Do you have movies that impacted your life or left a lasting impression? Here are the big-screen masterpieces that left an impact on some of Arizona’s best lawyers.


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Lisa Reilly Payton, senior partner, Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold: “The movie ‘Pursuit of Happyness’ (yes, happiness is spelled incorrectly and if you watch the movie you will know why). The movie is a great lesson about perseverance. In my opinion, perseverance is the key to success.”

Jennifer Cranston
James Goodnow
Lisa Reilly Payton

Robert D. Mitchell, shareholder, Tiffany & Bosco: “It is somewhat antiquated and perhaps corny by today’s standards, but I can never watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ enough, which always makes me think about the seeds we all sow everyday, and that if we do it right, we can each make a powerful impact by how we lead our lives.”

Michelle De Blasi, founding partner, Law Office of Michelle De Blasi: “‘Pay It Forward’ was a very impactful movie because it’s how I live my life. Often, the altruism of children teaches us to show more kindness and compassion, even in a world where selflessness can seem rare. I love its theme to ‘be the example you want to see in others.’”

Jennifer Cranston, shareholder, Gallagher & Kennedy: “‘Beautiful Girls.’ Even though it’s a romantic comedy, there’s something very real and poignant about the characters and writing. It also features a barroom sing-along of ‘Sweet Caroline,’ which evokes fond memories of good times with old friends.”

James Goodnow, CEO, Fennemore: “‘The Firm.’ The classic Tom Cruise flick lit a fire for me to go to law school. I was initially a little disappointed when I learned that real-life lawyers don’t regularly take trips to the Cayman Islands for work or jump out of windows into the back of trucks while being chased by criminals. But it turns out that real-life lawyering is still fun — and a lot safer.”

Kevin M. Rowe, founding attorney, Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys: “‘Rocky’ resonates with me. The movie embodies perseverance, how the human spirit can triumph over adversity, how underdogs can overcome obstacles through hard work and how the power of believing in oneself can result in BIG wins that beat the odds.”