Bickel, John W.

“As an American of Indian descent that grew up in South Africa during Apartheid, I learned firsthand what freedom really was only after being deprived of it through government oppression by racial discrimination.  Being an American child at school in South Africa through the end of Apartheid was like being a symbol of freedom.  I represented the success of a nation that had overcome a legacy of racial oppression and had extended constitutional rights to those who had never known them before.  Because of my experience, I have come to deeply appreciate the fundamental principles of equality and liberty. This had led me to seek out a career path as a defender of basic liberties.” 

Aarti Bhaga received her law degree from the Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law in 2009. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Texas at El Paso in 2006 and graduated with honors, summa cum laude. Aarti was awarded the University of Texas at El Paso Top Ten Senior Award for her academic success and her outstanding commitment to the community.

Prior to working at the firm, Aarti practiced pro bono criminal defense and immigration work. She was a fellow in ASU Law School’s Post-Graduate Fellowship program, a Rule 38 certified student attorney in ASU Law School’s Public Defender Clinic, and also clerked at the Capital Habeas Unit of the Federal Public Defender Office in the District of Arizona. Additionally, Aarti, along with two of her colleagues from ASU law school, drafted two immigration appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals, on a pro bono basis, and their collaborative effort in turn, led them to win both appeals.

Aarti is admitted to the State Bar of Arizona and the United States District Court for Arizona, and the State Bar of Texas.