law // MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
A CHARLES BERRY Senior counsel // Clark Hill // clarkhill.com Berry represents corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, other business entities, and individuals in a wide spectrum of transactions, focusing primarily on capital formation and business management. Professional advice: “It is not easy. Get as much business experience as you can before you commit to being a business lawyer. Also, avoid the common practice today of responding to a client before thinking through the relevant issues. With today’s technology, the temptation is to respond quickly without contemplating alternatives.”
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B TOM CURZON Co-chair, business practice // Osborn Maledon // omlaw.com Curzon, an experienced venture capital lawyer, co-chairs the firm’s business practice and serves as outside general counsel and advisor to emerging, growth-oriented companies. A long-time active leader in Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, he is chairman of the board of StartupAZ Foundation and chairs its Founders Collective Committee. Professional advice: “I regularly coach young lawyers who seek my advice to be patient, become great listeners and play the long game, working to focus on long-term strategies and goals.” Industry outlook: “The practice of law in general, but particularly in the area in which I work, will continue to evolve significantly, as artificial intelligence, machine learning and market winds bring significant changes to the legal business.”
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C SCOTT WEISS Attorney // Weiss Brown // weissbrown.com
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Weiss is a corporate and securities attorney and focuses his practice in the areas of securities, private placements, venture capital and mergers and acquisitions. Weiss is also a certified public accountant. Prior to forming his own law firm, Weiss was a shareholder at an international law firm and served in the audit practice of Arthur Andersen. Personal strengths: “Straight talk is important. Even the most sophisticated clients appreciate when their advisors make the complex more simple, which is a true skill for any attorney.” Professional advice: “Artificial intelligence tools may become increasingly important for lawyers in the coming years, but nothing will replace the individual personal business advice that clients need. There will never be a substitute for personal attention.”
D NANCY WHITE Partner // Steptoe & Johnson // steptoe.com For more than 35 years, White has practiced corporate and finance law, representing clients in mergers and acquisitions, matters involving the purchase and sale of assets and real property, and other complex financing transactions domestically and internationally. Personal strengths: “My father was way ahead of his time, telling his daughters they could do or be anything. We were not limited by traditional gender roles. He taught us to cultivate and value mental toughness and to never give up. Those teachings and a healthy sense of humor have helped me confront many personal and professional challenges.” Professional advice: “Learn your profession from as many different people as you can. Turn in your best work to your colleagues and clients. Learn as much as you can about your client’s objectives in any legal matter. Live below your means to preserve flexibility of choices.”
E CATHLEEN YU Partner // Quarles & Brady // quarles.com Yu chairs Quarles & Brady’s Phoenix Business Law Group and Investor Services Team. She advises global companies on their M&A and other business transactions, as well as international investors including universities and foundations on their investment activities. Prized possession: “The hard drive containing my children’s pictures and videos. The years pass by too quickly.” Trends to watch: “Expect continued growth in tech and healthcare globally. In investments, continued focus on emerging markets while adjusting global strategies in light of the Brexit aftermath. In large law firms, management and cultural changes in connection with generational and cultural shifts, both within law firms and the clients we serve.” C
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