In partnership the State Bar of Arizona, and Arizona Corporate Counsel, Az Business magazine will host the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix to recognize the important and vital role that in-house counsel and Arizona’s legal sector plays in the success of Arizona’s economy. Today, we spotlight Excellence in Law Awards finalists for in-house attorney of the year in the education sector.
LEARN MORE: The Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona for 2026
DEEPER DIVE: 50 emerging leaders in Arizona law for 2026
The 2026 Excellence in Law Awards are presented with the support of Title Sponsors Cresa and Ogletree Deakins and Platinum Sponsor Phillips Law Group. The digital sponsor of the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards is DM Cantor. To purchase tickets for the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards, click here.
Excellence in Law Awards finalists
Here are the finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards in the category of in-house attorney of the year in the education sector. We will spotlight one category each day leading up to the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31.
Manuel H. Cairo, vice president and general counsel, Midwestern University
Background: Cairo oversee all legal affairs at Midwestern University, a multi-campus health sciences institution with extensive academic, clinical and research operations. The responsibilities of his role are broad, spanning higher education, healthcare, compliance and nonprofit governance. Previously, he was a partner at Snell & Wilmer, representing employers in employment litigation, regulatory matters and immigration compliance.
Michele Keogh, general counsel, BASIS Educational Group
Background: Keogh serves as general counsel for BASIS Educational Group, overseeing legal strategy across one of the nation’s leading charter school networks. She brings extensive experience in education law, governance, compliance and risk management, supporting organizational growth while ensuring operational integrity and alignment with regulatory and policy requirements.
Christopher E. Kevane, senior vice president and chief legal officer, Universal Technical Institute
Background: Kevane has served as chief legal officer of Universal Technical Institute since 2020. He brings more than 20 years of legal and executive experience representing both publicly traded and private equity-backed organizations. Previously, he was chief legal officer for Centauri Health Solutions, one of Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing private healthcare IT services companies.
Lisa Loo, senior vice president and general counsel, Arizona State University
Background: The State Bar of Arizona recognized Loo in 2008 for Outstanding Achievement in Advancing Equal Opportunity in the Profession, and as the 1993 Outstanding Young Lawyer. Loo is an elected member of the American Law Institute and has an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She is a Fellows member of the American Bar Foundation and of the Arizona Legal Services and Education Foundation.
Srini Medi, senior vice president, chief legal officer and secretary, University of Phoenix
Background: Medi serves as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary of the University of Phoenix, where he leads legal, governance and compliance functions for one of the nation’s largest higher-education institutions. A trusted executive advisor, he brings deep experience in education law, risk management and corporate governance, supporting innovation, institutional integrity and student-focused outcomes.
Mac Woods, general counsel, ASU Enterprise Partners
Background: Woods is the general counsel of a network of nonprofits — including ASU Enterprise Partners and the ASU Foundation — that design solutions for and advance the charter of the world’s most innovative university, Arizona State University. His career in education began as a teacher with Teach For America, then as an attorney both in-house with BASIS.ed and ASU and in private practice with Osborn Maledon.
