Seven Snell & Wilmer Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Az Business Leaders Magazine

PHOENIX – Snell & Wilmer is pleased to announce that Phoenix Partners Barbara J. Dawson, Paul J. Giancola, Patrick X. Fowler, Michael T. Maerowitz, Patrick J. Paul, Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier, and David W. Wilhelmsen have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 issue of Az Business Leaders magazine, an annual publication by AZ Big Media that profiles Arizona’s most innovative, respected, and influential business leaders. Az Business Leaders are selected by the executive leadership of AZ Big Media in consultation with industry experts in law, medicine, technology, finance, education, energy and government.
 
As Snell & Wilmer’s Firm Chair, Dawson supports and advances the growth and development of its practices across the firm’s seventeen office locations. She has served on the firm’s Executive Committee and three-person Compensation Committee for several years. Dawson has also led the firm’s commercial litigation practice group and its international industry group. Dawson’s practice has concentrated on assisting Fortune 500 businesses and boards of directors with internal investigations, complex litigation, and regulatory compliance. She has received broad recognition for both her business and legal skills in handling “bet the business” matters and large portfolios of litigation and investigation issues.
 
Giancola focuses on healthcare compliance, transactions, and regulatory matters for healthcare organizations and physicians. His work includes fraud and abuse compliance, Medicare billing, and responding to government and insurer investigations. Giancola advises on business structures for joint ventures, outpatient facilities, and ambulatory surgery centers, as well as medical staff issues, licensing board inquiries, and HIPAA compliance. He also frequently serves as a mediator and arbitrator in healthcare disputes.
 
Fowler focuses on complex product liability, technology, cybersecurity, and business claims, advising clients on regulatory compliance and industry standards. As leader of Snell & Wilmer’s Product Liability practice and co-chair of its Cybersecurity, Data Protection, and Privacy group, Fowler serves as national trial counsel for major manufacturers and mobility companies, with trial experience across the U.S. He handles high-stakes cases involving crash avoidance technology, IoT, and cybersecurity issues. Active in pro bono work and legal education, Fowler has served on numerous bar committees, led community legal services, and currently serves as a Judge Pro Tempore in Maricopa County.
 
Maerowitz is a member of the firm’s real estate group and focuses his practice on zoning and land use planning. Maerowitz represents landowners and developers in navigating the land use entitlement process for all types of developments in various jurisdictions throughout Arizona. These developments range from small urban infill projects to large residential, commercial, and industrial developments. He also has experience representing developers and landowners in the acquisition and sale of real estate.
 
Patrick Paul brings over 25 years of experience in land use, environmental compliance, zoning, and regulatory matters, advising clients across traditional and emerging industries. He helps businesses navigate complex permitting, economic incentives, and development issues for manufacturing, energy, and hospitality projects. Patrick also counsels on drone regulations, food safety, and liquor licensing for major beverage and hospitality brands. A frequent author and speaker, he serves as an adjunct professor in ASU’s Master of Real Estate Development program.
 
McNeil Staudenmaier is nationally and internationally recognized in the areas of Native American law, gaming law, and business litigation. She represents tribes, tribal entities, and businesses that engage in commercial transactions in Indian Country, including gaming licensing, compacting, economic development, and governmental matters.
 
Wilhelmsen practices commercial finance and real estate law. He guides clients through the loan documentation and due diligence process, with the overarching goal of minimizing risk and ensuring proper securitization. Wilhelmsen also helps clients navigate the unique issues associated with lending in Indian Country and has developed strong working relationships with members of the National Indian Gaming Commission, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other regulatory entities.