Tait D. Elkie
Attorney • Veteran • Community Leader
Tait D. Elkie has dedicated his career to serving clients, veterans, and his community with integrity, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to justice. Since entering the legal field in 1994, he has built a reputation as a trusted advocate and counselor, helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters while providing practical solutions and personalized representation.
A licensed Arizona attorney since 2002, Tait has successfully represented clients in a broad range of legal matters, including personal injury, estate planning, probate administration, trust administration, criminal defense, DUI defense, traffic violations, and civil litigation. Throughout his career, he has helped injury victims pursue fair compensation following accidents and injuries, while also defending individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges with a strong record of successful outcomes both in and out of the courtroom.
Tait is especially passionate about helping families protect their legacies through thoughtful estate planning. Over the years, he has assisted hundreds of clients in achieving their planning goals through the preparation of revocable living trusts, wills, living wills, powers of attorney, beneficiary planning, and related estate planning strategies. His approach focuses on providing clients with peace of mind while helping them preserve assets and ensure their wishes are carried out for future generations.
Before beginning his legal career, Tait proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge in 1993. During his military service, he deployed in support of the Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm campaigns in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and later participated in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. The discipline, leadership, and commitment to service developed during his time in the Marine Corps continue to influence every aspect of his professional and personal life.
In addition to maintaining a successful law practice, Tait has devoted countless hours to public service and community leadership in Fountain Hills and throughout the East Valley. He previously served on the Fountain Hills Town Council, including service as Vice Mayor, where he worked to promote responsible growth, fiscal accountability, and a high quality of life for residents. He has also served as President of the Fountain Hills Republican Club and as a board member of the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce.
A passionate advocate for veterans, Tait currently serves as Senior Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 58, where he works to support veterans, active-duty service members, military families, and community outreach initiatives. He is also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7507 and the Marine Corps League Detachment 1439.
Further reflecting his commitment to those who have served, Tait serves as a Judge Pro Tempore for the East Valley Regional Veterans Court, a specialized treatment court designed to assist veterans whose criminal justice involvement may be connected to service-related challenges such as post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse, mental health conditions, or difficulties transitioning from military to civilian life. The court combines accountability with treatment and support services, connecting veterans with counseling, treatment programs, mentoring, educational resources, and community assistance. Its primary mission is to help veterans address the underlying causes of their legal issues, reduce recidivism, promote rehabilitation, and restore participants to productive and successful lives. As Judge Pro Tem, Tait helps uphold the court’s mission of ensuring that those who have served our nation receive a fair opportunity to overcome obstacles and move forward with dignity and purpose.
Whether advocating for clients in the courtroom, assisting families with estate planning, supporting fellow veterans, or serving the community through public leadership, Tait brings the same core values that have guided him throughout his life: service, integrity, accountability, and dedication to others. His unique combination of legal experience, military service, judicial service, and community involvement enables him to provide clients with both skilled representation and a genuine understanding of the challenges they face.
Today, Tait continues to serve individuals, families, businesses, and veterans throughout Arizona, helping them protect their interests, plan for the future, and confidently navigate life’s legal challenges.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Justice Studies, 1997
Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Juris Doctorate, 2002
California Western School of Law, San Diego, California
Bar Admissions
State Bar of Arizona
United States District Court, District of Arizona
United State Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
United States Supreme Court
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court
Memberships and Certifications
Arizona Association for Justice (formerly the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association)
Member
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Member
Arizona’s Finest Lawyers
Sustaining Member
Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce
Former Board Member
National Rifle Association
Certified Instructor
Marine Corps League, Detachment #1439
Former Commandant
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #7507
Former Judge Advocate
American Legion, Post #58
Senior Vice Commander, Member and Color Guard Member
Honors and Awards
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys in Arizona Award, 2008 and 2012
Town of Fountain Hills
Former Councilmember and Vice Mayor
Fountain Hills Republican Club
Republican of the Year, 2015
United States Marine Corps Veteran
Operation Desert Shield and Storm Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, 1990-91
Operation Restore Hope, Somalia, 1992-93
Attorney at Law Magazine
Attorney of the Month (2015 and 2018)
The National Trial Lawyers Association
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Charitable Activities
Fountain Hills Teen Court
Mentor, 2007 – 2011
Law for Kids, Mentor
2007 – Present
American Legion, Post #58
Member, 2008 – Present
Senior Vice Commander, 2025 – Present
Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce
Former Board Member
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #7507
Judge Advocate General, 2009 – 2016
Sunset Kiwanis
Former President
Fountain Hills Republican Club
Former President
East Valley Regional Veterans’ Court
Judge Pro Tempore
Instructional Sessions and Lectures
Gila County Judicial Training Conference Speaker
Misdemeanor Case Flow, June 2015