Phoenix is home to a diverse array of major employers that drive the city’s thriving economy. As one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, Phoenix boasts a robust job market across sectors such as healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing. Large corporations, including Fortune 500 companies, play a key role in shaping the region’s workforce, offering extensive opportunities for professionals across various fields.
The city’s economic expansion, coupled with its favorable business environment, has attracted both established companies and innovative startups. For legal professionals, Phoenix offers opportunities within corporate legal departments, healthcare institutions, and financial services firms, making it an attractive destination for career growth in a competitive and rapidly developing market.
Biggest Law Firms in Phoenix
- Snell & Wilmer LLP: Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer LLP is one of the largest law firms in the Southwest, with over 450 attorneys across 15 offices. Headquartered in Phoenix, the firm offers a full range of legal services, including corporate law, litigation, real estate, and healthcare law. Snell & Wilmer is known for representing clients in high-profile mergers and acquisitions and complex litigation. The firm’s deep connections to the Arizona business community and its long history in the region make it a key player in shaping local legal and economic landscapes.
- Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP was founded in 1950 and has grown to over 300 attorneys with offices across the Southwest. The firm’s Phoenix office plays a critical role in its success, offering services in litigation, intellectual property, and business transactions. Known for its work with government entities and major corporations, Lewis Roca has been involved in several notable cases, particularly in regulatory law and intellectual property litigation. The firm’s broad range of practice areas and strong regional presence make it a leader in Arizona’s legal market.
- Fennemore Craig, P.C.: Founded in 1885, Fennemore Craig, P.C. is one of the oldest law firms in Arizona, with over 200 attorneys spread across multiple offices. Based in Phoenix, the firm is known for its expertise in business law, litigation, real estate, and natural resources law. Fennemore Craig has a long history of serving the Arizona business community and has been involved in landmark cases and large-scale commercial transactions. The firm’s deep experience in Arizona’s unique regulatory environment and its commitment to client success have established it as a trusted name in the region.
- Quarles & Brady LLP: Quarles & Brady LLP, founded in 1892, is a national law firm with over 475 attorneys across nine offices, including a significant presence in Phoenix. The firm is recognized for its work in intellectual property, corporate law, and healthcare law. Quarles & Brady is an AM Law 200 firm and has handled notable cases in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Its Phoenix office is particularly known for representing hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device manufacturers, making it a key player in Arizona.
- Polsinelli: Polsinelli is a nationally recognized law firm with over 900 attorneys across 21 offices, including a growing presence in Phoenix. Founded in 1972, the firm is known for its work in healthcare, real estate, and corporate law. Polsinelli regularly ranks among the top firms in the AM Law 100 and has been involved in several high-profile healthcare transactions and regulatory matters. The firm’s Phoenix office plays a vital role in its national healthcare and real estate practices, offering strategic legal counsel to some of the region’s largest institutions.
- Perkins Coie LLP: Founded in 1912, Perkins Coie LLP is a prestigious law firm with more than 1,100 attorneys across 20 offices globally, including Phoenix. The firm is particularly known for its expertise in corporate law, intellectual property, and litigation. Perkins Coie has represented numerous Fortune 500 companies, including major tech firms, in landmark cases involving intellectual property and antitrust law. The Phoenix office is integral to the firm’s national practice, providing legal services to a broad range of industries, including technology, aerospace, and manufacturing.
- Osborn Maledon, P.A.: Osborn Maledon, P.A. is a leading Phoenix-based law firm, founded in 1992, with around 50 attorneys. The firm is known for its expertise in litigation, appellate law, and public law. Osborn Maledon has been involved in several high-profile cases, including constitutional law challenges and complex commercial litigation. The firm’s small size allows it to offer personalized legal services while maintaining a strong presence in Arizona’s legal market. Its focus on public law and education also makes it a key player in government-related legal matters.
- Ballard Spahr LLP: Ballard Spahr LLP, founded in 1885, is a national law firm with over 600 attorneys across 15 offices, including Phoenix. The firm’s Phoenix office specializes in real estate, litigation, and public finance, and has been involved in several major infrastructure projects in the region. Ballard Spahr is known for its representation of financial institutions, government entities, and real estate developers. The firm’s extensive experience in public finance and real estate law makes it a leader in large-scale development projects throughout Arizona.
- Gust Rosenfeld, P.L.C.: Founded in 1921, Gust Rosenfeld, P.L.C. is a Phoenix-based law firm with around 70 attorneys. The firm is known for its work in municipal law, real estate, and public finance. Gust Rosenfeld has deep roots in the Arizona legal community and is recognized for its representation of government entities, including school districts, municipalities, and public agencies. The firm’s expertise in public law, coupled with its long-standing presence in the region, makes it a key player in Arizona’s legal landscape.
