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 Kiersten Murphy, shareholder at Gallagher & Kennedy.
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
WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE: The Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for 2026
Kiersten Murphy, shareholder at Gallagher & Kennedy
Background: Murphy works with mid- and large-sized companies to pursue and defend meaningful opportunities for businesses operating in virtually any industry – from health care and transportation, food and beverage providers, and technology and software companies. Kiersten also represents businesses and individuals pursuing or defending against a variety of commercial and civil lawsuits. She received her undergraduate degree in Finance, summa cum laude, from Northern Arizona University, and her Juris Doctorate, summa cum laude, and first in her class, from Arizona State University. She also received the highest score on the Arizona Bar Exam (July 2003).
Advice to younger self: “‘Have confidence, take a few risks, and don’t be so hard on yourself!’ Especially as a younger lawyer, I placed a tremendous amount of pressure on myself. And, while pressure can be a positive, it can also be stifling. I would encourage myself to take some chances, bet on myself, and maybe even make a mistake – because sometimes the best way to grow as a person and a professional is to allow yourself to make a mistake, recover from that mistake, and realize you’re stronger for it!”
Surprising fact: “I love a good nap! In fact, having spent some time in Spain, I genuinely think the United States should implement the idea of an afternoon siesta: everyone has time to take a power nap every day after lunch and it’s completely socially acceptable. I’ve even studied the science of naps, which supports that napping increases cognitive function and overall productivity. It’s a win-win!”
