Priscilla Frisby:

The NCDD Member in the Spotlight is Priscilla Frisby of Tucson, Arizona. Priscilla has practiced law for approximately 17 years. She speaks fluent Spanish. Priscilla was born in Douglas, Arizona and raised in neighboring Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico (across the border from Douglas, Arizona). At the age of 10, her parents bought a house on the United States side, yet she still crossed the border into Mexico every single day (sometimes multiple times a day). Growing up, Priscilla enjoyed the best of both worlds including celebrating holidays such as July 4th and September 16, Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos, etc. Priscilla cites her parents as the most influential figures in her life. Her father was a hard-working cattleman from a long line of cattlemen (he has since passed). He taught Priscilla how to be a real cowboy. She grew up wrangling steers and mustering heifers on the ranch. Her father, her hero, led by example. Despite severe droughts on the ranch and other challenges, she never saw him complain a single time. Some of her favorite lessons he imbued in her: “use your logic and common sense,” and “think before you speak.” Her mother continues to work in real estate in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico to this day.

Priscilla graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson on a full ride scholarship, earning a double Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Spanish literature in 2003. She went on to obtain her law degree from the California Western School of Law in San Diego in 2008. Her path to law was set in high school when she realized her prowess in debate could only be matched by her sheer enjoyment of it. Other jobs before law included work at her aunt’s clothing store in Mexico, JC Penney’s, call centers using bilingual abilities, bussing tables during college, a stint as a personal banker at Chase bank and court work as a Spanish Court Interpreter which helped prepare her for the legal profession.

Priscilla describes the practice of law as “very humbling.” Her approach is to allow logic to triumph. She uses her psychological background in very calculated moves, right down to her choice of perfume! Her two favorite wins in the form of jury verdicts have two things in common: very low odds of prevailing and emotionally ecstatic clients who maintained their innocence throughout. “Making a difference in peoples’ lives and in the world, doing something meaningful with my time, helping others, and that feeling of accomplishment when justice is served” is why she does it. This explains why in her free time, she leads elementary students on tours of the courthouses on “shadow days”, volunteers as a judge for high school mock trial competitions and donates her time and expertise to the Step Up to Justice Program offering free public information sessions on landlord/tenant relations, and other legal issues.

Priscilla’s advice for new lawyers is “Find the right balance between confidence and humility. You need to be able to stand your ground when you are right, but you also need to remember that you may be wrong so stay humble or you will be humbled and embarrassed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and trust your instinct; use your common sense and logic”. Priscilla is also a lesson in image. She takes great pride in her dress and appearance. Her mom taught her “people will always treat you the way they see you!”

When Priscilla is not working she enjoys working out, her cat, boyfriend, and spending time with her family, which consists of her mother, brother and three nieces and a nephew who all live close by. Speaking of family, she also has a personal injury law firm as well, partnering with her cousin David Frisby. She is a huge Patrick Mahomes fan and tries to watch the Chiefs whenever they play in Vegas. She maintains a good work life balance by frequently traveling, her favorite destinations being beaches and tropical locations.

In addition to the NCDD, Priscilla is also a member of the Pima County Bar Association. When asked what the NCDD means to her, she reflects “First and foremost, it is a sense of belonging, of being invited into and being not only accepted, but celebrated as a member of the college.” She has fond memories of Fellow and former Dean Jim Nesci inviting her to get involved when the Winter Session was in Tucson. “In summary, the college has taught me a lot about the law and DUIs. I know if I am struggling with a case, I can reach out to literally anybody on the listserv and get some help, ideas and sample motions. But the college is so much more. It is a huge network of friends who are attorneys from whom I can, and have learned a lot from, and it is a group of people who are happy to help you with anything you need. The college feels like a family to me, everybody is so welcoming, and I am so happy to be a part of it.” Priscilla, it is the college who is grateful to you! Actress Andie McDowell said, “I always say kindness is the greatest beauty you can have”. You inspire us with your beauty, grace, kind heart and sharp mind. If there was a Jacki O of the NCDD, you most certainly would be it! Priscilla, your clients in Arizona are blessed to have you. We, the NCDD, thank you for inspiring us and all you do!