Wayne C. Benesch is the Managing Partner and President of Byrne, Benesch & Rice P.C. The primary focus of his practice is real estate law, business and corporate law, international business law with Mexico, estate planning and probate. He has more than 35 years experience and enjoys an exemplary reputation for his integrity and professionalism throughout the State of Arizona.

Mr. Benesch is a third generation Arizonan who graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1964 and a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1967. Following a four year term as a Judge Advocate with the United States Air Force, Mr. Benesch settled in Yuma in 1971 where he worked as Chief Deputy for the Yuma County Attorney. In 1973, he entered private practice, and in 1976, co-founded Byrne, Bradshaw, Ellsworth, Benesch & Thode, the predecessor of the present firm.

Mr. Benesch's service to the legal profession spans his entire career. He received the Meritorious Service Medal in 1971 for his exceptional military service in Korea. He has been active in the Yuma County Bar Association, serving as its President in 1974. He has served the State Bar of Arizona in many capacities over the past 39 years, first serving on the Ethics Committee, then on the Local Disciplinary Hearing Committee. He was appointed a State-wide Disciplinary Hearing Officer in 1989 and served in that capacity until 2000. More recently, he has served as a member of the Peer Review Committee, Appointments Committee, Unauthorized Practice of Law Task Force and Committee, and the Consumer Protection Committee.

Real Estate Services and Housing Development
Mr. Benesch's real estate experience ranges from complex purchase and sale transactions, to assisting clients with planning and zoning and other development issues. For 15 years, he served as general counsel for Mesa del Sol, a 1300 acre planned unit development 12 miles east of Yuma. He has represented title companies, financial institutions, businesses and estates in a wide range of real estate matters.

Corporate, Commercial and Business
Mr. Benesch has represented business people in the Yuma area for over 30 years, assisting them in dealing with legal and regulatory issues. Such representation has frequently involved analysis of financial and liability issues in determining the appropriate business structure. Formation and maintenance of business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships has been a significant part of his practice. He also has extensive experience in assisting business clients in their dealings with various issues and administrative agencies.

• Real Estate Law
• Business and Corporate Law
• International Business Law with Mexico
• Estate Planning and Probate

EDUCATION:

• University of Arizona
  Juris Doctorate - 1967
• University of Arizona
  Bachelor of Science - 1964

HONORS & DISTINCTIONS:

• Yuma County Small Businessman of the Year - 2000
• University of Arizona Alumni Service Award - 1986
• Yuma County Bar Association, President - 1974
• Meritorious Service Medal - 1971 - USAF

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

State Bar of Arizona:

• Peer Review Committee
• Appointments Committee
• Consumer Protection Committee
• Unauthorized Practice of Law Task Force and Committee
• Disciplinary Hearing Officer
• American Bar Association

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

• Southwest Arizona Futures
• Forum - Chairman
• Kona Kai International Yacht
• Club - Commodore
• Arizona Town Hall-Board of Directors
• Arizona-Mexico Commission- Board of Directors
• Caballeros de Yuma - Past President
• Yuma County Chamber of Commerce-Past Chairman
• Yuma Leadership-Co-Founder
• Yuma County Town Hall -- Co-Founder
• Salvation Army-Past Chairman
• Yuma UofA Alum-Past Pres.