It was actually soccer that led Madison Burr — one of Az Business magazine’s 50 Emerging Leaders in Law for 2026 — to a legal career.
“I was inspired to pursue a career in law upon my realization that my closest mentors — at that time, a handful of athletic directors at Arizona State University — all held JDs and had successful careers as lawyers prior to working for Sun Devil Athletics,” says Burr, an associate at Dorsey & Whitney who was also a Pac-12 All-Academic First Team soccer player for ASU.
READ MORE: The Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona for 2026
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“As a young student-athlete, I so admired my mentors’ intelligence, leadership and interpersonal skills, much of which they credit to attending law school and pursuing a career in law prior to their endeavors in collegiate athletics,” Burr says. “No matter what career I chose post-law school, they said, graduating with a JD would be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life and would propel me towards success in any professional field. I now want to inspire and instill those aspirations in the next generation of young lawyers.”
So far, Burr is winning her case for inspiring the next generation of attorneys. Burr is one of 50 Emerging Leaders in Law for 2026, selected by Az Business magazine’s editorial board in consultation with industry experts.
Recognizing emerging leaders in Arizona’s legal industry is essential for fostering innovation, advancing diversity and ensuring the profession’s future success. It highlights rising talent, encourages mentorship and celebrates individuals shaping Arizona’s legal landscape with fresh perspectives, strong ethics, and a commitment to justice and community impact. And, no doubt, these emerging leaders will reshape the legal industry as we know it.
“The legal profession is currently undergoing rapid and profound changes,” says Phillip London of Osborn Maledon, another of the 50 Emerging Leaders in Law for 2026. “Artificial intelligence is inevitable. It is going to reshape virtually every aspect of the practice of law. Don’t be a luddite. Accept the fact that this seismic shift is occurring and become an early adopter. The young lawyers who master these new AI tools and incorporate them into their practice will prove invaluable over the long term.”
50 emerging leaders in Arizona law for 2026
Meet the 50 Emerging Leaders in Law for 2026 below:
• Elise Adams, Tiffany & Bosco
Practice areas: Real estate, creditor rights, foreclosure law
• Nicholas Bauman, Womble Bond Dickinson
Practice areas: Intellectual property, patent prosecution, biotechnology, life sciences
• Kylie Bigelow, Modern Law
Practice areas: Family law, divorce, custody, spousal maintenance
• Michael F. Bosco Jr., Tiffany & Bosco
Practice areas: Trustee sales, foreclosure law, creditor rights, bankruptcy
• Nicholas J. Brown, The Cavanagh Law Firm
Practice areas: Family law and appellate law
• Samantha Brown, State 48 Law
Practice areas: Family law, divorce, custody, child support
Jenna Brownlee, attorney, Cohen Dowd Quigley
Background: Brownlee joined Cohen Dowd Quigley PC in 2017, after obtaining her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Brownlee represents clients from the public to private sector in complex commercial litigation and appeals. Brownlee’s cases have involved a wide spectrum of issues, ranging from breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, defamation, fraud, professional negligence, conspiracy, the Arizona Public Records Act, Section 1983 and Title IX. She has litigated cases through all stages of trial.
Professional advice: “Two things have helped me immensely in this profession and I would encourage all new lawyers to consider. First, I would encourage every new lawyer to advocate for themselves because no one is going to do it for you. Second, I would encourage every new lawyer to find a good mentor. Mentorship is so important in this profession and goes a long way in career advancement.”
Learn more: cdqlaw.com/jenna-brownlee/
• Parker Bunch, The Cavanagh Law Firm
Practice areas: Commercial litigation and insurance coverage/bad faith litigation
Madison Burr, associate, Dorsey & Whitney
Background: Burr is a commercial litigator who has represented a diverse clientele in federal and state court proceedings across a wide range of industries including real estate, finance, banking, construction, employment, trusts and estates, and more. She also has experience leading successful post-judgment enforcement and collection actions for clients. Named a Super Lawyers Southwest Rising Star honoree for 2024–2026, Burr also devotes substantial time to pro bono activities, including representing plaintiffs in wrongful conviction matters. Burr was a founding member of Dorsey & Whitney LLP’s Phoenix office, which opened in February 2022.
Attraction to law: “I would be remiss not to mention Elle Woods — her inspiration for an entire generation of young women needs no explanation.”
