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 real estate and construction sector.
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 in the real estate and construction sector. We will spotlight one category each day leading up to the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31.
Chris Baniszewski, general counsel // Haydon
Source of pride: “Using my experience and knowledge to help clients and now, Haydon Companies, resolve complex legal issues has always given me a feeling of pride and accomplishment. A wise mentor of mine used to tell me that what clients want most from you is less hassle. In other words, if they have a legal problem, it is your job to make their lives easier.”
Jeff Holland, general counsel // Discovery Land Company
Source of pride: “I led a multi-jurisdictional legal and asset recovery team that uncovered a $20 million fraud, secured the conviction and 12-year sentence of the UK solicitor responsible, and recovered 70% of company losses. I am proud of this achievement because a pathway has now been established for other victims with limited resources to pursue recovery through insurance or litigation.”
David Koval, chief operating officer and general counsel // Kitchell Corporation
Background: Koval helps steer the company through complexity with clarity, integrity and an unwavering commitment to its values. Since joining Kitchell in 2004, David has become a trusted voice on risk, people and decision-making at the highest levels of the organization. Known for tackling hard issues head-on, he believes culture is defined by what you refuse to tolerate—and that transparency and principled leadership are essential to forging the future.
Source of pride: “Helping guide Kitchell’s divestiture of ARS, an HVAC-R distribution company, after more than 50 years of ownership. It was a complex, highly collaborative effort that honored our stewardship of the business, supported the ARS team and strategically positioned both organizations for long-term growth and what’s next.”
Alison Stahl, vice president and associate general counsel // McCarthy Building Companies
Background: Stahl is vice president and associate general counsel for McCarthy Building Companies, where she provides strategic legal guidance supporting one of the nation’s leading construction firms. She advises on complex contracts, risk management, compliance and project delivery, partnering closely with business leaders to support growth, mitigate risk and drive successful outcomes across diverse, high-profile construction projects.
Ron Stuff, chief legal officer and corporate secretary // Sundt Construction
Background: Stuff is chief legal officer and corporate secretary for Sundt Construction, where he leads legal strategy, corporate governance and risk management for one of the nation’s most respected construction firms. A trusted advisor to executive leadership, Stuff supports complex projects, regulatory compliance and strategic initiatives that drive growth, operational excellence and long-term organizational success.
