< PreviousF or nearly 80 years Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, PLC has been a name synonymous with strength, integrity, and ex- cellence. With a rich and established history of commitment to the community and long lasting relationships, it’s a full- service firm whose very roots are irrevocably entwined with Arizona yet with branches that reach as far as Washington, D.C. Building on an impeccable foundation of the core values: respect, recognition, communication, diversity, and public service, Jennings Strouss has maintained a team of exceptional professionals who le- verage their talents and resources regionally and nationally to serve an ever-expanding client base. The firm promotes a pragmatic, re- sults-oriented approach, coupled with a healthy, well-managed, and COLLEGE ATHLETES JENNINGS, STROUSS & SALMON The of Playing the Game of Law “(It’s) one of the ultimate preparations for the game of life.” BY SUSAN CUSHING 10 ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · PHOENIX· VOL. 12 NO. 3friendly atmosphere of collaboration. They are commit- ted to excellence in the practice of law by adhering to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. It is not surprising that at the very heart of this firm are the proven dynamics of a solid team approach. It’s a concept that comes almost second-nature to attorneys John C. Norling, Michael R. Palumbo, Brett D. Siglin, Bruce B. May, Kerry Hodges, and William A. Clarke whose attributes have been seasoned with the discipline, dedication, and old-fashioned hard work developed through their respective experiences with college sports. From the locker room to the conference room or the courtroom, these dynamic individuals are perfect examples of how successful sports experience translates into an auspi- cious career. Managing Attorney Norling maintains a thriving prac- tice focused on advising clients on all aspects of their operations, including but not limited to, commercial transactions, real estate, business organizations, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, federal and administrative compliance, business contract negotiations, and advertis- ing law. He has developed a particular niche in the repre- sentation of automobile dealerships. He played guard and center for Wichita State University football team. Prior to accepting a full scholarship there, Norling played for Scottsdale Community College. KERRY HODGES, JOHN C. NORLING, MICHAEL R. PALUMBO, BRUCE B. MAY, WILLIAM A. CLARKE AND BRETT D. SIGLIN 2020 ATHLETES IN LAW 11“I believe that the game of football is one of the ultimate prepara- tions for the game of life,” says the experienced attorney. “It teaches the importance of competition, accountability, selflessness, team- work, the ability to maintain your composure when things are go- ing wrong around you, and the pure joy that comes out of a team victory. The game also teaches one how to deal with and overcome adversity. In football, as with any sport, you are routinely faced with adversity and need to fight through it. The same thing occurs in life and the practice of law.” Civil litigation attorney Palumbo has more than 30 years of ex- perience assisting clients in resolving their business disputes. Cen- tral defender and captain of his soccer team at LaSalle University, litigator Palumbo talks about the impetus inspired by playing for what he describes as “quasi club sport” at his school. As the antici- pated underdogs in most of their matches, Palumbo says, “a posi- tive outlook was paramount to the team’s success.” “It was very important in order to be as competitive as possi- ble,” he says. “Motivation was a key factor: motivation to keep to the training regime, motivation to practice, motivation to represent our school in the best possible manner, and motivation not to let our team- mates down. I took these lessons with me to my legal career. They have formed my practice many times.” Attorney Siglin whose practice focuses on a broad range of busi- ness law matters involving corporate structuring, joint ventures, bond financing, syndication of equity, contract negotiation, regulation and compliance, tax credits, property tax exemptions, and real estate ac- quisition and development, was on the track/cross country team at the University of Illinois. “There are a lot of similarities between playing college sports and practicing law,” he says. “Both require having a good work ethic and being disciplined. I’ve always been very independent, so it’s helped me in both fields.” Attorney May has devoted his entire career to all aspects of the law and practice of real estate and commercial transactions throughout the country. He played both tight end and defensive end for the Princeton football team but recalls one of his toughest and most influential coaches being the high school track coach, Hoot Moore. “He managed to turn a small high school in a small town into a powerhouse by pushing us to our limits and beyond,” says May. “If we ever flagged or were tempted to stop running, he would tell us that there was someone out there training as well, who could press on, take that extra stride, and beat us in the race where we would inevitably stand alongside him at