Meet Our Attorneys

Experienced partners providing hands-on legal counsel.

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Shawn C. White, Esq.

Shawn C. White, Esq.

Email: swhite@sternfelslaw.com

Phone: (480) 816-9985

Specialties: Real estate, business, estate planning

Bar Admissions: Arizona (2004), U.S. District Court—District of Arizona (2004)

Biography:

Shawn C. White is a partner at Sternfels & White, PLLC, where he has practiced law since 2004. His primary areas of practice include family law, real estate, general litigation, and estate planning, and he has also assisted clients with appeals in state court actions.

Mr. White earned his Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies from Arizona State University in 1999 and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from California Western School of Law in San Diego in 2003. During law school, he served as an honors instructor for advanced legal writing, participated in the California Attorney General’s Honor Program, and interned at the United States Attorney’s Office in San Diego.

Dedicated to his community, Shawn has served on the Board of Directors for the Fountain Hills Community Theater, the Fountain Hills Community Foundation, and the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce. He also volunteers as a mentor in the Youth Court program in Fountain Hills, a diversion program for first-time youth offenders. He supports local organizations and is passionate about coaching and mentoring youth in the community.

A resident of Arizona for over 30 years, Shawn is married to his wife, Destanie, and is the proud father of four children, Carson, Allee, Brock, and Brady.

Professional Associations: Arizona Bar Association – Young Lawyers Division, American Bar Association, Scottsdale Bar Association, Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

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Frederick C. Horn—Of Counsel

Email: fhorn@sternfelslaw.com

Phone: (480) 816-9985

Specialties: Corporate Representation, Contract Law, IP Contract Negotiation, Construction, Estate Matters

Bar Admissions: Arizona, Pennsylvania, Supreme Court of the United States

Biography:

Frederick C. Horn graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and earned his law degree from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1971. He practiced law primarily in Pennsylvania until retiring as an equity partner in the Blue Bell office of Fox Rothschild LLP in 2008. Prior to that, he was an equity owner of Pearlstine, Salkin Associates PC, where he chaired the litigation department.

Admitted to practice in both state and federal courts of Arizona and Pennsylvania, as well as before the Supreme Court of the United States, Mr. Horn brings extensive experience in general practice, corporate representation, contract preparation, intellectual property contract negotiation, construction law, litigation, and estate matters.

He is a member of the Arizona Bar Association and serves as a member of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Posse.

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Robert B. Sternfels, Esq.—Partner

Email: rsternfels@sternfelslaw.com

Phone: (480) 816-9985

Specialties: Business Law, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning, Litigation

Bar Admissions: California, Arizona, U.S. District Courts of Arizona & California

In loving memory of a cherished mentor, who passed away on June 21, 2017. His guidance and wisdom were invaluable, and his legacy continues to inspire. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In Memoriam:

It is with deep respect and gratitude that Sternfels & White PLLC remembers the life and legacy of Robert B. Sternfels.

Bob was not only a skilled attorney but also a trusted advisor, mentor, and friend to many in the legal and business community. With a career spanning more than 30 years, he dedicated his practice to serving clients with integrity, compassion, and unwavering professionalism.

Throughout his career, Bob handled a full range of legal matters always with the goal of providing clarity and peace of mind to clients during life’s most important moments.

Colleagues remember Bob as a generous mentor and thoughtful leader. Bob guided younger attorneys with patience and wisdom, setting a standard of excellence that continues to inspire our firm today.

Outside the office, Bob was devoted to his family and community.  He believed in giving back and left an enduring mark not only on the profession but also on the lives of those around him.

Although Bob is no longer with us, his values of hard work, ethical practice, and compassion remain woven into the fabric of Sternfels & White PLLC. We are proud to honor his memory by continuing to serve our clients with the same dedication and care.

Biography:

Robert B. Sternfels earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California at Berkeley in 1968 and his Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in San Diego in 1973. Admitted to practice in both California and Arizona, as well as the U.S. District Courts in each state, he brought decades of legal knowledge to the firm.

Bob’s professional background includes a strong focus on business law, real estate law, estate planning, and litigation. He was a long-standing member of the Arizona Bar Association, Scottsdale Bar Association, and California Bar Association, and served as a panel attorney for the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association.

In addition to his legal career, Bob had been deeply involved in the community, serving as a past vice president of the Fountain Hills Community Foundation and as a founder, board member, and past corporate secretary of Bank of Lodi, N.A. He was also the CEO of Air Expo Inc.

Bob was married to Bobbie Cruikshank, and together they have four children and six grandchildren.

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Natalie Varela—Paralegal

Email: nvarela@sternfelslaw.com

Phone: (480) 816-9985

Natalie attended primary and secondary schools in Scottsdale, Arizona, and earned her degree in Business and Communications from Arizona State University. She has been a Legal Assistant with Sternfels & White, PLLC since 2012, bringing with her five years of experience in hospitality management. In addition to her legal career, Natalie has been a dedicated Real Estate Agent with MCO Realty since 2006.

Deeply committed to her community, Natalie currently serves as a Commissioner on the Community Services Advisory Commission and previously served on the Parks & Recreation Commission. She also proudly served as Secretary for the Fountain Hills Community Foundation from 2022 to 2023.

Among her many community accomplishments, Natalie founded Fountain Hills Movie in the Park in 2007, an event that continues to bring families together year after year. She is also a past volunteer with the Fountain Hills Community Theater and was honored with the Prizm Award for Outstanding Contribution in 2014–2015.

Above all, Natalie is the proud mom of two daughters and a devoted grandmother to one granddaughter — with another on the way.

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Carson White 

Email: cwhite@sternfelslaw.com

Phone: (480) 816-9985

Carson White is an Administrative Assistant at Sternfels and White and a current student at Arizona State University, where he’s studying Business Management. He grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Mountain View High School in 2023.

Before joining the firm, Carson spent four years working as a Water Safety Instructor, teaching kids and adults how to feel confident and stay safe in the water. That experience helped him build strong communication skills and a calm, supportive approach that he brings to every task at the firm.

Outside of work and school, Carson enjoys playing guitar, hanging out with family and friends, and staying involved in his community.

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