Atty. David D. Garner
Dave Garner is a respected thought-leader, whose experience and influence in education law reaches from the classroom, to the boardroom, to the courtroom and beyond. For over 20 years, Dave has developed ongoing, long-term relationships with traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools, as well as private and public post-secondary educational institutions of all stripes.
Education Law Attorney · Serving Phoenix, AZ · 26+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About David D. Garner at a Glance
David D. Garner is a education attorney based in Phoenix, Arizona, practicing at Osborn Maledon PA. They have 26+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2000. Admitted to practice in Arizona (2000). Educated at Brigham Young University (J.D., 2000) and Brigham Young University (B.A., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Education Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Practice (2026). Serves clients in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David D. Garner
- Dave Garner is a respected thought-leader, whose experience and influence in education law reaches from the classroom, to the boardroom, to the courtroom and beyond
- For over 20 years, Dave has developed ongoing, long-term relationships with traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools, as well as private and public post-secondary educational institutions of all stripes
- Dave’s expertise is frequently sought in an outside general counsel role for compliance training, policy-shaping, day-to-day advice, and on-call responsiveness to emergencies and inquiries about everything related to school law – including FERPA, public records, open meeting law, student discipline, employment issues, third-party contracts, 1st Amendment issues, regulatory compliance, etc
- Dave has played a significant role in shaping and implementing policy in schools across Arizona and the rest of the country
- Staying on top of emerging legal developments, Dave issues client alerts and assists schools in developing policies and procedures and in training administrators and school staff to ensure legal compliance and to avoid litigation and other legal pitfalls
- Having earned a formidable reputation representing business clients in trial and appellate courts, Dave is also prepared to assist when regulatory disputes arise or litigation is necessary
- Bringing his business litigation skills to bear, Dave helps schools navigate regulatory complaint procedures before ASBCS, ADE, OCR, OAH, as well in the courtroom
- Dave regularly represents clients in litigation, administrative hearings, regulatory investigations, compliance reviews, and investigations
- Dave is particularly knowledgeable in addressing issues relating to students with disabilities, frequently representing schools in due process complaints, and in advising schools in responding to state administrative complaints and complaints filed with the Office for Civil Rights
- A prolific presenter on educational law issues, Dave travels across the country to present on issues ranging from disabilities and discipline to student records and religious expression, as well as topics running the gamut in between
- Dave has been recognized by Best Lawyers® since 2021 for his experience in Education Law, and he was recognized by his peers as 2025 Lawyer of the Year in Education Law in Phoenix
Practice Areas Explained
David D. Garner's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David D. Garner handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Phoenix.
Education Law in Phoenix
Education attorneys for special education (IEP), school discipline, Title IX, and student rights.
David D. Garner is one of 23,864 education attorneys indexed nationally. Browse education attorneys in Arizona →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Phoenix
Practicing law in Arizona. Legal matters in Arizona are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Phoenix are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Arizona state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Arizona brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Arizona courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Phoenix Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Phoenix-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Arizona attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Phoenix or all attorneys in Arizona.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Phoenix Choose David D. Garner
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish David D. Garner's practice in the field of education.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
David D. Garner brings 26+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Focused Education Practice
Concentrating on education means David D. Garner's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Phoenix
A Phoenix-based practice means David D. Garner attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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