Tate’s unique mix of legal expertise and policy experience positions him to influence Arizona’s evolving landscape
PHOENIX, AZ (Aug. 14, 2025) – Withey Morris Baugh, Arizona’s premier land use and zoning law firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Benjamin Tate to partner. A second-generation Phoenix native, Tate has been a cornerstone of the firm’s growth since joining as an associate, leveraging his political experience and his extensive knowledge of Arizona and the Valley to guide transformative development projects across the state.
“The thing that continues to inspire me is how much everybody cares about the future of the Valley and Arizona as a whole,” said Tate. “We all want the same thing — a beautiful, thriving, welcoming state with great jobs, abundant housing, efficient transportation and excellent public amenities.”
Growing up in Phoenix, Tate has had a front-row seat to the Valley’s transformation since the mid-1980s. That perspective, along with a deep respect for collaboration over confrontation, has driven his work on some of the region’s most high-profile and complex projects. Among them: The Central Park, the landmark mixed-use redevelopment at Indian School Road and Central Avenue, and luxury resort entitlements in both Paradise Valley and Sedona — accomplished within the same year, a rarity in the zoning world.
“Ben’s journey from the courtroom to city hall has been remarkable,” said Jason Morris, founding partner. “His depth of knowledge, rooted in both law and local politics, has helped us secure approvals for some of the region’s most complex projects. As a partner, he’ll continue to lead with the same collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to Arizona’s future.”
Tate’s leadership philosophy is rooted in consensus-building, not just case-building. As Arizona faces growing challenges around housing, infrastructure, and sustainability, his vision for urbanization is both strategic and inclusive. “Ben shares our vision for innovative, responsible growth,” added Adam Baugh, partner. “His strategic mindset and genuine teamwork have already made a huge impact. I’m excited to see him shape not only client engagements, but also the firm’s future trajectory over the next several years.”
Tate is a 2012 graduate of the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and a die-hard Arizona Wildcats fan. A proud father and lifelong Valley resident committed to community service, Tate is a true outdoorsman, serving as a board member and former board treasurer of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. As an avid cyclist, he frequents the Preserve’s 225 miles of trails and the roadways across the Valley.
For over 20 years, Withey Morris Baugh has been Arizona’s leading land use and real estate law firm. Its dynamic team combines experience in land use entitlements, real estate transactions, government affairs, and lobbying with the sharp legal insight needed to handle every aspect of the real estate development process. Withey Morris Baugh represents commercial, residential, industrial, master-plan developers, and landowners in virtually every corner of Arizona. The firm’s one-of-a-kind “Dirt to Development” podcast dishes the dirt on land use, development, and inside Arizona politics. Prestigious publications routinely rate its attorneys among the best land use and real estate lawyers in Arizona. These publications include Chambers USA — America’s Leading Business Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America®, and Super Lawyers. Martindale Hubbell, a noted authority in rating U.S. law firms and attorneys, gives the firm an AV rating, the highest ranking. Withey Morris Baugh’s mission is to help build its clients’ visions by guiding them from the drawing board through city hall to project completion.