Learn more: dorsey.com/people/b/burr-madison
• Rebekah Burz, Cantor Law Group
Practice areas: Family law
• Ashley Caballero-Daltrey, Jones Skelton & Hochuli
Practice areas: Federal and state appellate matters
• Brianna Campbell, Rose Law Group
Practice areas: Litigation, insurance defense, real estate litigation, alternative dispute resolution, professional malpractice defense, commercial litigation
• Brandon Caywood, Nixon Peabody
Practice areas: Public finance tax
Shannon Cohan, director, Fennemore
Practice area: Business litigation
Background: Cohan is a business litigation attorney who guides clients through every stage of the litigation process — whether they are bringing a claim or defending against one. She represents clients across a broad range of industries, from individuals and sole proprietorships to Fortune 500 companies. She approaches each matter with a practical focus on problem-solving and achieving her client’s goals. She works to identify cost-effective and efficient solutions, whether that is through negotiation, mediation or litigation. If a negotiated solution is not possible, Cohan has substantial trial experience and a track record of winning even the most challenging cases.
Attraction to law: “I was first inspired to pursue a career in law in the third grade when I played Goldilocks in a mock trial and realized I wanted to be an active participant. That early spark grew into a passion for advocacy and problem-solving. Over the years, my motivation has evolved from a fascination with courtroom work to a deeper commitment to helping clients navigate challenges practically and efficiently. Today, I’m driven by the opportunity to protect my clients’ interests, provide honest guidance and achieve resolutions that support their long-term success.”
Learn more: fennemorelaw.com
• Mea Donnelly, Ogletree Deakins
Practice areas: Employment litigation
• Kacie Donovan, Greenberg Traurig
Practice areas: Complex commercial litigation
• Aaron Duell, Burch & Cracchiolo
Practice areas: Employment law/litigation and commercial litigation
Ali Elliott McNeill, senior counsel, Quarles
Practice areas: Complex commercial real estate transactions
Background: Elliott McNeill advises clients on all aspects of complex commercial real estate transactions, including sales and acquisitions, portfolio sales, financings, construction and commercial leasing.
Learn more: quarles.com/people/ali-elliott-mcneill
• Lucas P. Frei, Phillips Law Group
Practice areas: Tax controversy and litigation, tax planning, estate planning
• Candace D. French, Sacks Tierney
Practice areas: Native American law
• Tyler Godbehere, Taft
Practice areas: Public finance and real estate
Chelsea L. Gulinson, senior associate, Milligan Lawless
Practice areas: Commercial litigation, healthcare, employment and construction matters
Background: Gulinson brings practical judgment, clear communication and efficient case management to every matter, working to align litigation strategy with the client’s business objectives. In commercial disputes, Gulinson represents business organizations and members in cases involving contract breaches, business torts and fraud, litigating effectively in court, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Much of Gulinson’s work centers on the healthcare industry. Gulinson represents healthcare organizations, physicians and providers in a wide range of matters, including healthcare fraud and abuse, compliance and regulatory investigations at the state and federal level, licensing, HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 compliance, and related litigation in state, federal and administrative proceedings.
Learn more: milliganlawless.com/
• Kevin Hawkes, IPTechLaw
Practice areas: Patent attorney, intellectual property
• Michelle Hogan, Jaburg Wilk
Practice areas: Complex commercial litigation, white collar defense and privacy matters
• Amber D. Hughes, Dickinson Wright
Practice areas: Estate planning and probate and trust administration
• Samantha Jones Burke, Perkins Coie
Practice areas: Business litigation
Rory Juneman, partner and owner, Lazarus & Silvyn, P.C.
Practice areas: Real estate, zoning and land use
Background: As a partner and owner at Lazarus & Silvyn, P.C., Juneman brings extensive experience in the practice areas of real estate, zoning and land use planning, including a specialization in sustainable development. He has represented clients in land use entitlement processes and hearings, negotiations with local jurisdictions, agencies and neighborhoods, and before boards of adjustment, planning commissions and design review committees. He also has worked with local jurisdictions to draft zoning ordinances and planned area developments.
Professional accomplishments: Juneman is a graduate of Baylor University and a graduate cum laude from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. He serves as the board chair of the Law College Association at the James E. Rogers College of Law and a board member of the Metropolitan Pima Alliance.
Contact: RJuneman@LSLawAZ.com or 520-207-4464
• Alex Karam, Glide Legal
Practice areas: Legal counsel to entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes
• Kelsi T. Lane, Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold
Practice areas: Probate administration, trust administration and estate planning
Phillip Londen, attorney, Osborn Maledon
Practice areas: Londen’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, including water rights, Indian law, intellectual property litigation and condemnation law.
