Taft Phoenix Expands Team with 2 Experienced Litigation Partners

As Taft continues to strategically expand its bench in Phoenix, the firm adds business litigators Amy Abdo and Shannon Cohan to its team. Both partners are highly regarded in their practices and will help bolster Taft's capabilities while deepening its presence in the Southwest corridor.

Abdo is a highly regarded trial lawyer and trusted advisor who represents businesses, professionals, and employers in high-stakes litigation and sensitive disputes. Over the course of her career, she has built a reputation as one of Arizona's most respected litigators, known for handling complex matters with integrity, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to client service. She is particularly recognized for her work defending law firms and attorneys in professional liability matters and advising businesses through complex commercial disputes involving significant financial and reputational risk. In her employment practice, Abdo represents employers in restrictive covenant disputes, and defends discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and breach of contract claims. She has been recognized by AZ Big Media, AZ Business Magazine, Benchmark Litigation, Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Martindale-Hubbell, and Southwest Super Lawyers.

"Taft provides an extraordinary platform for serving clients at the highest level, but what truly sets the firm apart is its culture. The leadership team leads from the heart, fostering a servant-leadership environment that encourages collaboration, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to clients," said Abdo. "Having experienced the One Taft model firsthand, I have seen how seamlessly attorneys across the firm work together to deliver sophisticated solutions across jurisdictions and practice areas. Combined with Taft's strategic growth, national reach, and commitment to innovation, the firm is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of clients. I am excited to be part of a firm whose values, culture, and vision align so closely with my own."

From individuals to Fortune 500 companies, Cohan represents businesses at every stage of a dispute, from pre-suit negotiations through trial and appeal. She has significant experience in arbitration and mediation but remains fully prepared to take a case to trial when litigation becomes necessary. Cohan has successfully handled high-stakes and complex matters, helping clients assess risks, seize opportunities, and make informed decisions throughout the litigation process. She has been recognized by AZ Big Media, AZ Business Magazine, Best Lawyers in America, and Southwest Super Lawyers.

"The opportunity to support my clients in different markets and service areas was important in my decision to join the firm," Cohan said. "Taft's growth is intentional and targeted, which furthers the ability to serve clients where they are. In addition, the amount of support for attorneys and having a culture of 'yes' translates into better support for clients. The leadership and management style is a definite draw as well."

"We're thrilled to welcome Amy and Shannon to our Phoenix office," said Craig Morgan, partner-in-charge of Taft's Phoenix office. "They are highly respected attorneys whose experience, judgment, and dedication to client service will be tremendous assets to our team. We're excited to work alongside Amy and Shannon and know they will make an immediate impact on both our clients and our culture."

In addition to their legal careers, they are committed to their communities. Abdo has stepped into leadership roles in numerous professional organizations, including former chair of the Arizona Bar Association's Labor and Employment Section and fuels her passion for adoption and foster care by serving on the Christian Family Care Agency Board of Directors. An avid runner, Cohan volunteers as a coach with Girls on the Run, a nonprofit organization that combines physical activity with personal development to help young girls build confidence, resilience, and healthy habits.

Since combining with Taft on Jan. 1, 2025, the former Sherman & Howard Phoenix office has grown by 200%. With the addition of Abdo and Cohan, the office has welcomed 19 attorneys, significantly expanding the firm's strength across key practice areas and reshaping the depth of legal services available in the region.

Abdo and Cohan are the latest in a series of teams to join Taft this year across the country, underscoring the firm's position as one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms.

• Denver: Earlier this month, a three-partner group joined the firm, where their practices span areas of energy, environmental, litigation, banking and financial services, and mining law.
• New York: In April, Taft launched an office in New York with a three-partner energy, infrastructure, and project finance group.
• Colorado Springs: A seven-lawyer team arrived in February with deep experience in sports law, intellectual property, employment law, and litigation.
• Chicago: A five-member IP group joined in January, adding attorneys and agents with advanced technical degrees and decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.

About Taft

Founded in 1885, Taft is one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms, with a 140-year legacy rooted in the historic Taft family. With more than 1,250 attorneys and a modern, non-headquarter operating model, Taft is committed to delivering exceptional legal service to today's organizations and individuals. The firm is recognized nationally in the Am Law 100, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers®, and Super Lawyers. Learn more at Taftlaw.com.