mary ellen

Mary Ellen has joined Hailey | Hart as Law Firm Administrator. She brings more than 35 years of legal experience and public service to the team. She was elected by the people of Cochise County, Arizona, to serve two terms as Clerk of Superior Court, Jury Commissioner, and Probate Registrar. She previously worked for the County Attorney’s Office, other government offices, and several private law firms. She has been an exemplary leader in her community who consistently inspires others.  

Mary Ellen was born in a small border town in Arizona. Her parents immigrated from Mexico and became United States naturalized citizens. Spanish is her first language. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. 
Mary Ellen graduated Cochise Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Legal Bilingual Executive Secretary, attended the University of Arizona, and then Arizona State University where she received her Arizona Certified Public Manager accreditation. As Clerk of the Superior Court, she continued her legal education with the Arizona Supreme Court, Court Leadership Institute of Arizona, the National Center for State Courts, and Institute for Court Management. She graduated as a Certified Court Manager and Certified Court Executive. 

While serving as Clerk, she belonged to several professional organizations: Arizona Association of Superior Court Clerks; Arizona Association of Counties; National Association of Court Managers; and the National Institute for State Courts. As Clerk, she was appointed by the Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice to serve in the Domestic Relations Committee. In 2014, she received her Dodie London Excellence in Public Service Series certification.

Mary Ellen enjoys giving back to the community. She has volunteered her time with several organizations – namely, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Business Professional Women, the Bisbee Rotary Club, the Boys and Girls Club, the Bisbee Animal Shelter, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Precinct Committeemen, the Bisbee Community Chorus, Calvary Chapel, Eastern Star, and the Bisbee Coalition for the Homeless. She also served as Secretary to the Board of Directors for Casa Hogar Emmanue, an orphanage in Mexico. In 2012, the City of Douglas and the Mexican Consulate recognized her for being committed to making a difference to their communities. In 2017, The New York Times recognized Mary Ellen as amongst the best actors/actresses in the documentary film, Bisbee ’17.

Mary Ellen is a previous small business owner. In her role as Law Firm Administrator, she interfaces with potential clients, vendors, experts, and court personnel. She ensures Hailey | Hart operates seamlessly and always maintains a standard of service that promotes our clients’ goals and wellbeing. 
In her free time, Mary Ellen enjoys spending time with her adult son who graduated the University of Arizona. She enjoys nature, hummingbird watching, cats, piano, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.