Chuck Thomson

W.M. Charles Thomson

Shareholder

Chuck has substantial experience with commercial disputes involving contracts or business torts, the defense of professional negligence claims, and environmental litigation in both state and federal courts. Having handled civil litigation matters in Phoenix and throughout Arizona for more than 45 years, Chuck has experience in commercial and business disputes of all types, including breach of contract and fiduciary duties, fraud and misrepresentation, civil RICO, and securities litigation.

He has defended numerous professional liability claims for physicians, attorneys and architects. In recent years, Chuck has focused his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death claims and in pursuing tort and contract damages on behalf of individuals against corporations and other business entities.  More recently, he has begun the transition to strategic case planning and consulting.  See Chuck’s profile on our main website.

Honors & Awards

  • AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
  • Best Lawyers in America®, Bet-the-Company Litigation, 2025; Commercial Litigation, 2013-2025
  • Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys in Arizona, 2014
  • Arizona Finest Lawyers, Sustaining Member, 2014-2019

Press Releases

I suffered serious personal injuries after a drunk driver ran a red light and collided into the driver’s side of my car at a high rate of speed. I didn’t know Bill previously, who was referred to me by an old family friend, but I consider myself lucky to have landed in his good hands. From day one, Bill was the consummate advocate. He kept me informed, explained my options step-by-step, and was available anytime I had any questions. His tenacity resulted in a significant settlement from both the drunk driver and the bar that had served the driver. I had a great experience with Bill and everyone else at Gallagher & Kennedy and would highly recommend Bill and his firm.

Ty RobertsGoogle

I came across Matt Boatman at Gallagher and Kennedy [after a car accident]. The initial phone call was very easy, stress free, and thorough. Matt explained to me the steps I needed to take, the length of the process to recoup damages, and documentation I should keep track of. … Maria [Raciti] was approachable, compassionate, and knowledgeable, which put me at ease during what was still a difficult time. She took the time to explain everything in detail, patiently answered all my questions, and kept me updated throughout the process. … Because of Maria’s hard work, attention to detail, and determination, she was able to secure a settlement that was 25% higher than I had been previously offered. I was very grateful for the outcome and for her dedication.

Ted M.Google

They were extremely compassionate, caring, professional, personable, even though this case was so very traumatic to our family. They explained everything to us in detail so that we understood perfectly what was happening and what the next process needs to be without making us feel ignorant and or stupid because we didn’t have any legal background. They were absolutely wonderful I couldn’t imagine going through this with anyone else!

Lona McCumberGoogle

In abundance….my case was handled with utmost care and professionalism!! Personalized attention to a very difficult set of circumstances with a phenomenal conclusion that went above and beyond my expectations!!

ANONYMOUSAvvo

Maria Raciti took her time with me and answered all my questions quickly and professionally!

Deidre PhillipsGoogle

Education

  • Indiana University
    J.D., magna cum laude, 1975
  • Indiana University
    B.A., 1972

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Arizona, 1975
  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 1975
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1976

Associations & Memberships

  • State Bar of Arizona, Member
  • Supreme Court of Arizona, Attorney Ethics Advisory Committee, (2019-2021)
  • State Bar of Arizona, Professionalism Committee (2012-2018); Chair (2017-2018)
  • Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, Member (1975-2009); Past President (1987)
  • Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, Sustaining Patron
  • Maricopa County Bar Foundation, Charter Benefactor and Past Chair