Shayna Fernandez Watts M.Ed. J.D. Stanford University of Arizona University of Texas Large Firm Experience Successful Litigator Middle School Teacher Professor of Law
Our Attorneys:
Shayna Fernandez Watts
Edward Schoeler
Shayna counsels employees regarding workplace issues and disputes, and represents them in lawsuits against employers for discrimination, harassment, hostile work environment, assault and battery, wrongful termination, and similar claims.
To further protect Arizona’s employers and employees, Shayna prepares written policies and procedures typically found in an employee handbook, and regularly reviews and drafts employment related contracts such as non disclosure agreements, employment and 1099 agreements, severance agreements with restrictive covenants, and joint employer agreements.
Shayna also works with Arizona’s employers to create and maintain a workplace where all employees feel comfortable and can do their best work, driving revenue and benefiting both employer and employee. To achieve that goal, and using her background as a teacher, Shayna provides in house training to employers (manager and/or employee level) that is direct and results driven. These training sessions focus on preventing discrimination, harassment, or a hostile work environment.
Shayna Fernandez Watts, J.D., M. Ed.
EDUCATION
Stanford University – Bachelor of the Arts, Human Biology, 06/04
President of Senior Class; President of Junior Class; Vice-President of Sophomore Class;
Alternative Spring Break Program – San Francisco (03/02) and New York (03/03); Academic Excellence Award, El Centro Chicano.
University of Texas, Pan American – Master of Education, 06/06
University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law – Doctor of Jurisprudence, 05/09
Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition – Oral Advocate, 2008; President (08/09),
Law Women’s Association; Treasurer (07/08) and Representative (06/07), Student Bar Association;
Representative (08/09), Latino Law Student Association; Dean’s Academic Achievement Award;
Volunteer Lawyers Program Committee; Contracts and Criminal Law Tutor.
EXPERIENCE
Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, Phoenix, AZ (05/18-10/20)
Ballard Spahr LLP, Phoenix, AZ (04/16-5/18)
Bryan Cave, LLP, Phoenix, AZ (01/10-04/16)
Clerkship, Hon. Sarah Simmons, Superior Court, Tucson, AZ (08/07-12/07)
Law Clerk, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Civil Division, Washington, DC (06/07-08/07)
Teacher, Sauceda Middle School, Donna, TX (08/04-05/06)
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Best Lawyers in America – Litigation – Labor and Employment (2021, 2022)
Super Lawyers Recognition (2012-2022)
Hispanic National Bar Association Top 40 Attorney Award (2019)
Top 50 Pro Bono Attorney Award for Arizona (2018)
Bar Leadership Institute, State Bar of Arizona (2017)
BOARDS
State Bar of Arizona Appointment’s Committee (2018-2020)
Arizona Science Center, Trustee (2017-present); AZ Science Fair Committee (2019)
Los Abogados Board of Directors (2017-2020), Executive Board and Treasurer (2020, 2021), President (2022)
MCBA Employment Law Section, Board of Directors (2017)
PUBLICATIONS
The Balanced Eye of Justice. AZ Attorney Magazine. (6/19)
Implementing Lawful Workplace Policies and Complying with the NLRA. APMA Magazine. (2/19) ACC Magazine. (8/19)
Commercial Drones: Certification, Airworthiness, Safety. AZ Attorney Magazine. (12/17)
A Practical Guide for Commercial Drone Use. BOMA Magazine. (2/17)
ARTICLES/PRESENTATIONS
Utilizing a Declaration of Independent Business Status for Independent Contractors. (6/20)
Are Your Workers Independent Contractors or Employees? (6/20)
Arizona Employer Response to COVID-19. (3/20)
Mean Bosses, Bullies, and Bias. (8/19 & 2/20)
Legal Changes in the #MeToo Era. (6/19)
Restricting Employee Speech. (5/19)
Marijuana: Beware of the pot holes! (10/18)
Earned Paid Sick Leave Pursuant to Proposition 206 – Comply by July! (2/17)
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): What Employers Need to Know. (11/16)
Social Media: Risks and How to Avoid Them. (10/11)
Creating a Social Media Policy as a Communications Executive. (6/10)
What General Counsel Need to Know About Social Media Policies. (5/10)
BEST LAW FIRMS
2024
2023
2022
SUPER LAWYERS RATED
2024 Southwest Super Lawyer
2023 Southwest Super Lawyer
2022-2012 Southwest Rising Stars
Edward Schoeler, J.D.
Education
University of Arizona – Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Pre-Law, 08/05
University of Arizona, James E. Roger College of Law – Doctor of Jurisprudence, 05/09
Volunteer Lawyers Program, LEAD Mentoring Program, Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity
NCFI Digital Evidence Course, United States Secret Service
Forensic Science Academy, Arizona Prosecuting Attorney’s Advisory Council
Advanced DUI Course, Arizona Prosecuting Attorney’s Advisory Council
Career Prosecutor’s Course, Arizona Prosecuting Attorney’s Advisory Council
Basic Prosecutor Course, Arizona Prosecuting Attorney’s Advisory Council
Western State’s Auto Theft Investigators Conference
International Association of Auto Theft Investigators Conference
Arizona Gang Investigators Association Conference
Experience
Assistant City Prosecutor, City of Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ (08/17-03/23)
Deputy County Attorney, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Phoenix, AZ (08/12-08/17)
Deputy County Attorney, Pima County Attorney’s Office, Tucson, AZ (01/11-08/12)
Staff Attorney, Ryley Carlock & Applewhite, Phoenix, AZ (08/10-01/11)
Judicial Law Clerk, Hon. Howard Fell, Superior Court, Tucson, AZ (08/09-08/10)
Law Clerk, Pima County Attorney’s Office, Tucson, AZ (01/08-08/09)
Law Clerk, City of Mesa Police Department, Mesa, AZ (05/07-08/07)
Executive, Assets Protection, Target Corporation, Tempe, AZ (11/05-08/06)
Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class, United States Navy & Naval Reserve (11/93-08/01)
Professional Achievements
MADD – DUI Prosecutor of the Year (2020)
MCAO – Property Crimes Prosecutor of the Year (2015)
Navy League Award (1993)
Boards
Arizona Auto Theft Authority Board (2013-2016)
Contact:
FERNANDEZ WATTS LAW PLLC
5040 E. Shea Blvd. Suite 272
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(602) 760-5100
Sending a message to the firm does not create an attorney/client relationship. Do not send us confidential information through this website. If the firm agrees to take your case, we will send you an engagement letter setting forth the terms of the firm’s representation of you.