Knowing the Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona for 2025 is crucial for identifying legal experts with exceptional skills, reputation, and influence. These professionals drive industry standards, provide trusted counsel, and shape key decisions in areas like business, real estate, and public policy, benefiting clients and communities across the state.
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The Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona for 2025
The Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona is an annual list compiled by the Az Business magazine editorial board. To compile the list of the Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona for 2025, Az Business magazine uses an algorithm that factors in professional ratings, client reviews, impact on the legal profession and community impact.
Amy Abdo
Director // Fennemore
Background: Abdo is a seasoned trial attorney who defends leading law firms and attorneys against professional liability claims with a results-oriented, strategic approach. Licensed in Arizona, Nevada, and California, she has extensive experience in business litigation, employment law, public records law, and e-discovery. Abdo represents businesses in complex commercial disputes, including restrictive covenant litigation, and defends employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, and wrongful discharge. She also advises on employment policies and agreements. Abdo is focused on delivering efficient, impactful legal solutions for her clients.
Source of pride: “I am grateful that my clients entrust me to represent them in challenging legal matters. Their confidence in my abilities and shared commitment to the highest ethics and integrity inspire me to approach every matter with unwavering dedication. I am honored to be their trusted advisor taking legal matters off their shoulders so they can return to building and growing their business with confidence. Knowing I play a small role in their peace of mind deepens my commitment to delivering exceptional legal services.”
Trend to watch: “Business leaders across a variety of industries should keep a close eye on our new administration and the anticipated widespread policy changes. Key areas to watch include taxation, labor and employment, climate and energy, trade relations, technology, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. By keeping a close eye on these areas, business leaders can anticipate challenges and leverage opportunities created by the new administration.”
Attraction to the legal industry: “In my childhood, my mom always praised me as the youngest of seven siblings for my unique ability to persuade my father to change his ‘no’ to ‘yes’ when it came to big asks from his kids. When friends were after a different result from the school administration, they often came to me to lobby the administration. I always considered law school as a path to joining the FBI, which was my plan initially. My practical classes in trial advocacy and negotiation and my success in moot court made me realize that my skills were well suited for a career in litigation. I have enjoyed my litigation practice and derive a great deal of satisfaction working with and training the next generation of lawyers.”
Learn more: fennemorelaw.com/people/attorneys/amy-abdo/
Andy Abraham
Burch & Cracchiolo
Background: Abraham is certified as a Real Estate Specialist by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization and is an AV® Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 peer review rated attorney in Martindale-Hubbell. He served as Burch & Cracchiolo’s president from 2017-2024. In the course of his over 40 years of practice at Burch & Cracchiolo, Abraham has successfully tried real property cases to verdict, including adverse possession claims and condemnation matters. He closed over 100 loans, most of which were in excess of $1 million.
Learn more: bcattorneys.com
Nasser Abujbarah
Managing attorney // Phillips Law Group
Background: Abujbarah is the managing attorney of Phillips Law Group, overseeing a firm that has recovered over $1 billion for its injured clients. In 2025, Abujbarah and his beautiful bride Marie will be celebrating their 10-year wedding anniversary and share a precocious almost first-grader, Theo.
Source of pride: “Helping clients change their lives throughout my career has been incredibly rewarding, but I don’t like to look back on past accomplishments. At Phillips, there’s still so much more to achieve, and my focus is on the future. I’m driven by the impact we can make today and beyond.”
Trend to watch in 2025: “Without a doubt the continued use and proliferation of automation, whether it be AI or any other technology that aims to make our practice more efficient. The fear that they are going to take over our profession are a little overblown in my opinion. It’s not AI that will replace us, it’s those that know how to harness the technology. Our firm commits ourselves to staying at the cutting edge of anything that will help make us more efficient and in turn help our clients receive maximum justice.”
Attraction to the legal industry: “My parents immigrated from the Middle East in 1988. They worked tirelessly to give me and my sister a shot at a better life. And they did so much more than that. They instilled in us a sense of justice and fairness. Right and wrong. Becoming a lawyer was a natural evolution from being raised by mom and dad. It’s simply the least I could do. Be the voice for those that do not have the ability on their own. It is what Phillips Law Group has done for over thirty years. And I am very proud to be the managing lawyer of this firm, and to continue to try to make mom and dad proud.”
Learn more: phillipslaw.com
Julia S. Acken
Radix Law
Practice areas: Labor and employment law
Lynne C. Adams
Osborn Maledon
Practice areas: Education law, government and regulatory law, open meeting law and public records law
Background: Adams is a strategic advisor and confidante to many of Arizona’s educators, navigating the everyday challenges faced by learning institutions so that they can focus on providing quality attention and scholarship to students across the state. Since her time serving as chief counsel of the Education and Health Section of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Adams has provided more than two decades’ worth of service to a wide range of charter schools, school districts, private schools, community colleges, and public and private universities.
Source of pride: “Helping my school clients navigate the ever-increasing complexities of operating so that they can meet the needs of their students academically and emotionally. How many lawyers can honestly say that their clients have changed young lives for the better?”
