Honoring and recognizing legal professionals—both private practice lawyers and in-house attorneys—for excellence in law is essential in highlighting their invaluable contributions to justice, business and society. These professionals play a crucial role in upholding the law, ensuring fairness and navigating complex legal landscapes that impact individuals, businesses and communities. Their expertise, ethical dedication and problem-solving abilities deserve acknowledgment. 

Az Business, in partnership with the State Bar of Arizona and the Arizona Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel, will host the 2025 Excellence in Law Awards (formerly the ACC Awards) to recognize the important and vital role that in-house counsel and Arizona’s legal sector plays in the success of Arizona’s economy. Cresa and Ogletree Deakins are the title sponsors for the 2025 Excellence in Law Awards, which will spotlight the most innovative and influential legal minds in Arizona.

The 2025 Excellence in Law Awards will take place Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. For more information, click here.

In-house attorneys of the year finalists

Here are the finalists for in-house attorneys of the year. Winners will be announced at the 2025 Excellence in Law Awards:

Naomi Bentley

Senior legal counsel // FlexiVan Leasing 

Source of pride: “I served as lead counsel in an action that we litigated from an administrative enforcement case up to the Arizona Supreme Court, which agreed the agency held authority to protect public health and safety by assuming control of a public utility company. This case had the immediate effect of protecting 40,000 people across Maricopa and Pinal Counties and enshrined an essential remedy for the agency to protect the public in future cases.”

Nathaniel Berwind

Associate general counsel // General Dynamics Mission Systems 

Background: Berwind acts as principal counsel for the company’s cybersecurity, data privacy and real estate functional areas. He also provides counsel on GDMS’ commercial matters, including the company’s Supply Chain and U.S. Government subcontract agreements. Berwind provides comprehensive legal and business advice on a full-range of company issues, including U.S. government, commercial, and international contracts; litigation; mergers and acquisitions; and ethics and compliance matters. He is admitted to practice in Washington and registered as in-house counsel in Arizona.

Jeanie Branham

Vice president // Marc & Rose Hospitality

Background: With nearly 30 years of hospitality experience, Branham has advised both Fortune 500 companies and family held businesses in areas such as commercial transactions, complex acquisitions, marketing, brand and reputational management, and day-to-day operations. She is passionate about developing rapport with clients and colleagues to build trust and develop creative solutions to achieve business goals while managing legal risks. In her free time, Branham is active in local philanthropic organizations such as HEAL House, Maggie’s Place and National Charity League.

Malissia Clinton

Executive vice president, general counsel and secretary // Meritage Homes

Background: Clinton joined Meritage after 12 years at The Aerospace Corporation, where she served as the senior vice president, general counsel and secretary. Previously, she was the senior counsel for special projects at Northrop Grumman. Following law school, Clinton worked as a litigator at the law firm Tuttle and Taylor. She serves as a board director of 3D Systems Corporation and its Compliance Committee chair, as well as a board director of Pacaso. Additionally, she is a board director of the ASU Foundation and previously was the former chair of the Aerospace Diversity Action Committee.

Sam Cowley

Senior vice president and general counsel // Insight Enterprises 

Background: Cowley joined Insight as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary in 2016. He has extensive experience working in executive management with a variety of legal issues over his 30-plus-year career, including mergers and acquisitions, SEC and other governmental regulatory matters, contract negotiation, litigation and advising boards of directors. He strives to create a culture of trust and teamwork across his department, leading his team through his core values of commitment, respect, integrity and fairness.

Ennis Dale

Senior vice president // Grossman Company Properties  

Source of pride: “In 1973, a partner at Streich Lang asked if I would collaborate with Chuck Carlise and Sam Grossman to refinance Christown Shopping Center. We successfully completed the project and I had the opportunity to meet Sam Grossman. Following that project … he invited me to return to Phoenix in 1995 as his general counsel, which I gladly accepted. Over the past 30 years, representing Grossman Company Properties has been a source of immense personal pride and satisfaction.”

