Dean C. Short, II

Managing Partner & Shareholder

My Practice

Dean is the managing partner of the law firm, shareholder and a member of the board of directors of Gallagher & Kennedy. He practices in all areas of general business, corporate and tax law. He has amassed extensive experience in the representation of professional sports franchises, including radio and television contracts, sponsorship agreements, player contracts and related business issues. Dean also has substantial expertise in the development of sports facilities, having served as lead counsel for the largest sports facilities projects in Arizona.

In 2012 and 2018, Dean was recognized by Best Lawyers of America as the Phoenix Sports Law “Lawyer of the Year.” He has also been honored by Southwest Super Lawyers.

Representative Experience

Acting as outside general counsel to the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball team. In such capacity, Dean served as lead counsel in the development, including financing and construction, of Chase Field. Dean also represented the Diamondbacks in the development of Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the spring training home of the Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies.
Acting as outside general counsel to the Arizona Cardinals National Football League team. In such capacity, Dean served as lead counsel in the development, including financing and construction, of State Farm Stadium.
Acting as local counsel to the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres in connection with their Cactus League spring training facilities.

Bar & Court Admissions

California, 1972
Arizona, 1974
U.S. Tax Court, 1974

Associations & Memberships

State Bar of Arizona, Member
State Bar of California, Member
Harvard Club of Arizona, Member
Arizona State University, College of Law, Adjunct Faculty, 1974-1976

Honors & Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
Best Lawyers in America®, Corporate Law, 2009-2024; Sports Law, 2005-2024
Best Lawyers in America®, Phoenix Lawyer of the Year, Sports Law, 2012, 2018, 2021
Who’s Who Legal: Sports & Entertainment , 2014-2020
Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards: Sport – Law Firm of the Year - USA, 2017
Az Business Magazine, Arizona's Top Lawyers - Sports Law, 2014
The International Who's Who of Sports & Entertainment Lawyers, 2013
Arizona's Finest Lawyers, 2011
Southwest Super Lawyers®, Entertainment & Sports, 2007
Marquis Who's Who, "Who's Who in American Law"

Community & Philanthropy

Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, Counsel

G&K Profile