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 retail and hospitality 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 retail and hospitality sector. We will spotlight one category each day leading up to the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31.
Caleb Jay, vice president and general counsel // Arizona Diamondbacks
Background: Jay’s responsibilities include handling legal matters for all team departments, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, Arizona Diamondbacks Events and Entertainment (for non-baseball events at Chase Field), and the Legends Entertainment District. He also established the Diamondbacks Affiliates Program, designed to develop business, employee culture, and other collaborations between the Arizona Diamondbacks and its Minor League teams.
Max McCauley, general counsel // Harkins Theatres
Source of pride: “Helping Harkins respond to the COVID pandemic by navigating the novel legal and risk landscape imposed on all aspects of our business. It was the most rewarding experience of my career because I had the chance to work with an incredible cross-departmental team to assess and overcome unprecedented challenges.”
Michael Minnaugh, chief legal officer // Moon Valley Nurseries
Background: Minnaugh provides strategic legal leadership across Moon Valley Nurseries’ nationwide farming, retail and tree care operations. Under his guidance, Moon Valley Nurseries advances its mission as a zero-carbon-footprint, water-wise and environmentally responsible business. The company has made significant investments in ESG initiatives and community engagement, donating more than 10,000 trees to support community and environmental projects across the country.
Jay Pricher, senior vice president and general counsel // BWH Hotels
Background: Pricher provides counsel, leadership and guidance on all legal issues relating to BWH Hotels’ global corporate environment and membership. He is also responsible for setting and managing strategic direction for the organization as a member of the executive team, and for providing guidance on corporate legal issues, to include Board and governance matters.
Justin Ruggieri, general counsel // Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment
Fun fact: Ruggieri taught Indian Gaming Law at the UArizona College of Law and earned the Professor of Practice of the Year award in 2017.
Source of pride: “Knowing that I have earned the trust and respect of my client each day by providing effective, and accessible, legal counsel. It is an honor to represent the Gaming Enterprise knowing that our efforts have a direct positive impact for the people of the Tohono O’odham Nation.”
Victoria Tullett, chief legal officer // Dutch Bros
Background: Tullett, the chief legal officer of Dutch Bros, is an accomplished corporate legal executive with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. She has a proven track record of helping diverse organizations manage operational risk while achieving record levels of growth, compliance, and profitability. Her extensive experience in legal strategy, corporate governance, and franchisee relations has been instrumental in supporting high-growth companies.