Jason Dymbort 

Executive vice president, general counsel and secretary // First Solar 

Background: Dymbort oversees the company’s legal department worldwide. This includes oversight of First Solar’s transactional, trade, intellectual property, compliance and corporate governance functions. 

Source of pride: “I am most proud that my legal and government affairs-related contributions help advance First Solar’s efforts to deploy solar technology made in America, by American factory workers, which enables an estimated 30,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs across the country, revitalizes communities, and strengthens our country’s energy security.”

Stanley Foreman

Assistant vice president of HR and employment law // Discount Tire

Background: Foreman’s responsibilities include overseeing human resources, payroll and legal compliance at both the corporate office and across Discount Tire’s 1,200 stores nationwide.

Source of pride: “One of my proudest professional accomplishments is promoting three individuals to various levels of management, helping them achieve their career goals. Seeing their growth and success reinforces my commitment to our company’s mission — ‘Make more dreams come true.’ Supporting employees’ aspirations and advancing their careers brings me immense fulfillment and pride.”

Soraya Ghebleh Keskey

Regulatory counsel // hims & hers 

Background: Keskey is regulatory counsel for hims & hers, a health and wellness platform.

Source of pride: “Becoming a trusted legal advisor and cross-functional partner to the different business teams I support across the hims & hers ecosystem has been a tremendous source of professional pride. In addition, developing strong relationships with other members of our growing legal team and working together to meet the challenges of being a disruptor in the healthcare industry has been extremely rewarding — and fun.”

Jim Glew

Senior associate general counsel // Cavco Industries  

Background: Glew is an in-house corporate attorney with a background in business administration. Following his time in private law practice in Ohio, Glew transitioned to an in-house legal role at Cavco Industries in Phoenix. Glew oversees a variety of functions including litigation, contracts, and intellectual property.

Source of pride: “I am most proud of my contributions and participation in Cavco’s strategic growth from a small regional homebuilder to a national company focused on tackling the affordable housing crisis in America.”

Amy Heiserman

Senior counsel // Nautilus Insurance Company   

Background: Heiserman’s experience in the insurance industry began by handling regulatory matters for large national and international insurance companies. She then transitioned to litigation, running point on civil matters and gaining invaluable experience as a fierce litigator.

Source of pride: “I am most proud of helping to create the summer associate program at the Phoenix office of Lewis Brisbois. I enjoy knowing that I played some small part in preparing talented members of the next generation of Phoenix lawyers.”

Leslie Hess

Senior vice president, general counsel and chief compliance/risk management officer // Delta Dental of Arizona

Background: Among Hess’ greatest impacts to date have been her introduction of deeper focus on employee HIPAA trainings and the protection of member Protected Health Information (PHI) throughout the company. Upon her arrival at DDAZ, Hess performed a series of phishing exercises and an annual webinar as well as added an in-person mandatory annual HIPAA training customized to each department, which she personally conducted.

Melissa Ho

Associate director-regulatory counsel and government partnerships // Microchip Technology  

Source of pride: “I take pride in seeing the accomplishments of my colleagues and past mentees. I am at the stage in my career where professionals I met early in their career have now made partners, become judges, and established their own firms. There is no better feeling than hearing that a coffee session we had together, a difficult client scenario, or a project we worked on made an impression. It is my privilege to be able to ‘bring others up’ with me in this profession.”

Liz Kinney

Associate region counsel – Southwest Pacific // D.R Horton 

Source of pride: “I have been extremely privileged to work with and for some of the best and brightest business and legal folks during my career, helping to build lasting legacies in the real estate and finance world. Tangible examples dot the Phoenix landscape, as well as the rest of the country, and I feel proud each time I pass a project to which I have contributed my time and energy.”

Cecil A. Lynn III

Senior director, assistant general counsel // PayPal  

Background: Over his many years of legal service, Lynn has worn many legal hats. For the past 11 years, he has served as assistant general counsel and global head of eDiscovery and technology for PayPal, Inc. Lynn manages a team that owns the global litigation discovery landscape. Lynn’s persistence and research ultimately led him to co-author the “Discovery Book” and become a prolific writer on the subjects of discovery, privacy, information governance, and data security with more than 40 articles in print.

