Overview

At Gallagher & Kennedy, we are in business to help you seize opportunities and overcome obstacles.

For over 45 years, we have built an exemplary national reputation and multi-disciplinary legal practice, and combined with the personal client service found only in a local law firm, G&K provides boutique service to every client. From individuals to employers, startups and small businesses to publicly traded corporations, professional sports franchises to public entities, local to national, the G&K team values client relationships over single legal transactions. We foster an environment of teamwork and collaboration, which provides our clients with depth and breadth of knowledge on every legal matter.

While our roots run deep in Arizona and the Southwest, our client relationships extend across the United States and, in several cases, around the globe. Our institutional clients range from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and individuals, including Freeport-McMoRan Inc., Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, The Fertilizer Institute, Grand Canyon University, and Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).

Gallagher & Kennedy’s reputation for excellence enables us to attract challenging, sophisticated, and often high-profile legal work. Our success comes from an unwavering focus on the needs of our clients and the exceptional talent and contributions of our attorneys and professional staff. We are extremely proud of our employment longevity, with over half of the firm’s employees having served on our team for the majority or entirety of their careers. This enables us to continually attract and retain top national and local legal talent to serve our clients throughout the United States.

We are known not only for the results we deliver to clients but also for our role as engaged corporate citizens. From the firm’s very inception, our founding partners have led by example in serving the community through individual and corporate volunteerism. Our team is encouraged to serve in capacities of either professional or personal interest, with many active on boards, councils, committees, and a myriad of philanthropic endeavors across our community.

Founded:
1978
Size:
64
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
50
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
42

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Appellate Practice
Tier
2
National Ranking
Commercial Litigation
Tier
2
National Ranking
Natural Resources Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Environmental Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Real Estate

Regional

Phoenix

Tier
1
Phoenix
Administrative / Regulatory Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Appellate Practice
Tier
1
Phoenix
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Phoenix
Construction Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Corporate Law

Select Clients

Grand Canyon University (GCU) Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). Arizona Cardinals Arizona Diamondbacks Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.

Highlighted Client Comments

These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Shannon Clark has helped several members of our family in complicated cases. He and his staff have been helpful and responsive at every stage of these cases. The hard and dedicated work put in by this team has resulted in exceptional outcomes. Thank you Shannon and Gallagher & Kennedy! David Irvine
David Irvine
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Woody Thompson is an excellent lawyer with broad range of experience, making him effective in any situation.
Barry Mitchell
Mitchell | Stein | Carey | Chapman
Litigation - Labor and Employment
We have utilized this firm for over 10 years. I have recommended Mr. Johnsen and the firm several times.
Robin Orchard
Orchard Medical Consulting
Employment Law - Management
They have done an outstanding job for me over the last 20 plus years.
Jim Stockwell
Stockwell Scientific
Litigation - Labor and Employment
They have done an outstanding job for me over the last 20 plus years.
Jim Stockwell
Stockwell Scientific
Litigation - Labor and Employment
During my seven year tenure we have not had to move to litigation to resolve our legal issues. However, had it come to that, I would want Don Johnsen & G&K representing my school district.
Michael Wright
Blue Ridge Unified School District
Employment Law - Management
The legal support received by the attorney's at G&K is outstanding. My primary contact is Don Johnsen. He is responsive, knowledgeable and accessible. I have great confidence and appreciation for the legal direction provided. I've used "DJ" for over seven years for all my employment issues and will continue using G&K in the future. Kind regards, Dr. Michael L. Wright
Michael Wright
Blue Ridge Unified School District
Corporate Law
The customer service of Gallagher & Kennedy in their quick response and dedication to understanding the issue has been exceptional as we have worked through many difficult issues. Their work to find creative solutions to meet our needs has been above and beyond expectations. They are easy to work with and always in a collegial manner.
 
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Gallagher & Kennedy is very compassionate and professional.
 
Criminal Defense: General Practice
Gallagher & Kennedy is excellent. It has many outstanding practitioners in a large number of areas of practice. It is long established and has an excellent reputation. We have always found them to be professional, honorable, ethical and up to the challenge. They have done a tremendous job in the sports area. I would consider them top-tier in many areas, including commercial litigation, sports law and other areas.
 
