Colin P. Ahler Death & Obituary: The legal community of Phoenix, Arizona, is mourning the sudden and profound loss of Colin P. Ahler, a highly respected attorney known not only for his legal brilliance but also for his unwavering integrity, dedication, and compassion. His passing has left a void felt deeply by colleagues, clients, and countless individuals whose lives he touched.
A Scholar from the Start
A proud Arizona native, Colin’s academic brilliance was evident early on. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Economics from Arizona State University, earning the Moeur Award for achieving the highest GPA in his class. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, where his intellectual rigor and passion for justice laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary legal career.
A Career of Impact
Colin began his legal journey at Perkins Coie LLP in 2005, eventually rising to Counsel before joining Snell & Wilmer LLP in 2014. There, he became a partner and co-chair of the firm’s antitrust practice group, leading with a commitment to excellence and mentorship. His practice spanned antitrust and unfair competition law, appellate litigation, and government contracting, where his deep knowledge and strategic insight earned him national recognition.
He advised a wide range of clients — from corporations to trade associations — on compliance with state and federal antitrust laws including the Sherman, Clayton, Robinson-Patman, and Arizona Antitrust Acts. He was frequently sought for high-stakes litigation and complex class actions, where his clarity, preparation, and integrity set him apart.
Champion of the Constitution
Colin’s influence extended into appellate law, where he briefed and argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit, the Arizona Supreme Court, and multiple appellate courts. His advocacy reflected a lifelong commitment to upholding constitutional principles, ensuring that justice was not just pursued — but protected.
In government contracting, Colin brought clarity to a complex and evolving field. His guidance in bid protests and procurement compliance across multiple states and federal agencies was marked by diligence, foresight, and a nuanced understanding of the law.
Recognized and Respected
Colin’s expertise did not go unnoticed. He was named to The Best Lawyers in America® for Antitrust Law in both 2024 and 2025, a testament to his professional excellence and peer respect. But those who worked alongside him will remember more than his resume — they will remember his integrity, humility, and generosity of spirit.
A Heart for Service
Outside the courtroom, Colin’s commitment to service was equally profound. He served on the board of Nourish Phoenix (formerly ICM Food & Clothing Bank) from 2016 to 2023, supporting families in need with dignity and care. He also donated his time and legal skills to causes close to his heart, volunteering with the Arizona Justice Project and the Florence Immigration and Refugee Rights Project.
These efforts reflected a consistent truth about Colin: he believed in justice for all, regardless of circumstance. He lived that belief, not just in theory, but in action.
A Life Rooted in Family and Kindness
To know Colin was to know a man of deep principle and quiet strength. He led with empathy, listened with intention, and treated every person with respect. His colleagues often sought his counsel not only for legal matters, but for his steady presence and wise perspective.
Above all, Colin cherished his family — his wife, children, and extended loved ones who were his deepest source of pride and joy. His devotion to them was steadfast, and his role as a husband and father was one he embraced with love, humor, and grace.
A Lasting Legacy
Colin’s passing leaves a tremendous void, yet his legacy endures — in the clients he served, the colleagues he mentored, and the community he uplifted. His life reminds us that excellence and kindness are not mutually exclusive, and that service to others defines true success.
As we honor his memory, we are reminded of the words that best reflect his life:
“Live your values. Fight for what matters. And always, always lead with kindness.”
Colin P. Ahler lived these words every day. In doing so, he made a lasting difference — not only in the field of law, but in the lives of all who had the privilege to know him.