Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Laura Bianchi of Bianchi & Brandt.
From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS: The Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026
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Laura Bianchi, co-founder and partner, Bianchi & Brandt
Background: Laura Bianchi, co-founding partner of Bianchi & Brandt, is widely recognized as one of the nation’s foremost experts in cannabis law, compliance, operations, distressed asset management, M&A and strategic expansion. Having begun her work with the 2010 passage of Arizona’s medical marijuana law, she is one of the first attorneys to focus on the emerging cannabis sector. With deep industry knowledge and a reputation for precision, Laura helps clients – ranging from individuals to both private and public companies – navigate the complexities of highly regulated industries. Having represented clients across the U.S. and internationally, she has closed transactions valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Laura offers comprehensive guidance through every stage of development, from startup and operations to growth, expansion and exit. She customizes outside general counsel and fractional executive services to address each client’s unique needs and challenges. In addition, Laura serves as an expert witness and supports clients with out-of-court restructuring and related transactions. She also represents receivers in the receivership process, advising on asset protection, corporate restructuring, financial rehabilitation, lender protection, and corporate investigations, while providing hands-on support with day-to-day management, operations, and compliance, particularly within the cannabis industry.
Advice to younger self: “I would tell my younger self to trust the timing of your journey and not confuse setbacks with failure. Some of the most meaningful growth will come from the moments that test your confidence, patience, and resilience. Don’t be afraid to take up space, ask questions, or pursue things that feel bigger than you. Some of the best opportunities will come before you feel ready, so trust yourself enough to take the leap anyway. Don’t wait for permission, perfect timing, or certainty. The accomplishments that will mean the most are the ones you will work hardest for and achieve on your own terms. At the same time, never take your family and close friends for granted, their love and support will matter more than you realize. Take the trips, spend time with the people you love, go to the beach, laugh often, and don’t take yourself too seriously. The risks that seem intimidating will become the experiences that shape your purpose and define who you become. Most importantly, enjoy the ride.”
Legacy: “I hope to leave a legacy that shows you can be successful, confident, ambitious, stylish, and completely yourself all at the same time. I want people to know you don’t have to fit into one box to succeed. While I am proud of my professional accomplishments, I hope the impact I leave is also defined by the relationships I built, the opportunities I created for others, and the way I carried myself along the way. I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard, stayed true to herself, and encouraged others to dream bigger, take chances, and create success on their own terms.”
Surprising fact: “Although I’m certainly a type-A person, people might be surprised to learn that outside of work, I’m actually pretty laid back. I have a playful, sarcastic sense of humor, I’m never at a loss for words (probably not surprising), and I love teasing the people I care about most. My sister and I can spend hours laughing at epic fail clips on Instagram until we cry. I’m happiest on a bougie beach vacation sipping rosé, being active, playing Rummikub, or doing crosswords with family and friends.”
