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 emerging leader of the year.
FULL LIST: Here are all the finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards
LEARN MORE: The Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona 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 emerging leader of the year. We will spotlight one category each day leading up to the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31.
Shannon Cohan, director // Fennemore
Background: Cohan is a business litigation attorney who guides clients through every stage of the litigation process.
Source of pride: “I’m most proud of securing million-dollar arbitration judgments on behalf of multiple clients and developing collection strategies resulting in payment. Helping clients obtain justice and move forward personally and professionally is deeply rewarding and reflects my commitment to effective, client-focused solutions.”
Jenna Brownlee, attorney // Cohen Dowd Quigley
Source of pride: “A source of pride that has carried with me over my career would be winning my first trial, with an all-female trial team. Trial can be a stressful experience. However, my first trial (from beginning to end) is an experience that I will always be grateful for and remember fondly.”
Madison Leake, associate // Burch & Cracchiolo
Background: Leake focuses her practice on land use and zoning, guiding developers and property owners through the entitlement process for a wide range of projects. She has been recognized as a Best Lawyers in America “One to Watch,” a Southwest Super Lawyers “Rising Star” and a “Person to Watch in Commercial Real Estate.” Leake also plays a key role on her firm’s attorney recruitment team.
Katya Lancero Norris, attorney // Sacks Tierney
Background: Norris’ experience includes advising on hiring, performance management and terminations; addressing issues involving discrimination, harassment and retaliation; handling accommodation requests for disability, religion and pregnancy; ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws, paid sick leave and the Family and Medical Leave Act; navigating concerted activity under the National Labor Relations Act; and drafting and enforcing restrictive covenants.
Dominick San Angelo, shareholder // Gallagher & Kennedy
Background: San Angelo focuses his practice in the areas of business law and transactions.
Source of pride: “Hearing the phrase, ‘Thanks, Dom, I feel a lot better after talking to you.’ There’s no better feeling as a lawyer than to know that someone is relieved because of the advice and counsel you provided. That phrase is what fuels me to keep going.”
Hannah Torres, partner // Dorsey & Whitney
Background: Torres represents U.S. lenders in negotiating and documenting financing transactions of all types and sizes, including single-bank and syndicated commercial loans, real estate loans, asset-based financings, secured revolving lines of credit, dealer floorplan transactions, and loans secured by multiple properties and collateral in different states. Torres also regularly represents financial institutions in construction lending transactions.
