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Hilary M.
Yelp Client Comment
Josh Fisher is an amazing lawyer. [H]e got me the best possible outcome possible. [H]e was very kind and patient.
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Jeff Li
Google Client Review
Working with Melissa [Benson] and her team was truly a blessing. From start to finish, they went above and beyond, providing not only expert guidance, but also genuine care. Melissa was so attentive, always keeping me informed … making sure my daughter’s safety and well-being were always at the center. I couldn’t have asked for more … and wholeheartedly recommend their compassionate and dedicated team.
Srbui Tadevosyan review icon
Srbui Tadevosyan
Google Client Review
… From the beginning, my attorney Melissa [Benson] has been attentive, responsive, and focused on what truly mattered for my case. … What truly sets this firm apart is the teamwork. … I would confidently recommend this firm to anyone looking for a supportive and responsive legal team.
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Ken Johnsen
Best Law Firms® Client Comment
We had a complex legal issue involving a family member and needed help from an experienced well connected law firm to deal with the issue. I surveyed a number of local law enforcement and legal contacts about who they felt were the top criminal attorneys in the Phoenix area and I was consistently told Gallagher & Kennedy was the place to go to get the kind of help we needed. That turned out to be a fantastic recommendation. We worked with Woody Thompson. He navigated our case with both humanity and the needed expertise to drive to an outstanding solution. He was always honest and straight forward with us as well which was critical to our understanding the potential outcomes of the case and selecting the proper defense. Without question, if we had selected the wrong counsel this could have turned into a horrible outcome. My hope for anyone is that they never find themselves in need of a criminal defense attorney, but if you do then I don't think you can do better than Woody and the broader Gallagher & Kenney team.
Barry Mitchell, Mitchell | Stein | Carey | Chapman review icon
Barry Mitchell, Mitchell | Stein | Carey | Chapman
Best Law Firms® Client Comment
First rate, expert, committed representation!!
Matt Wright, Arizona School Risk Retention Trust review icon
Matt Wright, Arizona School Risk Retention Trust
Best Law Firms® Client Comment
Excellent litigators; consummate professionals.
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Anonymous
Best Law Firms® Client Comment
Woody is the absolute best. He always answers my calls and helps me even when it's not about the situation I originally hired him for. He goes above and beyond.
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Curt Denny
Best Law Firms® Client Comment
Mike [Ross] and Hannah [Porter] are amazing. They are very knowledgeable and their experience really shows.
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Stephanie Talley 2025
Google Client Comment
An absolute angel and the best lawyer we could have ever asked for! Josefa Rodriguez is truly one of a kind. From day one, she handled our case with compassion, dedication, and unwavering professionalism. She didn’t just fight for us legally — she cared about us as people and guided us through one of the most difficult times in our lives. …
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Joshua Henderson Jr.
Google Client Comment
Melissa [Benson] is unreal! Her attitude and knowledge of her field was unmatched. Appreciate her work and will send anyone I know to Melissa and her company!
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Mark Brimley
Google Client Comment
Melissa [Benson] has been great. Couldn’t recommend anyone else out there. Thanks for everything!
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TINO Figz Pest Control
Google Client Comment
Melissa [Benson] made a difficult process so much easier. She really cares about her clients and goes above and beyond. Thank you, Melissa!
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Jim Branton
Google Client Comment
I honestly cannot say enough about this law firm. We have been using and recommending them for just under 20 years now. From “Woody” Thompson to Joshua Fisher and other attorneys within the firm, they’re all great at what they do. And no attorney would be complete without their assistants like Rosa Barajas that keeps things humming like a well oiled machine. Tactically and technically proficient attorneys? CHECK! Trusty assistant’s & paralegals? CHECK! Great communication amongst all involved? CHECK! Did I mention weekend communications? CHECK! When looking for legal representation for any situation you can drive around and get a referral off of a billboard or bus. But let’s be honest, the GOOD attorneys don’t need to advertise. They’re sought out because their reputations speak for themselves.
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Damian Prucknic
Google Client Comment
When it comes to matters of the highest importance, such as custody of your child, there are a few calibers of attorneys you can hire. I’ve used a budget attorney and have seen the difference compared to using Mellissa [Benson] and her surrounding outstanding legal team. Don’t make the mistake I did by searching elsewhere first. Look no further and hire the best Family law team in the valley. Cannot say enough positive about their outstanding, professional and driven team. Their knowledge and skill cannot be understated. I truly appreciate their hard work and dedication to my case everyday.
