Managing Partner of the Las Vegas Office
Fennemore Craig (11 years in Nevada)
Type of Business: Law Firm | Hails from: Orem, Utah | 10 years with company in Nevada | Based in: Las Vegas
How did you first get into your profession?
My father and grandfather were tax accountants and I was always fascinated by the critical thinking aspect associated with their careers. The law intrigued me because it provided the critical thinking aspect without limiting it to the tax code.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I hope I am remembered as someone that quietly went about doing good for others. As Shannon Adler said “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
What business advice would you give someone just starting in your industry?
Work hard, work smart, anticipate needs and do not stop learning.
What is a little known fact about yourself?
My roots run deep in Las Vegas. My great grandfather moved to Las Vegas in 1921 as an engineer with the Union Pacific Railroad, and members of the extended family have been here ever since.
What is your favorite thing about living in Nevada?
Nevada is a land of true opportunity. If you work hard, take care of your clients by providing results, a person can achieve success.
What do you wish you would have learned at the beginning of your career?
What they do not teach you in school is that lawyering involves, not just knowing and interpreting the law, but being business-savvy for your clients to provide them sound advice within the framework of existing laws.
If you could have coined a single phrase of wisdom, what would it be?
Albert Einstein said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” I try to see the potential in people and I like this quote because it forces me to change my point of view and find the genius in each person.
What is your motto?
Be the most prepared person in the room.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be?
A Major League baseball player.
What was the toughest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Having patience when dealing with unreasonable parties on the other side of the table. That is something that I continue to work at, and suspect I always will.
