Larry J. Crown
Partner
Larry J. Crown is a litigator with extensive trial and appellate experience in complex civil cases. His trial and appellate experience involves defense of Arizona police officers throughout the State in federal and state courts, defense of Arizona government entities, representing plaintiffs and defendants in wrongful death, personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability, professional malpractice, insurance bad faith, toxic tort, environmental and commercial litigation. Larry represents clients in all phases of litigation including jury trials, appeals, mediations and arbitrations.
Larry has been practicing law for 44 years in Arizona and Illinois. Prior to joining the firm, Larry was a senior prosecuting attorney for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago, Illinois for seven years. He had extensive trial experience including daily jury and bench trials and litigation of motions in cases involving capital and violent offenses, sex, narcotics, property and financial crimes.
Larry has earned the AV Preeminent Rating with Martindale Hubbell® and is included in Southwest SuperLawyers.
Professional Highlights
Larry’s legal career, covering both Arizona and Illinois, reflects a commitment to ethical practice combined with strong advocacy. With substantial experience in both trial and appellate courts, he skillfully manages all stages of litigation, from initial case development to courtroom proceedings. He adeptly guides clients through jury trials, appeals, mediations, and arbitrations.
- $8,115,000 jury verdict (2016) in U.S. District Court in San Diego, California on behalf of husband and wife in case involving contract and tort claims.
- Historic administrative ruling (2014) on behalf of rapidly growing municipality, water utility, large high-end master planned residential community and large real estate developer in Central Arizona before the Arizona Water Quality Appeals Board. The Board reversed a permit issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”) to a mining company that would have allowed an in situ leaching process that involved injection of millions of pounds of toxic chemicals into the center of a massive aquifer. This aquifer is the public’s main source of drinking water. Administrative trial lasted 34 days over two calendar months. Billions of dollars were at issue on both sides. This was the first time that the Water Quality Appeals Board had reversed a decision by ADEQ to issue a permit of this type.
- $5,945,000 jury verdict (2011) on behalf of husband and wife in case where husband sustained severe brain and back injuries from 10-foot fall through roof while constructing a wood frame building for the poor on church mission to Mexico. This was the largest tort jury verdict in 2011.
- $7,500,000 verdict involving the State of Arizona Child Protective Services in the wrongful death and severe beating of two sisters ages 3 and 20 months. This was the largest Arizona tort jury verdict in 2004.
- $875,000 Jury verdict (2009) on behalf of a father in a high profile case against State of Arizona Child Protective Services for the wrongful death of his daughter, which resulted from the neglect of her drug and alcohol dependent mother. This case resulted in the passing of Haley’s Law which now requires CPS to obtain relevant background records from other states during its investigations of child abuse or neglect.
- Numerous multi-million dollar and high six-figure settlements on behalf of seriously injured clients and surviving family members of fatally injured persons.
- Numerous defense verdicts obtained on behalf of clients who were sued in cases where juries found allegations of wrongdoing to be without merit.
- Numerous successful appeals before U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Arizona Supreme Court, Arizona Court of Appeals, and Illinois Appellate Courts.
- Successful defense of numerous clients including individuals, corporate and governmental entities in a broad range of claims involving personal injury and wrongful death.
- Senior prosecuting attorney, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, seven years. Extensive trial experience including daily jury and bench trials and litigation of motions in cases involving capital and violent offenses, sex, narcotic, property and financial crimes.
Recognition
- Top Ten List Annual Arizona Jury Verdicts: 2004 ($7.5 million); 2011 ($5.9 million)
- Selected for inclusion in the Southwest Super Lawyers® (2012-2024)
- Rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale Hubbell
Organizations
Larry is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, Illinois Bar Association, and Scottsdale Bar Association
Service
Volunteer for the Arizona Special Olympics. In the past, he has served as a member of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Program Committee, and a member of the Games Management Team for the summer and fall championships.
Education
- J.D., with highest honors, Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, 1981.
- B.S. in Business Administration, cum laude, Arizona State University, 1978.
Admissions
- State Bar of Arizona
- Illinois State Bar
- United States District Court, District of Arizona
- United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois including trial bar
- United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
Larry J. Crown is more than just a litigator; he embodies the principles of justice, advocacy, and positive legal change. With a legacy of victories and a deep commitment to service, he truly represents the values that are central to our legal practice.