Practice Areas: Real Estate, Bankruptcy, Business Litigation view more
Licensed in Arizona since: 1992
Education: Drake University Law School
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2013 - 2024 Jaburg | Wilk
1850 N Central AveSuite 1200
Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phone: 602-248-1009 Email: Neal H. Bookspan Visit website
Details
Neal has extensive experience in real estate, advising clients on residential and commercial real estate disputes and in the acquisition and sale of all types of commercial property. He also advises clients on issues in bankruptcy, construction, and commercial litigation including the prosecution and defense of complex, multi-party disputes. He works with many partners and shareholders resolving disputes in closely held businesses and has represented many Arizona companies, assisting them as they have grown. For construction clients, Neal handles both prosecution and defense of mechanic’s liens issues, as well as assisting contractors with contract review and project issues such as change order issues and payment rights and remedies. Neal’s bankruptcy experience includes Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations, creditor’s rights representation and appeals.
He is a former law clerk to the Honorable Robert G. Mooreman, Chief Bankruptcy Judge, and his bankruptcy expertise is built on the foundation of Bankruptcy Court clerking. He has represented hundreds of individuals and companies with bankruptcy and litigation matters since he began practicing.
Neal graduated with honors from Drake University School of Law. He is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Turnaround Management Association and is the chair of the Technology Committee of the Arizona State Bar Bankruptcy Section. Neal is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell. He has been named a Southwest Superlawyer continuously since 2013 in business litigation, litigation, real estate, business and corporate, bankruptcy and construction litigation, including being named as a Top 50 Super Lawyer in Arizona in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Similarly, Neal has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America continuously since 2016.
He has a pragmatic approach to solving client’s legal issues and frequently looks for the practical solution as full scale litigation may not be in the client’s best interests. However, he is an accomplished trial litigator in state, federal and bankruptcy courts. Neal frequently publishes articles on anti-deficiency, bankruptcy and other business issues.
Practice areas
Real Estate: Business, Bankruptcy: Business, Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, Construction Litigation: BusinessFirst Admitted: 1992, Arizona
Professional Webpage: http://www.jaburgwilk.com/our-people/neal-h-bookspan
Honors/Awards:
- Phoenix Magazine - Top Lawyer, 2022, Top Lawyer, Phoenix Magazine
- AZ Business Leaders, 2021, AZ Business Leaders
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, Client Champion Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell
- Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona 2020 by AZ Big Media, 2020, Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona 2020, AZ Big Media
- Best Lawyers in America- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) - 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, Best Lawyers in America- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Best Lawyers in America
- Named Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona, by Arizona Business Magazine, 2018, Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona 2018, Arizona Business Magazine
- Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Musically Fed, Board Member, 2019-current; Secretary, 2019-current
- Arizona State Bar Bankruptcy Section, Executive Council
- American Bankruptcy Institute, Member
- Maricopa County Bar, Member
- Turnaround Management Association, Member
- Phoenix Conservatory of Music, Board Member, 2018-current; Board Chair 2020-current
- Member of Executive Committee of the Bankruptcy Section of the State Bar of Arizona, 2005
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- Musically Fed, Board Member, 2019-current; Secretary, 2019-current
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch - Mentor 2014, 2016, 2017
- Board Member (2013 Chair) of non-profit Ear Candy Charity (http://www.earcandycharity.org/), 2010
Educational Background:
- University of Arizona , 1989
Videos:
- Do I Need an Attorney if I am Buying or Selling a Business?, 2014
- How can someone prepare for the first meeting with an attorney?, 2015
- What do creditors need to know about litigation in state court and bankruptcy court?, 2014
- How can business owners manage legal risks?, 2013
- What is alternative dispute resolution?, 2014
- Can business partner disputes be defused? Can a client avoid expensive litigation?, 2014
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Whether a customer list is, in fact, a trade secret depends on a two-step analysis to be applied on a case-by-case basis. The first step relates to efforts to keep the list secret. If so, the second step is a four-factor analysis detailed below., Author, Not All Customer Lists are Trade Secrets!, JaburgWilk.com, 2022
