Jaburg Wilk expands employment law practice

The law firm of Jaburg Wilk announced that Alejandro Pérez joined the firm as a partner in their employment law and commercial litigation groups.  Before joining Jaburg Wilk, Alejandro had his own law firm.  He assisted clients with employment law, compliance issues, administrative hearings, commercial disputes and business law matters.

“Alejandro is an excellent addition to our firm and our employment law group,” said managing partner Gary Jaburg.  “His employment law experience representing employers coupled with his business law knowledge adds another dimension of expertise for our business clients.” 

Prior to starting private practice, he clerked for Justice Patricia Orozco of the Arizona Court of Appeals and completed an internship with the EEOC.  Alejandro received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Phoenix School of Law. 

Attorney Kenny Ho joins Rose Law Group

Rose Law Group pc, the largest woman-led law firm in Arizona’s history, added attorney Kenny Ho to the firm’s already formidable Litigation Department.

Ho has expertise in commercial litigation including handling all aspects of cases including trials, pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, oral arguments and post-trial relief.

Ho received his Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and Business Economics from the University of Arizona.

He joins Rose Law Group after stints with Aiken Schenk Ricciardi PC and Rai & Barone PC. Ho also has experience with health care, immigration and employment law.

Platinum Living Realty appoints COO

Platinum Living Realty (PLR), an independent luxury real estate brokerage with four offices across Arizona, announced that Brittnie Douglas has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the growing brokerage. As COO, Brittnie will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company as well as continue to act as Managing Broker and Lead Transaction Coordinator.

“Brittnie has been instrumental in the success and growth of Platinum Living Realty and was a key part of our rebranding effort after going independent more than a year ago,” said Michelle Macklin, co-owner of Platinum Living Realty. “Through her constant hard work, dedication, leadership and creativity, Brittnie has created an inviting and warm culture at PLR by always going above and beyond for our agents, staff, and clients.”

In the summer of 2018, Platinum Living Realty owners and husband-and-wife team Jay and Michelle Macklin made the decision to take their growing brokerage firm independent and to separate from the national brand they had been working with for a number of years. Douglas helped strategize and roll out the rebrand and support agents through the transition. Now, Platinum Living Realty has established itself as a leader in the Valley’s real estate scene.

“We expect another year of expansion in 2020, making now the perfect time to elevate Brittnie to the role of COO to help us manage and maintain our growth,” said Jay Macklin, Co-owner of Platinum Living Realty.  “Brittnie is highly respected throughout our organization for her knowledge, work ethic, strategic mindset, and management skills; we’re lucky to have her part of our leadership team.”

Mike Baker announced as CEO of United Planners

Mike Baker, President and General Partner of United Planners will also become the Chief Executive Officer as of January 1, 2020.  This CEO appointment follows the unexpected passing of their previous CEO Dave Shindel on October 19, 2019.  “Dave was not just my business partner – he was also my best friend,” said Baker.  Baker, a CPA holding several FINRA licenses as well as an MBA, has been with United Planners since 1999.  He spent many years as the Firm’s CFO so he is extremely knowledgeable about the Firm’s financials.

Established in 1987, United Planners has experienced steady & solid growth since inception.  With approximately 425 financial advisors across the country, United Planners manages approximately $15 billion in client assets through financial planning, investment management, advisory, brokerage and insurance services.  Baker said, “United Planners’ vision, strategy and business plan will remain solid during this CEO transition.  We are staying the course that has served our financial advisors well.  There will be no dramatic pivots, changes or surprises.  We are financially stable and I’m not going anywhere.” 

Prior to Shindel passing away, he was already in the process of retiring and transitioning a significant amount of his responsibilities to Baker over the past year.  This transition was deliberate pursuant to their succession plan.  This is a classic case study of the importance in having such a succession plan in place for your business.  “In the midst of tragedy, the management and execution of our succession plan has reduced the turbulence and provided a smooth transition for all interested parties,” Baker said with great relief.