Learn more: omlaw.com/ladams/
Neil M. Alexander
Littler
Practice areas: Labor and employment law
Ryan W. Anderson
Burch & Cracchiolo
Background: In his more than 20 years of practice, Anderson has focused on receiverships, liquor licensing, bankruptcy and commercial litigation. Anderson provides advice and counsel concerning a full range of issues related to the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of spirituous liquors within the state of Arizona. In his receivership and bankruptcy practice, Anderson is dedicated to providing practical advice to fiduciaries managing complex organizations in distressed financial situations. Anderson has extensive experience as legal counsel to court-appointed receivers in state and federal courts.
Learn more: bcattorneys.com
Stephen W. Anderson
Gammage & Burnham
Practice areas: Zoning and land use
Ann-Martha Andrews
Ogletree Deakins
Practice areas: Insurance coverage and bad faith litigation
John J. Balitis
Radix Law
Practice areas: Labor and employment law
Adam Baugh
Withey Morris Baugh
Practice areas: Land use and zoning
Keith Beauchamp
Coppersmith Brockelman
Practice areas: Complex commercial litigation
Background: Beauchamp is a seasoned litigator with experience in a broad range of complex commercial disputes including business torts, legal malpractice, litigation involving directors and officers, theft of trade secrets, and restrictive covenants. He has served as lead counsel in the defense of numerous class actions. Beauchamp also has significant experience in election-related matters and litigation of disputes under Arizona’s public records statute. He also maintains an active pro bono practice. When he is away from the office, Beauchamp loves backpacking, cooking, and listening to live music.
Source of pride: “While not exactly a professional accomplishment, being asked to represent lawyers and law firms when serious problems arise makes me feel like I’m doing something right. There is no better compliment than having smart lawyers turn to you for help.”
Learn more: cblawyers.com
Steven N. Berger
Engelman Berger
Practice areas: Bankruptcy
Background: Berger has focused his career on resolving complex business situations in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceedings, loan workouts, litigation and business transactions. He co-founded the firm in 1999 after gaining experience as an associate and partner at two of Arizona’s largest law firms. Berger has represented parties involved with troubled loans or businesses, lenders, lessors, business owners, investors, asset purchasers, creditor committees, and other parties in bankruptcy and reorganization cases. With 40 years of experience representing clients, Berger’s clients benefit from his creativity, ability to analyze complex situations, and the legal framework from which to achieve the client’s goals.
Source of pride: “Co-founding a firm that started with two attorneys that is now entering its silver anniversary year with over 15 attorneys is central to a sense of accomplishment in the legal profession.”
Learn more: eblawyers.com
Robert W. Boatman
Gallagher & Kennedy
Practice areas: Personal injury and wrongful death
Background: Boatman co-chairs the firm’s Plaintiff’s Personal Injury & Wrongful Death group. He has dedicated his 40-year career to advocating for injured victims and their families in the areas of professional negligence, nursing home abuse, product liability, motor vehicle crashes and commercial trucking wrecks.
Source of pride: “The cases that have made changes in how a defendant does its business make me the proudest. Our work has caused or helped cause commercial bus manufacturers to install seatbelts in their vehicles and a major manufacturer to recall hundreds of thousands of vehicles that resulted in countless saved lives. But more often it is the smaller victories that are not in the papers but that bring me the most joy. There is nothing better than the feeling of helping someone through the hardest part of their life and helping them obtain justice.”
Learn more: gknet.com/attorneys/robertboatman/
Nicholas Boca
Cantor Law Group
Practice areas: Family law
Background: A Phoenix native, Boca began his career as an assistant attorney general, representing the Department of Child Safety. In this position, he appeared in several hundred court hearings, mediations, and trials. After that, Boca started with Cantor Law Group, where he now is the managing family law partner. As a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist, Boca’s trial experience continues to build, handling extremely contentious custody matters, high-net-worth, complex, and high-profile cases, representing athletes, celebrities, and CEOs.
Source of pride: “Creating a destination workplace for our employees. We are a united team, driven by a shared purpose: To help people navigate the most difficult times of their lives. We accomplish our purpose through high-touch client service, hard work, and trial skills. By working together, we achieve extraordinary outcomes for our clients and create a fulfilling work environment.”
Learn more: cantorlawgroup.com
Jodi R. Bohr
Tiffany & Bosco
Background: “I have been representing businesses in avoiding and resolving employment disputes for over 20 years. I adeptly counsel clients on a wide array of state and federal employment laws, conducting workplace investigations, performance management issues, and other human resource matters. I advocate for my clients in federal and state courts as well as before administrative agencies. My experience both in and out of the courtroom has provided me with unique insights into case strategy, and my practice has made me deftly versed in procedural processes and rules, as well as employment laws and regulations. My determination and responsive style consistently earns client trust and confidence as well as successful results.”
Source of pride: “The professional accomplishment I take the most pride in is the ongoing relationships and unfettered trust I have built with my clients over the years. I have devoted my career to working with and educating clients on the ever-evolving employment laws. By staying updated on legal changes, I empower employers to maintain compliance, reducing the risk of costly employment law claims. Helping clients understand complex regulations and how they impact their operations has not only strengthened their legal standing but also fostered their trust in me.”
Learn more: tblaw.com/attorneys/jodi-r-bohr/
Mark S. Bosco
Tiffany & Bosco
Background: Mark S. Bosco is the managing attorney of Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. and has expanded his department to be one of the largest, most qualified financial services practices in the nation. His focus is to serve the banking and real estate industries by providing exemplary service, with efficient and thorough solutions for his clients. He is also active in his community and dedicates his time and resources to causes supporting youth, arts, and charitable organizations. He is committed to doing what he can to improve the lives of those around him.