- Contractual Attorney Fee Awards May be Contested, www.jaburgwilk.com/news-publications/contractual-attorney-fee-awards-may-be-contested, JaburgWilk.com
- Arizona Court of Appeals Decision Adds Confusion to the Interpretation of the Anti-Deficiency Statutes, www.jaburgwilk.com/news-publications/arizona-court-of-appeals-decision-adds-confusion-to-the-interpretation-of-the-anti-deficiency-statutes, JaburgWilk.com
- I Don't Think We are Going to Remain Friends - What Happens When Owners of Closely Held Companies are Deadlocked or in Dispute with Each Other or Former Employees, www.jaburgwilk.com/news-publications/i-don-t-think-we-are-going-to-remain-friends-what-happens-when-owners-of-closely-held-companies-are-deadlocked-or-in-dispute-with-each-other-or-former-employees, JaburgWilk.com
- Are There Fiduciary Duties Between Members in an Arizona LLC?, www.jaburgwilk.com/news-publications/are-there-fiduciary-duties-between-members-in-an-arizona-llc, JaburgWilk.com
- Update: Are There Fiduciary Duties between Members in an Arizona LLC?, www.jaburgwilk.com/news-publications/are-fiduciary-duties-between-members-in-an-arizona-llc, JaburgWilk.com
White Papers:
- Presence refers to the state of being aware and engaged in the present moment. It is the opposite of being distracted. Being present can be difficult, especially in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world where we are constantly bombarded with distractions., Presence Is a Skill We All Need to Practice, 2023
- Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important.” When I recently saw this quote, I thought of self-created emergencies versus real emergencies. , Take Actions to Prevent Self-Created Emergencies, 2023
- Beginning in 2014, many of you probably read my blog regarding having a checkup for you and, if you have one, your business. This does not involve the doctor, but it does involve all the other professionals in your personal and business life. Based on the positive feedback, I have made this an annual tradition., The 2023 Version of Why it’s Time for an Annual Checkup for You and Your Company, 2023
- The power of lifting up others cannot be overstated. Mentoring and supporting colleagues or subordinates fosters an environment of growth and productivity. This practice not only benefits the individual being supported, but also enriches the overall team dynamics and organizational culture. When individuals are lifted and empowered, they gain confidence, skills, and insights that contribute to their professional development and chances for greater individual and organizational success. This often leads to increased innovation, higher job satisfaction, and a stronger sense of loyalty to the company., The Power of Lifting Up Others, 2023
- In a few days it will be Thanksgiving. And, in 2023, it seems like it will be celebrated in a world gone crazy. When I was thinking about writing about being thankful or expressing gratitude, I looked back to my posts from the week of Thanksgiving in prior years. I can’t say it better, so here is my annual blog for the week of Thanksgiving., Show Gratitude Always- the 2023 Version, 2023
- A recent experience reminded me why preparation matters to all of us heading into an important meeting, presentation, or even a networking event. I called a client to set up time to prepare for an essential meeting. The client didn’t understand why we needed to meet and thought we would just meet with the opposing parties and see what they had to say., Prepare, Prepare, Prepare, 2023
- I recently read a quote that said something along the lines of anyone living at the edge of their comfort zone has imposter syndrome and if they don’t, they need to go further. The point, of course, is to continually push yourself further and harder, to always be striving for more. If you’re comfortable you may remain so for a time, but someone will come along, push you from your perch and pass you by. Instead, enjoy your successes and then challenge yourself to do better, to do more., Find Comfort in Discomfort, 2023
- We all experience inevitable setbacks and unforeseen challenges in various aspects of our lives. Much like weather patterns, disappointments are unpredictable and can come unexpectedly. These disappointments can manifest in personal relationships, career pursuits, or even everyday activities, causing you to feel frustration, sadness, or disillusionment. Weathering disappointment requires you to be resilient, adaptable, and maintain a positive mindset to navigate through the storm and emerge stronger on the other side., Weathering Disappointment, 2023
- Following curiosity in your profession or work can be transformative, leading to innovation, personal growth, and ultimately, success. Curiosity is the engine of learning, driving you to explore new ideas, technologies, and methodologies., Follow Curiosity, 2023
- I recently heard someone at a networking event seemingly trying to impress others in a conversation by forcefully stating how he lived the mantra “everything all at once” as if he was trying to win a race. , Living “Everything All at Once” Is Harder Than You Think, 2023
- This is a fundamental truth in business: success doesn’t come to those who sit on the sidelines, but to those who actively participate, take risks, and make strategic moves. In the competitive arena of business, companies and entrepreneurs must be proactive, innovative, and willing to engage in the market actively. This means launching new products, exploring untapped markets, and embracing change and technology., You Have to Play to Win, 2023
