For over 29 years, Oscar Lizardi has built a remarkable legal career at the intersection of business, finance, and community. As one of five owners of the Tucson-based law firm Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, Oscar’s practice spans corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, real estate lending, and commercial transactions. His recent focus? Guiding clients through the complex and rapidly evolving world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) law in collegiate athletics.
Oscar’s path into the NIL space began organically. Long connected to the University of Arizona—where he attended law school and remains actively involved with the football program—he was approached by clients grappling with the dramatic changes NIL brought to college sports. “It was night and day in a matter of years,” he recalls. “There was no guidebook. I had to educate myself quickly.” But for Oscar, the challenge was energizing. “I love
it. It’s legal, it’s economics, it’s business—and there’s a sense of
competition. You’re essentially helping run a professional sports team.”
Oscar is a dedicated husband and father of two daughters, and his commitment to leadership extends beyond the courtroom. He’s served on numerous boards across Arizona, championing education, Hispanic advocacy, and family services. He’s been recognized by Southwest Super Lawyers®, Best Lawyers in America®, and was named Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Businessman of the Year. But even the most seasoned leaders need community- and that’s what led Oscar to Vistage.
“I didn’t know what Vistage was,” Oscar says. “Steve Weaver reached out to me on LinkedIn. We had an hour-and-a-half call when I didn’t even realize I was facing some real personal and professional challenges. But Steve created a space where I could be vulnerable. As leaders, we often don’t realize how much work and life intertwine.”
Joining Vistage was a turning point. “It was a 180. It changed who I was—not just professionally, but as a human being. The group Steve built was special. We were all alphas, but we learned to lead without ego, with humility. It helped me ‘hug the cactus’—to face myself, grow, and develop.”
Oscar credits Steve with having a lasting and deeply meaningful impact on his life. “Very few people have truly helped me become the best version of myself. Steve is one of them.”
Today, Oscar highly recommends Vistage to any leader looking to grow. “If you want to be better and surround yourself with people committed to learning and supporting each other—join.”