It is with great sadness that we share the news that David “Dave” R. Frazer, co-founder and Partner Emeritus of Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold, LLP, passed away on October 16, 2025. Dave was an amazing man and was instrumental in creating the culture of this firm and setting the standard for excellence in the performance of legal services for our clients.
Dave earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1954. After earning his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1954, he clerked with Chief Judge Charles C. Simons of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Dave began his distinguished career as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division and continued with a position at Lord Day & Lord in New York City. He was recruited to Phoenix and spent nine years at Shimmel, Hill, Kleindienst & Bishop (now Shimmel, Hill, Bishop & Gruender) and sixteen years at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie (now Womble Bond Dickinson) in Phoenix before co-founding Frazer Ryan in 1989. He retired from the active practice of law in 2005.
Dave was nationally recognized leader in estate and corporate tax planning, income tax litigation, and trust and probate administration, Dave was the first of six attorneys at our firm to be named a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He served in numerous professional leadership roles and taught tax law as an adjunct professor at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dave was a dedicated community leader, serving in leadership roles in the Arizona Bar Association’s Tax Section, the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization, and the Arizona Federal Tax Institute. He was also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.
Dave’s community involvement is as impressive as his legal accomplishments. He was a long-time board member and vice chair of the Flinn Foundation, and he held leadership roles with the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, the Phoenix Symphony Association, and the National Conference of Community and Justice (Arizona Region). He also contributed to various organizations, including Chamber Music Sedona, St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Research Committee, and the Maricopa Community College District Foundation.
Throughout his career, Dave received numerous honors, including the Phoenix Jewish Federation’s Young Leadership Award (1968), the Jewish National Fund Tree of Life Award (1987), and the Hon Kachina Volunteer Award (2006). He was consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in America from 1983 to 2005 and received the American Bar Association’s Silver Gavel Award for his article “Myths & Facts about the Legal Profession” (1981).
His lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, and excellence has profoundly shaped our firm’s values and culture.
James W. Ryan, Managing Partner stated, “I am proud to mention David’s last name every time I mention this Firm. David’s reputation for ethical lawyering and stellar legal advice for clients and dedication to improving his community continues to this day. His resume reflects the number of charitable organizations where he devoted his time and contributions for the betterment of Arizona.”
We extend our deepest condolences to Dave’s family. His wisdom, integrity, and generosity of spirit will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know and work with him.
Dave was the kind of person and attorney we should all strive to be every day.