clients throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Sun City, Scottsdale, Glendale and Peoria.

Sun City Criminal Defense Attorney-Serving Glendale and surrounding areas

Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorneys can help in your fight for justice if you have been charged with a crime. Our firm provides legal services to clients who have been accused or charged with Arizona felony and misdemeanor crimes. A misdemeanor or felony conviction in the state of Arizona can have a lasting impact on many aspects of your life such as employment, the right to drive, education, family and your freedom, which is why it is necessary to hire a lawyer that has experience fighting aggressive criminal defense cases. Simply call or connect with us online.

Peoria Estate Planning Lawyer-Serving Glendale and surrounding areas

Everything you own, your home, car, life insurance, investments, bank accounts, and other personal possessions, are all considered a part of your estate. Hiring an estate lawyer ensures that your estate is distributed according to your wishes after your death. Our experienced Phoenix estate planning attorneys understand that you, and your needs, are unique. Our goal is to listen to what your estate planning concerns and goals are for the future. We care about what is important to you as you begin this journey. Simply call (480) 467-3434 for a free consultation.

Phoenix Civil Law Attorney-serving Glendale and surrounding areas

At Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, we understand that having a dedicated, qualified team to represent you in the face of a Civil Law dispute is a vital component to having your rights, interests, and property protected. Civil litigation often can be resolved outside the courtroom.

We realize the value of limiting costs to our clients while achieving their goals. Our civil practice thrives by being thorough, precise and sophisticated in its approach. With a service oriented relationship, the Firm collectively and collaboratively is able to advance your position. Please call (480) 467-3434 to find out how we can help you.

Peoria Estate Litigation Attorney-Serving Glendale and surrounding areas

The loss of a loved one can be an incredibly painful experience. When settling your loved one's affairs, the last thing that you need to deal with are claims of fraud, exploitation, and undue influence. Our attorneys want to help you through this difficult time.

If you have recently lost a loved one, you know it can be very painful. Settling your loved one's affairs can be even more difficult when someone contests the will or makes allegations of fraud, exploitation or undue influence. You may find yourself involved in litigation. If that occurs, you need an experienced Phoenix estate litigation lawyer by your side. We have the skills and experience needed to protect your interests and defend and advance your loved one's final wishes. To learn more about the legal options available, call us for a consultation today at (480) 467-3434.

Phoenix Family Law Attorney

Family units possess distinct personalities. The dynamic range of personalities in every family generates a variety of emotionsfrom light hearted happiness to fury and steaming anger. When a relationship goes awry, the extreme emotion that kept it alive often can also create heated battles. The emotional stress of such situations can take a substantial toll on the health and well being of family members. Our family law attorneys are committed to helping you make the difficult but often necessary decisions to protect you and your family's future. To learn more about the legal options available to you and your family, call us for a consultation today at (480) 467-3434.

Main Office

Main Office
15249 N. 99th Avenue
Sun City, AZ 85351

Phone

(623) 889-0691

Criminal Defense

Family

Personal Injury

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Heather Baker

Family Law Attorney Heather Baker

Heather Baker graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2001, and obtained her Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School in 2004. Ms. Baker is an Arizona native that left the state for school, but returned home to practice law in 2004. Heather's primary area of focus at the firm is family law. Ms. Baker also has substantial criminal law experience. Prior to joining Mushkatel, Robbins and Becker, Ms. Baker practiced criminal defense with the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office, where she handled a wide variety of criminal matters, ranging from the most simple of infractions up to the most severe and complex cases. While practicing criminal defense, Ms. Baker also gained ample experience as a trial attorney.

Ms. Baker is actively involved with the State Bar of Arizona. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the Young Lawyer's Division, is a member of the Criminal Defense Practice and Procedure Committee, and was selected to be a participant in the 2012-2013 Arizona Bar Leadership Institute. Ms. Baker is also a member of the Arizona Women's Lawyer Association, Maricopa County Bar Association, West Maricopa County Bar Association, and has served on several panels to educate young lawyers and law students on various aspects of law.