- Failure to express gratitude can lead to a host of issues in the workplace., Gratitude Unexpressed Is Gratitude Unperceived, 2023
- When you push yourself to conquer difficult mental hurdles, you develop a deeper understanding of your own capabilities, which, in turn, fosters a sense of self-assuredness and resilience., Overcoming Difficult Mental Challenges Boosts Confidence, 2023
- Though I had heard the phrase before, "Hope Is Not a Strategy" it struck me as a reminder that success and progress is not solely reliant on mere optimism or wishful thinking., Hope Is Not a Strategy, 2023
- “Today is the youngest you’ll ever be, so live like it” encapsulates a powerful reminder to embrace the present moment and make the most of your life. , Today is the Youngest You Will Ever Be, So Live Like It!, 2023
- As a parent, it feels like a culmination of years spent nurturing, guiding, and watching your child grow into a young adult. While this is not an end to my parenting journey with her, it’s a significant turning point in both of our lives., Thoughts and Observations on Dropping a Daughter Off at College, 2023
- Just as in any grand expedition or personal endeavor, professional growth and success requires an initial leap into the unknown., Every Adventure Requires a First Step, 2023
- The age-old advice, “Do what you love, not for money,” encapsulates a profound wisdom that urges each of us to prioritize passion and purpose over material gain., Do What You Love, Not for Money, 2023
- In life, we all have dreams, aspirations, and goals that we desire to achieve, whether they be personal, professional, or emotional. , Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard, 2023
- Happiness is a deeply fulfilling and enriching emotion that can be attained through various means, but one of the most profound sources of happiness is found in giving of yourself. , Happiness Comes From Giving of Yourself, 2023
- This goes for all personal and professional relationships in your life., You Meet the People You’re Supposed to When You’re Supposed to, 2023
- Imagination is a powerful tool that fuels creativity and innovation, as well as personal and professional growth. It allows you to envision possibilities beyond what currently exists and break free from the constraints of reality., Don’t Limit Your Imagination, 2023
- We all are works in progress, constantly evolving and developing as individuals throughout our lives., We All Are Works in Progress, 2023
- Passion is an intangible and invaluable element when it comes to one’s work. It is the driving force that fuels creativity, determination, and commitment – ultimately leading to personal fulfillment and success., Passion For What You Do Is Priceless, 2023
- I firmly believe that perspective matters significantly in the world of business. Perspective is the lens through which we view and interpret issues., Perspective Matters, 2023
- In a world that is constantly evolving, being a change agent is not only an admirable quality but also a necessity., Be a Change Agent: Four Steps to Ignite Positive Transformation, 2023
- “Fear is a liar” is a powerful statement that emphasizes how fear can deceive and manipulate our perceptions and decision-making., Fear Is a Liar, 2023
- In-person work has several benefits for both employees and employers, but hybrid work – a mix of in-person and remote work – also has its advantages., In-Person Work v. Hybrid Work – There Is No Right Answer, 2023
- Trying something new can help you and your businesses to stay relevant and competitive in the market. , Try Something New, 2023
- “Not my monkey, not my circus”, is a colloquial phrase that conveys the idea that one is not responsible for the problems or issues of others. It is often used to express a lack of ownership or accountability for situations that do not directly concern or involve oneself., Not My Monkey, Not My Circus, 2023
- Happy employees are more productive, engaged, and committed to their work. In turn, this can lead to increased profitability and growth for the business., Happy Employees Are Good for Good Business, 2023
- When you apologize for some action or inaction, there may well be a reason. If you explain that reason as part of the apology you are making an excuse, not making an honest apology., It’s Not an Apology if it Comes With an Excuse, 2023
- It is important to try to maintain some level of organization and structure in your life as this can help you to feel more in control and reduce stress., Don’t Let Chaos Be the Default Mode of Life, 2023
- It’s easy to jump to conclusions or make judgments about people without knowing all the facts. , Be Slow to Judge People, and Quick to Help Them, 2023
- Curiosity is an essential human trait that drives us to learn new things, explore the world around us, and seek out new experiences., Endless Curiosity Will Take You Far, 2023
- I cannot remember everything I want or need to, and neither can you., Write it Down if You Want to Remember It, 2023
- “You either win or you learn.”, applies to losing or failing in any line of work. It also applies to winning or succeeding as you learn from that too. However, you learn more from failure. , You Either Win or Learn, 2023