Ryan Mangum

U.S. employment counsel // Intel   

Background: Mangum serves as U.S. employment litigation counsel at Intel in Chandler. He earned his law degree from Boston University School of Law in 2014 and is admitted to practice in New York and Arizona. Before joining Intel, Mangum was an associate at Ogletree Deakins, focusing on employment law and litigation. In 2015, he was named Legal Rookie of the Year in recognition of the outstanding performance during one’s first year of practice of law at the New York City Law Department.

Max McCauley

General counsel // Harkins  

Background: McCauley oversees all company legal matters, including contracts and compliance, litigation, labor and employment and real estate. Before joining Harkins, he graduated from Harvard Law School and practiced law in private practice.  

Source of pride: “Helping Harkins respond to the COVID pandemic by navigating the novel legal and risk landscape imposed on all aspects of our business. It was the most rewarding experience of my career because I had the chance to work with an incredible cross-departmental team to assess and overcome unprecedented challenges.”

Nicole Ong Colyer

Corporate counsel // The Wolff Company

Background: Colyer is responsible for all legal matters, including real estate and corporate issues. She previously served as deputy general counsel for Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and general counsel for the Arizona Department of Administration. Colyer’s legal career includes handling real estate transactions at ASU, Snell & Wilmer, and DLA Piper. She has been recognized by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Stars. She served as president of the Arizona Asian American Bar Association.

Paige Pataky

Senior counsel, employment and litigation // Valleywise Health  

Source of pride: “Serving the underserved at Valleywise Health is the largest source of pride in my professional career to date. Valleywise Health has a proud history as the public teaching hospital and safety net system of healthcare for Maricopa County, and it’s my job as part of the legal team to mitigate risk to the organization to ensure that we can continue providing exceptional care to our patients, many of whom would have nowhere else to go for care.”

Ryan Pierce 

Vice president and general counsel // SWCA Environmental Consultants  

Background: A 2007 graduate of Georgetown Law, Pierce worked at a firm practicing in the areas of commercial litigation and labor and employment before transitioning in-house in 2013. 

Source of pride: “I am very proud of the work I did helping guide my previous company through the COVID-19 pandemic. I worked closely with safety, HR and finance, in additional to my legal responsibilities, as we made it through safely and poised for substantial growth over the next few years.”

Patrick Ruttinger

Assistant general counsel // U-Haul   

Background: Ruttinger supports a workforce of 35,000 located in all 50 states and Canada with labor and employment law, commercial litigation and general corporate services. He partners with C-suite and all levels of the business to provide legal results that help U-Haul mitigate risk and operate efficiently. Ruttinger is a licensed member of the bars in Arizona and Florida.

Lindsay Schafer

Senior counsel, labor and employment // Axon  

Background: Schafer has experience at both public companies and nonprofit companies, leading and growing labor and employment practices in both environments. She currently leads a global labor and employment function at Axon, a company generating better returns than the broader market each of the past three years. Schafer is a strong leader with extensive experience in her specialty and a strong problem solver with excellent knowledge of the business.

John Shorb

Associate general counsel // Nextiva 

Background: Shorb provides guidance on a breadth of legal issues including contracts, litigation, employment, data privacy and regulatory compliance. 

Source of pride: “I am most proud of the role I played in Nextiva’s acquisition of Thrio, a leading contact center software company. Beyond handling legal aspects, I contributed to integrating the software into Nextiva’s offerings, ensuring the acquisition’s success and aligning with the company’s vision for expanding its product suite.”

Kyle Siegal 

Executive director and chief patent counsel // Skysong Innovations  

Source of pride: “Although I’m regularly immersed in cutting-edge technologies that have the power to improve lives, I owe my greatest professional joy to the people around me. I have had the privilege of coaching many individuals who are passionate about the complex, fast-paced work we do but needed help launching their careers. Witnessing them overcome obstacles, grow, and reach new heights has been my most meaningful and lasting professional accomplishment.”