Source of pride: “I am most proud of the mutually respectful and collaborative culture we foster at Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. Our board is keenly focused on establishing firm-wide opportunities for professional advancement, meaningful diversity, equity and inclusion results, as well as creating a workplace where people desire to come to work.”
Learn more: tblaw.com
Trevor Burggraff
Hiser Joy
Practice areas: Environmental compliance
Timothy P. Burr
Spencer Fane
Practice areas: Real estate, financing and commercial transactions
Howard R. Cabot
Perkins Coie
Practice areas: Securities litigation, product liability litigation
Rebecca Cain
Silver Cain
Practice areas: All stages of litigation
Background: Cain is a trial lawyer with a background in business administration. She has represented businesses and individuals in high-stakes disputes for over 15 years. Cain offers special expertise in early case assessment, simplifying complex factual and legal issues for presentation to judge or jury, and developing comprehensive, efficient plans for mediation and litigation. Cain was selected as one of Az Business magazine’s Most Influential Women of 2024.
Source of pride: “We celebrated the one-year anniversary of launching our small law firm in August. Leaving a national firm with nearly 1,500 lawyers was a leap. We are proud to continue to provide our clients the excellent service that comes from our collective decades of experience while maintaining the more personal relationships made possible by our smaller platform.”
Learn more: silvercain.com
Kent E. Cammack
Gust Rosenfeld
Practice areas: Commercial disputes
Flavia Campbell
Dickinson Wright
Practice areas: Trademarks and copyright
David Cantor
DM Cantor/Cantor Law Group
Background: In addition to first-chairing a double capital murder trial, Cantor has handled multiple homicide and murder cases, resulting in both dismissals of charges, and “turn-downs” regarding prosecution. After beginning his career as an assistant City of Phoenix prosecutor, where he was undefeated in 30 jury trials, Cantor then went into private practice and has now first-chaired more than 200 jury trials. His early successes allowed him to become a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist in 1999, and he has handled many high-profile cases which have been covered by both the local and national media.
Source of pride: Mentoring and developing great trial lawyers is Cantor’s biggest accomplishment. There are currently only 61 Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists in Arizona, and during the course of the last 27 years, 15 Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists have either been created by, or worked for, DM Cantor. During the firm’s existence, there have been approximately 1,000 jury trials conducted by lawyers while at DM Cantor. As legendary criminal defense attorney Clarence Darrow said, “The only real lawyers are trial lawyers, and trial lawyers try cases to juries.”
Learn more: dmcantor.com
Stephanie M. Cerasano
Jackson Lewis
Practice areas: Employment law
Anne Chapman
Mitchell | Stein | Carey | Chapman
Practice areas: White-collar criminal defense
Shannon L. Clark
Gallagher & Kennedy
Practice areas: Personal injury and wrongful death
Background: Clark is a member of the firm’s board of directors and co-chair of the firm’s Plaintiff’s Personal Injury & Wrongful Death group. He has experience trying, litigating, and resolving cases involving motor vehicle crashes, aviation disasters, commercial trucking wrecks, product liability and professional negligence.
Source of pride: “I’ve worked on several cases that have resulted in the recall of dangerous products or the adoption of stronger safety policies that will save lives. Working on the tragic Granite Mountain Hotshots cases to help families receive wrongful death compensation and the benefits they were due was, in particular, a hard-fought achievement that resulted in the adoption of many new safety policies and practices for safer wildland firefighting. I’m very proud to know that my work has made the world a little bit safer place.”
Learn more: gknet.com/attorneys/shannonclark/
Joseph T. Clees
Ogletree Deakins
Practice areas: Employment law
Lincoln Combs
O’Steen & Harrison
Practice areas: Catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death
Katherine M. Corcoran
Broening, Oberg, Woods & Wilson
Practice areas: Defending healthcare providers
Helen R. Davis
The Cavanagh Law Firm
Practice areas: Family law
Barbara J. Dawson
Snell & Wilmer
Practice areas: Commercial litigation
John E. DeWulf
Coppersmith Brockelman
Practice areas: Complex commercial litigation
Background: DeWulf is a partner at Coppersmith Brockelman. He has over four decades of experience in complex commercial litigation, including handling numerous trials, hearings, and other matters before state and federal courts and administrative agencies in the areas of contracts, business torts, trade secrets, real estate, securities, intellectual property, professional malpractice, officer and director liability, and products. He has represented large multi-national clients, regional and local businesses, and individuals in a variety of business disputes.
Source of pride: “Last year, I was named Home Protection Attorney of the Year by the Arizona State Bar’s Volunteer Lawyer’s Program (VLP). We protected an innocent homeowner from losing his home to a fraudulent home purchasing company. The home was the client’s main asset and pride and joy. He could not afford a lawyer and VLP saved the day. He perhaps is my most grateful client.”
