Join us for the Attorneys On Retainer Conference, February 20–21, in Mesa, Arizona—bringing together premier legal education and steadfast Second Amendment advocacy. This event is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to defend your freedom, your rights, and your personal safety. Hear directly from the attorneys who guide AOR members in their most critical moments, along with experts, individuals with real-world self-defense experience, and leading voices from the self-defense and firearms communities.
The AOR Association Conference is an experience, not just a seminar. It is a rare opportunity to connect with the nation’s only law firm that specializes exclusively in self-defense. This is your chance to meet the attorneys who defend your rights and advocate fiercely for your freedoms. Take part in hands-on workshops with leading firearms and de-escalation instructors, and meet the brands and advocates who champion your right to self-protection. Do not miss this freedom-driven event to learn and train alongside others who value and uphold the Second Amendment.
Friday, February 20th – Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Mesa Convention Center | Mesa, Arizona
263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201
11:15 – 12:00 p.m. “Road to Liberty” Forum Pre-Conference Check-In – Mesa Convention Center, Building B
If you have purchased a ticket for this additional exclusive event, check in with AOR staff at the Check-In counter in Building B.
12:00 – 2:45 p.m. “Road to Liberty” Forum Discussion, Pt. 1 – Conference Theater, Building B
Scheduled Breaks at 12:45 – 1:00 p.m. & 1:45 – 2:00 p.m.
Marc J. Victor, Esq., President
Andrew C. Marcantel, Esq., Managing Partner
Join Marc and Andy for an interactive forum focused on protecting individual liberties and the Second Amendment. Modeled after our popular “Self-Defense Academy” series, this pre-conference experience features discussions about hypothetical real-world self-defense scenarios, offering participants the chance to engage directly and learn practical strategies.
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. Break
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. “Road to Liberty” Forum Discussion, Pt. 2: Litigating for Liberty: Expanding Freedom in the Courts – Conference Theater, Building B
Jon Riches, Vice President for Litigation & General Counsel, Goldwater Institute
Jon Riches will explore the critical role of public interest litigation in safeguarding constitutional freedoms. Learn how strategic legal action shapes policy, protects individual rights, and reinforces the principles of limited government. Jon will share insights from the Goldwater Institute’s work, highlighting landmark cases and ongoing efforts to advance and defend constitutional rights across the nation. This presentation offers a unique perspective on how litigation serves as a powerful tool for preserving liberty.
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Conference Welcome Reception – Delta Hotel, Gazebo Area
All AOR Association Conference ticketholders are invited to join us at our Welcome Reception to enjoy refreshments and engaging conversation with the AOR staff and AFF attorneys in the outdoor gazebo area of the Delta Hotel Phoenix Mesa, conveniently located just steps from the Mesa Convention Center!
Emcee: Cheryl Todd, AZ State Director of Women For Gun Rights & Vice President of AzCDL
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Conference Check-In & Breakfast – Mesa Convention Center, Main Hall, Building C
Check in with AOR staff and enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast. Engage with fellow attendees and explore sponsor booths before the sessions begin.
9:00 – 9:15 a.m. Conference Kickoff & Opening Remarks – Main Hall, Building C
Braeden Victor, AOR Program Director
Lauren Snyder, AOR Association Director
9:15 – 9:45 a.m. Message from Marc & Andy – Main Hall, Building C
Marc J. Victor, Esq., President
Andrew C. Marcantel, Esq., Managing Partner
Join Marc and Andy as they take the stage to share a special message.
9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Inside the Courtroom: Perspectives From Trial Experts – Main Hall, Building C
Moderator: Marc J. Victor, Esq.
Rich Robertson, Certified Legal Investigator
Dr. John Black, Expert Witness in High-Stress Decision-Making & Lethal Force
Larry Wakefield, Licensed Investigator and Ballistics Expert
Gain valuable insights from a diverse panel of seasoned trial professionals as they share real-world experiences, case strategies, and expert analysis that shape outcomes in high-stakes litigation.
10:45 – 11:15 a.m. Announcement of Breakout Sessions & Break
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Breakout Session 1 – Building B
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch – Main Hall, Building C
1:00 – 1:45 p.m. Winning Firearms Freedom One Lawsuit at a Time – Main Hall, Building C
Alan Gottlieb, Executive Vice President, Second Amendment Foundation
The Second Amendment Foundation was founded in 1974 by Alan Gottlieb with a unique and innovative vision for its time – building the necessary foundation to bring a case addressing the Second Amendment to the Supreme Court through scholarly pursuits, public education programs, publications, and legal action. Learn from Mr. Gottlieb about what’s involved in the filing of lawsuits that protect our rights and The Second Amendment Foundations’ 50-year history of gun rights litigation.
