Valley resident Jeff Wolf has a lot to be proud of. A lawyer for more than 20 years, he has garnered many prestigious industry awards, including recently being named among the top 5% of lawyers in Arizona for 2013 in Southwest Super Lawyers and being designated a “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times 10 years in a row. But some of his favorite roles are those of a supportive father, husband and – perhaps unexpectedly – avid advocate of the performing arts.
A Legal Superstar
While Wolf promotes and supports the Valley arts scene by serving on the board of directors of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – a move inspired by his 14-year-old daughter Ellery, an up-and-coming dancer – he also stands out in his own field. A partner at Quarles & Brady LLP, a top law firm, Wolf works in the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Franchise and Distribution Industry groups.
“Essentially, I represent franchise companies, helping them resolve a variety of legal issues and a variety of other business and legal problems,” Wolf explains. A litigator by trade and experience, Wolf says these issues can include contract disputes and much, much more.
“Some people may call me a ‘franchise lawyer,’ but I don’t like to pigeonhole myself,” he adds. “Day to day, I handle all kinds of contracts and other issues that don’t always involve franchises. But I have carved a niche [in franchise] for myself, and I’m glad I did.”
Wolf, who is originally from the East Coast, has an in-depth hospitality and real estate background and says he first got into franchise law because of a friend. After diving right in, he describes himself as “deeply entrenched” in the industry. “I have developed an expertise; after 22 to 23 years it has definitely defined my career,” he notes.
And what a career it has been. According to Quarles & Brady LLP’s website, quarles.com, some of Wolf ’s accolades include:
– The International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers by Who’s Who Legal (2011-2012).
– The Best Lawyers in America (2007-present: Franchise Law).
– Southwest Super Lawyers (Franchise/Dealership) and named among the Top 50 attorneys in Arizona.
– Who's Who in Law by Phoenix Business Journal (2006).
– Recognized by Franchise Times Magazine as one of 100 franchise lawyers in the United States in its annual Legal Eagles listing (2004-2013).
“I’m not the kind of person to make a big deal out of awards,” Wolf says. Still, two honors that stand out to him are the Southwest Super Lawyers recognition, where he was named among the top 50 attorneys in Arizona, “because it focused on peer recognition; other lawyers had to vote on that.” Also, he says that being recognized by Franchise Times 10 years in a row is satisfying because clients and other lawyers are a part of that honor as well.
Dance Dad
From law school grad to firm partner, one constant in Wolf ’s life has been Robin, his wife of 24 years. The Wolfs are dedicated parents to three children, ages 20, 18 and 14. Recently, Wolf ’s support of his daughter Ellery and her dancing has made him known as the “dance dad” in performing arts circles.
“I’ve always been supportive of Ellery’s dance and my other kids’ interests as well,” he says. “It’s a nice thing to be able to be supportive financially and physically; parents need to get behind their kids’ interests, and I couldn’t imagine not being a part of that.”
“I will admit though,” he says with a laugh, “I am usually one of only a handful of dads active in supporting the dance performances.”
Ellery performs locally and regionally with the Plumb Performing Arts Center in Scottsdale, a passion that inspired Wolf to join the board of the directors for the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. He chose that specific board, he explains, because the center provides access to the arts to kids and community members from across the Valley.
“It’s great watching her, and I’ve been on other boards, but our whole family is passionate about the arts,” Wolf says. “The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts puts on something like 1,000- plus performances a year. It’s a great venue that merits the support of the community.”
When asked how he balances it all – a successful career and involved fatherhood – he admits that “balance is a constant struggle for any business professional.”
“I embrace it as a challenge though,” he adds. “I do my best to be involved in all of my kids’ events. One nice thing is the mobility of the professional world with technology. I’m proud that I’ve always been involved.”
Faith and Roots
“I’m not a heavily religious person, but I have a strong Jewish identity and cultural background,” Wolf says. He laughs as he admits, much to his wife’s chagrin, that they met at a Jewish singles event when he was new to the Phoenix area. “At the time, Phoenix wasn’t like the New Jersey or New York areas that had a heavy Jewish population,” Wolf explains.
Throughout his career, he has been heavily involved in his temple community at Congregation Beth Israel and the Valley Jewish community at large, he says. “It’s great to meet other Jewish people, get to know them and network.” One example of his involvement includes his two years on the board of directors for the Jewish National Fund. Being involved in the Jewish community is something Wolf hopes he has ingrained in his children. “I raised my children to identify strongly with Judaism,” he says.
Beyond giving his kids a strong cultural and faith-based foundation, he has set an example of giving back as well. In addition to his support of the arts, Wolf is heavily involved in several causes around the Valley, including being a long-time board member of Terros, Inc. (1998-2010), an organization that addresses behavioral health problems in Maricopa County. Also, through his firm’s Quarles Cares outreach program, he volunteers regularly in the community.␣
To learn more about the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, visit scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
Find out more about Wolf ’s law career at quarles.com/jeffrey_wolf.
