Our Team

Arizona litigation attorney

Joshua Ernst

Partner

Joshua Ernst is a named partner of Ernst, Brown & Draper, PLLC.  In private practice at a large Phoenix firm, Joshua represented clients in complex commercial litigation cases, including breach of contract, fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets, and insurance subrogation claims.  In addition, Joshua has also represented parties in wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and defensed employers against EEOC charging letters.  Joshua has practiced in Maricopa County Superior Court, Arizona District Court, the Arizona Court of Appeals and the Arizona Supreme Court, including drafting a successful Petition for Review to the Arizona Supreme Court, ultimately leading to a successful decision in his client’s favor. 

For the past five years, Joshua has served as in-house litigation counsel for Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District. While there, Joshua defended multiple personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death claims, as well as unique antitrust and other statutory issues. Joshua’s time in-house deepened his appreciation and ability to get to a workable solution that takes into account the relevant risks, benefits, and importantly, costs to achieve his client’s desired results.  While at SRP, Joshua regularly met with executive-level management to provide practical legal advice and provide recommendations on how various business groups might accomplish their goals. Joshua understands that running a business requires a certain level of risk, and he takes pride in partnering with business owners to minimize those risks where possible and defending his clients’ interests when necessary.

Joshua is heavily involved with his family and church, and enjoys spending time with his wife and five children.

Admissions and Education

Arizona – 2012

District of Arizona – 2013

Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law – 2012 Summa Cum Laude

AZ Civil litigation attorney

Thomas Brown

Partner

Meet Thomas Brown, a skilled problem solver and founding partner of Ernst, Brown, & Draper who works tirelessly to provide his clients with the best possible legal advice and representation. Thomas approaches his work with a focus on creative and effective solutions that align with his clients’ unique needs. Drawing from his strong background in business and finance, Thomas brings a unique perspective to legal issues and enjoys working with clients of all sizes, from start-ups to large corporations. He earned his bachelor’s degree and completed his dual JD/MBA, from Arizona State University, graduating cum lade.

With his extensive knowledge and experience in business and employment law, Thomas has demonstrated an impressive ability to help clients navigate a broad spectrum of legal challenges. These include partnership disputes, non-compete and non-solicit agreements, corporate governance matters, contract disputes, employee handbooks, employment agreements, trade secret and proprietary information issues, as well as discrimination claims and wrongful discharge issues. Throughout his career, Thomas has remained dedicated to finding practical solutions that work best for his clients, making him a reliable and trusted legal advisor. When he’s not working, Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife and seven children and staying active in his community and church. He’s an avid Phoenix Suns and ASU football fan, and enjoys playing chess, camping, and making slow-cooked BBQ on Saturdays.

Admissions and Education

Arizona – 2013

District of Arizona – 2013

Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, with dual JD/MBA – 2013

Arizona business lawyer

Allan Draper

Partner

Allan Draper is a founding partner of Ernst, Brown & Draper, PLLC.  Allan has diverse commercial and civil litigation experience. Allan worked in the commercial litigation department of Greenberg Traurig shortly after graduating from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. For the past seven years, Allan has been involved in starting multiple successful companies. 

During this time, Allan has refined his business expertise and acumen, and has founded several multimillion dollar businesses. Allan owns businesses in the following sectors: home services, product development, real estate, software, digital marketing, lending, investing, and media. 

In addition to his successful entrepreneurial endeavors, Allan advises startups, owns a consulting business, and has two business-related podcasts that each release weekly episodes.  

Allan’s unique blend of litigation and entrepreneurial experience makes him an asset to every business that retains the firm.  Allan’s perspective allows him to advise business clients regarding both legal and business issues while taking into account the client’s long-term goals.  

Allan enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.  Allan is also active in his church and enjoys going to the gym, golfing, playing basketball, snow skiing, traveling and the occasional game of chess. 

Admissions and Education

Arizona – 2012

Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law – 2012