1:45 – 2:00 p.m. Break
2:00 – 3:45 p.m. Breakout Session 2 – Building B
3:45 – 4:00 p.m. Break
4:00 – 4:45 p.m. From the Front Lines: Real Client Testimonials – Main Hall, Building C
Moderators: Andrew C. Marcantel, Esq. & Joey N. Hamby, Esq.
Step into the real stories behind the cases. In this powerful panel, real Attorneys For Freedom clients share firsthand experiences of navigating the justice system with the AFF team by their side.
4:45 – 5:45 p.m. Ask the Attorneys: Live Attorney Q&A – Main Hall, Building C
Moderator: Cheryl Todd
Live Q & A session with The Attorneys For Freedom. This is your chance to ask pressing legal questions and gain expert insights on self-defense and Second Amendment rights!
5:45 – 6:00 p.m. Closing Remarks – Main Hall, Building C
Marc J. Victor, President
Ryan Petty is a serial entrepreneur, firearm manufacturer and retailer and technology executive with over 25 years in the telecom, media & technology. Ryan and his wife Kelly have been actively involved in the public policy arena as advocates for improving school safety.
John Riley, Founder and President of Gentle Response LLC, is a retired police officer, Army veteran, and Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist who provides dynamic conflict de-escalation training to organizations nationwide.
Founder and host of Guns & Gadgets, one of the nation’s leading sources for Second Amendment news and analysis. With a background in law enforcement and a passion for constitutional rights, Jared has built a trusted platform that reaches millions of viewers across YouTube and social media.
Also known as the "Armed Scholar," Anthony is a legal expert in the practice of firearm laws. Anthony currently works with national Second Amendment advocacy groups and formerly worked as in house counsel for the Firearms Policy Coalition.
William is the creator of Copper Jacket TV, a channel dedicated to explaining fast-moving and often confusing issues affecting gun owners in California and across the United States. He provides clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand updates on firearms laws, court cases, legislative changes, self-Defense topics, and the rights Americans depend on.
Heavy Duty Country or Dan is a former Texas rodeo cowboy who posts commentary and political content, especially about current events, American politics, the Second Amendment, and related cultural topics. His passion if finding the truth and making America a better place for everyone.
Mark Walters is a nationally syndicated talk radio host, author, and longtime Second Amendment advocate, recognized among America’s top 100 radio personalities and known for his daily broadcasts promoting gun rights and personal freedom.
Cheryl Todd is a nationally recognized 2A advocate, owner of AZFirearms Auctions, and Executive Producer & Co-Host of Gun Freedom Radio. She leads regional efforts for Women For Gun Rights, serves as Vice President of the Arizona Citizens Defense League, and is a frequent speaker on constitutional freedoms.
Ed Monk is a retired Army lieutenant colonel, police officer, and firearms trainer who has been nationally recognized for his extensive research and training on active shooter threats, drawing on decades of military, law enforcement, and educational experience to inform and protect communities.
Paul is the creator/host/janitor of Legally Armed America on YouTube and is a longtime advocate for the Second Amendment as well as all Constitutional rights. He’s also the author of two books - “Damn liars” and “How To Make A Monster”.
Stephen Willeford, a fourth-generation Sutherland Springs resident, is best known as the “good guy with a gun” who stopped the 2017 church shooter. A lifelong advocate of faith, preparedness, and gun safety, he now serves as Grassroots & Industry Liaison for Gun Owners of America and speaks nationally on self-defense and 2A rights.
Alan Gottlieb, a nuclear engineering graduate and leading Second Amendment advocate, is Chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and Founder of the Second Amendment Foundation. A prolific author and commentator, he has written over twenty books on gun rights and public policy.
Raul Mendez is a survivor of the 2022 Arizona mass shooting and a prominent advocate for the Second Amendment. After being shot in the head, he fought back and saved the lives of his family and friends. Today, he shares his story nationwide to highlight the importance of self-defense and the right of law-abiding Americans to protect themselves and their loved ones.
We prioritize our members’ experience and have secured room blocks at nearby hotels to ensure convenient accommodation during the conference.
Since we have secured room blocks and special rates, if you call or contact the hotels outside of our links, please be sure to mention that you’ll be attending our Conference so that you don’t miss out!
