Az Business Magazine’s “Women in Law” Feature

KARIN ALDAMA, LITIGATION & INSURANCE SHAREHOLDER

Background: Handles complex commercial and business litigation and insurance coverage matters for mid-size to Fortune 500 companies in hospitality, finance, utilities, aerospace, and semiconductors. She helps corporate clients and governmental entities find insurance programs that meet their needs and obtain the coverage to which their policies entitle them.

Strengths: "I believe that my organizational and writing skills as well as my thoroughness and willingness to think outside the box make me an effective attorney."

Professional advice: "Become involved with legal and professional organizations during law school and maintain those relationships as well as relationships with your classmates after graduation as they will help you with business development."

MELISSA BENSON, FAMILY LAW SHAREHOLDER

Background: Represents families and individuals in all types of domestic relations and disputes, including divorce, custody, property division, alimony, modification of orders, and beyond. She is a dedicated advocate, providing compassionate and concierge-style service to resolve her clients’ most personal disputes. Benson leads the firm’s family law department.

Strengths: "As a family law attorney, essential traits include empathy, strong communication, and resilience. Understanding clients’ emotions helps build trust, while effective communication ensures clarity. Resilience is crucial for navigating challenges, allowing us to advocate fiercely for our clients and champion their needs during difficult times."

Professional advice: "Aspiring attorneys should cultivate empathy to connect with clients, master clear communication and remain resilient. Networking within the legal community is vital, and always prioritize ethics by upholding integrity in every case. These qualities will help you thrive in your legal career."

SARAH CLIFFORD, ESTATES & TRUSTS SHAREHOLDER

Background: Advises individuals, families, and business owners with their estate plans to help manage and preserve wealth and assets. Her experience includes probate and trust administration, including representation of high-net-worth clients. She also works with business owners on commercial transactions, entity formation, contract review, and dispute resolution.

Strengths: "I take an educational approach to estate planning, helping clients understand not just what they’re doing, but why. I believe informed decisions lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind."

JENNIFER CRANSTON, LITIGATION & REAL ESTATE SHAREHOLDER

Background: A unique practice that includes real estate litigation, insurance coverage, and utility regulation. For 25 years, she has counseled land developers and private property owners in condemnation actions and valuation issues. She also advises insurers, business owners, and individuals on insurance coverage and bad faith issues, and advocates for public utilities in rate cases and policy matters before the Arizona Corporation Commission. Cranston is a member of the firm’s board of directors.

Professional advice: "No matter how strong your ideas or initiatives are, they won’t gain traction without the support of the people around you. My advice is to take the time to engage others early, listen carefully, and remain open to perspectives that can improve your approach in unexpected ways. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that collaboration isn’t just strategic; it’s often what elevates a good idea into a successful outcome."

HALEY HARRIGAN, EMPLOYMENT LAW SHAREHOLDER

Background: Represents and counsels individuals, small businesses, franchised operations, and large companies on a wide range of employment and business disputes, and litigates matters spanning labor and employment, commercial litigation, and general liability. She serves as chair of the firm’s employment and labor law department.

Source of pride: "What gives me the most pride in my legal career is being able to step into a client's most difficult or uncertain moments and deliver clarity, strategy, and resolution. There's a unique kind of fulfillment that comes from solving a complex legal problem in a way that not only protects a client's interests but also restores their peace of mind. Knowing that a client trusted me to carry their problem—and that I was able to navigate it with both precision and compassion—is incredibly rewarding and is what motivates me every day. So it's not just about the legal win; it's about the real-life impact that solution has for the person or business behind the case."

JANEY HENZE COOK, CRIMINAL DEFENSE SHAREHOLDER

Background: Handles white collar and non-white collar criminal cases arising out of felony and misdemeanor crimes, including fraudulent schemes and artifices, homicide, public corruption, drug offenses, gambling, forfeiture, and offenses against public order. She represents media enterprises with respect to First Amendment constitutional issues, as well as elected officials in matters involving disclosure obligations and election laws.

Source of pride: "I have always enjoyed the 'helping people' aspect of criminal law. In a system where all of the other players are part of the government, it is meaningful to be the person on my client’s side. Good people are often brought into the criminal justice system, and I like being the person who can make sure their constitutional rights are complied with and who can help them."

HANNAH PORTER, LITIGATION SHAREHOLDER

Background: Represents clients through all stages of litigation in both state and federal courts in a wide range of disputes, including breach of contract, fraud, trade secrets, business ownership issues, class actions, and bid protests for government contracts. Porter also serves as the chair of the firm's Professional Women's Group, which focuses on professional and business development and community engagement.

Source of pride: "There is no better feeling than, after months or years of working the case and developing strategy, to argue before a judge or jury and get a verdict in my client’s favor. I’m honored to help my clients vindicate their rights."

JOSEFA RODRIGUEZ, FAMILY LAW SHAREHOLDER

Background: Helps families resolve domestic disputes involving legal separations, divorce proceedings, spousal maintenance, child custody and support, parental rights, and domestic violence. She emphasizes strategic settlement negotiations for early resolution and pre/post-nuptial agreements. Rodriguez also helps bring families together through adoption

Professional advice: "For young attorneys or those aspiring attorneys, surround yourself with a village of cheerleaders. This support from family and friends who cheer you on can make the journey of being an attorney worth your time and make it satisfying. Additionally, it does not hurt to involve yourself in legal practice groups! Networking can bring you mentorship relationships, your next career move, or involvement in your local community."