Governor Jan Brewer Appoints Superior Court Judge in Maricopa County

PHOENIX, Sept. 19 -- Gov. Jan Brewer, D-Ariz., issued the following news release:

Governor Jan Brewer has appointed Joseph Sciarrotta, Jr. to the Maricopa County Superior Court.

Mr. Sciarrotta was recommended to the governor through a unanimous decision by the nonpartisan Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments.

"Joe's wise counsel and work ethic has helped my administration and Arizona through some of the most economically and legally challenging years in state history," said Governor Brewer. "His guidance, legal expertise and candor have been invaluable in litigating and resolving a number of crucial and complex matters facing Arizona, implementing cornerstone policy initiatives, and achieving historic reforms in health care, child safety and more. Joe's impressive accomplishments in public service are matched by many successful years in the private sector, where he litigated a variety of legal issues including complex commercial litigation. Joe's extensive and broad experience - coupled with his steadfast regard for the rule of law, separation of powers and judicial restraint - have been instrumental to this office, to my administration and to the state. I know he will continue to serve the people of Arizona with impartiality and integrity on the Maricopa County Superior Court."

Mr. Sciarrotta has served as General Counsel to Governor Brewer since 2011. As chief lawyer to the Executive Office, he advises the governor and her staff on a variety of legal issues regarding the state and federal constitutions; statutory construction and proposed legislation; public records; contract review and drafting; and clemencies and pardons.

Additionally, Mr. Sciarrotta is responsible for handling a wide range of litigation in which Governor Brewer and her office are involved in federal and state trial and appellate courts, including the United States and Arizona Supreme Courts. Notably during his service to Governor Brewer, Mr. Sciarrotta had an integral role in negotiating a settlement in the Arnold v. Sarn case, bringing final resolution to a more than 30-year lawsuit against the state and establishing a blueprint for a successful and quality community-based behavioral health system in Arizona.

Prior to joining the Governor's Office, Mr. Sciarrotta served as General Counsel for the Arizona Department of Administration and concurrently as Chairman of the Governor's Regulatory Review Council (2010-11). Mr. Sciarrotta also brings more than a decade of private sector experience, including serving as in-house counsel for several national Fortune 500 and 1000 companies, and has practiced complex commercial litigation; franchise; antitrust; legal malpractice defense; administrative law; construction law; class actions; employment law; torts; appeals; insurance coverage and recovery; internal investigations and more. He previously served as Vice President of Litigation for Meritage Homes Corporation (2007-09); Managing Corporate Counsel for Allied Waste Industries, Inc. (n/k/a Republic Services) (2003-07); Counsel for Cendant Corporation (n/k/a Wyndham Worldwide) (2002-03); and Associate and Senior Associate at Fennemore Craig, P.C. (1996-2002).

Mr. Sciarrotta serves on the Childhelp Arizona Board of Directors, a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. He also is a member of the St. Patrick's Men's Club, a social and charitable works parish group.

Mr. Sciarrotta graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Law (Order of the Coif) (1996) and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan (High Distinction and Phi Beta Kappa) (1993). He also is a graduate of the Arizona College of Trial AdvocacyDouglas Rayes, who was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.

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