the starting line. The whole point was to win and win decisively.” Although Hodges began his legal career as a business and com- mercial litigator, his practice now focuses on pension, benefits, collective bargaining, and labor law, primarily in connection with multiemployer employee benefit plans, as well as represent- ing lawyers and law firms in licensing, ethics, and professional responsibility issues. He not only played right field on the Texas Tech baseball team, but also enjoyed a stint in the Houston Astros minor-league system. “Larry Hays, Texas Tech’s head coach, had high standards for everyone (coaches and players alike), but he didn’t micromanage anyone,” says Hodges. “He provided a framework for our prepa- ration and competition, but within that framework, he gave us a great deal of freedom to work toward our individual and collective goals in our own ways. He trusted us to prepare and perform with excellence, without constantly looking over our shoulders. And that trust served to motivate everyone. No one wanted to let Coach Hays down.” “ Involvement in sports instills discipline and focus; it requires organization and time management; and, most importantly, it promotes self- esteem.” MICHAEL R. PALUMBO (RIGHT SIDE) WILLIAM A. CLARKE 12 ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · PHOENIX· VOL. 12 NO. 3NCAA All-American in Tennis and NCAA Post-Grad- uate Scholar, estate planning and probate attorney Clarke is a graduate of the University of Kansas where he shined on the school’s winning tennis team. His practice focuses on estate planning, probate administration, corporate transactions, real estate transactions, general business matters, and he believes that there is a strong connection between playing sports and success in life and the law. “From an early age, participation in sports establishes positive patterns of behavior that parlay into college and professional athletics,” he says. “Involvement in sports instills discipline and focus; it requires organization and time management; and, most importantly, it promotes self-esteem. All of these attributes are vital to a successful career, including the practice of law.” Clarke likens a posi- tive attitude with how much effort and preparation one applies. “Putting in the time to be better prepared than your opponent, and in peak physical condition, is the key to success in any sport,” he says. “Likewise, putting in the time and preparation to fully serve one’s clients’ needs is the key to a successful law practice.” APTITUDE + ATTITUDE = ALTITUDE They came from different parts of the country, different schools, and even different sports, but the importance of a positive attitude seems to be a universal theme. “Attitude determines altitude – and I firmly believe that is true. If you do not have a positive attitude you cannot really expect to get posi- tive results,” says Norling. “A negative attitude will defeat you before you even begin. It will affect your will and ability to prepare for the event. It will also impact those around you. Attitude is contagious.” “Attitude is everything in every context,” asserts Palumbo. “Once athletes reach a certain level, I have always believed that what tends to separate them is attitude and inner drive,” observes Hodges. “Confidence and possessing an ‘inner fire’ are critical to excelling in sports, particularly at the college and professional level.” TEAMWORK On or off the field, working together, collaborating, and support- ing one another translates into more success for every member of the team. The same philosophy holds true at Jennings Strouss. “It’s an environment that encourages entrepreneurship with ample support,” says Siglin, and others seem to concur. “The way I describe our firm to young lawyers is that it’s a very col- laborative, open atmosphere where folks are extremely supportive of one another,” offers Hodges. “There’s a genuine open-door policy here which means we can walk down the hall to get an opinion or a colleague’s input on any matter that might come up. Everyone here is ready and willing to help out. Obviously, this is not only beneficial to those of us who have been here a while, but for those young attorneys just starting out. For them, it’s an atmosphere where you can learn and grow knowing that others are looking out for you and in turn you can look out for others.” “We’re one of the last large, original Arizona-based firms,” Clarke points out, “and that independent spirit and family-like atmosphere remains strong at Jennings Strouss today. The attorneys and entire staff work as a united team. It is a very positive and fulfilling environment in which to practice law.” “I’m a big team person,” says Norling. “I believe you accomplish more together than you can on your own. That may be an overused statement, but if you can work together with a group of similarly mo- tivated and passionate people then there’s no limit to what you can achieve. That’s one of the things team sports teach you.” “The ability to get up after you have been knocked down…is crucial to success in football and the practice of law.” BRETT D. SIGLIN JOHN C. NORLING (#63) 13KERRY HODGES BRUCE B. MAY “I believe you accomplish more together than you can