Coppersmith Brockelman Super Lawyers 2021

Super Lawyers Honors 12 Coppersmith Brockelman Attorneys

Coppersmith Brockelman, a prominent Phoenix-based business law firm, announced today that 12 of its 20 attorneys have been recognized in Super Lawyers’ 2021 edition. Super Lawyers honors accomplished attorneys in more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Attorneys from Coppersmith Brockelman who received the 2021 honor are: Keith Beauchamp – Business Litigation (recognized since 2007) Scott Bennett – Health Care (recognized since 2018); Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Business Litigation (2012-2013) Kent Brockelman – Employment & Labor Law (recognized since 2007) Jill Chasson – Employment & Labor Law (recognized since 2016) Roopali Desai – Legislative & Government Affairs (recognized since 2019); Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2014-2016) John DeWulf – Business Litigation (recognized since 2007);...

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The Arizona Republic Calls on Roopali Desai for Insight on Prop 208-Related Surcharge

The Arizona Republic Calls on Roopali Desai for Insight on Prop 208-Related Surcharge

After Arizona voters passed Proposition 208, which increased the state’s income-tax rate for high-income individuals, a restaurant in Cave Creek added a surprise surcharge to diners’ checks. The Arizona Republic turned to Roopali Desai, who represents the initiative, for a legal perspective on the fee. Roopali questioned why the restaurant owners were trying to collect a tax they may not even be required to pay, as Prop 208 impacts individuals who earn taxable income above $250,000 — not businesses. She also emphasized the importance of reviewing receipts and speaking up if something seems amiss. In addition to representing Prop 208, Roopali is a highly regarded elections and political lawyer in Arizona. Her practice involves advising clients on all aspects of election law, from campaign finance compliance to...

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Roopali Desai Included in Business Insider’s List of AZ Cannabis Industry Power Players

Roopali Desai Included in Business Insider’s List of AZ Cannabis Industry Power Players

After Arizona voters passed Proposition 207 to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state, Business Insider highlighted 11 power players who are shaping the new, potentially multi-million-dollar market. As the attorney responsible for drafting the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, Roopali Desai was featured. The Campaign, which was supported by the Arizona Dispensaries Association (ADA), contracted Roopali to craft the initiative’s language. She and law partner, Andy Gaona, continually revised the language after meeting with stakeholders, including company executives, criminal justice advocates, first responders, and others. Moving forward, Roopali and the firm will continue to work with ADA as well as the Arizona Department of Health Services to implement the new legislation. A leading election lawyer in Arizona, Roopali is known for her experience representing initiative, referendum, and...

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Roopali represents four initiative campaigns who filed a Petition for Special Action with the Arizona Supreme Court to seek an order permitting them to use the E-Qual system to obtain online signatures

Roopali Desai Calls for Arizona Courts to Allow Online Petition Signatures

Although social distancing practices and stay-at-home orders are necessary, they have hindered the ability for groups seeking to put measures on the November ballot to collect petition signatures from individuals. Roopali Desai recently sat down with KJZZ, Arizona Daily Star and Arizona Capitol Times to discuss the breadth of the issue and how to solve it. An experienced election and political lawyer, Roopali represents four initiative campaigns who filed a Petition for Special Action with the Arizona Supreme Court to seek an order permitting them to use the E-Qual system to obtain online signatures. She shared that political candidates already have access to the same system to get the signatures they need and argued the court should uphold the constitutional right of citizens to initiate laws by allowing the use of the...

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Roopali represents four initiative campaigns who filed a Petition for Special Action with the Arizona Supreme Court to seek an order permitting them to use the E-Qual system to obtain online signatures

Arizona Capitol Times Gets Roopali Desai’s Take on Legislative Proposals

When covering three legislative proposals (HCR2032, HCR2046 and SCR1020) that could scale back Arizona voters’ lawmaking powers and upend Arizona’s ballot initiative and referral system, Arizona Capitol Times turned to Coppersmith Brockelman’s Roopali Desai for expert commentary. A highly regarded election and political lawyer, Roopali highlighted how the proposed laws are an attempt to undermine voters’ constitutional rights to legislate co-equally with the legislative branch. Moreover, she says, these changes could result in lengthy ballots and costly elections, ultimately leading to voter disengagement.  Roopali, who is a partner in the firm’s litigation group, advises clients on all aspects of election law, including campaign finance compliance, disclosure and reporting requirements, and bringing and defending election challenges. She is especially known for her experience representing initiative, referendum, and recall campaigns, and...

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Roopali represents four initiative campaigns who filed a Petition for Special Action with the Arizona Supreme Court to seek an order permitting them to use the E-Qual system to obtain online signatures

Roopali Desai Sheds Light on Arizona’s Second Chance Act in Local Media

Arizona has the fourth-highest prison population in the United States, but the new Second Chances, Rehabilitation and Public Safety Act could change that. Coppersmith Brockelman’s Roopali Desai, who serves as legal counsel for the initiative and helped to craft the measure, was featured on KJZZ and in articles for the Arizona Republic and Daily Independent sharing insights on the legislation. The Second Chances Act is an opportunity for non-dangerous offenders to shorten their prison sentences through “earned release credits,” based on good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs. It would also give judges discretion in sentencing non-dangerous offenders in the interest of justice based on the facts and circumstances of the case, including victims’ statements. Finally, it establishes a fund for first responders and victims of violent crimes. According to Roopali,...

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