Kylie TenBrook

Associate general counsel in the employment practice group // Arizona State University   

Background: Prior to joining the Office of General Counsel, TenBrook spent 12 years in private practice, where she represented and advised employers, including public employers, with respect to labor and employment issues. TenBrook also served as corporate counsel for Best Western and provided legal and business advice to the board of directors and the company’s business units.

Mackenzie Woods

General counsel // ASU Enterprise Partners   

Background: Woods serves as general counsel for ASU Enterprise Partners and its affiliates, including the ASU Foundation and University Realty. He has dedicated his career to educational institutions and nonprofits, previously practicing in the education group at Osborn Maledon and serving as deputy general counsel at BASIS.ed. Woods earned his law degree from ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Legal department of the year finalists

Here are the finalists for in-house legal department of the year. Winners will be announced at the 2025 Excellence in Law Awards:

First Solar legal team

The First Solar legal team’s strength is in the department culture, which has three pillars. Ownership, meaning they hold themselves accountable to helping advance First Solar’s vision of leading the world’s sustainable energy future. Collaboration, meaning they use their individual talents to contribute to the department’s effectiveness and help each other succeed. Reality-based, meaning the team has the courage to accept facts and constraints as they are and embrace demanding circumstances as an opportunity for both company and individual growth. The team has developed a department of trusted legal and compliance professionals, and a deep record of effective contributions to the company.

Freeport-McMoRan

Freeport-McMoRan is a leader in the metals industry, and its legal team plays a pivotal role in supporting the company’s operations across multiple jurisdictions. By providing strategic counsel on complex issues such as environmental sustainability, corporate governance, and risk management, the legal department ensures FCX remains compliant while advancing its core values of integrity, safety, and sustainability. The team’s innovative approach to legal challenges and its commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment have been key to FCX’s ongoing success. Beyond its role in the mining industry, FCX is an also active supporter of organizations that help people thrive.

FlexiVan Leasing Legal Department

The FlexiVan Leasing Legal Department excels in compliance, audit management, and contract negotiation, ensuring legal oversight and risk mitigation for a fleet of more than 130,000 marine and intermodal chassis. With a solution-oriented approach, the FlexiVan Legal department navigates complex maritime, transportation and logistics regulatory landscapes, including participating as amicus curiae in high-profile litigation at the Federal Maritime Commission. FlexiVan’s attorneys work to drive practical, business-focused outcomes for their more than 200 employees, including the implementation of a company-wide audit program in 2024 and workplace violence prevention and antitrust compliance trainings. The two-person legal team fosters a welcoming culture of respect at FlexiVan’s Scottsdale headquarters.

Insight Enterprises legal team 

As a company, Insight is committed to acting with integrity, promoting sustainability and fostering inclusivity. Their legal department reflects those same commitments. The worldwide legal team of over 40 attorneys and other professional support staff located throughout the world is led by Sam Cowley. Aside from handling many of the critical behind-the-scenes tasks for its business, including compliance, contracting, labor and employment, litigation, mergers, acquisitions and other collaborations, shareholder relations, SEC reporting, insurance and finance, the Insight legal department works to foster a culture of trust and teamwork within the department and use the core values of commitment, respect, integrity and fairness to lead their efforts.

Luke Air Force Base 56th Fighter Wing Legal Office

The Luke Air Force Base 56th Fighter Wing Legal Office provides the full spectrum of legal services for the Department of the Air Force’s largest fighter wing in support of its mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready airmen. Serving a base population of 5,600 active duty and civilian personnel with a legal team comprised of over 25 active duty JAGs, paralegals, civilians and reservists, the office advises the Brigadier General Wing Commander & Convening Authority and 27 subordinate commanders on stewardship of the 1.7-million-acre Barry M. Goldwater Training Range, relations with 6 partner nations, and cooperation with 32 civilian law enforcement agencies.