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Sean
Avvo Client Comment
The lawyer you want. … I can tell you that no one holds a light to the way Josefa [Rodriguez] treats her clients. She would always be available to listen and she definitely works extremely hard to make sure you get everything you want. If it wasn't for her and her team then I wouldn't have gotten to this point and the ending I only dreamed of came to because of Josefa and her team. I can't thank them enough for everything.
Debra R. review icon
Debra R.
Client Comment
Really great job!  I can’t thank you all enough for everything you are doing for me. I greatly appreciate it and keep you all in my prayers every day. You all work so hard and you are an amazing team… it shows not only in results like these but in your day to day correspondence and actions and your individual graciousness and professionalism. I’m so very grateful for each of you.
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Jennifer Santee
Google
Melissa [Benson] is an amazing attorney who goes above and beyond for her clients. She strives to settle cases without trial as long as it is in her client’s best interest, but she is a beast in the courtroom when needed. I never hesitate to refer my friends and family to her team.
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Eric
Avvo
Melissa is sweet and caring, but she is not messing around. It's reassuring to hear that someone is dedicated to their clients' needs. … This dedication ultimately builds trust and fosters a strong client-professional relationship. Melissa was always on time with meetings, hearings and filings. She was always prepared and helped me to be prepared throughout the process.
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Sam Boyer
Google Client Comment
When things became to much for me, the attorneys at Gallagher and Kennedy stepped up. Eleanor Shaffer knew just how to proceed and disproved the allegations leveled against me. My thanks both to her and to Melissa Benson for their unwavering professionalism and exceptional savvy inside, and outside, the courtroom.
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Ona
Avvo Client Comment
Melissa [Benson] and her wonderful team helped me during very trying time with my divorce challenge case. My previous attorney had warned me that I would most likely lose. Melissa however from the get go was confident and based on the facts knew I had a solid case. She quickly helped me in responding to motions and fending off the unreasonable legal attacks I faced. Thanks to Melissa, we would win complete legal victory in court and I was vindicated. I would definitely work with her for any family case if ever needed and would highly recommend her services.
Amber review icon
Amber
Avvo
I am thoroughly impressed with the way Melissa Benson and her team handled my highly complex case. Melissa was able to identify the most cost-effective solutions. When the opposing side unnecessarily escalated the conflict, her advice and resources became pivotal in turning the tide of my case. It was clear that Melissa has earned tremendous respect among her peers and, most importantly, judges, due to her extensive knowledge, integrity, and outstanding reputation. … I highly recommend Melissa Benson for anyone seeking a dedicated and skilled attorney!
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Joe Walsh
Arizona Diamondbacks
In the critical area of litigation, labor and employment, our experience with Gallagher & Kennedy has also been invaluable. With the litigious nature of many allegations and claims, depend on the speed, integrity and truthfulness of a law firm partner - Gallagher & Kennedy has once again has turned in very positive efforts and results in areas that we truly needed their expertise.
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Best Lawyers
Client Comment
Don Johnsen of Gallagher & Kennedy is always a pleasure to work with on employment matters. In addition to assisting with issues as they arise, he also assists with proactive measures, such as employee training.
Best Lawyers review icon
Best Lawyers
Client Comment
Don Johnsen from the Gallagher & Kennedy firm is always a pleasure to work with on employment matters. In addition to assisting with issues as they arise, he also assists with proactive measures, such as employee training.
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Michael Wright
Blue Ridge Unified School District
Gallagher & Kennedy and its representatives are responsive and helpful in providing relevant information and details when any changes occur. Gallagher & Kennedy has represented our district successfully on numerous occasions resulting in positive outcomes for our district and taxpayers. We often work with Don Johnsen who is responsive, knowledgeable, and very effective when called upon to represent our district.
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Noah
Avvo
[Melissa Benson] is definitely your Fiercest Family lawyer and there’s no one I’d rather refer than Melissa ... she and her team are so compassionate and definitely know what they are doing.
