Taft/Sherman & Howard continues growth in Phoenix
Taft, formerly Sherman & Howard, announced the additions of public finance partner Tyler Cobb and employment and labor litigator James Camoriano to its Phoenix office, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to strategic growth in the Arizona market.
Cobb represents cities, counties, towns, universities, charter schools, school districts, health care districts, special taxing districts, land developers, hospitals, continuing care retirement communities, and 501(c)(3) organizations in all aspects of public finance. He acts as bond counsel, underwriter’s counsel, issuer’s counsel, and borrower’s counsel in transactions totaling more than $12 billion nationwide.
“Public finance combines analytical problem-solving with the delivery of tangible results. It’s about crafting financial structures that ultimately support growth and improve lives in a real way,” said Cobb. “Joining Taft’s deep bench of finance attorneys was a perfect opportunity to expand my practice, particularly in complex financings, development, and infrastructure work; provide my clients with a broad range of resources; and contribute to the growth of the firm’s presence locally and nationally.”
Camoriano’s experience encompasses a wide variety of matters, from commercial contract disputes to professional negligence. He litigates consumer cases, involving personal injury, products/premises liability, and related business torts. He is also a seasoned employment litigator who regularly handles cases, including employment discrimination, wrongful termination, and employee benefit adjudications before administrative law courts and agencies.
“Employment law is about more than just resolving a specific issue at hand; it’s about helping clients think strategically and proactively to ensure their businesses are set up for success,” said Camoriano. “Taft stood out to me as the top firm to continue growing my practice. The firm is forward-thinking, constantly evolving, and committed to serving its clients, people, and communities in meaningful ways.”
Partner-in-charge of Taft’s Phoenix office Craig Morgan said, “We’re excited to welcome Tyler and James to the team. Tyler brings valuable public finance experience that enhances our capabilities in the region, while James strengthens our employment group. With the significant growth we’ve experienced in Arizona since the merger, their addition reflects our continued investment in our people, clients, and future in Phoenix.”
In late June, Taft announced the addition of six lawyers from Stinson: Carrie Francis, Jim Holland, Sharon Ng, Lonnie Williams, Jr., Ashley Cheff, and Tim Lauxman. The group brought deep experience in employment law, complex litigation, and construction disputes to the firm. Furthermore, Taft announced that its Phoenix office will be relocating to a significantly expanded space at Esplanade II, one of the premier office towers in the Biltmore corridor. The new space will accommodate more than 50 attorneys and staff, positioning the firm for continued growth and client service excellence in the Valley.
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Sherman & Howard combined with Taft, creating a firm powered by more than 1,000 attorneys from Washington, D.C. to the Mountain West. The combination enables both firms to deepen their benches of attorneys and strengthen their service offerings.
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Phillips Law Group managing attorney named to Best Lawyers in America 2026
Nasser Abujbarah, a top Arizona lawyer and managing attorney of Phillips Law Group, has been named to the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America for his work in personal injury litigation.
Abujbarah was selected based on peer recognition and professional achievement, marking another milestone in a legal career that was inspired by his parents’ hard work. As a first-generation immigrant, he attributes much of his success to his pursuit of the American dream.
“This award means a lot to me personally. I saw my parents do what it takes to make it in this country, coming from Jordan, and earning this distinction amongst my peers is astounding,” said Abujbarah. “It’s a testament to our hard work at the firm and endless pursuit of being the voice for the voiceless.”
Abujbarah is licensed to practice in Arizona and represents clients in various claims involving negligence, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death. He cites his numerous seven-figure settlements and verdicts for clients as some of his best achievements in his illustrious legal career.
Selection to Best Lawyers in America is based entirely on peer review. The process is designed to capture the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographic and legal practice areas. The list is widely regarded as one of the most credible measures of legal integrity and capability in the United States.
Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, Phillips Law Group has helped secure more than $2 billion in compensation for victims of negligence and misconduct. The firm is recognized for its role in several multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, including a $23 million result for an injured client.
Phillips Law Group maintains a commitment to clear communication, legal guidance, and advocacy throughout the legal process.
For more information, visit https://phillipslaw.com.
REDW Advisors & CPAs promotes Rachel E. Biro
REDW Advisors & CPAs announced the promotion of Rachel E. Biro, CPA, to Forensic & Investigative Services Practice Leader. As the firm’s newest Practice Leader, Biro will set the vision and strategic direction for REDW’s Forensic & Investigative Services, aligning it with the firm’s overall goals. She will also build and lead a multidisciplinary team of forensic accountants, investigators, data analysts, and subject-matter experts; develop methodologies for conducting forensic accounting, fraud investigations, fraud risk assessments, and litigation support; and ensure the group proactively addresses the evolving threats that contribute to more than $5 trillion in annual global fraud losses while supporting training, mentorship, and new business development. Based in Phoenix, Biro will serve each of REDW’s four U.S. offices across Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and Salem, as well as the firm’s remote and global workforce, working with clients nationwide.
