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 that is making the biggest impact on the community.
FULL LIST: Here are all the finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards
LEARN MORE: The Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona for 2026
DEEPER DIVE: 50 emerging leaders in Arizona law for 2026
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 that is making the biggest impact on the community. We will spotlight one category each day leading up to the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31.
David Hanselman, deputy county attorney, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
Background: Hanselman is a deputy county attorney in the Drug Trafficking Bureau at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. He specializes in prosecuting drug traffickers, from cartel members to neighborhood drug dealers, and has earned a reputation as a tough negotiator and skilled trial lawyer. Hanselman graduated with honors from Harvard College and the University of Chicago Law School.
Jay M. Johnson, general counsel, Central Arizona Project
Background: As the head of the CAP Legal Department since 2011, Johnson advises the Central Arizona Water Conservation District in areas of water law, environmental law, energy law, tribal law and myriad other areas. Prior to going to CAP in October 2011, Johnson served as general counsel to a healthcare/biotech firm had been a partner at the Phoenix office of Quarles.
Javier Ramos, senior legal counsel, Gila River Indian Community
Background: Ramos is a seasoned attorney serving as senior counsel for the Gila River Indian Community Office of General Counsel in Arizona. Ramos has a proven ability to work in a culturally diverse population and effectively provide legal advice in complex matters concerning constitutional matters, election issues, interpretation of government ordinances and resolutions, housing matters, transportation issues, construction contracts and land issues.
Theresa Rosier, general counsel, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Background: Rosier serves as the General Counsel (previously deputy general counsel) for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), specializing in legal matters for the tribal government. She plays a key role in community governance, including leading presentations on 2026 referendum elections regarding tax-free general welfare payments. She is an alumna of the ASU Law Indian Legal Program.
Thomas Van Flein, general counsel, Arizona Corporation Commission
Background: Van Flein serves as general counsel for the Arizona Corporation Commission, where he provides legal leadership supporting the Commission’s regulatory, enforcement and policy responsibilities. He advises commissioners and staff on complex administrative, constitutional and statutory matters, helping ensure effective oversight, sound decision-making and the integrity of Arizona’s utility, securities and corporate regulatory framework.
