About M. Brennan Ray
Meet Brennan Ray
Certified Real Estate & Zoning Attorney
Brennan Ray represents the fourth generation of a remarkable family legacy deeply rooted in the heart of Arizona. His family’s story is intricately woven into the founding and development of Arizona communities, with roots extending throughout central and southern Arizona. Brennan’s great-grandfather James Wilford Ray Sr. arrived in Chandler in 1914 to pursue farming opportunities in the newly established community founded by Dr. Alexander John Chandler just two years earlier. His other great-grandfather Alvah Fenn, was an early pioneer who settled in Cochise County in the early 1900s. This dual family heritage gives Brennan deep connections to both the Salt River Valley’s development around Chandler and the mining and ranching country of Cochise County, representing the diverse economic foundations that built modern Arizona.
A Century of Arizona Heritage: The Ray and Fenn families have maintained an unbroken presence in Arizona for over 100 years, with each generation contributing to the state’s growth and character. The family legacy extends from central Arizona, where James Wilford Ray Sr. farmed his 80-acre plot in Chandler, to southern Arizona, where Alvah Fenn settled in Cochise County, giving Brennan a dual heritage of commitment to Arizona’s community development.
Experience You Can Trust
Nearly Two Decades of Zoning & Real Estate Law
As a zoning and real estate attorney with nearly two decades of experience, Brennan has been admitted to the Arizona Bar since July 2006. He is a Certified Specialist in Real Estate by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization, bringing comprehensive expertise to land use planning, zoning, real estate transactions, and other real estate-related issues. He takes pride in his ability to navigate complex public processes, working effectively with municipalities, professional staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes for his clients.
Brennan is honored to be recognized as one of Arizona’s top attorneys, having been named to AZ Big Media’s prestigious Top 100 Lawyers list in 2023, designated as a Southwest Super Lawyer, listed in Best Lawyers in America, and included in the Chambers & Partners USA Guide. He holds licenses to practice in both Arizona state and federal courts. His professional excellence continues the Ray family tradition of achievement while building upon strong values established by his ancestors.
A Legacy That Lives On
Serving Arizona Communities — Then and Now
Today, Brennan’s work in real estate and zoning law connects him directly to the ongoing development and growth of Arizona communities, much like his great-grandfathers’ endeavors helped establish communities over a century ago. His family’s century-long commitment to Arizona reflects the enduring spirit of the American Southwest and the entrepreneurial vision that continues to drive the state’s growth and innovation.
Credentials:
- Certified Specialist in Real Estate Law, Arizona Board of Legal Specialization
- Licensed in all Arizona state and federal courts
- J.D., St. Mary’s University School of Law
- MBA & B.A., Utah State University
The Rocking RA Legacy
A Four-Generation Cattle Brand Rooted in Arizona History
The Ray family’s cattle brand — the iconic “RA” — is more than a mark on livestock. It’s a symbol of deep Arizona roots, stretching back over a century. First registered in the early 1900s by James Wilford Ray Sr., the RA brand represents a proud ranching tradition across the Salt River Valley and Cochise County. Later carried forward by Milton Ward Ray and Gwen Fenn Ray, this brand reflects the family’s enduring connection to Arizona’s agricultural foundations. With ties to early settlers, missionaries, and pioneers, the RA brand tells a story of hard work, community-building, and generational pride. Today, the legacy lives on through documents, preserved artifacts, and the continued impact of the Ray name across the state.