- Squire Patton Boggs: Squire Patton Boggs is a global law firm with over 1,500 attorneys across 45 offices, including a prominent office in Phoenix. The firm is known for its work in public policy, international trade, and corporate law. Squire Patton Boggs frequently ranks among the AM Law 100 and represents some of the world’s largest companies in high-stakes regulatory and corporate matters. The Phoenix office is an important part of the firm’s global network, offering specialized legal services in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and cross-border transactions.
Phoenix
Phoenix’s legal market is expanding, fueled by growth in real estate, healthcare, and technology sectors. Lawyers in Phoenix often specialize in corporate law, real estate transactions, and healthcare regulations, as the city continues to attract businesses and residents. The booming construction industry and rising tech presence provide ample opportunities for legal professionals to engage in commercial litigation, land use, and intellectual property matters, making Phoenix a vibrant and evolving environment for legal work.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal position with one of Phoenix’s largest employers often requires specialized skills and experience, and working with a legal recruiter can significantly improve your chances of placement. Phoenix is home to several Fortune 500 companies and large organizations that require in-house legal teams to navigate complex regulatory environments, manage corporate governance, and handle litigation.
- Honeywell International: Founded in 1906, Honeywell International is a global leader in aerospace, automation, and performance materials. The company’s Aerospace division is headquartered in Phoenix, employing thousands of people, including a robust legal team that handles matters related to government contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Honeywell’s legal department plays a crucial role in supporting the company’s innovation efforts, particularly in aerospace technology and defense contracting.
- Banner Health: Banner Health, established in 1999, is one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the United States, headquartered in Phoenix. The organization employs over 50,000 people, with a significant legal team managing issues related to healthcare compliance, medical malpractice, and mergers and acquisitions. As a major healthcare provider in the Southwest, Banner Health’s legal team is essential in navigating complex healthcare regulations and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws.
- Freeport-McMoRan: Founded in 1912, Freeport-McMoRan is a leading international mining company, headquartered in Phoenix. The company specializes in copper, gold, and molybdenum mining and employs a large legal team to handle matters involving environmental regulations, mining rights, and corporate governance. Freeport-McMoRan’s legal department is essential in managing the company’s global operations, including compliance with environmental standards and international trade regulations.
- ON Semiconductor: ON Semiconductor, now known as onsemi, is a global technology company founded in 1999 and headquartered in Phoenix. With over 30,000 employees worldwide, the company’s legal team handles a range of issues, from intellectual property and patent protection to antitrust law and mergers and acquisitions. As a leader in semiconductor technology, onsemi’s legal department plays a crucial role in protecting its innovations and ensuring regulatory compliance in a fast-moving industry.
- Republic Services: Republic Services, founded in 1996, is one of the largest waste management companies in the United States and is headquartered in Phoenix. The company employs over 35,000 people, including a significant legal team that handles issues related to environmental law, corporate governance, and labor relations. The legal team at Republic Services plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and managing the company’s corporate responsibilities, particularly in waste disposal and recycling.
- Avnet, Inc.: Founded in 1921, Avnet, Inc. is a global distributor of electronic components, headquartered in Phoenix. The company employs approximately 14,000 people worldwide, including a legal team that manages issues related to intellectual property, trade compliance, and corporate governance. Avnet’s legal department is key to supporting the company’s global operations, particularly in navigating the complexities of international trade and technology transactions.
- Amkor Technology: Amkor Technology, founded in 1968 and headquartered in Tempe, just outside of Phoenix, is a leading provider of semiconductor packaging and test services. With over 30,000 employees globally, Amkor’s legal team handles matters related to intellectual property, international trade, and compliance with semiconductor industry regulations. The company’s role as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing makes its legal department essential in protecting innovations and managing cross-border legal challenges.
- Sprouts Farmers Market: Sprouts Farmers Market, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Phoenix, is a rapidly growing grocery retailer with over 30,000 employees across the country. The company’s legal team focuses on corporate governance, real estate transactions, labor law, and regulatory compliance. As Sprouts continues to expand, the legal team plays an integral role in supporting its growth and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and employment laws.
- Western Alliance Bancorporation: Western Alliance Bancorporation, founded in 1994, is a regional bank headquartered in Phoenix, with over 3,000 employees. The bank’s legal department handles issues related to regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and financial litigation. Western Alliance’s legal team plays a key role in managing the bank’s regulatory relationships, particularly with the Federal Reserve and other banking authorities.
- Insight Enterprises: Founded in 1988, Insight Enterprises is a global technology company providing IT solutions to businesses worldwide. Headquartered in Tempe, the company employs over 11,000 people, including a dedicated legal team managing corporate governance, intellectual property, and international trade compliance. Insight’s legal department is crucial in supporting the company’s global operations, ensuring compliance with complex regulations across various jurisdictions.