For some, the decision to pursue a career in law is sparked by personal ambition or a defining life event. For others, it is inspired by family tradition—a shared passion for justice and advocacy that spans generations.
The 2025 Legal Legacy Special Issue of Attorney at Law Magazine celebrates lawyers who carry on their families’ legacies in the legal profession, highlighting the unique bonds, lessons, and inspirations that shape their journeys. From fathers and sons navigating different practice areas to entire families working side by side, these stories demonstrate how the law becomes more than a profession—it becomes a shared calling.
This post highlights one such legacy—41-year attorney Robert "Bob" Boatman, who co-chairs the firm's personal injury practice, which includes his son Matthew "Matt" Boatman, daughter Eleanor "Ellie" Shaffer, and his son-in-law Timothy "Tim" Newman.
Q: Were you surprised your family members decided to pursue a legal practice?
Robert Boatman, on his family: I was not surprised that many of my family members decided to be lawyers. Unlike a lot of lawyers, I really enjoy my job. To me, it is the perfect combination of being intellectually challenging, having the emotional and personal satisfaction of helping people, and being financially lucrative. My son-in-law, Tim, gave up a very lucrative career as an MBA/CPA to join us for that reason (and I get grandkids in town!).
Q: What are some hopes you have for their career, and What lessons do you hope they will learn from you and your career?
RB: I hope that each of them has a career that exceeds my own and that they are happy while doing so. I have taught them the best of what I have learned over 40 years about how to be an effective lawyer and how to treat opposing counsel and clients. Kindness, a sense of concern, commitment, and a little humor will get you through almost any case. And, of course, a proper balance between work and family. I think it is working so far.
Q: What does it mean for you to have them in the office with you?
RB: It is wonderful to be able to share my work and my life with three of my kids. I love watching them grow as lawyers and people. I read recently that one of a person’s greatest blessings is when your adult child chooses to spend time with you, and I have that in spades!
Click here to read the Legacy in Law Issue published by Attorney at Law Magazine.
Pictured above: The Boatman Family at the firm's 2023 holiday party.
about our attorneys
Bob Boatman is tireless in his dedication and resolve to seek justice for each and every one of his clients. From the very first meeting with any prospective client, Bob’s easygoing manner engenders trust because he is naturally compassionate, sincere and possesses a unique ability to understand and communicate with clients from all walks of life. This same direct, common-sense approach has proven to be extremely effective in cases that are ultimately heard by juries.
Matt Boatman is a distinguished legal practitioner specializing in complex and catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases. With a dedicated focus on cases arising from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice and negligence, defective products, unsafe premises, and insurance coverage disputes, Matt brings a wealth of expertise and advocacy to his clients’ needs.
Ellie Shaffer focuses her practice in the areas of catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases involving product liability, medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, and premises liability. Before returning to Arizona, Ellie worked in New York City at the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, representing respondents in parental rights proceedings in Manhattan Family Court and hearings before the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (“SCR”).
Tim Newman focuses his practice on litigation and catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases involving premises liability, truck and car crashes, product liability, and medical malpractice. Before law school, Tim worked as a Certified Public Accountant at a global investment firm. He also worked in Washington, D.C., providing corporate accounting and finance consulting services to Fortune 1000 companies.