Criminal Defense: General Practice
Gallagher & Kennedy has great service and good follow-up, producing outstanding results.
 
Employment Law - Management
Don Johnsen and Gallagher & Kennedy are extremely knowledgeable with multi-stage employment and management issues. They are always responsive and always thorough.
 
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Gallagher & Kennedy is a professional team and provides outstanding representation. Shannon Clark is the best personal injury lawyer in the USA.
 
Environmental Law
I have worked with Chris Leason and others at Gallagher & Kennedy for many years now. Chris is great with support, whether for litigation or comments, and is well versed in how the science interacts with the law.
Bill Herz
National Lime Association
Commercial Litigation
We believe we have the best litigation team in Gallagher & Kennedy in the state in relation to insurance coverage dispute.
Brad Worsley
Novo Power

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Appellate Practice
Tier
2
National Ranking
Commercial Litigation
Tier
2
National Ranking
Natural Resources Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Environmental Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Real Estate

Regional

Phoenix

Tier
1
Phoenix
Administrative / Regulatory Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Appellate Practice
Tier
1
Phoenix
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Phoenix
Construction Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Corporate Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Criminal Defense: General Practice
Tier
1
Phoenix
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
1
Phoenix
DUI / DWI Defense
Tier
1
Phoenix
Employment Law - Management
Tier
1
Phoenix
Energy Regulatory Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Insurance Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier
1
Phoenix
Litigation - Construction
Tier
1
Phoenix
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier
1
Phoenix
Litigation - Municipal
Tier
1
Phoenix
Litigation - Real Estate
Tier
1
Phoenix
Natural Resources Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Tier
1
Phoenix
Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
Tier
1
Phoenix
Real Estate Law
Tier
1
Phoenix
Tax Law
Tier
2
Phoenix
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Tier
2
Phoenix
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Tier
2
Phoenix
Commercial Finance Law
Tier
2
Phoenix
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Tier
2
Phoenix
Energy Law
Tier
2
Phoenix
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
2
Phoenix
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
2
Phoenix
Litigation - Securities
Tier
2
Phoenix
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
2
Phoenix
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
2
Phoenix
Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Tier
2
Phoenix
Trusts and Estates
Tier
3
Phoenix
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
3
Phoenix
Franchise Law
Tier
3
Phoenix
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Tier
3
Phoenix
Securities Regulation
Tier
3
Phoenix
Utilities Law

Santa Fe

Tier
1
Santa Fe
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Santa Fe
Natural Resources Law
Tier
2
Santa Fe
Litigation - Environmental

Practice Areas

Gallagher & Kennedy PA has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 40 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Aviation Law
  • Banking and Finance Law
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Cannabis
  • Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
  • Commercial Finance Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
  • Construction Law
  • Copyright Law
  • Corporate Compliance Law
  • Corporate Governance Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law
  • Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Energy Law
  • Energy Regulatory Law
  • Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
  • Environmental Law
  • Equipment Finance Law
  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
  • Franchise Law
  • Government Contracts
  • Government Relations Practice
  • Insurance Law
  • Labor Law - Management
  • Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
  • Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
  • Litigation - Antitrust
  • Litigation - Bankruptcy
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
  • Litigation - Municipal
  • Litigation - Securities
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Real Estate Law
  • Sports Law
  • Tax Law

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Gallagher & Kennedy PA proudly has 42 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Awards

Gallagher & Kennedy PA is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Gallagher & Kennedy PA has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Gallagher & Kennedy PA continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
No. 1 "Best Place to Work, Medium-Sized Companies," Phoenix Business Jounral, 2011
No. 1 "Best Place to Work, Medium-Sized Companies," Phoenix Business Jounral, 2010
Ranked 1 - Environment (including water rights), Chambers USA
Ranked 3 - Litigation: General Commercial, Chambers USA
Ranked 3 - Corporate/M&A, Chambers USA
Ranked 3 – Natural Resources & Environment, Chambers USA

Offices & Contacts

Phoenix, AZ
2575 East Camelback Road, Suite 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85016
United States
Santa Fe, NM
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Mergers and Acquisitions
General Commercial Litigation / Public Bidding & Procurement
Environmental Regulatory Permitting
Environmental Lobbying / Legislation
Environmental Due Diligence
Employee Benefits / Executive Compensation / ERISA
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