WHY WE ADMIRE FENNEMORE
Being named one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies is more than an award — it’s recognition of the leadership, culture, innovation and community impact that set an organization apart.
Presented by AZ Big Media and BestCompaniesAZ, Arizona’s Most Admired Companies (MAC) honors employers making a meaningful impact on their employees, customers and communities. Honorees are selected by an independent panel of judges and evaluated in five key areas: Leadership Excellence, Workplace Culture, Corporate & Social Responsibility, Customer Opinion and Innovation.
Congratulations to Fennemore, one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies for 2026 and this year’s Spotlight Award winner for Innovation, recognizing its Project BlueWave AI initiative and innovative use of secure AI and automation to transform how legal work gets done.
LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE
From File Clerk to CEO
Nearly two decades after starting his Fennemore career as a file clerk, James Goodnow became the youngest known chief executive of a major law firm in U.S. history when he took the role in 2018. Today, Fennemore has more than 20 offices and a growing presence in over 80 cities nationwide.
WORKPLACE CULTURE
97.2% Attorney Satisfaction
Fennemore reports 97.2% attorney satisfaction versus a 67% national average and 95.8% staff satisfaction. In an industry where burnout and turnover are common, Fennemore is proud to be a “stay firm,” where talented people choose to build long-term careers.
CORPORATE & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
$820,000+ in Arizona Community Impact
In 2025 alone, Fennemore invested more than $200,000 in Arizona nonprofit organizations through charitable giving, sponsorships and community partnerships. Attorneys also contributed nearly 900 hours of community and pro bono service valued at more than $620,000.
CUSTOMER OPINION
20.8% Revenue Growth — More Than 4X the Peer Average
Strong client retention, expanding relationships and a commitment to business-focused solutions helped Fennemore climb seven spots in the 2026 Am Law 200 and achieve 20.8% revenue growth — more than four times the average of similarly sized firms.
INNOVATION
Project BlueWave AI: Transforming How Legal Work Gets Done
Fennemore is bringing AI into the daily practice of law through Project BlueWave AI, integrating secure AI and automation into legal, operational and client-service workflows. From April to May 2026 alone, AI usage grew nearly 70%, supported by firmwide governance and mandatory AI and risk-management training — turning AI from an experiment into a practical, everyday business tool.
Want to learn more about Fennemore — or maybe even join their team?
Get to know this amazing Most Admired Company, explore their legal services and practice areas, learn more about their award-winning culture and check out their current career opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for a trusted legal partner or your next great career, get to know Fennemore.