on your own.” “One of the greatest attributes of Jennings Strouss is the quality and character of the people here. Our people treat each other with respect which helps our team approach to servicing our clients,” says Norling. Palumbo describes how prior to joining Jennings Strouss he strug- gled to find a balance between his professional and personal life. “I began looking around at different places,” he says. “When I consulted with my brother, he recommended Jennings Strouss. I came here in 1986, it seemed like a good fit and I’ve been happy here ever since. It is a place that fosters a team idea and you have a relationship with everybody. Something that I used to tell young lawyers interviewing with the firm was find out how long the support staff has worked at the firm. If the support staff has longevity, the firm most likely is a good place to work. We recently had a secretary that celebrated her 45 year anniversary.” COACHING All of these attorneys have enjoyed great success both in their cho- sen sports and with impressive law practices. Many have continued to enjoy sports by turning to coach within the community, but all have coached in a very different arena. As the firm has continued to grow over the years, young attorneys have joined the fold and these sea- soned veterans have been more than happy to offer advice, support, and teach these “rookies” the ropes. “It’s not complicated,” says Siglin. “Just as in every other aspect of life, you’ll get out what you put in. A good work ethic and discipline will carry you a long way towards a successful law career.” Palumbo has similar advice. “Selflessness, discipline, hard work, and intelligence are personal attributes that make a good leader in any context. Someone who models these characteristics will earn respect, which is at the heart of true leadership.” Hodges says the lessons he learned playing baseball apply to the practice of law as well. “Talent only gets you so far; hard work and a little luck are necessary, too.” “In practicing law, attitude evolves into a client-based drive,” says Clarke. “What motivates me in my law practice is to work extremely hard for every client and to serve them in the most professional and respectful manner possible.” Norling offers advice that he says applies to sports, career, or life. “The ability to get up after you have been knocked down (both figu- ratively and literally) is crucial to success in football and the practice of law,” he says. “Another valuable lesson is the importance of selfless teamwork. It is incredible what can be accomplished by a motivated group of individuals who do not care about individual glory or credit, but want to achieve a specific goal.” With more than 40 years of practicing law under his belt, May cer- tainly has words of wisdom to offer. “Socrates said it best, ‘the wis- est man is the one who realizes how truly ignorant he is.’ Never think you’ve ‘made it’. There’s always a newer, higher bar to reach,” offers May. “Don’t think you know it all, take all the help and advice you can glean from your older, more experienced colleagues. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’re all here for each other. There’s no such thing as ‘my client’; they’re our clients.” JENNINGS, STROUSS & SALMON PLC One East Washington Street, Suite 1900 Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-262-5911 www.jsslaw.com 14 ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · PHOENIX· VOL. 12 NO. 3Jack Salvatore Jack Salvatore of Law Office of Jack Salvatore practices personal injury law. He attended Tufts University where he was on the swim team. Chuck Thomson Chuck Thomson is a civil litigator at Gallagher and Kennedy. He was an outside linebacker at Indiana University from 1968-1971. Benjamin Daulton Benjamin Daulton of Daulton Law LLC practices corporate and technology law. He attended Arizona State University where he played three years of rugby as a fullback, winning Most Improved Player in 2009. Grant H. Frazier Grant H. Frazier of Galbut Beabeau P.C. practices business litigation and commercial transactions and offers outside general counsel services. At Pomona College, he played 7 starting positions on the football team and 4 positions on the rugby team from 2012-2016. Dana Hooper Dana Hooper of Greenberg Traurig practices sports law and employment law. She attended University of California at Berkeley where she played midfield on their soccer team from 1996-2000. M. Ryan Williams M. Ryan Williams is an insurance defense trial attorney with Liberty Mutual Insurance. He attended Vanderbilt University where he ran track and field and cross country from 1999-2003. THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN NOW NOW NOW Jennifer Griesemer Gadow Jennifer Griesemer Gadow practices family law at Fromm Smith & Gadow P.C. At the University of California at Berkeley she was on the gymnastics team specializing in vault, beam and floor from 1988-1991. THEN NOW NOW NOW NOW THEN NOW & 2020 ATHLETES IN LAW 1515Monica K. Lindstrom Monica K. Lindstrom practices mediation and arbitration at Monica Lindstrom Mediations. She was on the cheer and spiritline at Northern Arizona University from 1992-1995. Curtis Ekmark Curtis Ekmark