Attorneys John Balitis and Julia Acken join Radix Law
Radix Law welcomed its newest partners John Balitis and Julia Acken to the firm. Both Balitis and Acken join Radix from Jennings Strouss & Salmon, bringing decades of well-rounded legal experience and will elevate Radix’s employment and labor law practices and its adoptions law practice.
“John and Julia have worked together as a remarkably dynamic team for many years,” said Andy Kvesic, Managing Partner at Radix Law. “We are grateful and excited they chose Radix to bring their seasoned expertise, impressive backgrounds and passion for what they do.”
John Balitis counsels private sector clients as well as government agencies, including the Arizona legislature, on a broad range of employment law and labor relations matters. Over his 30 years of practice, he has represented clients in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Department of Labor, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Arizona Civil Rights Division, Arizona Industrial Commission, Arizona Department of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Recognizing that some issues need to be resolved at the legislative level, Balitis has participated in drafting and testifying on Arizona employment-related legislation.
“What attracted me to Radix is that it’s unlike any other law firm. And I’ve met with a lot of law firms,” said Balitis. “The firm’s unique structure – along with the flexibility it offers its attorneys – is very different from the big traditional law firm model.”
In addition to the administrative and transactional aspects of his practice, Balitis litigates employment-related disputes in federal and state courts, where he has both bench and jury trial experience and has appeared and argued before the Arizona Court of Appeals. He has considerable experience prosecuting and defending employment claims in preliminary injunction proceedings and representing union employers in labor arbitrations involving disputes under collective bargaining agreements. Balitis also is experienced in training, investigating, writing, speaking, publishing, and interacting with the media on employment-related topics and developments. He also serves as an arbitrator and mediator on a private engagement basis as well as for the American Arbitration Association. Balitis participates in proceedings in these capacities in Arizona and other jurisdictions. He participates in proceedings in these capacities in Arizona and other jurisdictions.
Balitis is actively involved in his community, currently serving as a board member for Southwest Human Development. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his family, including frequent visits to London.
Julia Acken focuses her practice on labor and employment law, as well as adoptions. She regularly advises and defends employers in matters involving a wide range of issues, including state and federal discrimination and wage and hour laws, wrongful termination, reasonable accommodations, and leave laws. Acken previously was in-house counsel at a large, international company, and now acts as external general counsel for clients, including drafting employment and labor policies, supporting human resources personnel, responding to wage and hour and I-9 audits, providing compliance training, conducting workplace investigations, and drafting and negotiating contracts.
Acken also has a keen interest in issues impacting children, including those with developmental disabilities, and regularly represents prospective adoptive parents as they navigate through the adoption process.
“After working in every type of legal environment, I am excited to join an innovative law firm that is changing the way things have always been done,” commented Acken. “It’s also comforting to see a firm leading the way in how it compensates attorneys in a transparent manner based on what they actually produce. And, the fact that I can work at my own pace is also very appealing.”
Acken describes herself as being “very musical,” playing piano and guitar. She serves on the Executive Committee for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona and is involved in many community events including the YES Day for Autism Walk. When she’s not working, you can find her traveling or on an Arizona hiking trail with her family.
Jenny Liles with CRESA is named president of AZCREW
AZCREW has elected the officers and directors that will lead Metro Phoenix’s premier commercial real estate organization in 2024. AZCREW exists to transform the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally.
The 2024 Board of Directors comprises Jenny Liles, Director Market Operations, CRESA, President; Lynette Dreitz Fort, Partner/Director of Finance & Administration, Cawley Architects, President-Elect; Samantha Pinkal, Vice President, Business Development, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Past President; Heather Skinner, Real Estate Business Partner, McKesson, The US Oncology Network, Treasurer; and Nicole Solar, Business Consultant, Olsson, Secretary.
Directors for 2024 are Lindsey Brist, Vice President, Senior Energy Innovation Consultant, APS, Chapter Champion Director; Kristen Hernandez, Digital Marketing Manager, RED Development, Communications Director; Jacqi Marth, Director of Business Development, CCS Facility Services, Membership Director; Stephanie Handley, Vice President, Economic Development, Clayco, Programs Director; Serena Wedlich, First Vice President, CBRE, Special Events Director; and Savannah Carbine, Account Manager, Climatec, Sponsorship Director.
