Valdivia and Donesky Outline Employment Considerations for Growing Businesses in Great Phoenix in Business Magazine

09.03.2026

Stinson LLP Partners Dawn Valdivia and Tracey Holmes Donesky authored an article in Greater Phoenix in Business Magazine outlining five employment actions Phoenix employers should take as they prepare for continued growth and expansion.

Drawing on the region's expanding workforce and continued corporate investment, Valdivia and Donesky explain that periods of rapid growth can create employment law risks when workforce decisions are made reactively. They encourage employers to establish a strong legal and operational foundation before those issues arise, beginning with compliant hiring frameworks and extending through workplace policies and employment agreements.

The authors address several areas where proactive planning can help employers manage risk, including reviewing restrictive covenant agreements as employees move between states, preparing for the employment implications of mergers and acquisitions, and establishing workplace investigation protocols before complaints arise. They also emphasize the importance of ensuring employment counsel can provide timely, proportionate advice that aligns with the pace of business decisions.

Valdivia and Donesky note that employers navigating Phoenix's growth should consider employment law as part of broader business planning rather than as a response to individual disputes. From recruiting and workforce integration to investigations and business expansion, they explain that thoughtful employment practices can help organizations grow while protecting their workforce, operations and business interests.

Valdivia's practice spans complex employment and labor matters that arise across the full employee lifecycle, from day-to-day workforce decision-making to high-stakes disputes. She regularly handles employment litigation, labor relations matters, workplace investigations, wage and hour compliance and litigation, restrictive covenant disputes, reductions in force, and matters involving compliance with federal and state employment laws.

Donesky represents employers in employment litigation and advises clients on a broad range of workplace matters, including wage and hour, discrimination, retaliation, and restrictive covenant disputes. With a national practice, she practices in both Stinson's Minneapolis and Phoenix offices.

To the full article, visit Greater Phoenix in Business Magazine.