Gallagher & Kennedy proudly announces that Wm. Charles “Chuck” Thomson will be honored with a 50-Year Certificate from the State Bar of Arizona in recognition of his five decades of exemplary service and commitment to the legal profession.
Chuck has built a distinguished legal career over the past 50 years, with extensive experience in commercial litigation, professional negligence defense, and environmental matters in both state and federal courts. For more than 48 years, he skillfully handled complex disputes involving breach of contract, fiduciary duty, fraud, civil RICO, and securities litigation across Arizona. His reputation for integrity and excellence has made him a trusted advocate for both businesses and professionals, including physicians, attorneys, and architects.
Chuck’s legacy at Gallagher & Kennedy is one of unwavering integrity, exceptional legal skill, and deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of attorneys. His 50 years of practice represent not only a remarkable personal achievement but also an invaluable contribution to Arizona’s legal community. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with him.
Kevin O’Malley, Managing Shareholder
In more recent years, Chuck has shifted his practice focus to representing plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death matters, championing the rights of individuals against corporations and other business entities.
Today, he continues to contribute to the firm’s success through strategic case planning and by mentoring the next generation of litigators.
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Chuck for more than three decades, and his impact on our firm—and on me personally—has been profound. Chuck brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to every case and a quiet confidence that clients and colleagues alike deeply respect. He’s been a mentor, role model, and friend.
Robert Boatman, Shareholder
Chuck’s commitment to professionalism and service is reflected in his long-standing involvement with numerous legal organizations. He served on the State Bar of Arizona’s Professionalism Committee for six years, chairing it from 2017 to 2018, as well as on the Supreme Court of Arizona's Attorney Ethics Advisory Committee. He is a past president of the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, Sustaining Patron of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services, and a Charter Benefactor and Past Chair of the Maricopa County Bar Foundation.
Chuck’s accolades include being recognized by Best Lawyers in America® in multiple categories for more than a decade, earning an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and being named one of Arizona’s Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys.
Congratulations on this extraordinary milestone!