---
title: "D. Andrew Gaona | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/d-andrew-gaona-az-coa1"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# D. Andrew Gaona

Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One
- State: Arizona
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### digital evidence portal

Scope: statewide

Arizona's digital-evidence portal supports invited parties in participating courts to upload, review, manage, and share case exhibits for virtual or in-person hearings.

Evidence excerpt: The digital evidence portal provides convenient 24/7 online access to upload, review, and manage exhibits in a case to which a party has been invited.

[Arizona Digital Evidence](https://www.azcourts.gov/digitalevidence)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing local orders

Scope: statewide

Arizona requires each Superior, Justice, and Municipal Court to issue a local remote-hearing administrative order. The applicable county or court order controls scheduling and technology requirements.

Evidence excerpt: The Arizona Supreme Court also mandated that each Superior, Justice, and Municipal Court issue a local administrative order based on these recommendations, with modifications as necessary due to technology or staffing limitations.

[Local Administrative Orders Regarding Virtual Hearings](https://www.azcourts.gov/courtservices/Court-Services-Home/Local-Administrative-Orders-Regarding-Virtual-Hearings)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote appearances and evidence

Scope: statewide

Arizona remote appearances depend on the assigned judge and court. Parties should provide the court with evidence, documents, photos, or proof needed for the remote hearing using the court's directions.

Evidence excerpt: Depending on the judge and court, hearings can be scheduled as in person or remote appearances.

[Remote Court Appearances](https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Resources/Remote-Court-Appearances)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://coa1.azcourts.gov/Court-Information/Judges/D-Andrew-Gaona)
- [Official roster](https://coa1.azcourts.gov/Court-Information/Judges/D-Andrew-Gaona)
- [Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One official judicial roster](https://coa1.azcourts.gov/Court-Information/Judges/D-Andrew-Gaona)
- [Arizona Digital Evidence](https://www.azcourts.gov/digitalevidence)
- [Local Administrative Orders Regarding Virtual Hearings](https://www.azcourts.gov/courtservices/Court-Services-Home/Local-Administrative-Orders-Regarding-Virtual-Hearings)
- [Remote Court Appearances](https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Resources/Remote-Court-Appearances)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- D. Andrew “Andy” Gaona is a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One, appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs in 2026 to fill the vacancy left by Judge Paul McMurdie
- Key Roles: Law clerk to AZ Supreme Court Justice Andrew D. Hurwitz; partner at Coppersmith Brockelman PLC
- His selection followed his long-standing role as a key legal counsel to the governor, particularly in post-election litigation, and his work in public law and election law
- Began his legal career as a law clerk to Justice Andrew D. Hurwitz of the Arizona Supreme Court, then spent 3.5 years at Perkins Coie LLP in Phoenix in business litigation, constitutional law, and white-collar criminal defense

### Education

- Gaona graduated from the University of Arizona in 2006 and from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in 2010, summa cum laude and with the highest pro bono distinction

### Additional information

- He served as Governor Hobbs’ counsel in 11 cases related to the 2020 general election and five in 2022, and also advised on campaign finance, ballot access, and election mechanics
- Joined Coppersmith Brockelman PLC in 2015 as a partner
- Legal Practice and Public Service
- During law school, he served as a legal writing teaching assistant, student attorney in the Civil Justice Clinic, and Executive Managing Editor of the Arizona State Law Journal, earning the John S. Armstrong Award for outstanding graduate work
- Family Dollar involving AI abuse, which was dismissed with an adverse costs order