Learn more: cblawyers.com
John Alan Doran
Practice areas: Labor and employment
Daniel G. Dowd
Cohen Dowd Quigley
Practice areas: Complex business litigation
Background: Dowd is a partner and Chairman of CDQ, a 15-lawyer complex commercial litigation firm. Dan has earned recognition as a top trial lawyer from the profession’s most respected peer reviewed rating organizations (Chambers, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, etc.) Dan and his CDQ colleagues have had the privilege of representing many of Arizona’s most respected businesses and individuals and hold several of the largest verdicts ever handed down in the state.
Source of pride: “I am incredibly proud of our firm’s evolution and established presence as a formidable player in the litigation community. It can be difficult to convince prospective clients to place their trust, their livelihood and their future in the hands of a boutique firm when their opposition is often represented by the biggest and best law firms in the United States. That trust is incredibly personal to us and we work hard to earn it, to keep it and to build upon it.”
Learn more: https://cdqlaw.com/
Christopher E. Erblich
Husch Blackwell
Practice areas: Estate planning, business succession planning and tax planning
Elizabeth S. Fitch
Righi Fitch Law Group
Practice areas: Casualty defense and construction litigation
Jorge Franco
Jennings Haug Keleher McLeod
Practice areas: Complex civil litigation
Susan M. Freeman
Womble Bond Dickinson
Practice areas: Business bankruptcy and appeals
Jennifer G. Gadow
Stillman Smith Gadow
Practice areas: Complex family law litigation and mediation
Garrick L. Gallagher
Sanders & Parks
Practice areas: Complex civil litigation
Nicole Maroulakos Goodwin
Greenberg Traurig
Practice areas: Complex commercial litigation
Benjamin Gottlieb
Gottlieb Law
Background: Gottlieb is the founder of Gottlieb Law, PLC. He graduated with high honors from the business program at Michigan State University, and then attended the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University, where he served as the managing editor for the Arizona State Law Journal. Gottlieb is an experienced attorney who has handled hundreds of real estate, business, and commercial cases. His 14-plus-year legal career has been highlighted by numerous court victories and successful settlements for his clients in a wide range of commercial litigation and real estate matters. While Gottlieb strives to settle cases amicably out of court, if warranted, he is not afraid to take a case to trial, and has received several favorable jury verdicts on behalf of clients. He currently holds an undefeated jury trial record, having served as lead attorney in several jury trials. Gottlieb has also successfully handled several appeals on behalf of clients at the Arizona Court of Appeals, receiving favorable opinions for his clients, several of which have resulted in published opinions. Gottlieb also has considerable experience representing and assisting clients in a variety of commercial real estate transactions.
Source of pride: “Prevailing in several jury trials at a relatively early point in my career. It is a great feeling to put all that hard work in and have the jury ultimately rule in favor of your client.”
Learn more: gottlieblawaz.com
Phillip P. Guttilla
Polsinelli
Practice areas: Mergers and acquisitions
Andrew F. Halaby
Greenberg Traurig
Practice areas: Intellectual property and business matters
Diane M. Haller
Quarles
Practice areas: Real estate
Angela K. Hallier
Hallier Stearns
Practice areas: Family law
Christina S. Hamilton
Cavanagh Law Firm
Practice areas: Family law
Susie Ingold
Burch & Cracchiolo
Background: Ingold, Burch & Cracchiolo’s president, practices in employment law and litigation and regularly advises clients regarding issues of workplace discrimination, employer policies, employee discipline and termination, and compliance with state and federal labor and employment laws. She regularly represents clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and in complex litigation matters in state and federal court. As an experienced litigator and trial lawyer, Susie has successfully defended corporations, businesses, employers, executives and management in jury trials throughout Arizona’s state and federal courts.
Learn more: bcattorneys.com
Brandon A. Keim
Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold
Practice areas: Tax litigation, civil; tax litigation, criminal; state and local tax; employment tax; property tax; administrative law
Background: Keim is a Certified Tax Law Specialist, Certified Public Accountant, senior partner, and member of the firm’s Management Committee at Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold, LLP. He combines his litigation experience and a strong understanding of accounting and business concepts in tax matters to represent clients in defense of taxing authorities and provides strategic tax advice before disputes arise. He joined the firm after serving as a senior trial attorney with the IRS for six years.
Professional advice: “‘Focus on continuous learning and adaptability — change is constant, and your growth should be too.’ This advice forces me to step back from client matters, even when I do not think I have the time, to focus efforts on enhancing my skills, and improving my capabilities, which ultimately brings me greater satisfaction and brings better results for my clients.”
Learn more: frgalaw.com
Geoffrey Kercsmar
Kercsmar & O’Hara
Background: Kercsmar has represented clients in complex litigation for over 25 years, with a focus on commonsense, realistic solutions. Kercsmar has prosecuted and defended lawsuits involving business contracts, corporate governance, intellectual property, construction and finance issues, professional malpractice and commercial fraud. He has successfully represented a wide range of clients in many industries, from Fortune 500 companies to individuals. He has been recognized by many leading rating services like Az Business magazine, as his client-driven approach continues to lead the way for Kercsmar & O’Hara into its third decade serving the business community in Arizona and California.
Source of pride: “I am most proud of a decades-long track record of responding to client priorities and fashioning resolutions that enable our clients to return to their primary focus: driving profitability. I have always observed that most clients do not want to be involved in litigation, even when they are forced to sue. Clients want advice that focuses on their unique circumstances, and seek to work with attorneys who are flexible in their approach to achieve results in a cost-efficient and logical way. I’ve been proud to deliver that kind of service to my clients over several decades. At Kercsmar & O’Hara, we see our long term, relationship-building approach pay off year after year, as clients return to us for advice when their legal needs dictate intelligent solutions.”
