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Lawyer Holds Dreams, Integrity Close to Heart

Phoenix attorney Rudy Parga approaches law and life with a focus to come out on top.

Earning the trust and respect of others is a priority for Valley attorney, Rudy Parga, Jr. In fact, he makes it a point to stay true to his roots, both on and off the job.

Currently a managing shareholder of Ryley Carlock & Applewhite in Phoenix, Parga finds fulfillment in practicing commercial litigation and employment law.

“I’ve always been entrusted with many opportunities with the firm,” says Parga. “I value the ability to think creatively and be a problem solver…taking a client’s situation and openly finding solutions is very gratifying.”

Recently recognized in the 2007 edition of Southwest Super Lawyers ® by Law & Politics magazine, Parga attributes his success to his upbringing and the values instilled in him as a young child.

Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Parga says he and his two siblings were taught strong moral and work ethics from a young age.

“My parents taught us that you only have one reputation,” he says. “We learned that it’s hard to lose the trust of others, but easy to lose a good reputation if you stray in the wrong direction. These types of lessons have had a lifelong impact on me.”

A graduate of New Mexico’s Amherst College, Parga earned his B.A. in anthropology and political science, and then earned his J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Parga then moved to the Valley and has lived here ever since, going on 15 years now.

His equally long tenure with Ryley Carlock & Applewhite has seen him rise through the ranks to the firm’s head Litigation Practice Group and earning a spot on the Executive Committee.

His duties in the commercial litigation practice includes representing clients in all types of business related disputes, including trade secret litigation, securities industries disputes, lender liability and racketeering, to name a few. He has also represented clients in federal and state trial courts, including conducting jury and bench trials as lead attorney.

As far as where Parga is headed with Ryley Carlock & Applewhite, he says he believes he will continue to assume leadership roles as the firm continues to grow and open offices in other states.

Ryley Carlock & Applewhite, founded in 1948, represents all segments of the Arizona business community, ranging from large, established corporations and banks, to start-up ventures in emerging growth areas like software and sophisticated electronic products. The firm opened an office in Denver in 2005.

And though practicing law is more than a full-time job, Parga values and treasures family. Married for 12 years with four children, Parga says his faith and family are very important to him.

“ My family is very supportive and is always there for me…I am very grounded because of that.”

Other personal experiences have contributed to Parga’s success and philosophy on life. As a four-year starter on the college football team, Parga has paid close attention to the lessons learned through athletics. Whether it’s staying focused and determined to come out on top, or learning to accept your defeats, Parga has applied these lessons to law.

“These types of experiences have provided a lot of background and framework on how I approach things, and how I work with people,” he says. “It’s given me a good perspective on how I conduct myself, and when dealing with challenging situations, I take a lot of strength from these past experiences.”

Aside from family and his “day” job, Parga also makes it a point to stay involved with various professional associations and boards, including the American Bar Association, serving as an Arizona area recruiter for Amherst College, and serving on the boards of Chicanos Por La Causa and Prestamos Small Business Lending.

At the end of the day, Parga holds his values and integrity close to heart.

“No matter what, you always have to remain true to yourself. You always have to be tenacious, move forward and stay focused.”

One North Central Avenue
Suite 1200
Phoenix, AZ 85004-4417
Phone: (602) 258-7701