W. Clifford "Cliff" Girard, Jr.

Cliff graduated in 1969 from the University of Arizona Law School and throughout his 53-year legal career, he was a respected leader and advocate in the criminal defense community. The highlight of Cliff's career was his role as one of the lead attorneys in litigation which resulted in the suppression of thousands of DUI breath tests across Arizona due to Crime Lab misconduct in not disclosing errors which drew into question the accuracy of test results. Cliff's contribution to the legal community did not go unnoticed. He was the recipient of the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice Stephen Barnard Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding work as a DUI litigant. He also received the Gideon Award, the Arizona Public Defender Association's most prestigious award, for his career-long dedication to the legal community. His contribution included serving as faculty at dozens of Continuing Legal Education Seminars offered across the state. He freely shared his motions and his work to help other attorneys and to better the quality of justice in the criminal justice system. Cliff served as a Court-Appointed Attorney in the City of Phoenix Municipal Court for several decad...[more]

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He earned a reputation as a skilled trial attorney who refused to give an inch if it was to the detriment of his client. He tried hundreds of jury trials and his sincerity and concern for truth and justice was recognized by all in the courtroom. His approach to challenging the forensic aspect of DUI testing was legendary as he researched and investigated every possible issue to ensure his client's rights were protected. Cliff's integrity was beyond question, and he was respected by his colleagues, his legal opponents, and the judges who presided over his cases. Cliff was a kind man who was always willing to go the extra mile for his clients regardless of their finances. He regularly gave of his time to help younger attorneys looking to learn from the master of DUI litigation and forensics. The legal community will always remember Cliff as one of the most passionate and enthusiastic attorneys when it comes to novel and creative issues and defenses. Cliff was one-of-a-kind and all of us who care about fairness, truth, and justice are saddened by the passing of a dear friend and colleague. Our comfort lies in recognizing his legacy in the legal arena and our knowing that somewhere up there he not resting, but rather working on new legal theories.