John D. Bethea

John D. Bethea maintains a diversified commercial real estate practice focused on acquisitions, sales, development, leasing, and finance. He represents clients in transactions involving improved and unimproved properties, retail and office leasing, agricultural and industrial projects, and complex ground leases, with particular emphasis on retail pad sites.

John earned his Juris Doctor from Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School, graduating cum laude. He received his Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University. His academic training established a strong foundation in real estate transactions, finance, and business-oriented legal strategy.

A substantial portion of John’s practice centers on representing national convenience-store and automotive refueling facility operators in the acquisition and development of retail pad sites. Since 1998, he has led the legal management of more than 150 proposed acquisitions and developments in Arizona.

John also represents national retail banks in connection with the acquisition and development of commercial properties. He has overseen more than 40 property transactions for banking clients, coordinating teams of attorneys and paralegals while negotiating purchase agreements, easements, development agreements, and ground leases.

John’s experience extends to complex sale/leaseback transactions, including representation of a national industrial supply and aerospace manufacturer in $10,000,000.00 and $50,000,000.00 Arizona manufacturing facility transactions. He has also advised national hotel operators and commercial office developers in large-scale leasing and development matters.

John D. Bethea has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, 2019-2026, and named Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Commercial Finance Law, 2026. He also holds an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated distinction from Martindale-Hubbell and is admitted in Arizona and the U.S. District Court, District of Arizona.

Law Office Affiliations

• Director, Fennemore Craig, P.C.
• Member, State Bar of Arizona
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, East Valley Partnership
• Member, Fennemore Craig Foundation
• Associate Counsel, Marc Center

Licensed State

• Arizona

Education

• Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Brigham Young University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges