The Phoenix Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) named Associate Presiding Judge Danielle Viola as it’s Judge of the Year. She was recently honored at the ABOTA 2025 Judicial Reception at the Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Phoenix. Judge Viola was selected for her commitment to preserving and improving the jury system.
“Judge Viola has been a consistent leader of our Judicial Branch,” said Maricopa County Presiding Judge Pamela Gates. “She is a brilliant jurist, an innovative leader and a compassionate person. She is a person of unstated excellence, patience, and grace.”
Judge Viola was appointed to the bench in 2011. She currently presides over a Juvenile Department calendar and serves as associate presiding judge. She has also served in the Civil, Criminal and Family Departments, which includes rotations as the Tax Court Judge, Civil Department presiding judge and Criminal Department associate presiding judge.
“The exceptional job Judge Viola did of leading the Civil Division for the last half decade is only matched by her relentless humility while doing it. Her leadership is defined not by authority, but by service,” said Phoenix Chapter President Hon. Christopher Whitten. “She lifted those around her, listened deeply, and guided with quiet confidence. Judge Viola reminds us that true leadership is not about being in charge but about taking care of those in her charge. The civil justice system in Maricopa County is in a much better place because of her.”
“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition from ABOTA. This award confirms the importance of jury reforms that promote public trust and confidence in the jury system,” said Judge Viola.
Prior to her judicial appointment, Judge Viola worked as an attorney and partner with Snell & Wilmer from 1999 to 2011. She earned her Juris Doctorate, cum laude, and Bachelor of Arts in political science from Arizona State University.
“Litigants and counsel who appear before Judge Viola are always treated with respect,” Judge Whitten said. “She maintains an open and accessible relationship with the trial bar and encourages professionalism and cordiality, when possible, between lawyers.”
Founded in 1958, ABOTA is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges. ABOTA and its members are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ABOTA membership consists of more than 7,600 lawyers—equally balanced between plaintiff and defense—and judges spread among 96 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.