In partnership the State Bar of Arizona, and Arizona Corporate Counsel, Az Business magazine will host the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix to recognize the important and vital role that in-house counsel and Arizona’s legal sector plays in the success of Arizona’s economy. Today, we spotlight Excellence in Law Awards finalists for in-house attorney of the year in the business and financial services sector.
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The 2026 Excellence in Law Awards are presented with the support of Title Sponsors Cresa and Ogletree Deakins and Platinum Sponsor Phillips Law Group. The digital sponsor of the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards is DM Cantor. To purchase tickets for the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards, click here.
Excellence in Law Awards finalists
Here are the finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards in the category of in-house attorney of the year in the business and financial services sector. We will spotlight one category each day leading up to the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31.
Courtney Beller, vice president of legal, Ports America
Background: Beller shapes the legal strategy behind one of the nation’s largest terminal operators.
Source of pride: “Continuing to show up as my best self, even on the hardest days. In 2024, survival overtook every career plan. Being able to return to work after profound personal tragedies, including significant loss and a life-threatening medical emergency, deepened my understanding of the purpose work brings to our lives.”
Chuck Boettcher, executive vice president and chief legal officer, Waste Management
Background: Boettcher is responsible for all legal, corporate secretary, ethics and compliance, government affairs, corporate development and venturing, oilfield services, security and real estate functions. He has previously served as the company’s senior vice president and general counsel. Prior to joining WM, he was executive vice president, CFO and general counsel of Dallas-based Oilfield Water Logistics.
John Fry, senior employment counsel, Western Alliance Bank
Background: Fry is senior employment counsel at Western Alliance Bank, a leading national commercial bank, which he joined in 2021. Prior to Western Alliance, Fry served as an employment and business litigation attorney with 15 years of experience in private practice, including seven years as an equity shareholder with Ryley Carlock & Applewhite in Phoenix, followed by six years at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
Michael O’Connor, associate general manager and chief legal executive, SRP
Source of pride: “I’m proud of the way we resolved the Randolph Community’s dispute over the Coolidge Expansion Project. This 2024 resolution and settlement enabled SRP to construct critically needed generation assets to support the Valley’s exponential growth while also supporting the future of Randolph — an African American community with deep historic significance.”
