Each day, we will profile an innovative leader who was selected for the 2026 edition of Az Business Leaders magazine. Today, meet Joshua Becker, shareholder at Gallagher & Kennedy.
Background: Becker is a forward-thinking counselor and adviser who anticipates how to best position his clients relative to regulatory changes, evolving market conditions, and a competitive business landscape. He brings 21 years of experience in franchising, intellectual property law, trademarks, and general counsel services to a broad range of clients including established and start-up franchisors, technology companies, business start-ups, service providers, and distributors.
Upcoming challenge: “Artificial intelligence is impacting and will continue to impact the practice of law. AI powered tools can quickly and efficiently analyze large amounts of information in a fraction of the time that it takes humans to do the same. Used correctly and ethically, these are valuable tools that have the potential to reduce the costs of legal representation, improve client satisfaction, and enhance lawyer quality of life. That being said, AI tools, while proficient in processing data, often lack an understanding of legal concepts, the nuances of particular legal issues, and the ability to interpret the law in a proper context for the matter at hand. These limitations can (and have) result in incorrect interpretations or misapplication of laws by AI powered tools. Lawyers have ethical duties to provide competent, ethical, accurate representation. Relying on AI without verifying its outputs may violate these obligations. It will be important to place proper guardrails and checks on the way AI is used by lawyers and/or those seeking to avoid having to hire lawyers.”
Leadership lesson: “Effective leaders do not shy away from or avoid tasks or obligations that are inconsistent with their role or status on a team. The leaders I admire do the work that needs to be done without regard to the perception or nature of that work. I want others on my team to know that I will do the tasks necessary to ensure that our team is successful but that I expect them to do the same.”
Surprising fact: “I am almost a native Arizonan. My parents moved here when I was 3 months old because my dad loved the Southwest when he was stationed here in the military. He always wanted to come back and dragged my mom along with him almost immediately after I was born.”