Phoenix Children’s Office of General Counsel

The OGC was created in 2007 when Carmen Neuberger was recruited to build the team. Responsible for legal guidance across the enterprise, developing hospital-wide policies and procedures, providing strategic counsel on business and clinical initiatives, and managing complex contractual relationships and affiliations, risk management, compliance and privacy, government relations, quality management, and security, the OGC is critical for the advancement one of the nation’s largest pediatric healthcare systems. The office of attorneys, paralegals, compliance experts, risk managers, quality and regulatory consultants and government relations professionals is a collaborative thought partner for the clinical and operational teams focused on advancing Phoenix Children’s mission.

Plexus Worldwide legal team

The legal team for Plexus Worldwide has been nothing short of transformative, playing a crucial role in shaping the company’s legal operations. With unwavering dedication, they’ve revolutionized contract and legal inquiry management, ensuring flawless quality assurance every step of the way. Their strategic insight has been a driving force in advancing public policy and self-regulatory standards within the direct selling industry. The team’s commitment to upholding integrity shines through in its relentless focus on ethics, compliance, and consumer protection. Their forward-thinking approach has cemented Plexus as a trailblazer in the digital age, setting a gold standard for legal excellence and corporate governance. 

Universal Technical Institute Legal Department 

The Universal Technical Institute Legal Department is an agile and business oriented multi-disciplinary team with expertise across critical areas of law that impact the higher education industry, including M&A, regulatory, employment and contract law. Since 2020, this team has helped navigate Universal Technical Institute through dramatic organic growth, innovation in educational delivery and inorganic expansion. During that time, the legal team successfully completed the acquisitions of two other institutions, the Michigan Institute of Aviation Technology and Concorde Career Colleges, which have catapulted Universal Technical Institute to new levels of delivering student success. The team has accomplished this while also elevating standards of excellence in all functional areas it represents resulting in delivery of a first-class workforce solution platform to almost 30,000 students on 32 campuses, across 14 states.

Western Alliance Bank

Western Alliance Bancorporation is one of the country’s top-performing banking companies. Its main subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, is the 20th-largest bank in the U.S., the largest bank in Arizona and has more than $80 billion in assets. Western Alliance Bank provides a wide variety of commercial banking solutions and consumer products. Western Alliance has received significant recognition, including being ranked as a top U.S. bank in 2024 by American Banker and Bank Director. Western Alliance Bank serves clients across the U.S. in many key markets.

Lawyer of the year finalists

Here are the finalists for Arizona lawyer of the year. The winner will be announced at the 2025 Excellence in Law Awards:

Susanne Ingold

President // Burch & Cracchiolo

Background: Ingold’s practice specializes in all aspects of employment law and litigation. She is a seasoned trial lawyer and has tried cases in State and Federal Court. She has argued cases before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the Arizona Court of Appeals. Ingold became the first woman to be elected president of Burch & Cracchiolo in 2024.

Jason B. Morris

Partner // Withey Morris Baugh

Background: Throughout his career, Morris’ practice has been exclusively in land use, planning, zoning and administrative law. In addition, he is a frequent guest lecturer and expert participating in industry roundtables, media appearances and academic panels. His expertise has been critical to state legislative efforts surrounding land use over the past two decades and his cases include many of the area’s most notable developments.

Larry Lazarus 

Partner // Lazarus & Silvyn

Background: In 1979, Lazarus — a successful land use attorney — was chairman of the Urban Form Directions for the City of Phoenix and was significantly responsible for establishing the Village Concept Plan, the most comprehensive set of land use policies of its kind in the state at that time and even today. He continues to be a driving force in appropriate, well-planned development.

Kristen Rosati

Partner // Coppersmith Brockelman 

Background: Rosati is considered one of the nation’s leading “Big Data” and HIPAA compliance attorneys. She also has deep experience in data governance and strategy, data sharing for research and innovation, data breaches, state consumer data privacy, biobanking and genomic privacy and clinical research. Rosati is a sought-after national speaker on these issues and has been active in national healthcare policy.

Christine Whalin

Partner and managing criminal defense attorney // DM Cantor

Background: A Phoenix native, Whalin is a trial lawyer who has been practicing criminal defense for over 18 years. She is one of only 12 female criminal defense attorneys in the state of Arizona who are Board-Certified Specialists in Criminal Law. Whalin focuses on representing individuals in all types of criminal cases, ranging from state and federal felony and misdemeanor matters.

Emerging law industry leader of the year

Here are the finalists for emerging law industry leader of the year. The winner will be announced at the 2025 Excellence in Law Awards:

Brandon Bodea

Managing partner // Medalist Legal

Background: Bodea’s real estate practice is all-encompassing and includes both litigation and transactional real estate matters. On the litigation side, Bodea has successfully handled many real estate disputes for real estate agents and brokers, insurance brokers, appraisers and other professionals through all stages of litigation. Bodea’s practice includes HOA disputes, commercial disputes, landlord-tenant litigation, partition actions, easement and construction-defect disputes. 

Benjamin Nielsen 

Partner // Quarles

Background: Nielsen is an experienced litigator, trial lawyer and appellate advocate representing clients in complex commercial and civil matters and appeals in Arizona and nationwide. He has successfully represented individuals and businesses in litigation matters across a variety of industries. The time Nielsen spent in-house working for a large public university helps him better understand, represent and efficiently resolve problems for institutional clients.

Hannah Porter

Shareholder // Gallagher & Kennedy

Background: Porter focuses her practice primarily in civil litigation, representing clients in a wide variety of disputes, including breach of contract, fraud, trade secrets, business ownership disputes, class actions, and bid protests for government contracts. She has handled matters at all stages of litigation, including through trial and appeal, in both state and federal courts. Porter also serves as chair of the firm’s Professional Women’s Group, and made firm history when she was elected to partnership at the age of 31.

Melissa Shingles

Shareholder // Littler

Background: Shingles represents management in traditional labor law matters, as well as in all aspects and stages of employment litigation, arbitration and mediation. Her work includes defending against claims involving Title VII, the National Labor Relations Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act. Shingles co-authored the Judicial Review of Enforcement Proceedings chapter in the fifth edition of Occupational Safety and Health Law.

Ashley Zimmerman Marsh

Member // Gammage & Burnham

Background: An Arizona native, Marsh concentrates her practice in land use and zoning. She represents a wide range of property owners, developers and homebuilders throughout the Valley in each step of the zoning and land use entitlement process, including due diligence, rezoning, plan amendments, variances, use permits, development agreements, site planning, platting and post-entitlement development issues such as permitting.

Small law firm of the year finalists

Here are the finalists for small Arizona law firm of the year of the year. The winner will be announced at the 2025 Excellence in Law Awards:

Aprio Legal

Aprio Legal (formerly Radix Law) stands out in Arizona for its modern, business-focused approach, providing innovative legal solutions in business law, real estate, estate planning, and litigation. With a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to personalized service, strategic guidance, and practical solutions, Aprio Legal delivers big-firm expertise with the accessibility and flexibility of a boutique firm.

Cohen Dowd Quigley

Cohen Dowd Quigley stands out in Arizona for its elite litigation practice, representing businesses and individuals in high-stakes commercial disputes. Known for its strategic approach, meticulous case preparation, and client-focused service, the firm delivers exceptional legal solutions with a track record of success, making it a premier choice for complex litigation matters.

Guidant Law

Guidant Law sets itself apart in Arizona with its client-focused approach, business-minded legal strategies, and expertise in litigation, bankruptcy, and business law. The firm emphasizes practical solutions, personalized service, and innovative problem-solving, ensuring clients receive top-tier representation while navigating complex legal challenges with confidence and clarity.

Sender Law

Sender Law in Tempe is unique for its personalized approach to complex commercial litigation, real estate, and construction law. The firm’s focus on providing strategic, practical solutions in high-stakes matters, combined with its deep industry expertise, makes it a trusted partner for businesses seeking effective legal representation and results-driven counsel in Arizona.

Weiss Brown

Weiss Brown stands out in Arizona for its expertise in complex commercial litigation, real estate, and business law. Known for its client-focused approach, the firm delivers tailored, strategic legal solutions with a focus on achieving results. Its collaborative, hands-on team and deep local knowledge set Weiss Brown apart in the competitive legal landscape.

Medium law firm of the year finalists

Here are the finalists for medium Arizona law firm of the year. The winner will be announced at the 2025 Excellence in Law Awards:

Buchalter

Buchalter stands out in Arizona for its business-focused legal expertise, innovative problem-solving, and deep industry knowledge. With a client-centric approach, the firm excels in corporate law, real estate, litigation, and financial services. Its commitment to diversity, forward-thinking strategies, and exceptional client service make it a premier choice for businesses seeking top-tier legal representation.

Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold

Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold distinguishes itself in Arizona through its nationally recognized expertise in trusts and estates, tax controversy, and closely held companies law. The firm has earned Metropolitan Tier 1 (Phoenix) status in these areas, reflecting its commitment to excellence and client-focused service.

Gust Rosenfeld

Gust Rosenfeld stands out in Arizona with its century-long legacy of excellence, deep local expertise, and client-focused approach. Specializing in public law, real estate, business, and litigation, the firm combines innovative legal strategies with a commitment to integrity and community service, making it a trusted partner for businesses, municipalities, and individuals statewide.

Sacks Tierney

Sacks Tierney sets itself apart in Arizona with its personalized client service, deep local roots, and expertise in business law, estate planning, litigation, and Native American law. As a mid-sized firm, it offers big-firm capabilities with a boutique approach, ensuring tailored legal solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to integrity, innovation, and community involvement.

The Cavanagh Law Firm

The Cavanagh Law Firm stands out in Arizona with its deep litigation expertise, strong insurance defense practice, and commitment to client success. Known for its seasoned attorneys, strategic legal solutions, and personalized service, the firm provides top-tier representation across business law, family law, and civil litigation while maintaining a reputation for integrity and excellence.

Large law firm of the year finalists

Here are the finalists for large Arizona law firm of the year. The winner will be announced at the 2025 Excellence in Law Awards:

Davis Miles

Davis Miles is a leading Arizona law firm known for its excellence in business, litigation, family, and personal injury law. With a client-focused approach, innovative legal strategies, and a strong track record of success, the firm has earned a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and outstanding legal representation.

Fennemore 

Fennemore is a top-tier Arizona law firm known for its innovative legal solutions, business expertise, and client-focused service. With a history of excellence, it excels in corporate law, litigation, real estate, and regulatory matters. Its commitment to growth, diversity, and thought leadership makes it a trusted legal partner.

Greenberg Traurig

Greenberg Traurig’s Arizona office is renowned for its excellence in corporate law, real estate, litigation, and government affairs. With a global reach and deep local expertise, the firm delivers innovative legal solutions, exceptional client service, and a strong track record of success in complex, high-stakes legal matters across industries.

Osborn Maledon 

Osborn Maledon is a premier Arizona law firm known for its excellence in litigation, business law, and education law. With a commitment to integrity, innovation, and client success, the firm has a strong track record in complex legal matters, making it a trusted partner for businesses, institutions, and individuals.

Snell & Wilmer

Snell & Wilmer is a leading Arizona law firm recognized for its excellence in business, litigation, real estate, and regulatory law. With a client-first approach, deep industry expertise, and a commitment to community service, the firm has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative legal solutions and achieving outstanding results.

Spencer Fane

Spencer Fane is a respected law firm in Arizona known for its client-centered approach, business acumen, and legal expertise. Specializing in corporate law, litigation, and regulatory matters, the firm delivers innovative solutions, exceptional service, and a strong commitment to community engagement, making it a trusted legal partner for businesses and individuals.