Learn more: kandolaw.com
William Klain
Fennemore
Practice area: Business litigation
Background: Klain represents clients in a wide range of business disputes and corporate matters, including business dissolutions, fiduciary breaches, non-compete agreements, and civil appeals. Known for his acumen in Arizona commercial litigation and corporate law, he also serves as a mediator and arbitrator. Klain’s dedication to his clients and extensive trial experience have earned him a reputation as a strong advocate in complex cases. He actively participates in Arizona’s legal community, contributing to civil procedure and reform initiatives that further enhance his strategic approach to client advocacy.
Source of pride: “I am most proud of the collective accomplishment of multiple groups I’ve been privileged to be a part of that worked to update and make our various sets of procedural and evidentiary rules more accessible and understandable, eliminate barriers to access to justice for our citizenry through civil justice reform, and implement innovative processes. Too often, self-represented litigants and those of modest financial means simply cannot weather the complexity and costs of modern litigation (and discovery in particular) and are effectively denied the benefits of dispute resolution offered by our courts. While work remains to be done, by identifying and addressing the largest cost-drivers in litigation, restyling the Civil Rules of Procedure and other sets of rules, and creating the Commercial Court, and various other initiatives, I am confident that these groups’ efforts meaningfully improved our court processes and made the courts more accessible to all.”
Trend to watch: “The recent proliferation of and advancements in artificial intelligence clearly render it one of the most significant technological trends likely to impact virtually all industries. Much has been written as to both the potential dangers posed by AI and the efficiencies and other benefits it is expected to yield (and is already yielding). I think most individuals sense that we are looking at the tip of an iceberg, cannot reliably anticipate the extent to which it will permeate and affect various industries, and do not yet fully understand the unexpected ways in which its development and application will evolve over time. Certainly, AI’s impacts will be substantial and rapid. But how these impacts are manifested and whether they are detrimental, beneficial, or (more likely) both remains to be seen.”
Learn more: fennemorelaw.com/people/attorneys/william-g-klain/
E.J. Kotalik, Jr.
Peshkin & Kotalik
Practice areas: Insurance coverage matters and related litigation
Larry Lazarus
Lazarus & Silvyn
Practice areas: Land use
Background: For more than four decades, Lazarus’ expertise has helped his clients achieve successful outcomes. Best of all, these outcomes are designed to advance not only his client’s interests but also community goals overall and contribute to the quality of life throughout the state. Lazarus & Silvyn, P.C. delivers sound and sustainable results through excellence in sustainable developments, land use law, zoning, comprehensive and general planning, project approvals, commercial real estate transactional law, managing multi-disciplinary teams and GIS mapping.
Professional accomplishments: Lazarus has been recognized annually in Best Lawyers in America since 2007. Lazarus & Silvyn has also been ranked annually in U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” Lazarus & Silvyn, P.C., founded in 2012, provides the highest quality commercial land use legal services throughout Arizona, with offices located in Phoenix and Tucson.
Contact: LLazarus@LSLawAZ.com or 602-340-0900
Patrick MacQueen
Medalist Legal
Practice areas: Real estate
Background: MacQueen is the founder of Medalist Legal. MacQueen’s legal career has been highlighted by work primarily in the areas of real estate transactional law and real estate litigation. He recently prevailed in several Arizona Court of Appeals matters and one with the Arizona Supreme Court and served as local counsel in the $129 million acquisition of the City North development adjacent to Desert Ridge Marketplace in North Phoenix. He negotiated loan documents for the refinance of a $3 billion casino loan and has played a part in commercial real estate deals in all states, except South Carolina. MacQueen also provides legal education to those in the real estate community, including real estate agents and brokerages, management companies, and investors. MacQueen is often a featured guest speaker and writer with numerous real estate and community publications throughout the Southwest.
Learn more: medalistlegal.com
William J. Maledon
Osborn Maledon
Practice areas: Alternative dispute resolution, antitrust and trade regulation counseling and litigation, appellate, commercial litigation, sports law
Background: Maledon is amongst the most esteemed commercial litigation and trial attorneys in Arizona and across the United States, and has built a widely recognized reputation for leading large-scale and complex commercial matters.
Source of pride: “I have had many satisfying professional accomplishments in my long career, but perhaps the most satisfying for me is to see how my law firm has grown and prospered over the years. Today and for the past decade or more, Osborn Maledon has been rated by several national and international legal ranking publications as the No. 1 litigation and corporate transactional law firm in Arizona. That is a testament to the high quality of our attorneys and their work. I am very proud of that accomplishment.”
Learn more: omlaw.com/wmaledon/
Julie E. Maurer
Husch Blackwell
Practice areas: Transportation logistics and litigation
Paul J. McGoldrick
Shorall McGoldrick Zerlaut
Practice areas: Mediation and litigation
Robert H. (Bob) McKirgan
Papetti Samuels Weiss McKirgan
Practice areas: Trial attorney
Pedro J. Miranda
Squire Patton Boggs
Practice areas: Public finance
Jason B. Morris
Withey Morris Baugh
Practice areas: Land use, planning, zoning and government relations
Kiersten A. Murphy
Kiersten Murphy Law
Practice areas: Business litigation, government contracts and Native American law
Donald L. Myles, Jr.
