Phoenix law firm offers ASU Law grads practical experience, open-door mentoring

With half of its attorneys hailing from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, Jones, Skelton & Hochuli P.L.C. (JSH) strives to create an environment for up-and-coming legal professionals to build long-lasting careers in roles that deliver client results.

Recognized as highly skilled, aggressive defenders of Arizona’s legal and business community, JSH lawyers — more than 45 of whom are ASU Law grads — have more trial and appellate experience in both state and federal courts than most other law firms in Arizona.

Evann M. Waschuk, a JSH associate and 2019 ASU Law grad, said her favorite part of working at the firm is its culture.

“The attorneys I work with are extremely approachable and have open-door policies, which makes it easy to collaborate and ask questions,” Waschuk said. “There is definitely a team mentality and sense of camaraderie, which makes for a very positive work environment.

"Partners care about associates’ career development, and allow associates to gain a lot of practical litigation experience. Additionally, the firm invests in mentorship and training programs to help associates succeed.”

Nicole M. Prefontaine, JSH associate and also a 2019 ASU Law grad, said she too chose JSH because the firm allows new associates to gain a variety of real, practical experience early on.   

Nicole M. Prefontaine, JSH Associate and 2019 ASU Law grad

“The number and quality of attorneys at the firm is a wealth of resources that has been valuable as I begin my practice,” Prefontaine said.

“JSH invests in their associates from the beginning, and cares about associates’ success and happiness. Most importantly, the firm’s culture of collegiality, camaraderie and support is second to none.”

As one of the firm’s hiring partners and coordinator of JSH’s summer associate and mentor programs, partner Chelsey Golightly, a 2010 ASU Law grad, helped to bring on board seven more ASU Law grads who started at the firm last month.

Golightly’s recent recognitions include being named one of the Best Lawyers in America in the Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – defendants category for 2021, as well as a Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2016–2020.

Golightly recently caught up with ASU Law to share more about how JSH has become known as the largest and most experienced firm of trial and appellate lawyers in Arizona practicing in the areas of insurance and insurance coverage defense.

Video by ASU Law