PARTNERS OF FIRM
Thomas R. C. Wilson (Partner) born San Francisco, California, April 15, 1935; admitted to bar, 1961, Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. Education: Stanford University (A.B., 1957); Georgetown University (LLB., 1961). Mr. Wilson is a partner in the firm with extensive experience in business, environmental and natural resources litigation, arbitration and mediation. He is listed in "The Best Lawyers in America," for his skills in Business Litigation. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Nevada, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. In addition to his respected legal practice, Mr. Wilson has made notable contributions in public service as Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1961 to 1964, Nevada State Senator from 1970 to 1986 and Chairman of the Nevada Commission on Ethics in Government from 1989 to 1996. He serves as Chairman of the Nevada Supreme Court's Commission on Multi-jurisdictional Practice of Law. Currently, Mr. Wilson serves on the Supreme Court's newly created "Bench-Bar" Committee to assist in the Court's review and consideration of rule changes, evaluation of court processes and internal operating procedures, and development of programs to educate the bar and public regarding the Court. Trustee: Nevada Law Foundation, 1986-1991. Member: San Francisco Region Panel of the President's Commission on White House. Nevada representative of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, 1983. Fellowships, 1982-1985. Delta Theta Phi. Member: American Bar Association; Nevada Trial Lawyers Association; The Association of Trial Lawyers of America; International Association of Gaming Attorneys; American Association of Justice; Nevada Justice Association. Fellow: American College of Trial Lawyers. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Natural Resources Law; Environmental Law; Tort Litigation.Email: Thomas R. C. Wilson
Leo P. Bergin, III (Partner) born Paso Robles, California, May 15, 1936; admitted to bar, 1961, Nevada. Education: University of Notre Dame (B.S., 1958); Stanford University (J.D., 1961). Mr. Bergin is the former Managing Partner of the firm. His practice focuses on real estate, securitization of financing of real property, agricultural law and general business law. His clients range from a regional grocery store chain to several medium-sized construction firms, the Farm Credit System for the State of Nevada, various agricultural ditch companies, and to a number of ranching and farming operations. Additionally, he counsels major real estate developers, title companies, and car and farm implement dealerships. Mr. Bergin is also a farmer, raising potatoes, onions, and alfalfa. He is a major supporter of 4-H and Future Farmers of America. He is the owner of Nevada Fresh Pak Potatoes and F-B Farms. Former Director: Meritas (An Organization of Independent Law Firms). Phi Alpha Delta. Member: Washoe County and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Agriculture; Real Estate; Business Law; Environmental Law; Bankruptcy.Email: Leo P. Bergin, III
John J. Frankovich (Managing Partner) born Bakersfield, California, March 5, 1946; admitted to bar, 1971, Nevada; 1972, California; U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Education: Stanford University (B.S., 1968); University of California at Los Angeles (J.D., 1971). The firm's Managing Partner, Mr. Frankovich's practice focuses principally on real property development and transactions, litigation, and public utilities law. He joined McDonald Carano Wilson LLP in 1973 after two years with the Washoe County District Attorney's Office. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Nevada and California, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Frankovich has represented a number of major real estate development projects in Northern Nevada in connection with acquisitions, entitlements, financing and sales. He also handles commercial litigation, including bench and jury trials involving business and commercial disputes, encompassing construction disputes, real estate transactions, employment law, and condemnation. Board of Directors: Recreational Enterprises, Inc., the operating company for the Eldorado Hotel Casino. Organizations: Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada; PackPAWS Advisory Board, an organization affiliated with the University of Nevada to promote women's intercollegiate athletics; Reno High School Alumni Association. Mr. Frankovich has participated in numerous seminars and has co-authored the publication, Major Land Use Laws in Nevada. Member: Washoe County, Clark County and American Bar Associations; State Bar of California; International Association of Gaming Attorneys. Practice Areas: Real Estate; Commercial Litigation; Public Utilities; Business Law; Government Affairs.Email: John J. Frankovich
Alvin J. (Bud) Hicks (Partner) born Los Angeles, California, March 24, 1946; admitted to bar, 1972, Nevada; 1977, U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. District Court, District of Nevada and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Education: University of Southern California (B.S., cum laude, 1968; J.D., 1972). One of Nevada's most experienced gaming law practitioners. Mr. Hicks' primary areas of practice are gaming law and related corporate, litigation, and transactional matters. His client list includes many of Nevada's well-known resort gaming operators, gaming equipment suppliers, and Nevada's largest Native American gaming operation. He has represented publicly traded gaming companies and their controlling persons, as well as many privately owned gaming establishments and their owners on gaming matters within the State of Nevada and in other jurisdictions. Additionally, Mr. Hicks has consulted on gaming matters for major investment banking firms and commercial lenders. He frequently serves as Nevada counsel on large transactional matters and related financings to companies involved in the gaming industry. Mr. Hicks has served as an expert witness on gaming law matters, published numerous articles on gaming issues and testified before the U.S. Congress and the Nevada State Legislature on gaming matters. He served as Chief Deputy Attorney General for the State of Nevada and the Nevada Gaming Commission in a landmark case that rid Nevada of the last vestiges of organized criminal involvement in Las Vegas' gaming industry. As a result of his extensive regulatory experience, he often assists his clients on compliance matters and other sensitive licensing and regulatory issues. Since leaving the State's employment in 1979, Mr. Hicks has been active in professional associations devoted to developing proficiency in the area of gaming law. Mr. Hicks is a member of the Counselors of the International Association of Gaming Attorneys, has been included in America's Leading Lawyers for Business in the Chambers USA Client Guide, and has been selected for inclusion in the "Best Lawyers In America" publication by Woodward White. Author: "No Longer the Only Game in Town: A Comparison of the Nevada and New Jersey Regulatory Systems of Gaming Control," Southwestern University Law Review, 1980-1981. Member and Nevada Representative, California Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission, 2007-2008. Past Chairman: State Bar of Nevada Gaming Law Section. Member: Washoe County, Clark County, Federal and American (Member, General Practice Section; Past Chairman, Gaming Law Committee, 1986-1988) Bar Associations; International Association of Gaming Attorneys (Member of the Counselors; Founding Trustee; Past President). Practice Areas: Gaming Law; Corporate Law; Commercial Litigation; Business Law; Government Affairs; Bankruptcy.Email: Alvin J. (Bud) Hicks
Robert E. Armstrong (Partner) born Reno, Nevada, March 25, 1954; admitted to bar, 1979, