GetFileAttachment-1John F. Barwell, a trial attorney with the national law firm Polsinelli, was selected to join Valley Leadership Institute’s 37th class.  After a competitive application and interview process, Barwell was chosen from among a variety of industries ranging from business and politics to nonprofit organizations.  The nine-month program brings about 50 Phoenix-area business and civic leaders together for extensive executive leadership training developed by the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale.  The program is designed to help its graduates thrive at the highest levels of their careers.  As an associate at Polsinelli, Barwell focuses his civil litigation practice on defending products liability and personal injury lawsuits.  He also represents both plaintiffs and defendants on a variety of general business matters, including contract disputes and claims of breach of fiduciary duty, embezzlement, fraud and misrepresentation.  In his spare time, Barwell devotes significant time serving his community by volunteering for several charitable and civic organizations in the Valley.  Prior to becoming an attorney, Barwell served 15 years in the Marines as an infantry rifleman and later as a combat journalist.