Legal Corner – Meet the New ACAA President

Kelly Schwab, City Attorney, Chandler

Kelly Schwab is the president of the Arizona City Attorney's Association (ACAA). The ACAA is an association of all municipal attorneys in the state of Arizona, both in-house attorneys as well as attorneys, representing cities and towns on a contract. The ACAA has an annual conference where city and town attorneys can get together and discuss current municipal legal issues, and get CLE credits. The ACAA also has a roundtable discussion at the Annual League of Arizona Cities and Towns Conference.

Please tell us a little about your background and where you were educated.

I am an Arizona native; born in Cottonwood and raised in Payson, Arizona. I am a proud graduate of Payson High School. I still maintain my small town roots and travel often to Payson with my husband and two beautiful daughters, Marisa and Amanda. I obtained my Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University and my Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona. Yes, I am bipartisan and cheer for both universities!

What is your background and experience in municipal law?

I have been practicing law for over 28 years and my practice has focused on representing municipalities across the state of Arizona. During my time in private practice I served as city and/or town attorneys for a number of Arizona municipalities including Gilbert, Wickenburg, Oro Valley, Youngtown, Quartzsite, and Clifton to name a few. I left private practice in 2015 and worked as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Mesa and for the past two years I have served as the City Attorney for the City of Chandler. Almost my entire practice of law has been in municipal litigation beginning as a baby associate for Dan Hochuli and representing Marana. I have been involved in almost every area of law that touches a municipality including land use, employment, contracts, open meeting law, conflict of interest, telecommunications, construction, utilities, etc. My litigation experience includes insurance defense, civil litigation, and criminal prosecution.

Please tell us about your history and involvement with ACAA.

When I was a young attorney, I quickly discovered that being involved with the ACAA was the best possible resource. Having a list serve to send out questions is extremely helpful and productive. The ACAA has a very knowledgeable group of attorneys that I have relied on through the years. I have relied upon League staff for assistance on many issues as I appreciate their knowledge and their insight. I have attended most annual conferences as well as the League of Arizona Cities and Towns conferences. I have presented many times on a variety of topics at both the ACAA conference and the bigger League conference. At some point and much to my dismay, I became a member of the “old timer’s” panel of speakers at the ACAA conferences although to soften the blow, they call it the experienced panel.

What do you hope to accomplish in your year as president of ACAA?

I think the ACAA is such a vitally important resource for city and town attorneys and I want to help continue that legacy. I would like to see newer attorneys become more involved in the organization and I will work with the League staff on engaging those attorneys. I will work to have relevant and interesting presentations at the annual conference and, of course, plan for the after dinner events!