Law Firm Seeks Arizona License to Directly Represent Injury Victims

Law Bear aims to provide personal injury legal services exclusively within the state under new ABS program.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:51am

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Law Bear, a personal injury law firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, is advancing its application for licensure under the Arizona Supreme Court's Alternative Business Structure (ABS) program. Upon approval, Law Bear will represent injured Arizonans directly through licensed attorneys, providing personal injury legal services exclusively within the state.

Why it matters

Arizona's new ABS program allows non-attorney ownership of law firms, which could enable more innovative legal service models focused on direct client representation. Law Bear is structuring itself specifically to operate within this framework and deliver personal injury services directly to clients in the state.

The details

Law Bear has established a physical presence in Phoenix and assembled an experienced legal and compliance team, including managing attorney Jason Ruen and compliance officer William 'Bill' Barfield, in preparation for full operation upon regulatory approval. The firm will not solicit personal injury cases outside of Arizona and is not currently accepting clients.

  • Law Bear submitted its application for ABS licensure in Arizona.
  • The Arizona Supreme Court established the ABS program in 2021 to permit non-attorney ownership of law firms.

The players

Law Bear

A personal injury law firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, that is pursuing licensure under the state's Alternative Business Structure (ABS) program.

Jason Ruen

The managing attorney at Law Bear, who has nearly 15 years of personal injury litigation experience and has been approved for admission to the Arizona State Bar.

William 'Bill' Barfield

The compliance officer at Law Bear, who is board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and has over 20 years of legal experience, responsible for ensuring the firm meets all Arizona ethical and regulatory standards.

Sean Schmitt

The president of Law Bear, who commented on the firm's purpose to directly represent injured Arizonans.

Arizona Supreme Court

The court that established the ABS program in 2021, allowing non-attorney ownership of law firms in the state.

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What they’re saying

“Law Bear exists to represent injured Arizonans. We have built this firm from the ground up with experienced attorneys, rigorous compliance infrastructure, and a physical presence in Phoenix. Our focus is straightforward: deliver direct, high-quality legal representation to injury victims in Arizona through licensed attorneys who know this market.”

— Sean Schmitt, President of Law Bear

What’s next

Upon receiving its ABS license from the Arizona Supreme Court, Law Bear will begin directly representing injured clients in the state through its team of licensed attorneys.

The takeaway

Law Bear's pursuit of an ABS license in Arizona highlights the potential for more innovative legal service models focused on direct client representation, enabled by the state's new regulatory framework allowing non-attorney ownership of law firms.