Biography Photo of Vail Cloar

Vail C. Cloar

Member

Vail C. Cloar focuses his practice on a wide array of litigation matters including constitutional litigation, eminent domain matters, professional malpractice litigation, and appeals before both state and federal courts. Mr. Cloar has represented all manner of both private and governmental clients in eminent domain matters across the state. He has litigated appeals before the Arizona Court of Appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Cloar is also an adjunct faculty member at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University where he teaches two classes, Private Property Rights and Business and Real Estate Valuation.

Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Cloar served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Robert M. Brutinel of the Arizona Supreme Court.

Education & Credentials

Education

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law - Arizona State University

J.D., 2014
  • magna cum laude
  • Order of the Coif
  • 2014 John S. Armstrong Award
  • Pedrick Scholar
  • Arizona State Law Journal, Managing Editor
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Awards:
    • Contracts
    • Torts
    • Legal Advocacy
    • Professional Responsibility
    • Private Property Rights
    • Family Law
  • Pro Bono Distinction

Arizona State University

B.A., European History, 2011
  • summa cum laude
  • Dean's List

Bar Admission

  • Arizona

Acknowledgements

  • Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Eminent Domain, 2024
  • Best Lawyers in America®
    • "Ones to Watch," Commercial Litigation, 2021-2023
    • "Ones to Watch," Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, 2024-2025
  • Arizona Bar Exam
    • Highest Score, 2014

Prominent Assignments

Assisted with the successful defense of a special taxing district in appellate litigation from a taxpayer challenge to a multi-billion dollar municipal contract, including motion practice and briefing before the Arizona Supreme Court.

Assisted in the representation of a special taxing district in condemning a waterline easement and contractual water rights and with the defense of that district against a seven-figure severance damage claim.

Assisted in the defense of a national drive-away trucking company against a class claim alleging violations of state and federal minimum wage statutes spanning ten years and four states.

Assisted in successful appellate litigation affirming a trial court judgment dismissing a multi-million dollar damage claim against an Arizona municipality for breach of a development agreement.

Assisted in the representation of land owners in opposition to the creation of a special tax-levying improvement district, including representation before the Arizona Senate Subcommittee on Finance.

Experience

  • Law Clerk to the Honorable Robert M. Brutinel, Arizona Supreme Court
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