Joined Burch & Cracchiolo in 2000
Jake Curtis primarily practices in the area of complex civil litigation at Burch & Cracchiolo. Jake handles all manner of commercial and business disputes and helps local companies to avoid and mitigate risks both before and after litigation has commenced. He also represents plaintiffs in serious personal injury cases, as well as in employment and civil rights matters. Jake has handled large complex civil matters, including class actions, receivership actions, patent claims and securities litigation.
Licensed to practice in the courts of the Navajo Nation and the Ak-Chin Indian Communities, Jake's practice includes a focus in legal matters involving Native American tribes. He represents parties in tribal courts and advises businesses about the unique issues involved when conducting business on Indian reservations or with Native American tribes.
Representative Engagements
Lead trial counsel in securing $1.1m jury verdict against insurance agency for agent malpractice
Nationwide representation of collection agency in Fair Debt Collection Practice Act (FDCPA) matters
Represented Plaintiffs in wrongful death lawsuit resulting in an $11m jury verdict
Represented a court-appointed receiver to recover funds for victims of a $28M Ponzi scheme
Defended Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in wrongful death claim by an inmate's family
Represented Plaintiff's in wrongful termination claims arising under Title VII and the Arizona Civil Rights Act
Represented claimant before Arizona Supreme Court in case that established new law permitting an award of punitive damages for claims premised solely on equitable relief
Prepared Writ of Certiorari to United States Supreme Court on behalf of a Native American tribe seeking the right to conduct gaming on its reservation
Represented the State of Arizona in actions to enforce the terms of the Tribal-State Gaming Compact
Long-term outside counsel to company engaged in the implementation and operation of electronic medical record systems
Other Relevant Employment
Judicial Clerk, Justice Stanley Feldman, Arizona Supreme Court, 1999-2000
Professional Affiliations
American Bar Association
State Bar of Arizona
Federal Bar Association
Navajo Nation Bar Association
Reported Cases
Medasys Acquisition Corp. v. SDMS, P.C., 203 Ariz. 420, 55 P.3d 763 (2002).
Community Involvement
Member, Board of Directors, Phoenix Indian Center