practices condominium and homeowner association law at Carpenter, Hazlewood, Delgado & Bolen, PLC. He played point guard basketball at Marquette University from 1985-1987. Matt MacLeod Matt MacLeod is a plaintiff’s personal injury attorney at Gallagher and Kennedy. He played guard on the Arizona State University basketball team. Bob Boatman Bob Boatman is a personal injury attorney with Gallagher and Kennedy. He was a pitcher on the Stanford baseball team from 1977-1981. Brandon M. Schwartz Brandon M. Schwartz is a civil litigator at Schwartz Law Firm. He played center and left wing on the hockey team at Michigan Technological University from 2002-2006. Brett D. Siglin Brett D. Siglin of Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C. focuses his practice on a broad range of business law matters. He was on the track and cross country team at the University of Illinois from 1993-1997. Michael R. Palumbo Michael R. Palumbo is a litigator at Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C. He played central defender on the LaSalle University soccer team in 1966 and 1967. He was captain his senior year. THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW 16 ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · PHOENIX· VOL. 12 NO. 3William A. Clarke William A. Clarke is the chair of the estate planning and probate team at Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C. He played on the University of Kansas tennis team from 1973-1977. Jacob C. Raiff Jacob C. Raiff works for Raiff Representation, a virtual business law firm. He focuses his practice on corporate, nonprofit, sports and entertainment. He played #4 lock on the rugby team at Arizona State University from 2008-2012. Kerry Hodges Kerry Hodges focuses on litigation at Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C. He played right field on the Texas Tech baseball team from 2000-2001. Meg Ekmark Meg Ekmark practices estate planning at Ekmark Law Firm LLC. She played women’s tennis at Marquette University from 1985- 1990. Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher co- founder of Gallagher and Kennedy played baseball at ASU. Michael Aguirre Michael Aguirre is in-house counsel at Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. He played wide receiver on the Arizona State University football team from 1996- 2000. Scott Burns Scott F. Burns practices real estate, estate planning and corporate law at Burns and Burns PC. He pitched for the University of Arizona baseball team from 1999-2004. THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW 2020 ATHLETES IN LAW 1717Bruce B. May Bruce B. May practices real estate at Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C. He played tight end and defensive end on the Princeton football team from 1966-1967. Courtney Ekmark Courtney Ekmark graduated from ASU Law School in May 2020. She played basketball at the University of Connecticut. She also played basketball at Arizona State University while enrolled in the law school. John A. Shumate John A. Shumate is a corporate and capital markets attorney with Greenberg Traurig. He played defensive back on the Yale University football team in 2005. John C. Norling John C. Norling is the managing attorney at Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C. He played guard and center on the offensive line of the Wichita State University football team in 1985 and 1986. Jake Armellani Jake Armellani is a contract specialist at Appvion. He played rugby and wrestled at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside from 2012-2016. Jessica Post Jessica Post leads Fennemore Craig’s Employment and Labor Law practice group. She played attacking midfielder on the Dartmouth soccer team from 1996-2000. Scott I. Palumbo Scott I. Palumbo practices plaintiff personal injury and wrongful death at Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo. He was a punter on the University of Notre Dame football team from 1994-1996. Jeff Pyburn Jeff Pyburn is a shareholder with Gallagher and Kennedy. He focuses his practice on personal injury, bad faith and civil defense work. He played quarterback (football) and center field (baseball) at the University of Georgia before playing professionally for the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Padres. THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN THEN NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW THEN THEN NOW 18 ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · PHOENIX· VOL. 12 NO. 32020 ATHLETES IN LAW In the Huddle with the MVPs of Athletes, particularly those competing at the NCAA level, are a special breed. Their success on and off the field depends on (among other things) drive, determination and discipline. These same traits translate seamlessly and positively into their professional lives. There’s no greater evidence of this than in the practice of law. Many of the same challenges and demands once faced on a court or playing field are mirrored in the daily rigors of practicing law, and according to a few athletes/ attorneys of Gallagher & Kennedy, their past sports endeavors have proven advantageous in building highly successful careers. GALLAGHER & KENNEDY BY SUSAN CUSHING 1919Next >