Ernest S. Bustamante

When I began working in the insurance field in 1976 as a multi-line field adjuster, I honed my expertise working in the field. I then became a liability supervisor with a geographical territory that included Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington. This employment has allowed me to understand the complexity of risk management and insurance claims. It has also provided me with a perspective that enhances my expertise in the tort liability defense practice area.

Just as important as my legal expertise, are my interpersonal skills. I am in the business to resolve conflict, not create it. My diplomatic and compassionate nature often brings out the best in even the most hostile witness or insured.

A native Arizonan, I grew up in Phoenix and received my Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University in 1976. I then went on to receive my Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University in 1982. While in law school, I clerked for the in-house counsel department of Sentry Insurance. My early experience includes working as a clerk for the Honorable Peter T. D’Angelo of the Maricopa County Superior Court, as well as the City Prosecutor’s Office in Trial and Motions Appeals Division. Since 1986, I have practiced insurance liability defense, representing self-insured corporations and insureds in the areas of premises, general, construction and products liability.         

ADMISSIONS

• State Bar of Arizona

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Maricopa Bar Association

• Los Abogados

• Arizona Insurance Defense Counsel

• Defense Research Institute (DRI)

EDUCATION

Arizona State University, Juris Doctor (1982)
Arizona State University, Bachelor of Science in Economics (1976)