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 private practice attorney of the year for industry impact.
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 private practice attorney of the year for industry impact. We will spotlight one category each day leading up to the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31.
Rebecca Cain, managing member // Silver Cain
Background: Driven by a deep commitment to public service, Cain has significantly impacted the community through pro bono work and advocacy for underserved populations. Cain’s courage in leaving behind a successful career in big law to co-found her boutique firm speaks to her vision and unwavering ethical standards. As a leader, Cain inspires excellence, fostering a collaborative environment where innovation and diversity thrive.
Craig Morgan, Phoenix partner in charge // Taft
Background: Morgan represents clients on a wide range of issues, including complex litigation, business disputes, dispute resolution, crisis management and internal investigations.
Source of pride: “Enabling people to succeed and be happy – in a conference room, court room, or walking down the hall. If I can play a role in that as a lawyer, coworker, husband, dad or guy walking down the street, that gives me a sense of accomplishment.”
Andrew W. Gould, partner // Holtzman Vogel
Source of pride: “My greatest professional accomplishment is transitioning after 21 years on the bench, including on the Arizona Supreme Court, to build Holtzman Vogel’s Phoenix office from the ground up as managing partner. With founder Jill Vogel’s support, I’ve grown a thriving election, commercial and appellate litigation practice, recruiting nine exceptional lawyers I’m privileged to mentor.”
Benjamin Taylor, founding partner // Taylor and Gomez
Source of pride: “The professional accomplishment that gives me the most pride was making history by being elected the first African-American president of the State Bar of Arizona in its 90-years of existence. The election broke historic barriers, expanded representation, inspired future lawyers, and signaled progress toward, inclusion and leadership that better reflects the communities the legal profession serves.”
Jonathan Litster, partner // Litster Dugwyler
Source of pride: “I am proudest of a pro bono victory for a prisoner denied religious meals. We strategically led the state official to admit on record he violated my client’s constitutional rights and effectuated settlement. This affirmed that the Constitution protects everyone equally and successfully held the government accountable for breaking the law.”
Alan Soelberg, managing attorney // Davis Miles
Background: In two years as managing partner, Soelberg has led the firm to new heights, while expanding its service of access to justice through the firm’s support of LegalShield. The firm has expanded in New Mexico and Utah and has landed heavyweights — such as Fiesta Bowl committee member David Weissman — to lead its employment group.