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Anonymous
Avvo
Melissa [Benson] is beyond compassionate and extremely knowledgeable on family law ensuring my son is advocated for and protected. I went many years without the right representative ... but Melissa is helping to ... resolve my case and finally bring me peace of mind. I'm forever grateful to her and her amazing team! Invaluable.
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Heather
Avvo
I came to Melissa [Benson] while in a desperate situation ... to protect my children. Melissa's history as a sex offender prosecutor and victim's advocate make[s] her skill set and expertise unique and extremely valuable. Her proactive approach saved me and my children from having to face court and ... tons of fees. Having Melissa as my legal representative gave me such peace of mind ... . I could not be more pleased with her work!
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Joe
Avvo
Getting a divorce can be a stressful situation. Melissa [Benson] made it as pain-free as possible [and] she was very responsive and honest. I highly recommend Melissa.
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Chambers USA
Client Comment
I have a great deal of respect for Janey [Henze Cook]. She can handle anything.
Chambers USA review icon
Chambers USA
Client Comment
Tom [Henze] is a wonderful guy who is very good at what he does.
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Judy
Avvo
I would recommend Ms. [Melissa] Benson to anyone that needed an excellent attorney. She has been with me through the horrible issues and explained my options fully every step. I know Ms. Benson will fight for me and has the knowledge to win my case. My respect and confidence in Ms. Benson has no bounds & there aren't enough words to express my faith in her. Five stars is not enough, she is an attorney that goes beyond what is required & I'm so grateful I have her as my attorney.
Mark review icon
Mark
Avvo
Melissa Benson is an excellent lawyer. I’ve had a few others over the years and she is by far the best I’ve ever had! She is very skilled, knowledgeable with the law, works very diligently, efficiently towards your case like no other I’ve experienced! She gets results and takes action like I’ve never experienced or had with lawyers in the past. I highly recommend Mrs. Benson and promise you will not be disappointed with the devotion, and effort she puts into your case. This amazing lady gets things done and is very a skilled lawyer! I promise she will handle your case with ease and work very hard to get you the results you desire or hope for. She puts her heart into her job and it shows!!
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Anonymous
Avvo
From our initial consultation to the final resolution, Melissa [Benson] demonstrated unparalleled intelligence, strategic acumen, and legal expertise. Melissa's profound understanding of family law, coupled with her ability to navigate complex legal issues, was evident at every stage of my case. ... I would highly recommend Melissa to anyone seeking exemplary legal representation in family law matters.
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Gary
Avvo
Mrs. [Melissa] Benson is a life saver! I was entering into a world of uncertainty as I was on the verge of losing my son ... having her represent me was the best decision I've ever made! ... My family and I can't thank her and her staff enough! With her, you're in very good hands. Thanks again Mrs. Benson! You saved me and my son!
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Dolores
Avvo
Melissa [Benson] is such an amazing attorney. She is very smart, yet heartfelt and humble. I can't explain how understanding she was with my case and showed so much empathy. She and her team were quick with responses and were always able to explain things to me. They showed that I was not just another case and made me feel heard and special. I am forever thankful that we crossed paths and that I was able to have someone who was there to fight for me.
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Beau Roysden
Consumer Fraud
I hired Kevin Neal to help with a very complex and important consumer fraud case. Kevin's work ethic, attention to detail, and client communication were all fantastic. I was thrilled with the result he was able to provide, because he prepared the case so well and was able to negotiate from a position of strength. I would highly recommend Kevin and his firm to others looking for top-quality legal representation.
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Steven Twist
Litigation
Kevin Neal represented our company in connection with litigation related to a complex matter. Throughout the course of the representation he was exceptionally effective. Always prepared, always communicating updates, highly ethical, and producing the highest quality work. We strongly recommend him and his firm.
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Kevin
Avvo
My wife and I hired Melissa Benson to help us with a long-shot attempt to adopt the biological brother of our daughter whom we adopted from their parents in 2017. ... Melissa did everything under the law and even consulted multiple colleagues trying to help us... I would recommend Melissa Benson to anyone who is looking for representation from someone who will understand your situation not just from a legal side but also from a personal and emotional side. Thank you Melissa! We LOVE you.
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Kyle King
I could not ask for more from my experience with the team at Gallagher & Kennedy as my attorney. I went in with the expectation that I was OK with either outcome, but to learn as much as I could about the process and the specific situation that the team helped me work through. If you're reading reviews, and looking around for the best in the area with a reasonable price range, just give G&K a call. The epitome of customer service and collaboration.
