Michael J. Rusing

Michael J. Rusing is an Arizona trial attorney with more than 45 years of experience in civil litigation. He handles a wide range of complex matters, including breach of fiduciary duty, contract disputes, intellectual property claims, ERISA, employment, environmental issues, insurance coverage and bad faith, legal and medical malpractice, patent infringement, products liability, securities, trusts and estates, will contests, and wrongful death. He has tried well over 100 cases in federal and state courts.

Michael earned his J.D. from Stanford Law School in 1980. He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of San Francisco in 1977. His education laid a strong foundation for a career focused on detailed legal analysis and trial advocacy. The rigorous training he received continues to guide his strategic thinking and thorough preparation in complex litigation matters across a variety of industries.

Michael has argued cases before the Arizona Court of Appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, the Nevada Supreme Court, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Bankruptcy Appellate Panels. In addition to injury and product liability matters, he focuses on significant business litigation, including fraud actions, partnership disputes, and real estate or construction conflicts. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes, multi-million dollar disputes.

Michael J. Rusing also serves as a mediator, arbitrator, and Superior Court Pro Tem Judge. He has mediated and arbitrated disputes involving real estate, business entities, employment contracts, environmental liability, insurance coverage, intellectual property, and personal injury claims. Recognized as a leading Arizona litigator, he is a Fellow of respected trial organizations and is frequently acknowledged for his skill, professionalism, and courtroom experience.

Law Office Affiliations

• Equity Partner, Rusing Lopez Lizardi & Saffer, PLLC
• Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• House of Delegates, American Bar Association
• Chairman, Pima County Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Arizona
• Charter Member, Tucson Federal Bar Association
• President, Tucson Defense Bar Association

Licensed State

• Arizona

Education

• Stanford Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of San Francisco
  BA with Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges