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 nonprofit sector.
FULL LIST: Here are all the finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards
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 nonprofit sector. We will spotlight one category each day leading up to the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31.
Sofia-Pia Bales, legal counsel and vice president of quality and compliance, Hospice of the Valley
Source of pride: “I’m proud to advance Hospice of the Valley’s innovative, mission-driven work. One example that embodies our commitment to the community is our Dementia Care and Education Campus, which provides education, patient-centered care and support for families. Serving a nonprofit so dedicated to quality of life is truly meaningful.”
Yvonne Moss, chief legal and risk officer, Make-A-Wish America
Background: With extensive experience in nonprofit law, Moss manages all legal matters, provides counsel to the Board and senior leadership and chapters and oversees compliance and enterprise risk management.
Source of pride: “I am most proud of the role I play in building the systems and relationships that empower the mission of Make-A-Wish to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.”
Jake Schellinger, general counsel, Arizona Community Foundation
Background: Schellinger was previously an attorney in Lewis Roca’s Tribal Nations Practice Group, where he advised tribal government and entity clients on a variety of matters. He also served as vice president of government relations for the National Congress of American Indians and, before that, as counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Office of the Vice Chairman.
Mona Stone, executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona
Background: Stone leads two separate organizations: She serves as executive vice president, general counsel, chief compliance officer and corporate secretary of Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona and as the COO and chief legal officer for Thrive Services Group. By collaborating with communities and business partners, Thrive provides social innovation in housing, education and health services to eradicate poverty.
