Jason Covault
Shareholder
Jason Covault is a litigation partner at May Potenza Baran & Gillespie in Phoenix, Arizona. For over 17 years, he has represented clients across a broad range of heavily regulated industries—including mining, manufacturing, commercial construction, transportation, cannabis, and utilities. His practice is focused on environmental litigation, complex commercial litigation, and trial advocacy.
In the environmental arena, Jason is actively litigating CERCLA, NEPA, Endangered Species Act, and water rights disputes. His results-driven approach has led to numerous successful outcomes, including summary judgment against alleged environmental fraud, the denial of preliminary injunction and receivership applications intended to halt meritorious projects, and full defense verdicts after trial, including in strict liability claims like CERCLA. He has also handled environmental appeals before the Ninth Circuit and in the appellate courts of Arizona and Nevada.
In his commercial and general litigation practice, Jason represents businesses of all sizes—both as trial counsel and outside general counsel in high-value disputes. He has substantial experience prosecuting and defending claims involving breaches of contract and fiduciary duty, business torts, shareholder and partnership disputes, insurance coverage, bad faith, and professional negligence claims.
A former criminal prosecutor, Jason is a seasoned trial lawyer who has tried dozens of cases to verdict in both state and federal courts. He frequently collaborates with other attorneys as outside lead trial counsel and/or helps other attorneys with trial preparation and strategy, including with mock juries and focus groups, to dramatically improve trial outcomes.
Known for his courtroom tenacity and commitment to client service, Jason prioritizes clear communication and practical legal solutions rooted in each client’s business and objectives. While he encourages negotiation to reach an efficient, cost-effective business resolution when appropriate, Jason is always ready to pursue an aggressive, trial-ready approach to secure the best possible results.
Practice Areas
Education
- University of Arizona, B.S. in Finance and Accounting, 2002
- University of Arizona, J.D., 2007
- Writer, Arizona Law Review
- Legal Fellow to Jon Kyl, United States Senate, U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Washington D.C.
- Legal Extern, United States District Judge James A. Teilborg, Phoenix, Arizona
Bar & Court Admissions
- Supreme Court of Arizona
- District Court for the District of Arizona
- United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Professional & Community Groups
- Federal Bar Association, Phoenix Chapter, Board of Directors, Past President 2017-2018
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
- Lived in New Zealand, Scotland, United Arab Emirates, and travels extensively
Awards/Accomplishments
- Super Lawyers 2021-2025, Business Litigation
- Super Lawyer Rising Stars – 2014-2018
Practice Areas
When you enlist the services of May Potenza Baran & Gillespie, you get an experienced, diverse team of advocates in your corner who work collaboratively, move quickly, and think differently.