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Since combining with Taft on January 1, 2025, what was formerly Sherman & Howard’s Phoenix office has grown by 130%.

In an interview with the Phoenix Business Journal, Phoenix Partner-in-Charge Craig Morgan shared the enhanced value the merger with Taft brings to clients throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

“We want Taft to be a household name for every business in the state. We are the best client service law firm, and we want all the lawyers out there who want to go someplace where they’re appreciated, where they’re well compensated, and where they’re going to have fun practicing law again,” said Morgan.

Since the merger, Taft’s Phoenix office has welcomed 13 attorneys, significantly expanding the firm’s strength across key practice areas and reshaping the depth of legal services available in the region. Taft’s employment and labor litigation capabilities have grown with the additions of Carrie Francis, Lonnie Williams Jr., Ashley Cheff, Emily Craiger, Sharon Ng, Tim Lauxman, and James Camoriano, giving Phoenix employers and businesses access to one of the most comprehensive employment teams in the market. The firm’s litigation platform has also expanded meaningfully through the arrivals of Jim Holland in construction litigation and Matthew Holt and Peyton Williams in commercial litigation, strengthening Taft’s ability to handle complex, high-stakes disputes across industries. Taft’s enhanced public finance capacity, supported by Tyler Cobb and Roxann Lucas, further positions the firm to support major infrastructure and community development initiatives across Arizona. In addition, Nicole Simmons adds valuable depth to Taft’s growing real estate practice, supporting the region’s ongoing expansion.

Several of these attorneys joined Taft from notable firms, including Stinson and Ballard Spahr, underscoring not only the strength of Taft’s platform but also the firm’s increasing role as a destination for top legal talent in the Phoenix market.

“Taft’s investment in growing the Phoenix market has been invaluable. I was able to move my practice seamlessly while gaining the opportunity to work with colleagues in other Taft markets who needed employment law support in the west,” Ng said. “Taft has positively lifted my practice since I joined earlier this year.”

“The strength of Taft’s platform provides incredible opportunities for our respective practices and clients, and the depth of talent among the attorneys and staff here is unmatched. It’s a collaborative culture and an energizing environment that fosters innovation, support, and success,” Williams Jr. said.

Morgan added: “Our lawyers have autonomy, they have support, and they have the force of an Am Law Top 80 firm with 1,200 lawyers. It is truly a remarkable place to work, and the best thing I can say about Taft, and why Taft is so amazing, is that the people are amazing.”

To support its growing team, the firm will be relocating to a significantly expanded space at Esplanade II, one of the premier office towers in the Biltmore corridor. The new space will accommodate more than 50 attorneys and staff, positioning the firm for continued growth and client service excellence in the Valley.

Taft Mountain West includes eight offices across Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Since the merger announcement, the firm has added 36 new attorneys to the Mountain West offices, accelerating its strategic growth. This expansion reflects Taft’s commitment to its communities’ evolving legal landscapes. As the firm continues to attract top talent and provide clients with exceptional service, it is well-positioned to become a leading force in the nation.

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About Taft

Founded in 1885, Taft is one of the nation’s fastest-growing law firms, with a 140-year legacy rooted in the historic Taft family. With more than 1,100 attorneys and a modern, non-headquarter operating model, Taft is committed to delivering exceptional legal service to today’s organizations and individuals. The firm is recognized nationally in the Am Law 100, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers®, and Super Lawyers. Learn more at taftlaw.com.