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Melinda
Avvo
Melissa [Benson] was so helpful and professional. She never made me feel as if I was just “another case” on her docket. She actually cares about her clients and goes above and beyond for her clients. She is amazing at dealing with difficult opposing parties and is always prepared with an answer or if she isn’t sure, she is honest and tells you, finds out and then gets back in a timely manner. I recommend her to anyone that needs to go through family court.
Barry Mitchell review icon
Barry Mitchell
Mitchell | Stein | Carey | Chapman
Gallagher & Kennedy has excellent white-collar practice capability. Woody Thompson is a nuanced thinker and a relentless advocate. He knows his way around federal and state investigations and cases of all stripes.
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Robert
Avvo
... Melissa [Benson] has an incredible mind and talking with her and working with her just constantly reinforced that my kids and I were in safe hands. She is professional, sincere, and ... doesn’t pander to you, and keeps things very transparent and realistic. ... My case was certainly an exception by every measure according to the statistics, and I couldn’t be more blessed. I know Melissa was the reason my case was an exception. ... Melissa was amazing, a fighter for fathers out there, and I cannot recommend her more to anyone out there.
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Travis McMaster
Best Lawyers Client Comment
I felt that I was in good hands with Woody Thompson from Gallagher & Kennedy. His assistants, Bella and Rosa were equally amazing. I felt that I had a good understanding of my choices and situation. The firm did not make poor recommendations that net them more money, they had my best interests in mind.
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Anonymous
Avvo
I cannot thank Melissa [Benson] enough for her dedication to my very complicated case. If it wasn't for her listening ear and guidance, I wouldn't have been able to make it through. She was empathetic, handled my meltdowns well, and gave me a look into family law and the justice system that I did not have before. I also learned a lot from her as a person. We were able to secure a positive outcome in the case. I highly recommend her!
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Terrell
Avvo
Melissa [Benson] is extremely intelligent & professional. She took on my divorce/custody case & to say the least it was ugly & complex. She made sure as a man I had a voice in this process & nothing would be dictated by my now ex-wife. We spent hours preparing for trial & it paid off. Thank God for her. I'm amazed at her insight in handling legal issues & grateful for her aggressive approach. I highly recommend her to anyone needing law representation.
Best Lawyers review icon
Best Lawyers
Client Comment
Woody Thompson of Gallagher & Kennedy was the best.
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David
Litigation
As a small business owner who was wrongfully accused of fraud, I needed an attorney who would fight as if it was his company. Not only did Kevin Neal dominate the trial, he saved my company and my family's legacy. I wish I could give him more than 5 stars!
 Martin Galbut review icon
 Martin Galbut
Galbut Beabeau, P.C.
Woody Thompson is an outstanding criminal defense lawyer. We refer matters to him on a regular basis. He obtained outstanding results in a number of cases. First choice for criminal defense.
Evan L. review icon
Evan L.
Criminal Defense Client
I'll never retain or recommend anyone else.
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Jeff Dunn
All City Towing
Kevin O'Malley of Gallagher & Kennedy is a very thorough and competent legal professional who deserves no less than our highest praise. Kevin's expertise in the field of Governmental Procurement was needed by our company recently and thus far has been invaluable. After an initial ramp-up period, he hit the ground running as if he knew our industry intimately. ... Kevin is focused and measured, even in the most stressful situations...
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Bryan Savage, Retired Chief
Timber Mesa
Our team from Gallagher & Kennedy assisted us in a lengthy administrative law process. The attorneys were the best, most prepared, and most caring professionals I have had the pleasure to work with. Our interests became their interests and they were passionate about winning our case.
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Dr. Jozef Zoldos
Former Officer & Director
Arizona Center for Hand Surgery
[Mike Ross] at Gallagher & Kennedy provided excellent representation of our practice in an employee litigation case.
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T.J. Wead
Merit Partners
Kevin O'Malley at Gallagher & Kennedy was an invaluable asset in the swift and favorable resolution of our case.
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James Howard, Founder & Former CEO
Dudley Ventures
[Kevin] O'Malley is one of the finest trial lawyers in the U.S.