Biro joined REDW in 2022, most recently serving as a manager in the Valuation & Related Financial Services practice, where she has worked extensively with Tribal clients as well as on a myriad of dispute and investigative related services, including marital dissolutions and economic damages. She also has extensive experience in fraud investigation and forensic tracing for civil and family law proceedings and has collaborated on engagements with Tribal Nations, the U.S. Department of Justice, departments and agencies in the state of New Mexico, major insurance companies, and top Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma law firms. Prior to beginning her career in advisory services, Biro was an entrepreneur and small business owner herself, giving her a unique perspective on all client engagements.
“Rachel’s diverse background, coupled with her extensive technical experience, allows her to bring a comprehensive understanding of business dynamics to her work as a business advisor and make her an invaluable leader in our growing Forensic & Investigative Services practice,” said Steve Cogan, managing principal of REDW Advisors & CPAs.
In addition to her work with REDW, Biro is a member and current treasurer of the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group, a non-profit association of lawyers, financial professionals and mental health professionals formed in 2001, after recognizing the value of collaborative practice to families. They join together to constructively resolve family law issues. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants, as well as an active fundraiser for Camp Patrick, which is a one-of-a-kind summer camp in Arizona dedicated to serving young people living with Spina Bifida. Biro has been a faculty speaker at the State Bar of Arizona Convention and for some of Oklahoma’s ACFE Chapters. Her published articles and presentations cover a range of topics, including the impact of fraud on Tribes, disclosure requirements in asset tracing and misappropriation cases, and valuation considerations in the context of family law.
Hancock Builders names next CEO
Hancock Builders, a longtime leader in Arizona homebuilding, today announced a pivotal leadership transition. Founder Greg Hancock will transition from CEO into the role of Chairman, while Kelly Whiteley (formerly Kelly Ward), a seasoned executive and one of the few women leading a major residential construction firm in the Southwest, has been named Chief Executive Officer.
Founded in 1976, Hancock Builders has shaped Arizona’s residential landscape for nearly five decades, delivering more than 25,000 homes and 5,000 build-for-rent units across the Valley. The company was recently recognized as the Valley’s No. 1 build-for-rent contractor by AZBEX. Under Hancock’s leadership, the firm became known for its quality, loyalty, and long-standing partnerships with brokers and subcontractors.
Hancock’s leadership cemented the company’s role as a cornerstone of Arizona’s residential landscape. His leadership style, marked by loyalty, integrity, and long-term relationships with real estate brokers and subcontractors, has fostered a highly experienced team. This includes his son, DJ Hancock, Vice President of Construction, who has led land development and construction field operations for the past five years, as well as senior staff members Janine Long (COO), Marianne Laupp (CFO), Bobbi Johnson VP of Land Development, Dan Cauble VP of Purchasing, and Steve Kunzweiler VP of Forward Planning, who together have more than 50 years of combined service.
“Leading Hancock Builders has been the honor of a lifetime,” Hancock said. “I will continue to focus on my passion for land acquisition. This company has always been about building quality, affordable housing for the Arizona community. I am proud of the legacy we’ve created, and equally proud to see Kelly and DJ carry it forward with the integrity, intelligence, and leadership our team and clients deserve.”
A fifth-generation Arizonan, Whiteley brings more than 15 years of experience in multi-family housing and construction. As the founder of MDU Technology Consultants and a longtime operations executive, she has already played a key role in guiding Hancock Builders through a strategic evolution, expanding its footprint into rental housing and next-generation build-for-rent communities.
Under Whiteley’s leadership, Hancock Builders will continue developing a portfolio of thoughtfully designed for-rent communities, as well as expanding into for-sale and commercial contracting.
“Stepping into this role is both an incredible responsibility and a privilege,” Whiteley said. “I’ve long admired what Greg built — not just in terms of homes, but in setting a standard for quality and community impact. As we move into this next chapter, we’re committed to honoring that legacy while continuing to push forward with innovation, sustainability and smart design for how people live today.”
Hancock has also been deeply committed to philanthropy, contributing nearly $600,000 to local nonprofits since 2023, including Tunnel to Towers, Phoenix Children’s Foundation, Boulder Crest Foundation, Arizona Animal Welfare League, All Sports Foundation, St. Mary’s Food Bank and many more. Hancock’s legacy of philanthropy will be carried into the next generation of Hancock Builders, with ongoing contributions to the local community.
For more information, visit www.hancock-az.com.