Jones, Skelton & Hochuli
Practice areas: Trial attorney
Christina M. Noyes
Spencer Fane
Practice areas: Franchise, corporate and intellectual property
Sean Olivas
Jennings Haug Keleher McLeod
Practice areas: Employment and civil rights claims
Scott I. Palumbo
Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo
Practice areas: Personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death
Background: Palumbo is a trial lawyer dedicated to representing those who have suffered serious personal injuries and those who have lost loved ones to wrongful death. He is a past president of the Arizona Association for Justice/Arizona Trial Lawyers Association and an adjunct professor at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Palumbo is included in The Best Lawyers in America and was named the 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” for both Plaintiff’s Medical Malpractice Law and Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Litigation. In 2024, Palumbo obtained the largest personal injury verdict in Arizona history for his clients, $90 million.
Learn more: palumbowolfe.com
Randy Papetti
Papetti Samuels Weiss McKirgan
Practice areas: Litigation
Jason Pritchett
Radix Law
Practice areas: Commercial business transactions, corporate compliance, mergers and acquisitions
Stephanie Quincy
Greenberg Traurig
Practice areas: Labor and employment law
Background: Quincy is known to her clients for her deep experience handling high-profile employment litigation, including class action and multi-plaintiff lawsuits. Quincy counsels employers on a variety of employment law matters, including trade secrets, covenants not to compete, wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and defamation. She represents employers in litigation and administrative matters, including discrimination and harassment charges, Family and Medical Leave Act, and wage and hour complaints before state and federal courts and agencies such as the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Quincy advises and guides companies of all sizes on employment issues ranging from discipline and hiring to investigation of complaints and termination. She also educates employers on the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and Title VII.
Learn more: gtlaw.com
Brandon B. Rafi
Founder // Rafi Law Group
Background: Rafi, an Arizona native and founder of Rafi Law Group, embodies the values of hard work and community upliftment instilled by his immigrant parents. A graduate of Brophy College Preparatory, the University of Arizona, and Phoenix School of Law, he founded Rafi Law Group nine years ago. Now Arizona’s premier personal injury firm, it has supported over 40,000 Arizonans. Beyond professional success, Rafi is a philanthropist and family man who values time with loved ones. He is recognized for his leadership, community contributions, and commitment to helping others.
Source of pride: “Founding Rafi Law Group and guiding it to become Arizona’s premier personal injury firm is my most prideful professional accomplishment. This journey reflects my dedication to delivering justice, providing exceptional client care, and creating a lasting impact in the community. Over the past nine years, Rafi Law Group has earned the trust of over 40,000 clients, a milestone that highlights our commitment to those we serve. Equally important is fostering a company culture that values diversity, inclusion, and excellence. By building a workplace where people thrive and feel supported, we’ve created a team united by a shared mission to make a meaningful difference. Through our philanthropic initiative, Rafi’s Hope, we’ve extended that mission beyond the office, empowering underserved communities and creating opportunities for children and families. Each milestone, from helping clients to forming community partnerships, reinforces my belief that law can be a powerful force for good. Watching Rafi Law Group grow into a trusted leader in both advocacy and service is a source of enduring pride and inspires me to continue making a difference every day.”
Trend to watch: “One of the most important trends in personal injury law is the increasing use of technology to improve client care and case management. Clients now expect quicker, more transparent communication. Law firms are responding with customized management systems and digital tools that streamline every aspect of the legal process. Business leaders should recognize that adopting technology isn’t just about efficiency. It is also about enhancing the client experience and building trust. Another key trend is the growing focus on community engagement and corporate social responsibility. Consumers, including clients seeking legal services, are placing greater value on working with companies that give back to their communities. Initiatives like Rafi’s Hope, which directly benefits underserved children and families, demonstrate how businesses in any industry can strengthen relationships and create a lasting impact.”
Learn more: rafilawgroup.com
Patricia Lee Refo
Snell & Wilmer
Practice areas: Complex commercial litigation and internal investigations
Lisa Reilly Payton
Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold
Practice areas: Estate planning, tax planning and federal and state tax controversy
Background: Payton focuses her law practice on estate planning, entity formation, and tax controversy, representing clients in tax disputes before the IRS and the Arizona Department of Revenue. In her estate planning practice, Payton helps individuals, couples, and business owners identify their planning options and tailor their choices to their unique objectives. She also advises business owners in business formation, succession planning, and tax planning.
Source of pride: “Becoming an equity partner before turning 40 years of age and having the ability to mentor the younger female professionals on my team gives me the most pride. I aspire to be the best team leader I can be at my firm.”
Learn more: frgalaw.com
Joel B. Robbins
Robbins & Curtin
Practice areas: Personal injury
Kristen Rosati
Coppersmith Brockelman
Practice areas: Healthcare
Background: Considered one of the nation’s leading “Big Data” attorneys, Rosati has deep experience in HIPAA compliance, data governance and strategy, data sharing for research and innovation, data breaches, state consumer data privacy, biobanking and genomic privacy, and clinical research compliance. Rosati is a sought-after national speaker and a past president (2013-2014) and Fellow (2021) of the American Health Law Association. She has received numerous awards and recognitions.
