Law Firm Names Next Managing Partner upon Retirement Announcement

Short joined Gallagher & Kennedy in 1988 and was elected managing partner in 1998. Over his 52 years of practice and 36 years at Gallagher & Kennedy, he developed a niche practice focusing on professional sports representation.

As outside general counsel to the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball team and the Arizona Cardinals National Football League team, Short served as lead counsel in the development, including financing and construction, of Chase Field, State Farm Stadium, and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the spring training home of the Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. Short also served as counsel to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, created by founding partner Mike Kennedy.

“Over the years, Dean Short has been an invaluable member of the Diamondbacks family,” said Derrick Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Arizona Diamondbacks. “Dean has always provided guidance and advice on a myriad of topics. He was more than legal counsel – he was a trusted business advisor.”

Short also served as local counsel to the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, and San Diego Padres regarding their Cactus League spring training facilities.

“It has been an exciting and prosperous 25 years for Arizona’s professional sports industry, and I am proud to have worked with these sports franchises and outstanding legal teams,” said Dean. “It is with great confidence that I retire and hand the reins to Kevin [O’Malley].”

Hired in 1980 as the firm’s first associate attorney, O’Malley has been a member of the board of directors since 1999. His leadership has been integral to the firm’s 46 years of success, and his involvement in professional and charitable organizations reflects his commitment to community service.

“I am honored to continue the firm’s 46-year legacy, started by our founders in 1978 and preserved by Dean [Short] over the last 36 years,” said Kevin E. O’Malley, Managing Partner. “Gallagher & Kennedy’s success and community impact are a result of the character of the people we hire and the exceptional legal work we do for clients. That is a foundation we will continue to build on.”

As head of the firm’s Board of Directors, O’Malley will continue working alongside long-time board members and shareholders Tim Brown, Shannon Clark, Jennifer Cranston, and Mike Ross.

“I’ve worked with Dean and Kevin for almost 30 years and want to wish Dean a well-deserved retirement. I am proud to have Kevin as our new managing partner and chair of the board of directors. Kevin is a steadfast leader, and his operational perspective will serve the firm well,” said Brown, who also leads the firm’s tax department.

O’Malley will maintain his role as chair of the firm’s litigation and public bidding teams.