Judge Mark Brain, who grew up on the family farm in Central Iowa, retired on October 31, 2026, after serving 20 years on the Superior Court Bench.
“When I left for college some four and half decades ago, I never dreamed I would end up with such a job, and I still had no such illusions when I was awarded a law degree,” Judge Brain said.
Prior to his judicial appointment in 2011, Judge Brain served as a Superior Court commissioner for five years, where he presided over juvenile court cases. As a judge, he served in the Criminal, Civil and Family Departments.
Before joining the Court, he worked for Fennemore Craig from 1988 to 2002, and Peshkin & Kotalik from 2002 to 2006, where he specialized in civil matters.
Judge Brain received his undergraduate degree in Physics from Iowa State University in 1985, and graduated from the University of Michigan School of Law in 1988. He was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona later that same year.
“Our Superior Court is a special place, full of talented individuals who are dedicated to the timely delivery of justice without fear or favor, every single day. I’ve seen from the standpoint of private practice, and as one of its people.” Judge Brain said. “With the possible exception of that certain farm in Central Iowa, there is nowhere I would rather have spent the last 20 years. It’s been an honor.”