- Setting goals and then being in action are important because they help you focus on what you want to achieve and give you a sense of purpose., Determine Your Direction and Then Take Massive Action, 2023
- I am speaking about controlling your schedule in an affirmative manner and not just being reactive all day long., Make the Day; Don’t Let the Day Make You, 2023
- Having a positive story that people are interested in and remember will help you build your network and be memorable because people will talk or hear about you and your fascinating stories., Build Identity Capital, 2023
- Deliberate planning helps you to set goals and create a roadmap for achieving them., Deliberate Planning Matters, 2023
- I heard someone say this on a podcast and it stuck with me. It is a way to reframe the narrative of change as we enter the new year or at any time. The point is to spend more time looking forward than obsessing on the past., Don’t Rewrite Your Story, Make Something Good Going Forward, 2022
- Quarterback Stetson Bennett was interviewed and in response to how he led his team back he said, “Just keep fighting. Keep your mouth shut. Work hard. Life is tough, you just have to fight through it.” That’s right, wisdom from the mouth of a 23-year-old college quarterback that applies to all of us., Just Keep Fighting. Keep Your Mouth Shut. Work Hard, 2022
- This sounds so easy, but can be much harder in practice. You know you have said things, likely out loud, when driving and some car cut you off. Maybe you would say it to the person when you end up next to each other at a traffic light or not. , Don’t Be a Jerk – Always Take the High Road, 2022
- I saw this somewhere in the last few weeks and it rang true to me. The choices we make define us, always. Some may be smaller and some larger, but together they show who you are. Sometimes the choices that seem smaller show more than you think as they are choices you make on a daily basis., We Are Our Choices. Every. Single. Day., 2022
- Discipline helps you get done what you plan and need to do each day. This is part of doing what you say you’re going to do. This provides stability because it allows others to know how you act or respond in various situations., Discipline Creates Stability, 2022
- I’m not asking about what is your return on investment. I’m asking about what is your ripple of impact. How does who you are and what you do impact others and your community? If you don’t think this matters you are being shortsighted and missing the mark., What is Your ROI?, 2022
- I recently came across a good quote which I hadn’t read in quite a long time. It spoke to something I agree with, which is the importance of being a lifetime learner., What Have You Learned Today?, 2022
- We all have a pitch to make and the need to do so comes up all of the time. Many times, you are making a pitch unconsciously because it can be second nature for some. Think about how good your pitch could be if you actually thought about what you want to say in a given situation., Do You Have a Good Pitch?, 2022
- Networking is about knowing more people. Connecting is about knowing people more. The distinction is obvious. You know a lot of people professionally and personally, but you actually are connected to only a fraction of those you know., The Differences Between Networking and Connecting, 2022
- We all take inspiration from different people, actions, inactions and observations. Sometimes it comes out of nowhere and sometimes it comes from surprising places. When it does, you need to be ready to notice and process what it means to you., What Inspires You?, 2022
- When you are striving to reach a goal, do you get there by the intensity you bring to it or by the consistency in following the steps you have sketched out? I think it’s a combination of the two. You can employ both to pursue your goals and dreams., Intensity v. Consistency, 2022
- Expectations are important whether it’s your expectations of yourself or setting expectations for others. In both instances, it’s good to be realistic. If your expectations aren’t, it is a negative either because you set the expectation too low, as if you didn’t have faith in yourself in a given situation, or you set the expectation too high and don’t come close to touching it., Expectations, 2022
- Are you the workaholic each of us knows? You know the one. Checking email from the moment they wake up, when they are at lunch with you (rude, by the way), and checking it right before they go to sleep. Every social opportunity is really a networking opportunity with people they probably would not socialize with., Do You Have Work/Life Balance?, 2022
- In everything you do you can do better; you can be better. Always. If you disagree you are only fooling yourself and being intellectually dishonest. Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make., We Can Always Do Better by Working on Ourselves, 2022
- Just because the thought comes into your head does not mean it should come out of your mouth. In many situations, it matters what you say next. This is why it’s so important to think before speaking., Do You Think Before Speaking?, 2022
- I know some of you are thinking “What is he talking about? Fun at work?” But it’s that simple and that’s exactly what I mean. , Do you have fun at work?, 2022
