Julio M. Zapata, Attorney at Law
Julio Zapata is an attorney with over twenty-four years experience. After practicing in large law firms for sixteen years, seven of those years as a partner, Mr. Zapata started his own law practice, Zapata Law PLLC, in 2014.
Because of his many years of diverse experience, Mr. Zapata has had the opportunity to focus on a wide variety of case types and areas of the law. He has earned a reputation as an honorable attorney who works aggressively for his clients. If you have a legal need due to a probate, estate, trust dispute, commercial litigation, creditor's rights or personal injury matter, Mr. Zapata can help you understand the issues of your case and how to proceed. Call to schedule your consultation with attorney Zapata.
To see Mr. Zapata's field of work, and sample successes of cases he has worked on, visit the Legal Services section.
To learn more details about Julio Zapata, his education, admissions, honors and professional associations, visit the About Zapata Law section.
Opinions & Memorandums
Synopses of cases where Julio Zapata received a favorable ruling
Case No. CV2007-007955
Appeal from the Superior Court in Maricopa County
Court addresses validity and effect of a settlement agreement (Damron Agreement), arising out of a personal injury action, involving the primary contractor and its excess insurance carrier. Court of Appeals rules in favor of Zapata's client.
Case No. CV2006-015007 and CV2006-015096
Appeal from the Superior Court in Maricopa County
At issue is an arbitration agreement governed by the Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), which grants the arbitrator the power to determine the “existence, scope or validity of the arbitration agreement.” Court of Appeals rules in favor of Zapata's client.
Case No. CV2009-011402
Appeal from the Superior Court in Maricopa County Reverses the trial court’s judgment and remands for proceedings consistent with this decision. Question of fact regarding whether a settlor of a trust may shield assets from creditors by depositing them with a trust. Court of Appeals rules in favor of Zapata's client.
Case No. PB2008-051037 and CV2008-054709
Appeal from the Superior Court in Maricopa County
Reverses the trial court's summary judgment and remands to trial court. Appeal from the probate court's ruling that the proceeds of a life insurance policy paid to the Trust as beneficiary were not statutorily protected from the reach of the estate's creditor's. Agrees that A.R.S. s 20-1131(A) protects insurance proceeds pad to the Trust, but holds there was no clear effective waiver of that protection in the Trust language. Court of Appeals rules in favor of Zapata's client.
Case No. PB2008-000210
Appeal from the Superior Court in Maricopa County
Court of Appeals affirms trial court judgment entered against Respondent awarding the Estate $940,000 in restitution as well as attorneys’ fees, costs and interest, and ordering that Respondent forfeit all interest in the Estate, which found decedent a vulnerable adult. Court of Appeals rules in favor of Zapata's client.
Articles
Articles about or written by Julio Zapata
Hispanic Executive Magazine, "A Flash of the Future" by Julie Schaeffer. April/May/June 2014 Edition.
Attorney At Law Magazine, Greater Phoenix Edition, March 2013.
Scottsdale Airpark News, "Zapata Establishes New Law Practice." February 2014.
San Tan Sun News, "Attorney Starts Practice," Zapata Law PLLC. February 1-14, 2014.
Rollovers and Roof Crush: Are auto manufacturers doing enough to reduce roof crush and produce safer vehicles? by Julio Zapata
Window Glazing: Are auto manufacturers doing enough to reduce occupant rejection and produce safer vehicles? by Julio Zapata
Buyer Beware! Under-insured auto coverage. by Julio Zapata
Public Justice: Federal Preemption - Bernal v. Daewoo
Contact Zapata Law
480-272-9004