Source of pride: “Being elected as president of the American Health Law Association (AHLA). AHLA is the national association for healthcare lawyers and compliance professionals, with more than 12,000 members across the country. This association provides high-quality education in our quickly evolving field, values collegiality, and emphasizes collaboration among its members.”
Learn more: cblawyers.com
T.J. Ryan
Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold
Practice areas: Trust and probate litigation, estate planning, probate and trust administration
Background: Ryan’s practice encompasses virtually all aspects of family estates, from trusts and business planning, to estate (probate) and trust administration, to litigating contested estate and trust matters — an area in which he has achieved a strong track record for positive results. A Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Ryan is a frequent writer and speaker on estate and trust topics, and has co-authored several books and manuals on the subject.
Leadership style: “Work will always be just that — work — so a fun working environment, built on mutual respect, teamwork, and accountability is a requirement for any highly performing team. There is never enough mentorship and training, and learning goes two directions between employees and management.”
Learn more: frgalaw.com
Sam Saks
Guidant Law Firm
Practice areas: Personal injury
Thomas J. Salerno
Stinson
Practice areas: Commercial corporate and real estate restructurings
Bruce Samuels
Papetti Samuels Weiss McKirgan
Practice areas: Litigation
Brian J. Schulman
Weiss Brown
Practice areas: Complex business disputes
Darin A. Sender
President and founder // Sender Associates
Background: Darin A. Sender is a zoning attorney, president and founder of Sender Associates, a woman-owned and AV-rated law firm based in Tempe, celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. For more than 30 years, Sender has been involved in the development and entitlement fields. Sender is proud to have entitled over 3,000 urban high-rise residential units in the past nine years with 2,000 units averaging 400 DUA currently in entitlements. Sender is proud to be helping build Tempe’s new skyline as entitlement counsel for many distinctive Tempe projects such as The Union by Opus, The Local/Whole Foods by Forum Development, The Westin Tempe by CAI Investments, Atmosphere by Trinitas, The Pier by Springbrook Development, First + Farmer by Wexford Development, Dwell by Holualoa and 955 University by Aspirant.
Source of pride: “I am proud that my firm is in its 25th year and has helped make such a positive impact on so many communities in the Valley and state. From the city block high-rise development The Union in Downtown Tempe to the hotel campus on the famous London Bridge in Lake Havasu, I enjoy helping these projects become a reality for my clients and provide additional places for people to enjoy their communities.”
Learn more: senderlaw.com
Tom J. Shorall
Shorall McGoldrick Zerlaut
Practice areas: Personal injury and wrongful death
Bradley Shwer
Thorpe Shwer
Practice areas: Litigation, including complex commercial and personal injury defense
Background: Shwer is a founding partner of one of Arizona’s premier boutique litigation firms. His practice includes representing some of the country’s largest entities in complex commercial and tort defense matters throughout Arizona and across the nation. He leads a team of Arizona’s finest litigators and has overseen the growth of the firm since its inception in 2014.
Source of pride: “Following my entrepreneurial spirit and opening the firm in 2014. Having worked with business owners/leaders for many years, I was excited to take on the business challenge in addition to an active litigation career. As we approach our 11th anniversary, I’m proud to be part of a firm made up of people who are not only the best at what they do, but also the best to be around.”
Learn more: thorpeshwer.com
Leon Silver
Silver Cain
Practice areas: Complex business and real estate trials, arbitrations, mediations and appeals
Background: With more than 35 years of experience handling complex business and real estate trials, arbitrations, mediations and appeals, Silver has a proven record of success. Silver excels at providing counsel to his clients on all aspects of their business operations and provides clients a special expertise in conflict resolution and avoidance, protecting clients from government overreach or over-regulation, and developing litigation and trial strategies designed to achieve the efficient resolution of any dispute. He specializes in complex commercial and bet-the-company litigation and has managed litigation all over the country, as well as in Canada, Mexico and Europe. A former Judge Pro Tem of the Maricopa County Superior Court, he is available to serve as a mediator or arbitrator and as Compliance Lawyer for Arizona ABS entities. Silver is also an accomplished artist and musician.
Learn more: silvercain.com
Keri Silvyn
Lazarus & Silvyn
Practice areas: Zoning and land use
Background: Silvyn is a partner and owner at Lazarus & Silvyn, P.C., in Tucson. A land use and zoning attorney emphasizing sustainable development and appropriate and responsible growth, Silvyn has been practicing zoning and land use law in Southern Arizona for more than 25 years. Her work focuses on advising private developers and local governments on application of zoning codes, compliance with state statutes, compliance with current land use case law and effective public/private partnerships. She represents infill developments, as well as projects in the medical, retail and industrial spaces, among others.
Professional accomplishments: Silvyn has been recognized annually in Best Lawyers in America since 2008. In 2022, she was listed in AZ Big Media’s “Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona.” In addition, she has been added to the 2025 Southwest Super Lawyers List.
