Counselor's Corner

Spirited Rivalry and Deep Roots in Arizona

2010-04-05T15:42:00.021-07:00

Authored by Mark Lines

I recently took the short drive to Tucson to help teach a few classes to community managers for their professional certification through Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM). I was asked to help teach two courses involving legal aspects of Arizona community association law.

The classes were filled with community managers who live in and work with communities in Tucson. It wasn't long into my portion of the presentation before the automatic, routine references to "Maricopa County" fell freely from my lips when discussing legal procedures in the court systems and various governmental agencies (such as the recorder, assessor and sheriff's offices). Faster than my out-of-place references were heard, I was quickly reminded that I was in Tucson and "not in the State of Maricopa anymore." (At least I knew they were listening to what I was saying.)

Although our firm represents community associations throughout the state, and we frequently appear in courts in several different counties, the core base of our firm's clients are in the Phoenix metropolitan area - and Maricopa County. After all, we are community association lawyers. Over 65% of our state's population live in Maricopa County (at least as of our last, and now 10-year-old census report). After holding steady during the 1960s and 1970s, the population density in the Phoenix urbanized areas began to skyrocket in the 1980s through the present time. And ... it wasn't long before my latent bias for my home town marked me as the "outsider" to my Tucson friends and colleagues.

I think it was just after my first apology for slipping into "Maricopa County" mode that I was called out ... "you are probably a Sun Devil fan too, huh?" A moment of truth, and a dilemma: Do I revert to some diplomatic response about being a fan of all "Arizona" sports? Should I talk about the success of UofA's Wildcats basketball program and even name a few of the Wildcat turned NBA professionals?

The truth was then revealed: "Yes, I went to ASU for both undergrad and law school. But my business partner, Augustus Shaw, went to UofA for both undergrad and law school." I think some of the reassuring head-nodding was more politeness than acceptance; but it deflected a bit from my status as "visitor."

But, even back in my home base office in Phoenix, spirited debates are always ongoing. They tend to surface before the rivals meet for the "The Duel in the Desert" at the end of each football season (more recent historical advantage: ASU). They then picks up even more during basketball season (advantage: UofA - no debate). In fact, if there is any sport in season, a debate may spark. Beyond sports, the banter continues about where these respective universities' law schools fall in the national rankings published each year (advantage: UofA -- by just a little bit).

As partners in the firm, we are split between our loyalties for our alma maters (or almea matres for the hyper-technicals out there). When the firm put together a city league basketball team a few years ago, and with the intervention and help of a great graphic designer (J.D. Winters - Jadeyproductions.com), the debate of the team name and logo was easily settled:

UofA does deserve credit as Arizona's first University officially founded in 1885. Technically, ASU was also founded this same year, only under the name "Tempe Normal School for the Arizona Territory" (although the plaque on ASU's "Old Main" building says 1884).

Regardless of our loyalties, the partners in the firm are proud that we both represent clients as "Arizona lawyers." Not only did we both attend and graduate from Arizona universities and law schools, Mr. Shaw and I are both natives of Arizona. Mr. Shaw was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. I was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. Each of us left our home state for a time living overseas. Mr. Shaw served in the U.S. Navy during the Gulf War. I lived in the Philippines for two years during that same time period. When we returned to pursue academics, we chose Arizona.

Arizona is not just home for us - it has been home for our families for several generations. Whether driving through Phoenix, or surfing the web, you may have seen the Augustus H. Shaw Junior School, which is in the Phoenix Elementary School District. This school is named after Mr. Shaw's grandfather, who was Arizona's first African American Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Shaw continues in the footsteps of his grandfather's public service.

Like Mr. Shaw, my family has also been in Arizona for generations. I am a 4th generation Arizona native through my "Lines" family. My great-grandfather, Milton Lines, was an Arizona lawmaker and served in the Arizona House of Representatives for 16 consecutive years. His son (my grandfather), Earl Lines, was an attorney and was elected to serve as the Safford County Treasurer for two terms before he was drafted as an infantryman to fight in WWII. After returning from the war, he continued his law practice and eventually served as a Court Commissioner in Maricopa County for 9 years.

Although debates will spark in the office at times between our favorite Arizona sports teams or schools, our firm is proud to have deep roots in Arizona, including public service in various capacities. We will continue to serve Arizona clients and Arizona communities. Our spirited debates between UofA and ASU are simply natural tendencies. We relish in the rivalry, and savor the sweet upsets. But, after it is all said and done, we are both "Arizonans" and nobody is really counting a final tally.

p.s. UofA does boast the all-time record of most wins between the two schools in football with a record of 45-36-1. This record dates back to the first time these opposing teams met in 1899, before ASU was even recognized as a University. Tempe Normal (ASU) won their first match up by a score of 7 - 6. The photo at the top of this article shows the 1899 ASU football team holding the Arizona Territorial Championship trophy on the steps of "Old Main," which still stands on ASU's main campus in Tempe.

