Atty. Jennifer A. Cranston

Atty. Jennifer A. Cranston

Jennifer Cranston (formerly Ratcliff) focuses her practice in three primary areas: real estate disputes involving condemnation and valuation issues; insurance coverage analysis and bad faith litigation; and public utility regulation. Jennifer’s objective is to provide sound legal advice, exceptional service, and cost-effective resolution for all her clients.

Phoenix Phoenix 26 yrs experience 26 year
Call (602) 530-8000 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Jennifer A. Cranston at a glance

Jennifer A. Cranston is a zoning, insurance, and energy attorney based in Phoenix, Arizona, practicing at Gallagher & Kennedy PA. They have 26+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2000. Admitted to practice in Arizona (2000). Educated at The University of Arizona (J.D., 2000) and Mount St. Mary's College (B.A., 1997). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Energy Regulatory Law (2026). Serands clients in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Jennifer Cranston (formerly Ratcliff) focuses her practice in three primary areas: real estate disputes involving condemnation and valuation issues
  • insurance coverage analysis and bad faith litigation
  • and public utility regulation
  • Jennifer’s objective is to provide sound legal advice, exceptional service, and cost-effective resolution for all her clients
  • She has successfully negotiated favorable settlements, as well as prevailed for clients at hearings, in arbitrations, at trial, and on appeal
  • Notably, Jennifer’s trial experience has resulted in two of the largest condemnation verdicts in the history of Arizona
  • Condemnation / Eminent Domain Jennifer advises and represents clients in connection with condemnation (aka eminent domain) actions involving government acquisitions of private property for public purposes, such as parks, roads, and power lines
  • She has ably guided large land developers and private property owners in accurately assessing and realizing the fair market value of their property
  • Jennifer also assists condemning entities acquire property rights in a fair, timely, and cost-effective manner
  • Insurance In her insurance practice, Jennifer works diligently with clients to analyze whether their insurance policies provide coverage for a given event or loss
  • She also evaluates whether the insurance company has complied with the law or acted in bad faith
  • Jennifer offers these services to clients both on the insurance company side and for individuals and businesses seeking coverage
  • Moreover, Jennifer consults with individuals and businesses to determine whether their current insurance policies provide adequate protection
  • Public Utility Jennifer’s regulatory practice involves the “fourth branch” of the Arizona government – the Arizona Corporation Commission
  • She assists public utilities (such as power companies and telecommunications providers) in maintaining compliance with Commission rules, as well as in obtaining the approvals and waivers necessary for their business operations
  • In addition, she represents utilities in rate cases in which her clients seek to increase or decrease the rates they are allowed to charge their Arizona customers
  • Adding additional value to her utility clients, Jennifer participates in Commission rulemaking and policymaking proceedings to advocate for sensible, streamlined policies and procedures
  • Leadership Jennifer joined Gallagher & Kennedy’s board of directors in 2018 as its first female member
  • Additionally, she serves in leadership positions for and is active in both professional associations and community/charitable organizations
  • She has been honored by a variety of publications and professional associations for her subject matter expertise
  • A prolific writer, Jennifer’s articles have been included in major local, regional and national publications
  • A dedicated educator, Jennifer has been invited to speak before legal and industry organizations on the topics of litigation, appraisal, and insurance
  • Furthermore, Jennifer is the co-host and organizer of the biannual Condemnation Summit in Arizona

Practice Areas Explained

Jennifer A. Cranston's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Jennifer A. Cranston handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Land Use & Zoning

Jennifer A. Cranston is one of 40,226 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in Arizona →

Insurance Law

Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.

Jennifer A. Cranston is one of 121,912 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in Arizona →

Energy & Utilities Law

Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.

Jennifer A. Cranston is one of 36,230 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in Arizona →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Arizona

Practicing law in Arizona. Legal matters in Arizona are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Phoenix are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Arizona state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Arizona brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Arizona courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Arizona attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Phoenix or all attorneys in Arizona.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Jennifer A. Cranston

Where is Jennifer A. Cranston's law office located?
Jennifer A. Cranston's law practice is located in Phoenix, Arizona. The firm is Gallagher & Kennedy PA. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Jennifer A. Cranston handle?
Jennifer A. Cranston focuses on zoning, insurance, energy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Arizona.
How long has Jennifer A. Cranston practiced law?
Jennifer A. Cranston has 26+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2000.
Where did Jennifer A. Cranston go to law school?
Jennifer A. Cranston earned their education at (J.D., 2000); (B.A., 1997).
How can I contact Jennifer A. Cranston for a consultation?
You can contact Jennifer A. Cranston directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Jennifer A. Cranston received?
Jennifer A. Cranston's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law; Best Lawyers in America — Energy Regulatory Law; Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law; Best Lawyers in America — Utilities Law.

Education

J.D.
The University of Arizona
- 2000
B.A.
Mount St. Mary's College
- 1997

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Energy Regulatory Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Utilities Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — , Energy, Insurance, and Utility Law, 2021
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Arizona Business Leaders Magazine
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — , AzBusiness Leaders - Management, 2020
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Phoenix Business Journal
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — , Outstanding Women in Business, 2019
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Arizona
Admitted: 2000

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