Contact: KSilvyn@LSLawAZ.com or 520-207-4464
Gena L. Sluga
Christian Dichter & Sluga
Practice areas: Insurance coverage analysis
Alan Soelberg
Davis Miles
Practice areas: Asset protection, wealth preservation, living trusts and estate planning
Background: Soelberg is a communicator. He understands that attorneys are most effective when they are able to articulate clearly how the legalese impacts the business client’s day to day procedure and operation. Whether it is in the arena of dental operating agreements, franchise disclosure documents, or asset protection planning, he doesn’t believe in over complicating the process. Soelberg has a unique perspective that comes from hands on, private sector employer experience. He understands the importance of effectively navigating legal risk reduction practices with real world business management. He saw firsthand how a thoughtful blend of both legal and business procedures reduced risk and complied with regulations, while maximizing business operation. He is an Arizona native and enjoys an active role in local politics.
Learn more: davismiles.com
Gary Smith
Guidant Law Firm
Practice areas: Commercial matters, construction, real estate, cannabis and administrative law
Stephen R. Smith
Stillman Smith Gadow
Practice areas: Complex family law litigation, mediation
Geoffrey M.T. Sturr
Osborn Maledon
Practice areas: Litigation and preventative counsel
Background: Sturr represents lawyers and law firms in lawsuits, fee disputes, state bar disciplinary proceedings and applications for admission to practice law. He has served on committees involved in the regulation of the practice of law and taught professional responsibility at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. In addition to representing lawyers and law firms, he represents individuals and businesses in lawsuits and administrative proceedings and conducts internal investigations.
Source of pride: “I’m most grateful for the experiences I’ve had serving on the boards of organizations that seek to provide access to justice, improve the legal system, and advocate for the public interest, including Community Legal Services, the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education and the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest.”
Learn more: omlaw.com/gsturr/
William Thorpe
Thorpe Shwer
Practice areas: Litigation, including complex commercial and personal injury defense
Background: Thorpe has decades of experience representing both large and small enterprises in complex commercial and tort matters. He has tried many cases to verdict in state and federal courts throughout the country and has appeared before a variety of regulatory and administrative entities. His diverse group of clients includes manufacturers, trucking companies, railroads, financial institutions, large employers, and governmental agencies. Thorpe also has extensive appellate experience in federal and state courts.
Source of pride: “I am most proud of nurturing and developing a law firm over the past ten years that consists of people who are not only great, intelligent, and motivated, but who are also enjoyable and fun to be around. It is a pleasure to work with people who share the same professional goals, commitment, and values in a cordial, cooperative environment.”
Learn more: thorpeshwer.com
Frank Verderame
Plattner Verderame
Practice areas: Trial attorney
Debora L. Verdier
The Cavanagh Law Firm
Practice areas: Employment law
Lindsi M. Weber
The Burgess Law Group
Practice areas: Bankruptcy and commercial litigation
Bradley D. Weech
Davis Miles
Practice areas: Commercial and civil litigation, real estate
Background: Weech practices in the areas of commercial litigation, creditor’s rights and construction law. He also represents clients in the areas of dispute resolution, real estate law, breach of contract and related torts. Weech has an “AV Preeminent” rating by the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings system, which connotes the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. Weech is a fourth generation native of Pima, Arizona. Together with his lovely wife Linda, he has eight children and 29 grandchildren. Weech serves in a variety of church and community positions, and has coached youth soccer for several years. Weech is an “early adopter,” and enjoys working with new technologies.
Learn more: davismiles.com
Scott K. Weiss
Weiss Brown
Practice areas: Corporate law, mergers and acquisitions
Christine Whalin
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, per the State Bar of Arizona, Board of Legal Specialization. Whalin focuses on representing individuals in all types of criminal cases ranging from state and federal felony and misdemeanor matters, along with school discipline and Title IX litigation. Throughout her career, Whalin has represented countless clients on their criminal cases, achieving successful results in the form of dismissals, reduced sentences, and complete acquittals after a jury trial. Whalin represents people in any type of criminal matter and is particularly skilled in handling major felony cases involving sexual misconduct, sexual assault, and other serious “life-in-prison” allegations.
Source of pride: “Being a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist. This is a distinction given to attorneys who truly take the time to be the best they can be at their craft. Being one of only 61 attorneys, of which only 12 are women, in the State of Arizona having achieved this accomplishment makes me very proud.”
Learn more: dmcantor.com
Michael B. Withey
Withey Morris Baugh
Practice areas: Land use and zoning
Kurt M. Zitzer
Meagher + Geer
Background: Zitzer, a partner in Meagher + Geer’s Phoenix office, practices both in the firm’s Phoenix and Chicago offices. He is a member of the firm’s Management Committee and also serves as practice chair for the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Professional Liability practice groups. His practice focuses on the defense of insurance coverage cases nationwide, with extensive experience in mediating, arbitrating, litigating, and trying cases across more than 15 jurisdictions. Additionally, his professional liability practice centers on defending accountants, architects, and attorneys. He is also a Senior Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America — an invitation-only trial lawyer honor society.
Source of pride: “My greatest professional satisfaction comes from earning the trust and respect of my clients through decades of collaboration and exceptional service. Helping my clients navigate complex legal challenges with confidence and clarity to achieve favorable outcomes is deeply rewarding. A fulfilling aspect of my work is knowing that my efforts directly contribute to safeguarding my clients’ stability and success in challenging circumstances. It’s a reminder that the impact we have as attorneys goes beyond the results we achieve — it’s about the commitment, service, and care we provide along the way.”
Learn more: meagher.com
