Partner
Las Vegas
Number of Employees: 56, 890 Nationally
Years in Nevada: 43
What do you wish you would have learned at the beginning of your career?
I spent some time early in my career practicing in an area I really didn’t enjoy. It took me a while to find out there was an area (government affairs) where I could practice and that I had the acumen for.
What would you want your legacy to future generations to be?
Ideally I would hope to be able to influence government to be more responsive to the needs of the everyday business person while still effectively weighing the interests of all its citizens.
What business advice would you give someone just starting in your industry?
As with many areas, it’s a difficult time in the legal profession. Young attorneys have to be flexible in the areas they will practice. In the current climate, it is important not to shut any doors.
What is the biggest challenge your industry is facing?
With the slowdown, there will be limited growth in demand for legal services. We are in the midst of a restructuring and consolidation in the local legal market. I expect this to continue. Many of the practices that have been successful over the last few decades will no longer be as effective.
What is the best perk of your career?
I can honestly say it is the ability to help people. And I’m not just talking about the well-heeled sophisticated business client; I am talking about the people I come in contact with in every day life. They may have a legal issue, but they don’t know where to begin. Even if it is not an area I’m versed in, I put them in touch with someone who can help.
What is the worst criticism you have overcome?
Having been told I was overly aggressive or confrontational. Early in my career I would sometimes think that was the way to be successful. Over the years I’ve learned that approach is often counter-productive.
