G&K Profile

Jennifer Cranston (formerly Ratcliff) focuses her practice in three primary areas: real estate disputes involving condemnation and valuation issues; insurance coverage analysis and bad faith litigation; and public utility regulation. Jennifer’s objective is to provide sound legal advice, exceptional service, and cost-effective resolution for all her clients. She has successfully negotiated favorable settlements, as well as prevailed for clients at hearings, in arbitrations, at trial, and on appeal. Notably, Jennifer’s trial experience has resulted in two of the largest condemnation verdicts in the history of Arizona.

Condemnation / Eminent Domain

Jennifer advises and represents clients in connection with condemnation (aka eminent domain) actions involving government acquisitions of private property for public purposes, such as parks, roads, and power lines.  She has ably guided large land developers and private property owners in accurately assessing and realizing the fair market value of their property.  Jennifer also assists condemning entities acquire property rights in a fair, timely, and cost-effective manner.

Given her experience on both sides of this nuanced area of law, Jennifer also provides alternative dispute resolution services to parties involved in eminent domain and other valuation-related disputes.

Insurance

In her insurance practice, Jennifer works diligently with clients to analyze whether their insurance policies provide coverage for a given event or loss.  She also evaluates whether the insurance company has complied with the law or acted in bad faith.  Jennifer offers these services to clients both on the insurance company side and for individuals and businesses seeking coverage.  Moreover, Jennifer consults with individuals and businesses to determine whether their current insurance policies provide adequate protection.

Public Utility

Jennifer’s regulatory practice involves the “fourth branch” of the Arizona government – the Arizona Corporation Commission.  She assists public utilities (such as power companies and telecommunications providers) in maintaining compliance with Commission rules, as well as in obtaining the approvals and waivers necessary for their business operations.  In addition, she represents utilities in rate cases in which her clients seek to increase or decrease the rates they are allowed to charge their Arizona customers.  Adding additional value to her utility clients, Jennifer participates in Commission rulemaking and policymaking proceedings to advocate for sensible, streamlined policies and procedures.

Leadership

Jennifer joined Gallagher & Kennedy’s board of directors in 2018 as its first female member.  Additionally, she serves in leadership positions for and is active in both professional associations and community/charitable organizations.  She has been honored by a variety of publications and professional associations for her subject matter expertise.  A prolific writer, Jennifer’s articles have been included in major local, regional and national publications.  A dedicated educator, Jennifer has been invited to speak before legal and industry organizations on the topics of litigation, appraisal, and insurance. Furthermore, Jennifer is the co-host and organizer of the biannual Condemnation Summit in Arizona.