The Arizona Capitol Times has named Ballard Spahr Partner Joseph A. Kanefield a 2017 Leader of the Year in Public Policy.
Mr. Kanefield, a litigator with a government-focused practice, leads the firm's Political and Election Law Practice. He previously served as General Counsel to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, advising on litigation involving the state budget, civil rights, immigration, gaming, and health care issues. He also served in the Arizona Secretary of State's office as State Election Director and in-house counsel.
The honorees were selected from scores of nominations by a committee of capitol regulars, including lobbyists, advocates, and consultants. The winners, many of whom have spent their careers in public policy, have shaped Arizona's government through their contributions in policy debate. Winners were profiled in a special edition of the Arizona Capitol Times on December 15.
"Joe is an outstanding lawyer and very deserving of this recognition," said John Kerkorian, Managing Partner of Ballard Spahr's Phoenix office. "He is among the best in his field and the go-to political lawyer in Arizona. We are very proud to call him our colleague and friend."
The publication also recognized Mr. Kanefield earlier in the year, when it named him Best Political Leader in June.
An active member of his community, Mr. Kanefield serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Arizona Equal Justice Foundation, which works to raise awareness and funding for Arizona's three federally funded, civil legal aid programs.
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