Neal H Bookspan

Neal has extensive experience in real estate, advising clients on residential and commercial real estate disputes and in the acquisition and sale of all types of commercial property. He also advises clients on issues in bankruptcy, construction, and commercial litigation including the prosecution and defense of complex, multi-party disputes. He works with many partners and shareholders resolving disputes in closely held businesses and has represented many Arizona companies, assisting them as they have grown. For construction clients, Neal handles both prosecution and defense of mechanic’s liens issues, as well as assisting contractors with contract review and project issues such as change order issues and payment rights and remedies. Neal’s bankruptcy experience includes Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations, creditor’s rights representation and appeals.

He is a former law clerk to the Honorable Robert G. Mooreman, Chief Bankruptcy Judge, and his bankruptcy expertise is built on the foundation of Bankruptcy Court clerking. He has represented hundreds of individuals and companies with bankruptcy and litigation matters since he began practicing.

Neal graduated with honors from Drake University School of Law. He is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Turnaround Management Association and is the chair of the Technology Committee of the Arizona State Bar Bankruptcy Section. Neal is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell. He has been named a Southwest Superlawyer continuously since 2013 in business litigation, litigation, real estate, business and corporate, bankruptcy and construction litigation, including being named as a Top 50 Super Lawyer in Arizona in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Similarly, Neal has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America continuously since 2016.

He has a pragmatic approach to solving client’s legal issues and frequently looks for the practical solution as full scale litigation may not be in the client’s best interests. However, he is an accomplished trial litigator in state, federal and bankruptcy courts. Neal frequently publishes articles on anti-deficiency, bankruptcy and other business issues.

Bar Admissions

- Arizona, 1992

- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 1992

Professional Affiliations

- Phoenix Conservatory of Music, Board Member, 2018

- American Bankruptcy Institute, Member

- Arizona State Bar Bankruptcy Section, Executive Council

- Maricopa County Bar, Member

- American Bankruptcy Institute, Member

Community Involvement

- Phoenix Conservatory of Music, Board Member, 2018

- Turnaround Management Association, Member

- Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch Mentor (2014, 2016 and 2017)

Awards and Recognition

- Martindale-Hubbell, Rated AV Preeminent

- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

- Best Lawyers in AmericaBusiness Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) - 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

- Southwest Super Lawyer:2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

- Southwest Super Lawyers Top 50 Arizona 2017, 2019

- Phoenix Magazine - Top Lawyer, Banking & Financial, Civil Law Litigation, Commercial Litigation, 2022, 2023

- AZ Business Leaders, 2021

- Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona 2020 by AZ Big Media, 2020

- Named Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona,Arizona Business Magazine, 2018