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 legal team 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
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 Excellence in Law Awards finalists for in-house legal team of the year:
Cable One Legal Department
Cable One’s Legal Department exemplifies what it means to be a service-driven partner within the organization. The team consistently delivers clear, practical legal guidance that supports the company’s growth, compliance and operational goals. They collaborate closely with business leaders, respond quickly to emerging industry challenges, and help drive forward a culture centered on integrity and continuous improvement.
Desert Financial Credit Union Legal Department
The legal team at Desert Financial Credit Union serves as a trusted strategic partner, providing counsel across governance, regulatory compliance, risk management and business operations. With a strong member-first mindset, the team supports innovation, safeguards the organization’s integrity and helps ensure Desert Financial continues to deliver trusted financial solutions and lasting community impact across Arizona.
Dutch Bros Legal Department
The legal team at Dutch Bros supports the brand’s rapid growth by providing strategic, business-focused counsel across compliance, transactions, risk management and operations. Known for its collaborative culture and agile approach, the team enables innovation while protecting the company’s values and mission of, “Making a massive difference one cup at a time.”
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation/APS Law Department
The Pinnacle West/APS Law Department delivers proactive, high-quality legal counsel that supports APS’ mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy. With a client-centered, solution-oriented approach, the team partners closely with the business to manage risk and drive practical outcomes. Fully embedded in the organization, they combine sound legal judgment, operational insight and integrity to advance a shared vision for success.
Plexus Worldwide Legal Department
The Plexus Legal Team is a high-performing, business-minded force known for turning complexity into opportunity. With seamless collaboration across disciplines and regions, the team delivers decisive, practical guidance that protects the company while accelerating growth in highly regulated global markets. Trusted by leadership for its judgment, agility, and shared accountability, the team anticipates risk, drives solutions, and consistently raises the bar and sets the standard for what today’s legal team looks like.
Western Alliance Bank legal team
Nimble, resourceful and highly effective, the Western Alliance legal team is a key contributor to Western Alliance Bancorporation, which consistently ranks among the country’s top-performing banking companies since 2016. Western Alliance Bank is the largest bank headquartered in Arizona and the primary subsidiary of $90 billion Western Alliance Bancorporation.
