Ballard Spahr has significantly expanded its Phoenix office with the addition of prominent litigators known for their work in media and constitutional law, complex commercial litigation, and bankruptcy, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced. Joining the firm today as partners are David J. Bodney, a nationally recognized First Amendment litigator who will lead the firm’s Media Law Group, and Craig Solomon Ganz, who handles corporate restructuring, complex commercial litigation, and bankruptcy issues. Joining the firm as of counsel is Chris Moeser, who also practices media and constitutional law.
“All of our new lawyers—David, Craig, and Chris—possess the skills, experience, and reputation for excellence that clients seek,” Mr. Stewart said. “We could not be more pleased.”
Mr. Bodney is Chair-Elect of the ABA Forum on Communications Law. He and Mr. Moeser advise communications industry clients on an array of issues, ranging from the defense of defamation, privacy, and intellectual property claims to the prosecution of open government actions. They come to Ballard Spahr from Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where Mr. Bodney had served on the firm’s executive committee and as managing partner of its Phoenix office.
Aside from his media law practice, Mr. Bodney has significant experience litigating complex commercial, regulatory, and political disputes in federal, state, and tribal courts. He has handled numerous matters involving intellectual property, American Indian law, and governmental affairs. Mr. Bodney has briefed several high-profile cases in the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Ballard Spahr’s culture of collaboration makes it the right place to continue to develop a strong practice both locally and nationwide,” Mr. Bodney said. “I’m a longtime admirer of the firm and am delighted to be part of it.”
Mr. Ganz comes to the firm from Gallagher & Kennedy. He focuses on corporate restructuring and complex commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on securities litigation, real property litigation, and issues involving distressed real estate. He has significant experience defending and prosecuting actions on behalf of corporate clients in matters involving lender liability, fraud, securities law violations, RICO actions, representing and advising REITs, and a host of other issues.
In his bankruptcy and reorganization practice, Mr. Ganz represents corporate creditors and debtors. He frequently advises clients on debtor financing issues, 363 Sales, avoidance and preference actions, stay proceedings, and claim analysis.
“Ballard Spahr’s national resources and strong regional market knowledge create an excellent platform for me to serve clients on a wider scale,” Mr. Ganz said. “The firm is nationally known for its work in both real estate and litigation. My practice spans the two. It’s a good fit.”
Said Stephen M. Savage, Managing Partner of the Phoenix office: “Our office is vital to Ballard Spahr’s growth in the Southwest. With the addition of David, Craig, and Chris, our litigation bench becomes stronger and more diversified. This is a big day for our Phoenix office and a development that will bring significant benefits to our clients, both here and throughout the country.”
