Stephen D. Hoffman

Profil complet

Stephen Hoffman advises clients on managing risk in state and federal courts across Arizona and New Mexico. With more than 30 years of experience and over 30 cases tried to verdict, he brings seasoned judgment to the defense of complex claims.

Stephen represents corporations, directors, officers, and licensed professionals facing allegations of negligence or intentional misconduct. He regularly works with insurance agents, attorneys, accountants, and design professionals on professional liability matters. Known for his clear, pragmatic style, Stephen outlines options, evaluates risk, and helps clients move forward with confidence and clarity.

His practice covers a broad spectrum of complex disputes, including:

• complex commercial litigation and tort claims
• toxic tort claims including asbestos, benzene, and silica
• professional liability claims involving licensed professionals
• commercial landlord-tenant disputes
• construction defect litigation
• premises and liquor liability
• wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases

Stephen helps clients manage exposure while identifying opportunities to strengthen their position. He remains actively involved at every stage—from early case assessment through trial or resolution—delivering practical advice and strategies aligned with each client’s business objectives.

Admissions

• Arizona
• New Mexico
• US District Court for the District of Arizona
• US District Court for the District of New Mexico
• US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona
• US Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Mexico
• US Court of Appeals for the Ninth and Tenth Circuits

Education

• J.D., University of San Diego School of Law, 1991
• B.S., Business Administration, Grand Canyon University, 1987

Memberships

• American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), member

Expérience

• Secured a defense verdict on behalf of a funeral home and several of its employees following a six-day jury trial in the Second Judicial District in Bernalillo County in a sensitive matter involving alleged emotional injuries to the decedent's family. The plaintiffs’ final pre-trial demand was in the six-figure range. After deliberating for three hours, the jury returned a defense verdict on all causes of action alleged against the defendants.
• Obtained a defense verdict on behalf of a client in a breach of contract matter before the US District Court for the District of New Mexico. The plaintiff alleged the defendant terminated certain accounts and engaged in business practices that drove his customers away, and sought compensatory damages of USD 1.25 million, plus punitive damages. After presenting evidence, the court returned a defense verdict, finding that the client did not breach the contract and did not engage in any bad faith practices.