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 up-and-comer of the year.
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 up-and-comer of the year. We will spotlight one category each day leading up to the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31.
Farris Gillman, senior attorney // Arizona Public Service (APS)
Background: Gillman is APS’ Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and water rights attorney. Gillman has also acted as APS’s lead attorney for Palo Verde Generating Station commercial and export control matters and Securities Exchange Commission reporting. At Yale University, Gillman double majored in astrophysics and political science and later earned her law degree at Notre Dame University.
Caroline Haspel, general counsel // BWH Hotels
Background: Haspel serves as general counsel of BWH Hotels, guiding legal strategy for one of the world’s largest hotel brands. As a seasoned executive and trusted advisor, she oversees governance, franchising, risk management and global compliance, supporting growth and innovation across a diverse portfolio while protecting brand integrity and advancing long-term value for hotel owners and stakeholders worldwide.
David Lakin, general counsel // Player 15 Group (Suns, Mercury, Mortgage Matchup Arena)
Background: Lakin is a standout legal leader and emerging powerhouse in the legal community. A University of Michigan graduate and former head student manager for Michigan football, he later taught in Detroit through Teach for America. After earning his law degree from Northwestern, clerking on federal courts and litigating at Quinn Emanuel, he advanced at Citadel before becoming general counsel of the Phoenix Suns, where he leads with innovation, agility and impact.
Kaleb Lester, in-house counsel // Gila River Development
Background: Lester serves as in-house counsel for Gila River Development, where he supports complex real estate, economic development and commercial transactions for one of Arizona’s most impactful development organizations. Known for strategic thinking and practical legal guidance, he helps advance projects that drive sustainable growth, community investment and long-term value across the Gila River Indian Community.
Paige Pataky, assistant general counsel // Valleywise Health
Source of pride: “Serving the underserved at Valleywise Health is the greatest source of pride in my career. As Maricopa County’s public teaching hospital and healthcare safety net, Valleywise Health provides care for patients who often have nowhere else to turn. As part of the legal team, my role is to mitigate risk so the organization can continue delivering exceptional, compassionate care.”
Logan Namanny, staff attorney // HonorHealth
Background: Namanny provides legal support for HHMG employed physician contracts, physician recruitment agreements, on-call services agreements and hospital-based agreements and advises stakeholders on contract negotiations. She also offers support on labor and employment matters and partners with HonorHealth attorneys across a broad range of legal issues. She is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and the Arizona Society of Healthcare Attorneys.
