Zalman B. Sapad – Managing Attorney
Zalman B. Sapad is the Managing Attorney of Aurum Law Group and a dedicated Arizona criminal defense lawyer known for strategic advocacy, meticulous case analysis, and a relentless commitment to protecting constitutional rights. Having handled hundreds of criminal matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, he approaches every case with a trial-ready mindset, preparing from day one as though it will ultimately be decided before a jury.
Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Zalman moved to Arizona to study Business and Global Politics at Arizona State University, later earning his Juris Doctor. His background in policy, economics, and advocacy shaped a legal philosophy grounded in due process, fairness, and the presumption of innocence. He believes every client deserves respect, transparency, and a genuine opportunity to move forward with their life.
Leadership Role
As Managing Attorney of Aurum Law Group, Zalman oversees legal strategy, case quality, and attorney development across the firm. He works closely with intake and legal staff to ensure clients receive prompt communication, thorough investigation, and disciplined defense strategy while maintaining the firm’s ethical standards and reputation for high-level representation.
Legal Experience & Approach
Zalman’s early training includes clerking for a Superior Court judge and working with two of Arizona’s primary indigent defense institutions — the Maricopa County Legal Advocate and the Public Defender Clinic. These formative experiences provided him a comprehensive understanding of how prosecutors build cases, how judges evaluate evidence, and where constitutional vulnerabilities often exist.
He later represented tenants in the City of Phoenix Tenant Eviction Assistance Project, advocating for individuals facing immediate loss of housing in high-volume, fast-paced courtrooms. The experience sharpened his litigation instincts and reinforced his commitment to defending clients when the stakes are highest.
Zalman has also worked on constitutional and policy initiatives with the William E. Morris Institute for Justice and is a published legal author, bringing analytical depth and policy awareness to criminal defense strategy.
His practice focuses heavily on:
He is known for identifying evidentiary weaknesses, particularly in drug and alcohol DUI cases, and leveraging them through aggressive motion practice and trial advocacy.
Representative Results
Zalman has secured numerous favorable outcomes, including:
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense • DUI/DWI • Drug Crimes • Domestic Violence • Violent Crimes • Theft • Fraud • White Collar Crime • Internet Crimes • Sex Crimes • Juvenile Defense • Appeals • Expungement • Criminal Traffic • License Suspension
Publications & Speaking
Admissions
Languages
English • Spanish • Filipino
Philosophy
Zalman is a staunch advocate for the Constitution’s guarantee of fairness and the presumption of innocence. He believes criminal defense is not merely legal representation — it is safeguarding a person’s future, reputation, and family stability. He approaches each case with urgency, accessibility, and commitment, remaining available to clients 24/7 for consultations and guidance.
His objective in every case is simple:
protect rights, expose weaknesses in the State’s evidence, and obtain the most favorable outcome possible, whether through negotiation, dismissal, or trial.
Rebecca Montoya – Of Counsel
Rebecca A. Montoya is an experienced criminal trial attorney serving as Of Counsel to Aurum Law Group. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of New Mexico before attending the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where she focused her studies on criminal litigation and constitutional advocacy.
While in law school, Rebecca distinguished herself through both scholarship and courtroom advocacy. She received the Arizona State Bar Criminal Justice Section’s Future Practitioner Award and was inducted into the Order of the Barristers. She served as President of the Criminal Law Association, participated on the Mock Trial Team, and worked as a senior fellow with the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, promoting civic education and constitutional awareness.
Her legal training included placements with the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts, Community Legal Services, the Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender, and the Federal Public Defender for the District of Arizona. Through the Public Defender Clinic, she represented clients in proceedings ranging from plea negotiations to contested felony jury trials, developing early courtroom experience and trial readiness.
Rebecca later practiced as a Deputy Public Defender in Maricopa County, where she defended individuals charged with offenses spanning misdemeanor allegations through serious felony matters. Her litigation approach combines strategic case analysis with collaborative advocacy, regularly working alongside investigators, treatment professionals, probation officers, and prosecutors to secure favorable and practical outcomes for clients.
As Of Counsel to Aurum Law Group, Rebecca contributes significant courtroom experience and trial preparation expertise. She is known for meticulous case preparation, direct client communication, and a pragmatic negotiation style that positions cases effectively for dismissal, reduction, or trial.
Professional Affiliations
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ)
AACJ Legislative Committee
State Bar of Arizona — Criminal Practice & Procedure Committee
National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
Phillip L. Jackson serves as Chief Operating Officer of Aurum Law Group, overseeing daily operations, intake systems, staff performance, and workflow execution across the firm. With more than three decades in the legal industry, Phil brings extensive experience managing both the client-facing and administrative sides of high-volume law practices.
Since 1991, Phil has worked in legal operations throughout Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California in roles including Senior Case Manager, Supervisor, Supervising Legal Administrator, and Paralegal. His background spans criminal defense, family law, personal injury, mass tort litigation, bankruptcy, and product liability matters. This broad exposure allows him to build processes that support attorneys while ensuring clients receive timely communication and structured case handling.
Phil specializes in intake optimization, case progression management, and staff coordination. He has developed and supervised teams responsible for client onboarding, document collection, and case lifecycle tracking — creating operational systems designed to improve responsiveness, accountability, and overall client experience. His operational philosophy emphasizes consistency, transparency, and disciplined follow-through.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Arizona State University and completed an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate program at the University of San Diego. His academic training also includes foundational legal coursework in civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, property, torts, and legal writing.
Before entering the legal field full-time, Phil worked in public service roles, including internships and volunteer staff work with members of the United States Senate and Congress, experiences that shaped his commitment to public trust and professional responsibility.
As COO of Aurum Law Group, Phil leads operational infrastructure and supports the attorneys so they can focus on legal strategy and courtroom advocacy while the firm maintains efficient, organized, and client-centered service delivery.
Richard Simmons is our Senior Criminal Defense Intake Specialist. He brings years of experience working alongside some of the state’s leading criminal defense attorneys, building a career grounded in precision, strategy, and client-centered advocacy. He has collaborated with several of the largest and most respected criminal defense firms, supporting both high-volume and high-stakes matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony charges.
Over the course of his career, Richard has worked closely with seasoned trial lawyers, gaining practical insight into courtroom strategy, case development, intake systems, and defense preparation. This hands-on experience has given him a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice process and the urgency, discretion, and professionalism required when assisting individuals facing criminal allegations.
Richard is committed to ensuring every client is treated with dignity and kept informed through clear communication and thoughtful guidance. His background in fast-paced criminal defense environments allows him to navigate complex legal situations while maintaining a calm, solutions-oriented approach.
His professional focus remains consistent: support clients, strengthen case outcomes, and assist defense teams with integrity and reliability.
