KJZZ Turns to Andy Gaona for Insight on Chandler Mayoral Eligibility Dispute

A complaint filed recently in Maricopa County Superior Court has sparked questions about whether Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke was ever eligible to run for that office, citing language in the city’s charter that arguably could have prevented him from being elected. KJZZ Phoenix interviewed election law expert and Partner Andy Gaona to break down the legal complexities of the situation while detailing what this could mean for the City of Chandler. Andy explained that under Chandler’s charter, anyone who has served two consecutive terms — regardless of whether on the City Council or as Mayor — is ineligible to hold office again until a four-year break has passed. Despite this rule, Hartke ran for Mayor in 2018 after serving two terms on the Council. He went...

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Kristen Rosati Shares Insight on Rising Threats of Ransomware Mailed Physically to Health Care Organizations

A recent string of mailed extortion demands has caught health care organizations off guard, signaling a shift in ransomware tactics. Partner Kristen Rosati was featured in a Healthcare Risk Management article, emphasizing the importance for health care organizations to prepare for these emerging threats. The paper ransomware letters claimed sensitive data had been stolen and demanded more than $250,000 in Bitcoin within 10 days. Although an increasing number of health care staff now receive training to avoid suspicious links and spot phishing emails, physical letters tend to feel more legitimate and urgent than these digital phishing tactics. This method also bypasses the expensive email filters and security systems set up to catch digital threats, making it even more difficult to detect. “Snail mail doesn’t leave a digital...

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Ranking Arizona Honors Coppersmith Brockelman in Two Competitive Legal Categories

Coppersmith Brockelman has once again garnered recognition for its legal excellence, earning two top 10 placements in Ranking Arizona’s 2025 edition. The firm secured the No. 2 spot among the state’s Top 10 Cannabis Law Firms and was named on the list of Arizona’s Top 10 Law Firms with 25 Attorneys or Fewer. The rankings reflect the team’s ability to deliver thoughtful, effective counsel across complex legal matters. Ranking Arizona is the state’s largest business opinion poll, with results determined by thousands of community votes. The lists spotlight organizations that demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, and impact in their respective industries. Coppersmith Brockelman is known for bringing clarity to complexity, blending sharp legal insight with real-world practicality. Whether working through regulatory shifts in cannabis law or advising on...

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Coppersmith Brockelman Named Among Legal Industry’s Best Places to Work in Arizona

Az Business has recognized Coppersmith Brockelman as one of the top 10 places to work in the Arizona legal industry, reinforcing the firm’s reputation for fostering a supportive, engaging, and growth-oriented workplace culture. The “10 Best Places to Work in the Arizona Legal Industry” list is determined by a reader poll, spotlighting the top firms in the state that excel in employee well-being, professional development, and positive work environment. Coppersmith Brockelman earned the No. 7 spot, underscoring the firm’s collaborative culture and commitment to the talented legal professionals driving its success. With initiatives that prioritize work-life balance, professional growth, and team camaraderie, including firm-wide activities and policies that support career development, Coppersmith Brockelman has cultivated an environment where its team thrives. This latest honor adds to the firm’s...

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Jill Chasson Provides Insight on Noncompete Agreement Challenges in HR Laws Article

In August 2024, just a few months after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a rule banning nearly all noncompete agreements between companies and workers, a federal judge blocked the rule nationwide. Despite the injunction and dramatic shifts in federal government priorities under a new president, the FTC recently announced that noncompete agreements will remain in its crosshairs. In a recent HR Laws article, Partner Jill Chasson examined the uncertain future of noncompete agreements and provided employers guidance as they navigate the FTC’s continued scrutiny of restrictive employment practices. Jill highlighted the FTC’s commitment to challenging noncompete agreements as part of a broader focus on labor practices. Citing concerns about worker mobility and wage suppression, the agency has even established a task force to investigate deceptive, unfair, and...

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Kristen Rosati Named Lawyer of the Year Finalist for 2025 Excellence in Law Awards

Az Business, in partnership with the State Bar of Arizona, has recognized Partner Kristen Rosati as a finalist for Lawyer of the Year in the 2025 Excellence in Law Awards, highlighting her as one of Arizona’s most influential and innovative legal professionals. This marks the first time Kristen has received the honor, joining four other attorneys in contention for the award. Formerly known as the Arizona Corporate Counsel Awards, the Excellence in Law Awards celebrate both private practice lawyers and in-house attorneys whose work is essential in upholding the law while navigating complex legal landscapes. A national leader in Big Data and HIPAA compliance, Kristen earned this distinction due to her extensive work in key areas like data sharing for research and clinical integration, data breaches, health...

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