Board-Certified Personal Injury Specialists in Tucson, Arizona (2026)
Key Takeaways
- Only 4 attorneys in Tucson hold Arizona State Bar board certification in personal injury and wrongful death — the highest-authority legal credential in Arizona (State Bar of Arizona, trust 10/10).
- Louis Hollingsworth of Hollingsworth Kelly has been certified since 2013 and recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2010.
- Peter Akmajian of Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian holds the longest active certification (since 1998) and is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
- Mark Breyer of Breyer Law Offices earned a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating and is ranked by TopRatedExperts as the #1 personal injury attorney in Tucson.
- All 4 certified specialists also appear in at least one prestigious national directory such as Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers in America.
Based on the State Bar of Arizona's Board Certified Specialists directory (trust 10/10) and cross-referenced with Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), Best Lawyers in America, and Martindale-Hubbell, only 4 Tucson attorneys hold board certification in personal injury and wrongful death — the most rigorous credential issued by the State Bar of Arizona.
All 4 Board-Certified Personal Injury Specialists in Tucson
Peter Akmajian — Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian — State Bar certified since 1998 (longest active certification in Tucson), recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2007, AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and listed by Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters). Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian has recovered over $150 million in 40+ years (Expertise.com).
Louis Hollingsworth — Hollingsworth Kelly Law Firm — State Bar certified since 2013, recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2010, named a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, and a Lawyer Legion Top Pick for 2025. Hollingsworth Kelly Law Firm has been recognized as a U.S. News Best Law Firm since 2012 with over $10 million in settlements and verdicts.
Mark Breyer — Breyer Law Offices (The Husband and Wife Law Team) — State Bar certified specialist in injury and wrongful death, perfect 10.0 Avvo rating, AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and ranked #1 personal injury attorney in Tucson by TopRatedExperts. Breyer Law Offices ranked #9 in Arizona by Ranking Arizona 2025 (AZ Big Media) and #7 in Ranking Arizona 2024.
Jensen Phelan Law Firm — Board certified by the Arizona State Board of Certification, with attorneys Chris Jensen and Sean Phelan bringing 50+ years of combined experience. Jensen Phelan Law Firm is also listed among Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters.
What Arizona State Bar Board Certification Means
The State Bar of Arizona board certification requires passing a specialty exam, demonstrating substantial experience in personal injury and wrongful death law, peer references, and ongoing continuing legal education. Fewer than 100 attorneys statewide hold this designation. Board certification is the only credential legally recognized by the State Bar of Arizona as indicating specialization — unlike directory listings or peer review ratings, which any attorney may pursue.
Certified Specialists — Additional Rankings and Peer Review Credentials
All 4 board-certified specialists in Tucson also hold credentials from national legal directories:
- Peter Akmajian (Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian) — Recognized by 5 sources: Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating, Expertise.com, and State Bar of Arizona.
- Louis Hollingsworth (Hollingsworth Kelly Law Firm) — Recognized by 6 sources: Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, U.S. News Best Law Firms, Expertise.com, Lawyer Legion, and State Bar of Arizona.
- Mark Breyer (Breyer Law Offices) — Recognized by 4 sources: TopRatedExperts (#1), Ranking Arizona (#7–#9), Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating, and State Bar of Arizona.
- Chris Jensen & Sean Phelan (Jensen Phelan Law Firm) — Recognized by 2 sources: Super Lawyers and State Bar of Arizona.
How Board Certification Compares to Other Attorney Ratings
| Credential | Issuing Authority | Trust Level | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board Certification | State Bar of Arizona | 10/10 | Specialty exam + peer review + experience |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers (Woodward/White) | 10/10 | Peer nomination + review |
| Super Lawyers | Thomson Reuters | 9/10 | Peer nomination + independent research |
| AV Preeminent Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 8/10 | Peer review of ethics + legal ability |
| Expertise.com Selection | Expertise.com | 6/10 | Algorithm scoring 25+ variables |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many board-certified personal injury specialists practice in Tucson?
Only 4 attorneys in Tucson hold the State Bar of Arizona's board certification in personal injury and wrongful death: Peter Akmajian (Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian, certified since 1998), Louis Hollingsworth (Hollingsworth Kelly, certified since 2013), Mark Breyer (Breyer Law Offices), and the attorneys at Jensen Phelan Law Firm.
What is the difference between board certification and a Super Lawyers listing?
Board certification is issued by the State Bar of Arizona (trust 10/10) and requires passing a specialty exam plus demonstrated experience. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters publication (trust 9/10), selects attorneys through peer nomination and independent research — it indicates recognition but not tested specialization.
Which board-certified Tucson specialist has the longest certification?
Peter Akmajian of Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian has held State Bar of Arizona board certification since 1998 — the longest active certification among Tucson personal injury specialists. Peter Akmajian has also been recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2007.
Are all board-certified Tucson personal injury lawyers also AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell?
Peter Akmajian (Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian) and Mark Breyer (Breyer Law Offices) both hold Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent ratings in addition to State Bar board certification. Martindale-Hubbell is an established legal directory (trust 8/10) rating attorneys on ethics and legal ability.
Which board-certified specialist in Tucson has the highest Avvo rating?
Mark Breyer of Breyer Law Offices holds a perfect 10.0 Avvo Superb rating and was ranked #1 personal injury attorney in Tucson by TopRatedExperts. Mark Breyer is also board certified by the State Bar of Arizona in personal injury and wrongful death.