Education

Brooklyn Law School
J.D., 2004

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Heather Baker

Family Law Attorney Heather Baker

Heather Baker graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2001, and obtained her Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School in 2004. Ms. Baker is an Arizona native that left the state for school, but returned home to practice law in 2004. Heather's primary area of focus at the firm is family law. Ms. Baker also has substantial criminal law experience. Prior to joining Mushkatel, Robbins and Becker, Ms. Baker practiced criminal defense with the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office, where she handled a wide variety of criminal matters, ranging from the most simple of infractions up to the most severe and complex cases. While practicing criminal defense, Ms. Baker also gained ample experience as a trial attorney.

Ms. Baker is actively involved with the State Bar of Arizona. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the Young Lawyer's Division, is a member of the Criminal Defense Practice and Procedure Committee, and was selected to be a participant in the 2012-2013 Arizona Bar Leadership Institute. Ms. Baker is also a member of the Arizona Women's Lawyer Association, Maricopa County Bar Association, West Maricopa County Bar Association, and has served on several panels to educate young lawyers and law students on various aspects of law.

Education

Brooklyn Law School J.D., 2004


Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Susan Robbins

Estate Litigation Attorney Susan Robbins

Susan Robbins believes that clients are best served when they can make informed decisions about their cases. To that end, she has always seen her role with clients as being the person who educates them and guides them so that they can do precisely that.

Robbins began learning and honing her skills as a counselor during a 10 year period as a social worker, her career path before she became a lawyer, receiving her master's degree in social work from Arizona State University in 1981. As a social worker, Robbins worked at the Visiting Nurses Association in Phoenix, as a counselor at Phoenix Interfaith Counseling, and also served as director of Cigna Health Plan's drug and alcohol program.

"I enjoyed the problem solving aspect of working in mental health, and drug and alcohol abuse, but I thought I'd have even more ability to accomplish good by getting a law degree, and that's turned out to be true."

Robbins received her J.D. from Arizona State University Law School in 1988 and began practicing law in Phoenix in a small firm and then on her own. She joined attorney Ron Cooley to create the firm Cooley & Robbins in 1998. That firm merged with Mushkatel and Becker in 2012.

The focus of her practice throughout her legal career has been elder law. Although she has ample experience as a litigator handling contested matters in this area, Robbins has been moving toward mediation for resolving disputes.

Her interest in elder law mediation has moved beyond her own practice. She recently spearheaded a committee to launch a mediation project in Maricopa County Probate Court, an effort that has received funding to be taken to other Arizona counties. These court affiliated mediation programs would offer opposing parties an opportunity to resolve their problems quickly and less expensively with the guidance of experience attorneys who are trained in probation and mediation who may provide services on a sliding fee scale depending on the clients' need.

Robbins considers the creation of this project to be one of her proudest achievements.

"The thing that I like most about my work is teaching people how to understand what the legal issues are, what their options are, and helping people to make a planrather than me telling them what to do," she says. "That's especially true in estate planning, but it's also true in guardianship and conservatorship work. If people have the right information, they make good choices most of the time."

Oftentimes, Robbins points out, people need to consider things they'd rather not think about.

"People don't like to think about what happens if they become incapacitated and they really don't like to talk to their family about it. So I see my job as trying to help people understand the consequences of not planning and then help them figure out what's the most efficient and cost effective way to be responsible and accountable."

"They have to learn some things they don't know in order to make those good decisions," Robbins says. "It's not me telling them what to do; it's me teaching them so they know what to do."

Education

Arizona State University
Juris Doctorate, 1988

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Susan Robbins

Estate Litigation Attorney Susan Robbins

Susan Robbins believes that clients are best served when they can make informed decisions about their cases. To that end, she has always seen her role with clients as being the person who educates them and guides them so that they can do precisely that.

Robbins began learning and honing her skills as a counselor during a 10 year period as a social worker, her career path before she became a lawyer, receiving her master's degree in social work from Arizona State University in 1981. As a social worker, Robbins worked at the Visiting Nurses Association in Phoenix, as a counselor at Phoenix Interfaith Counseling, and also served as director of Cigna Health Plan's drug and alcohol program.

"I enjoyed the problem solving aspect of working in mental health, and drug and alcohol abuse, but I thought I'd have even more ability to accomplish good by getting a law degree, and that's turned out to be true."

