Heather Peláez

Education and Achievements

Juris Doctorate, Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, 2014
Pro Bono Service Award, 2014
Admission to Arizona State Bar, 2014
Admission to United States District Court for the District of Arizona, 2014
Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2020-2023

About Heather

Heather Peláez (pronounced ‘pay LEYE ez’), who joined the Modern Law team as an attorney in 2022, is described by Modern Law owner Billie Tarascio as a “an exceptional and fierce advocate” for her clients.

The legal field is something she wanted to be a part of as early as fifth grade, but she came into it as a second career after banking, finishing law school at 30. This year, she’ll be heading into her tenth year as an attorney.

Her favorite part about working in family law is “having the privilege to be intimately involved in helping people improve their lives,” she says. “The reward of knowing someone feels less afraid or more capable after I have met with them or represented them outweighs the burden of helping them shoulder the stress of their legal matter.

When Heather first started as an attorney, she worked mostly in federal criminal defense — which she hated. “No, really, I HATED it,” she says. But she soon found a way to exit. “Three months into practicing law, I was introduced to family law by Ret. Judge Glenn Davis. Later I worked for Judge Stasy Avelar, who was still in private practice, and she changed the way I viewed family law. Judge Avelar became the role model for the kind of lawyer I still am striving to be.”

Perhaps because of her start in banking, she is a big fan of spreadsheets to keep track of her life, because of her many interests. When she’s not working on cases or studying law, she likes to learn new languages, cook something new in the kitchen, study science or math, and hang out with her nephews. She’ll also admit to playing video games, running on a treadmill, and “stalking Jennifer Lopez.”

Life Changing Event

Heather suffered her biggest loss at 23, when her grandmother Mema died. “I lived with Mema periodically throughout my childhood and young adulthood. She was my very favorite person and the foundation of my world.” Mema was always proud of her granddaughter’s accomplishments, and while death can send someone into a tailspin of depression, Heather pulled herself out of it by thinking how disappointed her grandmother would be if she didn’t accomplish anything worthwhile. “I decided to re-enroll in school and finish my degree a few months after she died. I worked full-time during the day and went to school full-time at night, which allowed me to finish my degrees in three years. I became more involved in social justice while in school, which influenced me to consider becoming a lawyer. I took the LSAT and did well, so I just kept on that path.”

Clients don’t have to wonder about getting to the finish line with their divorce or family law issue with Heather driving the case. She is particularly adept at working with victims of Domestic Violence and abuse.

“I don’t get discouraged easily, and I always have a back-up plan when a strategy fails,” she says. “I agree with Jay-Z in that “to try and to fail are the two things I hate,” but if it’s in the client’s best interests, I will keep trying with the same gusto until we succeed.”

What It’s Like to Work With Heather

Heather is a rare attorney who excels both in the courtroom and in meticulous legal analysis. With over a decade of experience in Maricopa County family courts, she has mastered the art of trial advocacy and appellate work. In trial, Heather’s instinctual and adaptable approach is evident. She reads the room, manages her time with precision, and handles cases with poise, whether they last one hour or span several days. Her recent seven-day trial is a testament to her endurance. Heather’s improvisational skills in trial settings allow her to respond dynamically to any situation, making her a formidable opponent. In contrast, Heather’s appellate work showcases her attention to detail. She meticulously constructs appellate briefs, ensuring that every argument is preserved and supported by the trial record. Her background in banking equips her to tackle complex financial issues, such as the valuation of unique retirement assets, with clarity and precision.

Heather’s dedication to her clients goes beyond the courtroom. Known for her ethical standards and thorough preparation, she is trusted and respected by colleagues and clients alike. Her paralegal describes her as having a “conscience level 10,” ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Despite her soft voice, Heather’s presence is commanding. Her genuine care for her clients and commitment to their long-term well-being make her a lawyer for life, heavily invested in the long-term outcome for the family as it makes its transition. Heather is both flexible and fiercely protective, offering candid advice to shield her clients from potential pitfalls. She understands that life is messy and that not all cases have perfect narratives. By humanizing her clients, Heather skillfully navigates complex family dynamics, helping judges see beyond imperfections.

Heather is not just a skilled attorney; she is a compassionate advocate who stands by her clients.

Heather on the Modern Arizona Podcast: