Once a rarity in boardrooms and courtrooms, women lawyers in Arizona are now driving change, leading firms and reshaping the legal landscape with grit and brilliance.
"As a young lawyer, I was told that a person's reputation is their most valuable asset," says Andrea Lovell, office managing shareholder at Littler and one of Az Business magazine's Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2020. "I have taken that to heart and do my best to demonstrate integrity every day. I believe this has earned me the trust of my clients, colleagues and even opponents."
Women lawyers have become a formidable force in Arizona's legal industry ascending to leadership roles in major law firms, judiciary positions and bar associations. Trailblazers like Lorna Lockwood, the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court paved the way for future generations. Today, organizations such as the Arizona Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) continue to support and advocate for women in law, fostering mentorship and professional development opportunities. With women comprising over 50% of law firm associates nationally, their influence in shaping Arizona's legal landscape is both significant and growing.
Since this is the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business issue, we asked powerhouse attorneys who have been named Most Influential Women in the past to offer advice to the next generation of legal superstars.
Jill Chasson, partner, Coppersmith Brockelman and Most Influential Woman in 2018: "It's critical to be a good communicator, both orally and in writing. and to understand workplace laws. But soft skills matter, too: the value of empathy, humility, and a sense of humor in building relationships with clients and your colleagues cannot be underestimated."
When asked to share advice for the next generation of women lawyers, G&K shareholder and Az Business Magazine's Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona, AzBusiness Leaders, AZRE Big 100 Women Leaders, and AZRE Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate honoree, Jennifer Cranston had this to say.
'If you haven't committed malpractice, you haven't been practicing law long enough.' It was a joke, but it reminds me that no one is perfect. We all make mistakes; what matters is how we deal with them.
Jennifer Cranston
Shareholder at Gallagher & Kennedy
Helen R. Davis, senior member, The Cavanagh Law Firm and Most Influential Woman in 2018: "My best advice for a new attorney is to find a great mentor. I also would encourage anyone wanting to practice law to work hard, and never give up. Pursuing your dreams is not always easy, but the sense of accomplishment is so rewarding."
Lindsay J. Fiore, shareholder, Greenberg Traurig and Most Influential Woman in 2024: "Seek and accept constructive criticism. No one shows up on day one already a success. The people providing you feedback do so because they want you to be your best self — not to put you down or make you feel bad. Be open to and grateful for all of it."
Susanne E. Ingold, president, Burch & Cracchiolo and Most Influential Woman in 2018: "Never, ever give up. There are times when it may seem like there are infinitely more obstacles than openings, but in those moments finding the determination to push through changes everything. And one more thing, surround yourself with people who support you and your goals."
Lisa Reilly Payton, senior partner, Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold and Most Influential Woman in 2018: "The best professional advice I received was to work hard, believe in yourself and find a good mentor who you aspire to be like in your field. Take time to learn from the wisdom he or she is willing to share with you."
Sarah A. Strunk, director, Fennemore and Most Influential Woman in 2014: "I have had many gems handed down to me over the years. The two I remember the most are. 'you don't get anything you don't negotiate for,' and 'you learn more by working with difficult people than easy people.' These were both from a dear mentor who recently passed away. I had occasion to talk to him before he died and let him know how much he meant to me."
Click here to read the article published in the July/August 2025 issue of Az Business Magazine.
about our attorney
Jennifer Cranston is a shareholder and member of the Board of Directors at Gallagher & Kennedy in Phoenix, where she represents land developers and private property owners in condemnation and valuation disputes. She also assists condemning entities in acquiring property rights, which provides her with a unique perspective on eminent domain issues. Jennifer’s trial experience has resulted in two of the largest condemnation verdicts in the history of Arizona.
She is the co-host and organizer of the semi-annual Condemnation Summit, which attracts more than 100 eminent domain practitioners throughout Arizona.