Robbins received her J.D. from Arizona State University Law School in 1988 and began practicing law in Phoenix in a small firm and then on her own. She joined attorney Ron Cooley to create the firm Cooley & Robbins in 1998. That firm merged with Mushkatel and Becker in 2012.

The focus of her practice throughout her legal career has been elder law. Although she has ample experience as a litigator handling contested matters in this area, Robbins has been moving toward mediation for resolving disputes.

Her interest in elder law mediation has moved beyond her own practice. She recently spearheaded a committee to launch a mediation project in Maricopa County Probate Court, an effort that has received funding to be taken to other Arizona counties. These court affiliated mediation programs would offer opposing parties an opportunity to resolve their problems quickly and less expensively with the guidance of experience attorneys who are trained in probation and mediation who may provide services on a sliding fee scale depending on the clients' need.

Robbins considers the creation of this project to be one of her proudest achievements.

"The thing that I like most about my work is teaching people how to understand what the legal issues are, what their options are, and helping people to make a planrather than me telling them what to do," she says. "That's especially true in estate planning, but it's also true in guardianship and conservatorship work. If people have the right information, they make good choices most of the time."

Oftentimes, Robbins points out, people need to consider things they'd rather not think about.

"People don't like to think about what happens if they become incapacitated and they really don't like to talk to their family about it. So I see my job as trying to help people understand the consequences of not planning and then help them figure out what's the most efficient and cost effective way to be responsible and accountable."

"They have to learn some things they don't know in order to make those good decisions," Robbins says. "It's not me telling them what to do; it's me teaching them so they know what to do."

Education

Arizona State University Juris Doctorate, 1988


Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Laura Still

Estate Planning Attorney Laura Still

Laura Still's career path has been marked by a series of discoveries that have pushed her in new directions.

As an undergraduate at the University of Southern California, she thought she wanted to become a doctor. But she soon learned that biology was not her favorite subject and that medicine might not be the best career for her. She settled on history and the law instead, and her track record as a lawyer shows that she made the right decision.

Still enrolled at the University of Miami School of Law in 2004. Although she was drawn to that school by its reputation for entertainment law, Still soon learned that the area of law she really loved was estate planning workwills, trusts, and probate. During her summers between law school semesters, Still held two judicial internships in Maricopa County that provided experience in those practice areas.

After receiving her J.D. in 2007, Still came back to Arizona to launch an estate planning and probate practice in the Phoenix firm of Cooley and Robbins. When that firm joined forces with Mushkatel and Becker in Sun City in 2012, Still handled her first solo estate litigationand discovered that she loved it.

"It has definitely been a very positive change in my career," she says. "I came out of law school thinking, 'I do not want anything to do with the courtroom.' And now I really enjoy the entire litigation process."

Still's practice at Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, combines the best of both worlds. In addition to her litigation work, she continues to handle estate planning and probate matters for Sun City residents.

"I have an opportunity that most people in my generation don't have," she says. "I get to meet World War II veterans, and most of them are willing to share incredible stories. Getting to know those men and women has been very fulfilling to me."

In addition to her busy law practice, Still commits significant energy to professional activities. She is now the Vice President and the former Secretary and Treasurer of the Maricopa County Bar Association and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona's Probate and Trust Section and its Elder Law and Mental Health Section.

She is also a member of the Phoenix Art Museum and enjoys international travel and attending live theater.

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Laura Still

Estate Planning Attorney Laura Still

Laura Still's career path has been marked by a series of discoveries that have pushed her in new directions.

As an undergraduate at the University of Southern California, she thought she wanted to become a doctor. But she soon learned that biology was not her favorite subject and that medicine might not be the best career for her. She settled on history and the law instead, and her track record as a lawyer shows that she made the right decision.

Still enrolled at the University of Miami School of Law in 2004. Although she was drawn to that school by its reputation for entertainment law, Still soon learned that the area of law she really loved was estate planning workwills, trusts, and probate. During her summers between law school semesters, Still held two judicial internships in Maricopa County that provided experience in those practice areas.

