Snell & Wilmer LLP
- Founded
- 1938-01-01 in Phoenix, Arizona, United States
- Headquarters
- One East Washington Street, Suite 2700, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
- Phone
- (602) 382-6000
Snell & Wilmer LLP is a full-service business law firm founded in 1938 in Phoenix, Arizona, by Frank L. Snell Jr. and Mark Wilmer. With over 500 attorneys across 17 offices in 11 U.S. states and Mexico, the firm is one of the largest in the western United States. It serves a diverse client base including major corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm organizes its practice into more than 60 areas, covering corporate and securities, litigation, intellectual property, real estate, labor and employment, tax, bankruptcy, healthcare, and technology law. Snell & Wilmer has been recognized for its workplace culture, including being named one of the 'Best Places to Work' by the Orange County Business Journal. The firm's governance is led by Chair Barbara J. Dawson, with an executive committee overseeing operations. Snell & Wilmer is known for its collaborative, cross-office approach and long-standing commitment to community service and pro bono work.
Detailed Review
History
Snell & Wilmer was founded in 1938 in Phoenix, Arizona, by Frank L. Snell Jr. and Mark Wilmer, building on an earlier practice that included partners Riney Salmon and Charles Strouss. The firm grew steadily and now operates 17 offices across 11 U.S. states and Mexico, with headquarters still in Phoenix.
Practice Areas
The firm offers over 60 distinct practice areas. Key areas include corporate and securities law, complex litigation, intellectual property, real estate, labor and employment, bankruptcy and creditors' rights, tax, healthcare, technology, and environmental law. The firm's technology practice handles software development, data privacy, and e-commerce matters. Its industry-focused groups serve sectors such as financial services, energy, manufacturing, education, and nonprofits.
Notable Clients and Cases
Snell & Wilmer's client roster includes major publicly traded companies, private enterprises, startups, and individuals. In 2025, the firm secured a trial victory for Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. and represented New Enterprise Associates (NEA) in a $97 million Series B financing of Databento. These cases highlight the firm's capability in high-stakes litigation and substantial corporate transactions.
Culture and Recognition
The firm emphasizes collaboration across its offices, with attorneys regularly working together across practice areas and geographies. In 2025, its Orange County office was named one of the 'Best Places to Work' by the Orange County Business Journal. Snell & Wilmer also invests in talent development, promoting 10 new partners and six new counsel effective in 2026. The firm is deeply committed to community service, encouraging extensive pro bono work and leadership in local organizations.
Leadership
The firm is governed by an Executive Committee and a Chair, currently Barbara J. Dawson, who has served as Chair for several years. Day-to-day operations are managed by Kyle Day, Chief Operating Officer, and David Boden, Executive Director and COO. The firm does not have a traditional CEO or CTO, as law firms are typically led by managing partners or executive committees.
Key Products
Corporate and Securities Law
Advising on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, securities offerings, private equity, venture capital, and joint ventures.
Litigation
Complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, product liability, class actions, and white-collar defense.
Intellectual Property
Patent prosecution, trademark and copyright, IP portfolio management, trade secrets, and IP licensing.
Real Estate
Commercial development, leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, land use, financing, and title insurance.
Labor and Employment
Employment litigation, wage and hour, workplace investigations, employee benefits, and immigration.
Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights
Debtor and creditor representation, restructuring, receiverships, and judgment collection.
Tax
Corporate tax planning, tax controversies, and estate planning.
Healthcare
Regulatory compliance, fraud and abuse, transactional matters for healthcare providers.
Offices & Headcount
1000 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- David Boden
Executive Director / COO
- Frank L. Snell Jr.
Co-Founder (deceased)
- Mark Wilmer
Co-Founder (deceased)