“We are excited to welcome these exceptional individuals to our board and committee leadership,” Liles said. “These visionary women bring passion and diverse perspectives that will undoubtedly enhance our ability to serve our AZCREW chapter and contribute to the continued growth and success of our organization.”
AZCREW’s focus remains providing unparalleled membership value, focusing on quality programming, and leadership development. AZCREW is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as evident by its CEO-driven pledge for action in CRE, signed by more than 100 company leaders.
AZCREW’s 2024 strategic initiatives to further its mission include:
- Provide professional development and leadership training
- Cultivate purpose-driven events that will grow the CRE pipeline and leaders in the Valley;
- Create unparalleled business, networking, and deal-making opportunities;
- Elevate member and sponsor achievements and projects organization wide;
- Continue to advocate and drive change of DEI within the CRE industry;
- Foster connections between business leaders and decision makers in the market.
“After 18 months of concentrated effort by our Board of Directors to deepen our leadership bench, I’m pleased to share that we received more nominees than we had positions available for next year. We’re so grateful to the overwhelming response from our members,” Pinkal said
“It has been my privilege to witness the growth of our members during their committee and board service over the course of this year. Every single one of them has made an impact on our chapter through their creativity, tenacity, and commitment to our strategy and mission to advance the success of women in commercial real estate. They’ve helped each other grow in more ways than they realize. I hope when they look back on their careers they point to their time in AZCREW as a catalyst to their success.”
Thomas Title & Escrow hires 2 industry heavyweights
Scottsdale-based Thomas Title & Escrow, a Stewart Company, announced that it has hired Hollie Campbell as its new Business Development Officer and Matt Daniels at its new VP of National Commercial Sales.
The hiring of Campbell and Daniels comes at an exciting period of growth for Thomas Title & Escrow, at a time when other commercial title agencies are seeing turnover and layoffs. Campbell and Daniels bring extensive industry experience to Thomas Title as the company embraces its next era.
“Hollie and Matt are both incredible new additions to the team and bring years of knowledge, expertise and client relationship building to Thomas Title,” said Dustin Gaskey, President. “We are excited to see them grow into their new roles and continue Thomas Title’s growth and momentum.”
Campbell brings an extensive background in commercial real estate business development to Thomas Title. She has fostered a passion for commercial real estate market dynamics and the uniqueness of every transaction. Her formula includes building and nurturing long-term relationships to help her clients achieve their goals with excellent service. Campbell has received several industry awards for her ambitious work. She is originally from Kansas, where she earned a B.A. in Communications Studies from Kansas State University.
Daniels began his title career in 2004. Since then, he’s found a way to bring exceptional value to his clients by combining his deep experience in commercial real estate with his passion for the agricultural industry which he grew up in. He prides himself on his extensive knowledge of complex commercial real estate transactions and his unrelenting dedication to customer service. Daniels has been involved in facilitating many major real estate transactions throughout the U.S. and works with a broad range of customers, including major institutional buyers and sellers. He has a diverse book of business and has gained the trust of many principals and brokers throughout the industry.
As Thomas Title continues to grow, the company is seeking additional commercial title talent to join its team, including commercial escrow officers, commercial title officers and commercial title examiners. To learn more about career opportunities with Thomas Title, visit www.thomastitle.com/contact/careers.
Clear Title Agency of Arizona adds First Arizona Title to company
Clear Title Agency of Arizona, the fastest-growing Title and Escrow company in Arizona, announced an agreement to acquire the operating assets of First Arizona Title. First Arizona has been a provider of title and escrow services in the Phoenix metro market for over 20 years. This strategic acquisition is aligned with Clear Title Agency’s growth objectives and will further solidify its position as a leader in residential and commercial title and escrow services in Arizona.
Clear Title Agency of Arizona’s acquisition of First Arizona Title brings together two well-respected, locally owned title companies. Clear Title is known for its commitment to quality and has built a strong reputation over the years serving a diverse range of real estate customers throughout Arizona.
Bart Patterson, CEO of Clear Title Agency of Arizona, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “I am proud of what Clear Title has accomplished over the years. Adding First Arizona Title to our team is an exciting next step for our company and I am confident that our shared values and commitment to excellence and service to the customer will continue to thrive. I have no doubt that First Arizona Title’s talented team of title and escrow professionals will help drive our company to new heights.”
The acquisition will expand Clear Title’s footprint by four additional branch locations and more than 1,000 customer accounts. The combined companies will hold a market share ranking of 7th out of 219 in the Phoenix metro market.
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