President and Managing Shareholder, Woodburn and Wedge, Attorneys and Counselors at Law
Type of Business: Law Firm
Based: Reno
Hails from: Plainfield, NJ
Years Co. has been in Nevada: 101
Years with Company in Nevada: 38
Employees with Company: 35
What was your first job?
I was a dishwasher at a Mexican restaurant.
If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you have?
I would have to choose the “To Kill a Mockingbird” version of Atticus Finch and we would probably have fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn.
Who in your life has been instrumental to your success?
My Father-in-Law, Arlan McPherson.
He inspired me to be the best I could be and strongly encouraged me to pursue a career in law.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I would like others to know that I worked hard and considered every task presented to be important. Equally important, I have always strived to be a man of my word and to be trusted.
What career advice would you give to your teenage self?
Work hard, stay focused and build a good reputation.
What is the best moment of your career?
I have been lucky enough to have several actually, but they typically involved situations in which an underdog I represented against a wealthy and tenacious adversary finally prevailed.
What is an issue currently facing your industry an outside observer might not be aware of?
Most people believe the law and legal processes move slowly (and often they do move slowly), but the practice of law (which is different than the law or legal processes) is constantly changing and, at times, the changes can be quite sudden and dramatic. Keeping pace can be a real challenge.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
By his Own Bootstraps.
What is your motto?
I love it when a plan comes together.
What is your favorite thing about living in Nevada?
Nevada has numerous outdoor recreational activities that are just outside our doors and which oftentimes cost nothing to enjoy. The weather, including the fact we have four distinct seasons in northern Nevada, which expands those recreational activities is a close second.
