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Sitar Bhatt is an Associate in Tyson & Mendes Phoenix, Arizona, office. A part of the growing Arizona team, Sitar’s practice focuses primarily on general liability, personal injury, premises liability and bad faith litigation. In addition to winning multiple arbitrations, he has successfully resolved a variety of cases involving personal injury, property damage, and insurance coverage. Learn more about this Florida native and sports junkie below.

T&M: How did you get into the insurance defense industry?
SB: I began my legal career working in the debt collection arena, but in 2015, an opportunity came up with an insurance defense firm in Phoenix. Shortly after, I came across a job listing for Tyson & Mendes, and after doing some research, was excited to learn more about the firm. I was eventually hired in June 2016. The rest is history.

T&M: Compared to other firms you have worked for, what makes Tyson & Mendes so unique?
SB: I say this all the time, but it truly is about the opportunity. Tyson & Mendes gives everyone the tools and support they need to grow as a professional. We are encouraged to go out and make new contacts and relationships in the industry, and the firm does everything it can to put you in a position for success. It is a huge help – and a huge differentiator.

T&M: What has been the biggest challenge of your career thus far?
SB: Before joining Tyson & Mendes, maintaining a work-life balance was a real struggle. I was engaged at the time, but being too overwhelmed with work was not fair to me or my fiancée (now my wife!). Thankfully, that changed once I got to Tyson & Mendes. The firm gives everyone the tools to create a healthy work-life balance.

T&M: Similarly, tell us about your biggest accomplishment so far at Tyson & Mendes?
SB: I am really proud to be part of the team in Phoenix and helping the office grow. We handle some of the most interesting cases in Arizona, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work for such influential clients.

T&M: What did you want to be when you grew up?
SB: I actually wanted to be a doctor. Once I got to college, I started taking different classes, learning more about myself and meeting new people who were in law school. After talking with my college counselor, I got more interested in the field of law and decided to take that route instead.

T&M: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
SB: There are a few pieces of advice that have stuck with me over the years: control the things you can control; learn to live in the moment; and treat everyone with respect and honesty. If you do those things, everything in life will turn out the way it is supposed to.

T&M: If you could have dinner with any historical legal figure, who would it be and why?
SB: Definitely Mahatma Gandhi. He actually started as an attorney before becoming a civil rights activist. I have always thought it would be fascinating to hear about his story and his struggle, and how going to law school played a role in who he became.

T&M: We hear you are a sports nut – what are your favorite teams?
SB: I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, so I am a huge Jaguars fan (I sport a mini helmet on my desk). For basketball, I follow the Orlando Magic. And, now that I’m in Arizona, I am obligated to root for the Diamondbacks during baseball season.

T&M: What is the one place in Phoenix you like to share with guests from out of town (a restaurant, particular landmark, etc.)?
SB: There are so many great places in Phoenix, but it really depends on the time of year – you do not want to take guests on a hike in the middle of summer! If I had to pick one restaurant, it would be Culinary Dropout (also known as The Yard). It is a really cool spot that was converted from an old motorcycle garage. And, I know it is a pretty commercial thing, but we really like our golf out in Phoenix, so Topgolf is always a good time.

T&M: When not at work or at home, where are we most likely to find you?
SB: I would say – and my wife would agree – that if I am not at work or at home, I am likely on the golf course. I got a hole-in-one once! I am also a bit of a homebody, so after a hard day at work it is really nice to get home and stay there.

T&M: What do you have streaming regularly on your TV?
SB: I am really into Netflix documentaries lately. Two of my recent favorites were about the Fyre Festival (the whole situation was mind-blowing!) and about Aviici, the DJ. That said, if the remote is in my wife’s hands, you will find us watching the Food Network, HGTV or her personal favorite, Law & Order SVU.

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