Merle Joy Turchik: The Tucson Attorney Who Shifted Her Focus to Employee Rights After Decades in Practice

About the Attorney

Merle Joy Turchik is the owner of Turchik Law Firm, P.C., a Tucson-based practice with nearly four decades of experience in employment law. Admitted to the Arizona and Illinois bars in 1986, Turchik has increasingly focused her practice on employee rights in recent years, following decades of representing both employees and employers.

She earned her B.A. with distinction from the University of Arizona in 1981 and her J.D. with distinction from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Early in her career, she practiced at Perkins Coie, a major national firm.

Practice Areas

• Discrimination claims (age, disability, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual harassment, hostile work environment, sexual orientation, genetic testing)
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) matters
• Wage and hour (FLSA) claims
• Wrongful termination
• Whistleblower retaliation matters
• Representation before local, state, and federal administrative agencies, including personnel boards, professional boards, and the EEOC/Arizona Civil Rights Division

Professional Background

Turchik is admitted to practice in Arizona and Illinois, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

She has held leadership roles in the legal community, including past Chair of the Executive Council of the Arizona State Bar’s Employment and Labor Law Section and past President of the Arizona Women Lawyers Association. She has also taken on pro bono employment discrimination matters in federal court.

Recognition

• 4.5 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell (2026), with a “Notable” rating for strong ethical standards
• Avvo’s Client’s Choice and Top Contributor recognitions
• Featured in Chandler Lifestyle Magazine’s 2024 Women of Chandler edition

Client Feedback

Clients describe Turchik as responsive, straightforward, and empathetic, helping them navigate difficult legal processes while providing sound legal advice and emotional support. Her understanding of both employer and employee perspectives is noted as a strength in making clients feel secure and well-represented.

Legal Context

Employment discrimination claims in Arizona are governed by both federal law (Title VII, ADA, ADEA) and Arizona’s civil rights statute (A.R.S. 41-1463). Arizona is an at-will employment state, with exceptions under the Arizona Employment Protection Act (A.R.S. 23-1501). Federal protections, such as FMLA and FLSA wage and hour requirements, also apply.