Arizona Capitol Times Recognizes Andy Gaona for Statewide Impact on Political Law Landscape

Partner Andy Gaona has been honored for his outstanding work in election and political law, earning the title of Best Capitol/Political Lawyer at the 2025 Best of the Capitol Awards. Presented by Arizona Capitol Times, the annual event celebrates standout individuals and organizations shaping the local legislative environment. A trusted legal strategist in some of the state’s most high-profile cases, Andy recently spent two years working with major abortion rights groups to enshrine abortion protections into the Arizona Constitution through the Arizona Abortion Access Act. This effort drew widespread attention following the Arizona Supreme Court’s opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Mayes, where Andy represented Planned Parenthood and presented oral arguments on its behalf. In addition to his litigation practice, Andy serves as Governor Katie Hobbs’ go-to outside...

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Andy Gaona Recognized Among Arizona Capitol Times’ 2024 Leaders of the Year

For the third year in a row, the Arizona Capitol Times has recognized Andy Gaona as a “Leader of the Year” in public policy. This honor is awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to Arizona’s growth and enhanced the quality of life for its residents. Andy is among the list of 36 Arizonans honored on this year’s prestigious list. As his nomination for this award highlighted, he spent the last two years working with major abortion rights groups in Arizona to enshrine abortion protections into the Arizona Constitution through the Arizona Abortion Access Act. This effort has been the subject of intense media attention of late after the Arizona Supreme Court released its opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Mayes, a case in which Andy represented...

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Attorney Austin Yost

Attorney Austin Yost Honored as one of Arizona Capitol Times Rising Stars of 2023

Austin Yost has been selected as a Rising Star in Arizona Capitol Times’ Rising Stars and Timeless Icons of 2023. Formerly the Cap Under 40, the Rising Stars recognizes individuals with the sharpest minds and the tenacity to tackle the most challenging issues. Austin was a natural choice given his career achievements and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the field of law. “When we hired Austin earlier this year, we knew we had brought on an excellent attorney who would help our firm and the community,” said Jill Chasson, chair of the firm’s governance committee. “His recognition as a Rising Star is both well-deserved and unsurprising, and we’re eager to see what Austin does next.” Throughout his career, Austin has exhibited a passion for political...

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Attorney Andy Gaona

Andy Gaona Honored Among Arizona Capitol Times’ 2023 Leaders of the Year

When the Arizona Capitol Times named its 2023 Leaders of the Year, Andy Gaona was among the statewide leaders recognized for their contributions to Arizona's growth and quality of life. Honored in the Public Service category, Andy was selected for his role in defending democracy against the unprecedented attacks it faced over the past two election cycles. This is the second consecutive year that the Arizona Capitol Times has recognized Andy as one of its Leaders of the Year. "Those of us who work with Andy on a daily basis know his first-rate legal expertise, advocacy skills, and commitment to democracy in our state. We're very proud that the Arizona Capitol Times continues to recognize Andy for his leadership and public service in these areas," said...

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Arizona Capitol Times Honors Roopali Desai as Best Capitol/Political Lawyer

Arizona Capitol Times Honors Roopali Desai as Best Capitol/Political Lawyer

After prevailing in 11 lawsuits related to Arizona’s 2020 General Election, Roopali Desai was a clear choice for Arizona Capitol Times 2021 Best of the Capitol Awards. Winning in the Best Capitol/Political Lawyer category, Roopali was lauded for her tireless work bringing and defending election challenges, ensuring campaign finance compliance and successfully representing several initiative and referendum campaigns. It’s not the first time Roopali has won a Best of the Capitol award; the head of Coppersmith Brockelman’s Election and Political Law practice also received one in 2019. Recognized as Best Lawyers in America© 2021 Phoenix Civil Rights Law “Lawyer of the Year,” she is well known for her creative, strategic and dogged approach to representing clients. Roopali’s extensive list of accomplishments include leading numerous ballot measures to...

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AZ Capitol Times Applauds Kristen Arredondo Yost as a 2020 Breakdown Breakout

AZ Capitol Times Applauds Kristen Arredondo Yost as a 2020 Breakdown Breakout

Each year, the Arizona Capitol Times honors Arizona professionals who take on the most challenging issues to serve the state’s short and long-term interests. Kristen Arredondo Yost is among this year’s Breakdown Breakouts — a clear reflection of her hard work and persistence in preserving Arizonans’ rights and promoting an equitable future. Since joining Coppersmith Brockelman earlier this year, Kristen has worked on several public law and election matters alongside her colleagues. She successfully helped defend multiple attempts to block initiative measures from appearing on the 2020 general election ballot. One of the proposed measures was the Invest in Education Act. “As a former special education teacher and the daughter, sister, and friend of Arizona teachers, it meant a lot to me to help give the people...

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