After receiving her J.D. in 2007, Still came back to Arizona to launch an estate planning and probate practice in the Phoenix firm of Cooley and Robbins. When that firm joined forces with Mushkatel and Becker in Sun City in 2012, Still handled her first solo estate litigationand discovered that she loved it.

"It has definitely been a very positive change in my career," she says. "I came out of law school thinking, 'I do not want anything to do with the courtroom.' And now I really enjoy the entire litigation process."

Still's practice at Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, combines the best of both worlds. In addition to her litigation work, she continues to handle estate planning and probate matters for Sun City residents.

"I have an opportunity that most people in my generation don't have," she says. "I get to meet World War II veterans, and most of them are willing to share incredible stories. Getting to know those men and women has been very fulfilling to me."

In addition to her busy law practice, Still commits significant energy to professional activities. She is now the Vice President and the former Secretary and Treasurer of the Maricopa County Bar Association and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona's Probate and Trust Section and its Elder Law and Mental Health Section.

She is also a member of the Phoenix Art Museum and enjoys international travel and attending live theater.

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Matthew Gobbato

Arizona Probate Attorney Matthew Gobbato
Throughout his legal career, Matthew A. Gobbato has served clients in the areas of probate, estate planning and trust administration, developing skills and insights that serve his clients well.

"Everyone's situation is unique. So, it is important that people engage in estate planning to ensure their wishes and intentions are fulfilled," Matthew says.

"People should work with a lawyer when creating an estate plan to ensure that what they are creating will effectively address their needs and concerns," he adds.

Matthew has lived in Arizona for most of his life, primarily residing in the Northwest Valley. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University in 2006 and his Juris Doctor degree from Texas A&M University School of Law in 2011.

Prior to joining Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, Matthew worked as an attorney at a small firm, where he established himself as a professional dedicated to providing personal attention to his clients and their objectives. He works closely with local professionals such as fiduciaries, financial advisors and certified public accountants (CPAs) to ensure his clients' needs are met and protected. In addition to probate, estate planning and trust administration, Matthew assists clients with the formation of business entities.

"I believe my clients need someone who is detail-oriented and able to provide them with direction," Matthew says. "It is important to listen to their needs and address their concerns to be someone who is truly there for them."

Matthew takes much pride in his professional aspirations, but he believes that supporting his local community is just as significant.

Matthew is involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a fundraiser and volunteer. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Royal Oaks Foundation. Since age 12, he has volunteered with the Valley View Community Food Bank.

"I personally feel it is important to give back to the community in which you live," Matthew says. "It is important to make time to help others."

When he is not in the office, Matthews enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, hiking and mountain biking.

Education

Texas A&M University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2011

Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC
Matthew Gobbato

Arizona Probate Attorney Matthew Gobbato
Throughout his legal career, Matthew A. Gobbato has served clients in the areas of probate, estate planning and trust administration, developing skills and insights that serve his clients well.

"Everyone's situation is unique. So, it is important that people engage in estate planning to ensure their wishes and intentions are fulfilled," Matthew says.

"People should work with a lawyer when creating an estate plan to ensure that what they are creating will effectively address their needs and concerns," he adds.

Matthew has lived in Arizona for most of his life, primarily residing in the Northwest Valley. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University in 2006 and his Juris Doctor degree from Texas A&M University School of Law in 2011.

Prior to joining Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC, Matthew worked as an attorney at a small firm, where he established himself as a professional dedicated to providing personal attention to his clients and their objectives. He works closely with local professionals such as fiduciaries, financial advisors and certified public accountants (CPAs) to ensure his clients' needs are met and protected. In addition to probate, estate planning and trust administration, Matthew assists clients with the formation of business entities.

"I believe my clients need someone who is detail-oriented and able to provide them with direction," Matthew says. "It is important to listen to their needs and address their concerns to be someone who is truly there for them."

Matthew takes much pride in his professional aspirations, but he believes that supporting his local community is just as significant.

Matthew is involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a fundraiser and volunteer. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Royal Oaks Foundation. Since age 12, he has volunteered with the Valley View Community Food Bank.

"I personally feel it is important to give back to the community in which you live," Matthew says. "It is important to make time to help others."

When he is not in the office, Matthews enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, hiking and mountain biking.

Education

Texas A&M University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2011


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