Background: Londen is a trial attorney. To date, he has more than 100 days of first and second chair trial experience. After graduating from ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 2015, he clerked for the Hon. David G. Campbell for the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and the Hon. Andrew D. Hurwitz for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Attraction to law: “I was drawn to law school by the promise of an intellectually challenging and stimulating career. Now, I am motivated by a desire to help my clients achieve their goals.”
Learn more: omlaw.com
• Cheyenne Alexis McLain, Galbut Beabeau
Practice areas: Intellectual property and business litigation matters
• Lily M. McNulty, Greenberg Traurig
Practice areas: Employment law and labor relations
• Katelyn Morgan, The Valley Law Group
Practice areas: Family law
• Sarah A. Noe, Ballard Spahr
Practice areas: Environmental law, land use permitting, and regulatory/zoning compliance
• Sean Quinn, Husch Blackwell
Practice areas: Healthcare
• Sarah Randolph, Blake & Pulsifer
Practice areas: Estate planning, probate and trust administration
• Dana R. Roberts, Knapp & Roberts
Practice areas: Personal injury
• John A. Salvatore, Gottlieb Law
Practice areas: Complex real property disputes, litigation, business law
Dominick San Angelo, shareholder, Gallagher & Kennedy
Background: San Angelo focuses his practice in the areas of business law and transactions. Within those areas, his practice is industry-agnostic and focused primarily on mergers and acquisitions, securities, corporate governance, franchise matters and finance. He routinely serves as outside general counsel to his business clients, assisting them with matters ranging from entity structuring and commercial transactions to resolving disputes.
Attraction to law: “My mother is a judge in Pima County, currently serving in Juvenile Court. I watched her spend her career as an attorney working as a tireless advocate for child welfare. Seeing how she was able to make such a tremendous impact on the lives of children and families in Arizona through her legal capabilities inspired me to follow suit and become an attorney to try to make a similar impact. While my practice area is quite different, in the end the goal is the same: helping people solve problems and obtain good outcomes through the practice of law.”
Professional advice: “Treat people well and be someone people want to interact with. Being a ‘zealous advocate’ is not incompatible with being reasonable and pleasant.”
Learn more: gknet.com/attorneys/dominicksanangelo/
• Kaitlin Secker, Slattery Petersen
Practice areas: Healthcare, product liability and personal injury defense
• Salim Adel Shelf, Becker & House
Practice areas: Estate and trust litigation
David Sieck, associate, Fennemore
Practice areas: Labor and employment
Background: Sieck is a member of Fennemore’s Labor & Employment and Employee Benefits/ERISA practice groups. He regularly advises employers on a wide range of workplace matters, including discrimination, retaliation, and wage and hour compliance. Sieck also counsels plan sponsors and fiduciaries on plan governance and administration under ERISA and guides employers through plan corrections, government audits and complex compliance issues. He is experienced with all types of benefit plans.
Attraction to law: “My interest in the law began with my family’s small business and the legal hurdles they regularly encountered. I saw early on how much of a difference knowledgeable, steady guidance could make — not just in resolving issues, but in helping a business stay confident and resilient.”
Learn more: fennemorelaw.com
• Kyle Stephenson, Cantor Law Group
Practice areas: Family, civil litigation, wills and child welfare
• Shayna Stuart, Taft
Practice areas: Commercial litigation, internal investigations
• Mickell Summerhays, Gammage & Burnham
Practice areas: Construction law, contract disputes and commercial litigation
Hannah Torres, partner, Dorsey & Whitney
Background: Torres represents U.S. lenders in all aspects of negotiating and documenting financing transactions of all types and sizes, including single-bank and syndicated commercial loans, real estate loans, asset-based financings, and loans secured by multiple properties and collateral in different states.
Source of pride: “The professional accomplishment that gives me the most pride is the finance team that we’ve brought together in the Phoenix office. Our group has a foundation of trust, accountability and flexibility at all levels — from our staff to our senior partners — that makes working together truly enjoyable, and ultimately benefits our clients when we can all work together and contribute in unique ways to get the deal done in an efficient and business-smart manner.”
Learn more: dorsey.com/people/t/torres-hannah
• Katelyn E. Towe, Burch & Cracchiolo
Practice areas: Construction defect litigation and defense
• Robert M. Warzel, Spencer Fane
Practice areas: Human resources counseling, employment litigation and traditional labor law
• Karen Wohlgemuth, Spencer Fane
Practice areas: Domestic relations
• Scott Woody, Spencer Fane
Practice areas: Tax planning at the state and local levels
