Snell & Wilmer names Mike Donahey managing partner of its Phoenix office

Snell & Wilmer announced that partner Mike Donahey has been named managing partner of the firm’s Phoenix office effective January 1, 2024.

Snell & Wilmer’s Phoenix, Arizona office traces its origins to 1938, when Mark Wilmer and Frank Snell established the firm. Phoenix is Snell & Wilmer’s largest office, with more than 200 attorneys serving a diverse client base that includes the nation’s largest financial institutions, numerous corporations headquartered in Arizona and across the United States, start-up technology companies, privately-held companies, universities, manufacturers, software companies, major utilities, healthcare providers, and many of Arizona’s largest employers.

“Mike is widely respected for his strong legal skills and business judgment. The Phoenix office will continue to thrive under his leadership,” said Firm Chair Barbara J. Dawson. “Mike’s successful career path reflects the values of our Credo which focuses on commitment to our clients, community, and our people.” 

A longtime leader, Donahey serves on the firm’s five-person Executive Committee and its three-person Compensation Committee. He previously led the firm’s corporate and securities practice group and continues to serve among the group’s leadership today. A leader in the community, Donahey currently serves on the Board of Directors of Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL) and is on the Board of Directors of St. Mary’s Food Bank. 

Greenberg Traurig adds Louis Lopez in Arizona

Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP further expanded its Litigation Practice in Arizona with the addition of Louis D. Lopez as a shareholder based in the Phoenix office.

Lopez handles complex commercial litigation matters with a focus on taking matters to trial. He represents businesses in both plaintiff and defense disputes, with a stable of clients based in Arizona and California. Lopez’s trial practice varies across industries and includes land lease and other real estate disputes, general tort litigation, and partnership and membership disputes. He helps clients minimize the risk of litigation by analyzing contract indemnity provisions, insurance remedies, and limitation of liability clauses. Lopez joins from Fennemore and will work closely with Charles E. Markle, who joined Greenberg Traurig from the same firm last year.  

“Louis has a reputation as a tenacious attorney who goes the distance for his clients in the courtroom,” said Brian L. Duffy, chief executive officer of Greenberg Traurig. “We’ve organically built a team of strong, well-respected litigators in Arizona, making us highly competitive in the market in a core practice area.”

“Louis is a tireless strategist and a creative litigator with a fierce work ethic, and will be an excellent addition to our bench of experienced practitioners,” said Nicole M. Goodwin and Jeremy D. Zangara, co-managing shareholders of the firm’s Phoenix office, in a joint statement. Goodwin continued, “I’ve faced Louis as opposing counsel over the years, and I can assure you I prefer him on our side of the courtroom.”

The PENTA Building Group in Arizona hires Jim Neumann

The PENTA Building Group (PENTA), a nationally recognized commercial contractor, announced the hire of Jim Neumann as Director of Business Development for the company’s Arizona region. Jim will support PENTA’s growth objectives as the firm continues to win business in the healthcare, higher education and hospitality industries while simultaneously developing and building new relationships.
 
“Jim is an outstanding addition to our Arizona team and we’ll rely on his vast level of experience and local network to help us succeed,” said Marisa Palomo, Vice President of Arizona at PENTA. “We are focused on expanding, and are confident his ability to strategically foster and create strong relationships will allow us to meet our goals in 2024 and beyond.”
 
Jim brings 19 years of experience in the construction industry, having worked on buildings ranging in size from 5,000 to 2 million square feet, including office, healthcare, senior living, retail, hospitality and industrial projects.
 
PENTA is located in Phoenix, AZ, and also operates out of Las Vegas, NV, and Southern California, specializing in projects in the hospitality, healthcare and higher education sectors. Known for its people-focused culture and relationship-centered approach, PENTA’s operations are rooted in honesty, accountability and integrity as it accomplishes award-winning work and nurtures top talent in the construction industry.


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