Cristina Perez Hesano

Cristina Perez Hesano is a seasoned trial attorney with over a decade of experience advocating for individuals and families across Arizona. As the founding partner of Perez Law Group, PLLC, Cristina has built a reputation for delivering justice in some of the most serious and catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases. Her practice is defined by a fierce commitment to standing up for the “little guy” against powerful insurance companies and corporate interests—giving a voice to those who otherwise might not be heard.

Cristina’s journey in law began with a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. After launching her firm in 2010, Cristina initially focused on bankruptcy and consumer protection, earning accolades for her knowledge, compassion, and professionalism. In 2012, she expanded the firm’s practice areas to include personal injury and wrongful death, bringing the same strategic precision and relentless drive that had already defined her legal career.

Since that time, Cristina and her team have successfully resolved numerous six- and seven-figure cases, securing life-changing outcomes for victims of negligence. Her cases include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death, and complex liability claims. Whether taking on multi-billion-dollar insurers or navigating complicated legal terrain, Cristina remains steadfast in her mission: to deliver justice, restore dignity, and empower her clients through every stage of the legal process.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science from Hofstra University
• Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University

Professional Highlights

• Admitted to practice in the State of Arizona
• Admitted to practice in the United States District Court, District of Arizona
• American Association for Justice 2019 – Present
• American Association for Justice, Traumatic Brain Injury Section 2019 – Present
• Arizona State Bar Association Trial Section Member, 2016 – Present
• Arizona Association for Justice 2017 – Present
• Arizona Bankruptcy American Inn of Court Member, 2013 – 2018, 2019 – Present
• Bankruptcy Section Executive Board Member, 2011 – Present
• Bankruptcy Section Chair, State Bar of Arizona, 2016 – 2017
• Bankruptcy Section Diversity and Inclusion Chair, 2019 – Present
• Board of Directors, Eve’s Place, a non-profit program for domestic abuse survivors, 2012-2014
• The National Trial Lawyers – The National Traumatic Brain Injury Association, 2025
• Young Lawyers Division Section Executive Council, 2011 – 2013
• Young Lawyers Division Section CLE Chairperson, 2011-2013
• United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Arizona: ADR Panel Mediator 2015 – Present

Recognition

• 2020-2025 Recognized by Best Lawyers® in America
• 2014-2025 Super Lawyers Southwest
• 2021-2025 Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Recipient
• 2021 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Recipient
• 2020 “40 under 40” Honoree, American Bankruptcy Institute
•  2014-2015, 2017, 2019 Super Lawyers Rising Star Recipient
• 2018 Litigation Chair for CLE by the Sea’s Trial Track, Let’s Get Practical: Litigation and Trial Practice Considerations for Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Actions.
• 2017 The American Society of Legal Advocates, “Top 40 Litigation Lawyer Under 40”
• 2016 American Jurist Institute “Top Ten Bankruptcy Attorneys of Arizona”
• 2015 Most Admired Law Firm 2015 Arizona Central Reader’s Choice Award
• 2015 “10 Best” Law Firms for Client Satisfaction in Arizona
• 2015 National Advocates, “Top 100 Lawyers”
• 2014 Co-Chair, State Bar of Arizona 2014 Convention, “Bankruptcy in Transition – Preparing for the Future”
• 2014 Volunteer Lawyers Program Outstanding Participation in Pro Bono Award
• 2013 Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, Top Pro Bono Attorneys Arizona

Speaking Engagements

• October 2019, Co-Coordinator, “Who Me, A Bankruptcy Judge? Roadways to the Federal Bench.”
• July 2019, Panelist, 2019 ABI Southwest Conference, “Consumer Cases in the Headlines”
• June 2019, Panelist, Panelist, State Bar of Arizona Convention, “The Power of Inclusion”.
• July 2018, Moderator, CLE by the Sea’s Trial Track, “Let’s Get Practical: Litigation and Trial Practice Considerations for Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Actions.”
• July 2018, Panelist, Case Valuation: Tips and Tricks to Evaluate and Enhance Panelist, CLE by the Sea’s, “Let’s Get Practical: Litigation and Trial Practice Considerations for Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Actions.”
• June 2018, Panelist, State Bar of Arizona Convention, “Imagine the Possibilities.”
• June 2016, Panelist, State Bar of Arizona Convention, “All Things Exciting in the World of Bankruptcy Today.”
• September 2015, Panelist, American Bar Association, “Breaking the Bank”
• August 2015, Guest Speaker on “I am the Law” for Law School Transparency
• June 2015, Panelist, State Bar of Arizona 2015 Convention, “Where Have All The Bankruptcies Gone? Practicing In Today’s World”

Other Interests

• Completed the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, STAR-A Systematic Approach to Mediation Resolution, at Pepperdine University School of Law, 2013
• Court Appointed Panel Mediator, Justice Courts of Arizona, Maricopa County, 2014 – 2017
• Court Appointed Panel Mediator, US Bankruptcy Court, District of Arizona, 2015 – 2019
• Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor
• Certified in CPR/AED

Other Languages

• Spanish
• English