From left to right, at the end of the second row, cradling his leather helmet, is Alma Davis -- who is also my great-grandfather.

Running for Troy Wendt

2010-02-09T15:07:00.021-07:00

In early June, 2007, Troy Wendt was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic lukemia. Since then, Troy has endured a medical regimen including spinal taps every three months, monthly Vincristine chemotherapy and oral steroids, weekly Methotrexate chemotherapy and Antibiotic Bactrim medications, and a daily dose of oral Mercaptopurine chemotherapy. Along with the physical limitations caused by his treatment, Troy's diet is extremely limited and prepared with extraordinary care. His family has shown a willingness to sacrifice everything to offer the best treatment possible, and at any cost. Their determination and endurance is inspiring to all of us. (You can learn more about Troy and his treatment at http://www.troywendt.blogspot.com/.)

Several of our attorneys participate in organized races and other events. When we do, we do it for Troy Wendt. We show our support by wearing shirts we've had made that displays across our backs his inspiration and our motivation: Running for Troy Wendt

Troy's family and friends have supported Troy by participating in events and fundraisers for children's charities aimed at fighting cancer. On January 30, 2010, Shaw & Lines continued its support for Troy by sponsoring several runners in London's Run, an annual benefit event at Schnepf Farms Queen Creek, Arizona. London's Run was established to support London Solomon, a beautiful and courageous six-year old girl who bravely battled acute lymphocytic leukemia. In her memory, and to support others like Troy, the annual event includes 2 mile, 10K and half-marathon runs. Several runners sported our shirts showing their support for Troy, and his inspiration.

Among the hundreds of other participants, Shaw & Lines sponsored Mark Lines in the half-marathon race.

Mark finished with a respectable time running all 13.1

miles motivated by constant thoughts of Troy's endurance through his incomparable struggle.

Although he held a strong lead for the first 8 miles, Mark was passed and finished several minutes behind another runner also out in support of Troy ... his father, Chris Wendt.

Proud to be Part of AACM's 5th Annual Trade Show

2009-08-27T11:25:00.001-07:00

Shaw & Lines was 1 of 108 exhibitor booths at AACM's (Arizona Association of Community Managers) fantastic 5th Annual Trade Show convened August 14, 2009, at the Marriott Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa. The theme was "“AACM & Arizona at its Best – SOME LIKE IT HOT” and drew 435 management company attendees.

Thank you AACM for organizing the event, and congratulations on your success in the charitable relief netted from the event. We look forward to participating in next year's event. (For more information and photos from the Trade Show, visit aacmonline.org.)

(Photo: Maria Gonzalez and Javier Sink from the firm.)

Firm’s Partner Inducted as a Member of CAI’s Prestigious College of Community Association Lawyers.

2009-08-20T21:06:00.002-07:00

August H. Shaw, IV, was admitted as one of the newest members to the College of Community Association Lawyers (the College) of the national Community Associations Institute (CAI). Mr. Shaw was recognized along with just a handful of other attorneys among hundreds attending CAI’s National Law Seminar on January 30, 2009, in Palm Springs, California. Established in 1993, CAI has distinguished attorneys for their excellence in the practice of HOA law by admitting members to its prestigious College. Among literally thousands of attorneys practicing in this area across the country, fewer than 150 lawyers have been granted membership to the College. Members are admitted only by showing significant contributions to this area of law and education of boards and managers. Membership in the College reflects a recognized demonstration of high standards of professionalism, ethics and an understanding of HOA law, with a continued commitment to the betterment of the communities they serve. We congratulate Mr. Shaw for this prestigious professional accomplishment.

Firm’s Partner Recently Awarded “Instructor of the Year” by The Leadership Centre

2009-08-20T21:02:00.008-07:00

Mark E. Lines recently received the "Instructor of the Year" Award (2008 – 2009) from The Leadership Centre (TLC). The organization recognized Mr. Lines to receive the award from among the 27 instructors for TLC. Mr. Lines is frequently invited and volunteers to teach several courses a year for TLC on the topics of “Legal Aspects of HOA’s” and its “HOA 101” course. Mayor Boyd W. Dunn, from the City of Chandler, Arizona, presented Mr. Lines with the award at TLC’s annual Neighborhoods Conference on May 16, 2009.