Israel Ortega
Attorney & Criminal Defense Practice Lead
A native Arizonan of Mexican heritage, Israel grew up in the Valley and built his career on both sides of the courtroom. As a former prosecutor, he served as a Deputy County Attorney in Yavapai County and as an Assistant City Prosecutor for Glendale and Scottsdale, completing well over 100 trials, many in high-stakes DUI and misdemeanor cases. That experience gave him the courtroom instincts and relentless advocacy skills he now brings to family law, especially in cases involving abuse, safety concerns, and complex legal battles.
Before joining Modern Law, Israel also ran his own solo practice, handling criminal defense, estate planning, trusts, probate, and family law matters. He’s trained new attorneys, mentored law students, and guided clients through some of the most stressful and dangerous situations of their lives. Whether protecting children from unsafe environments or helping families through life-altering legal challenges, Israel is known for combining trial-tested tenacity with the ability to connect with and protect his clients.
Israel Ortega
Attorney
A native Arizonan of Mexican heritage, Israel grew up in the Valley and built his career on both sides of the courtroom. As a former prosecutor, he served as a Deputy County Attorney in Yavapai County and as an Assistant City Prosecutor for Glendale and Scottsdale, completing well over 100 trials, many in high-stakes DUI and misdemeanor cases. That experience gave him the courtroom instincts and relentless advocacy skills he now brings to family law, especially in cases involving abuse, safety concerns, and complex legal battles.
Before joining Modern Law, Israel also ran his own solo practice, handling criminal defense, estate planning, trusts, probate, and family law matters. He’s trained new attorneys, mentored law students, and guided clients through some of the most stressful and dangerous situations of their lives. Whether protecting children from unsafe environments or helping families through life-altering legal challenges, Israel is known for combining trial-tested tenacity with the ability to connect with and protect his clients.
Quick facts about Israel
Education
Juris Doctorate (J.D.), Arizona State University, Pedrick Scholar; CALI Award in Jury Selection, 2013
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Religious Studies, Magna Cum Laude, Arizona State University, 2010; Hispanic College Fund Scholarship Recipient, Certificate in Religion, Conflict, and Peace
Enneagram Type
Type 8
Star sign
♈ Aries
FUN FACT
Israel was an extra for Season 5 of the tv show, The Chosen (season 5 will start to air April 2025).
What it's like to work with Israel
As a former prosecutor, Israel honed his courtroom skills pursuing justice in high-stakes criminal cases, including those involving abuse, violence, and complex investigations. That experience now gives him a unique edge in family law, he knows exactly how the other side thinks, how to anticipate their strategies, and how to dismantle them in court.
Israel is known for being a relentless advocate who refuses to back down when children’s safety or a client’s future is at risk. He understands the urgency of protecting families from abusers, and his clients trust him to move quickly, decisively, and aggressively when the situation demands it. Whether your case involves family law, criminal defense, or related civil matters, Israel has the versatility and trial experience to handle them all, ensuring no part of your case falls through the cracks.
But Israel’s power as an attorney isn’t just in his litigation skills, it’s in the way he stands beside his clients. He listens deeply, communicates clearly, and keeps you informed every step of the way. His calm presence steadies clients in the most chaotic moments, while his sharp legal mind works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
