Featured Speakers
The State Bar of Arizona gives you access to two of its senior
managers through its Speakers Bureau. John Phelps, Chief Executive
Officer/Executive Director and Rick DeBruhl, Chief Communications
Officer, are available to speak on a variety of law-related topics
at your next meeting, forum, or special event.
Using their extensive knowledge of the State Bar of Arizona,
both John and Rick demystify the often misinterpreted role it plays
in the legal profession and the value it holds for communities
across the state, in the popular State Bar of Arizona
presentation.
In addition, their contrasting personalities and unique life
experiences are revealed in a variety of speaking topics, listed
below.
Both John and Rick are praised as dynamic speakers who engage
audiences across the spectrum. We anticipate your satisfaction with
their stories, commentary, wit, humor, and knowledge conveyed in
their presentations.
Contact Alberto Rodriguez at alberto.rodriguez@staff.azbar.org
or 602.340.7293 to book John Phelps or Rick DeBruhl for your next
event.
John F. Phelps
Retired Army Colonel, Emergency Responder, Government
Executive
His appeal as being a "regular guy" has won over many whom he's
encountered. Offering a friendly hello and a firm handshake, John
F. Phelps, Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the State
Bar of Arizona gives no indication that he is one of Arizona's most
accomplished legal professionals.
Using the knowledge and experiences he has garnered in over 33
years of public service in a broad range of legal and executive
positions, Phelps delivers engaging presentations to audiences
across the country.
John Phelps shares personal stories, life lessons, and career
accomplishments that illustrate how a highly regarded legal
professional manages his role as a community leader while
maintaining his humble roots.
Speaking Topics
- State Bar of Arizona
- Our system of justice
- Ethics: Maintaining character with professionalism in adverse
environments
- Stemming the Tide: Leading during and through disasters
- The military lawyer experience
Rick DeBruhl
Veteran Journalist, Expert Communicator, Consumer Protector
Few can stake claim to achieving absolute gratification when
fusing personal passion with career. Rick DeBruhl, Chief
Communications Officer at the State Bar of Arizona has accomplished
this and continues to add to his list of colorful experiences as a
career communicator.
Rick DeBruhl is a natural communicator that uses his vast
experience as a veteran journalist and consumer advocate to deliver
appealing speaking engagements to a wide variety of audiences.
Tying his role as the Bar's chief communicator with the 31 years of
news reporting and anchoring he garnered at Arizona's NBC
affiliate, 12 News, Rick delivers his remarks with flair.
"My Schizoid Life" is Rick's unique narrative of how he has
created the perfect formula of balancing his passion for cars,
media, and career.
Speaking Topics
- State Bar of Arizona
- Consumer Justice: Serving the underserved through advocacy and
protection
- Mixed Media: Fusing traditional and modern media
- Keeping Calm: Responding to and recovering from critical
situations
- My Schizoid Life: Combining passion with career to achieve
ultimate satisfaction