- Being respectful isn’t just good manners. It’s a way to connect with others and try to understand their position or opinion., Demonstrate Respect, 2022
- This topic covers a lot of ground in my mind. Depending on what you’re reading, you may be escaping your day or learning something new. , Read, Learn, and Invest in Yourself, 2022
- A lot of people sugarcoat what they say to save others’ feelings. This is good in theory, but detrimental to your business. If you cannot have honest, hard conversations with your peers and employees, what does that say about your business? Who are you training them to be (or not)?, Direct and Honest Communication Matters, 2022
- We all know the cliché “overnight success.” In the real world anyone who is an overnight success has put in the time to be a success. And most people don’t even realize it. , Overnight Success is a Myth, 2022
- Networking is the base on which your business development efforts sit. Who you know matters. The broader your network and reach the better chance it will lift you up towards success., Networking and Deepening Your Connections Matters, 2022
- Go to new places and put yourself in new situations with new people. Do not just stay at places or with the people with whom you are comfortable., The World Begins at the End of Your Street, 2022
- Are you content with where you are in your career and, if so, why? Maybe you just want to do the same old and punch the clock. Sounds boring to me, but it could be your thing. , Keep Asking For More, 2022
- Is this you? To honestly answer this question requires self-awareness, which many people lack. We all know that person, the one you meet in a business or personal setting who cannot stop themselves from dominating a conversation or room., Do You Talk Too Much?, 2022
- A favorite saying of mine is “If we all were the same, the world would be a boring place.” I believe this to be true. , We All Bring Different Things to the Table, 2022
- As in all worlds, disorganization leads to disaster. It not only can make you late on your commitments, it can adversely affect your business and personal life. , Being Organized Matters, 2022
- Don’t be too busy or self-important to miss an opportunity., Are You Ready When Opportunity Is in Front of You?, 2022
- Ask questions that allows other people to speak because the more someone speaks during a conversation, the better they think the conversation went. This is because people like talking generally, and talking about themselves specifically., Talk Less and Listen More, 2022
- Whether you are an owner, manager, employee, parent, child, or another role, the only thing you can control is yourself, which means your decisions and your actions. When you try to control more than that and if you are aware, you realize your overall lack of control. , Your Perceived Control Is Illusory, 2022
- Many of us sit in place all day and work hard. This is bad for you both mentally and physically. You know this is not good for you, but are you willing to try new steps to help yourself and lower your stress level?, Get Moving For Your Body and Your Brain, 2022
- Preparation is everything. It makes things look easy and natural. In my world it is being prepared for a trial, closing of a transaction, oral argument, or the first meeting with a new client., Always Be Prepared, 2022
- This does not involve the doctor, but it does involve all the other professionals in your personal and business life. Based on the positive feedback I’ve received, this now an annual tradition., The 2022 Version of Why it is Time for an Annual Checkup for You and, If You Have One, Your Company, 2022
- Ending the year well can mean different things to different people. For some, it might mean achieving a personal goal or completing a major project. For others, it might mean spending time with loved ones or taking some time to rest and recharge., End the Year Well, 2022
- I am speaking about controlling your schedule in an affirmative manner and not just being reactive all day long. There are many ways to do this, some of which I have written about before, which means the first step is to figure out what works best for you to manage your calendar and time each day., Make the Day; Don’t Let the Day Make You, 2023
- When you go through an interview or meet someone, is there something about you or you have done that people will remember? I recently read something that suggested younger adults do at least three fascinating things in their 20s that job interviewers or dinner companions will want to ask about for the rest of their lives. , Build Identity Capital, 2023
- Deliberate planning is important for several reasons and is important to think about at this time of year. It helps you to set goals and create a roadmap for achieving them. It also helps to anticipate potential challenges and come up with strategies for dealing with them. Deliberate planning can also help use your resources more efficiently, both in terms of time and money., Deliberate Planning Matters, 2023
Industry Groups:
- American Bankruptcy Institute; Turnaround Management Association
Office location for Neal H. Bookspan
1850 N Central Ave
Suite 1200
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Selections
12 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2013 - 2024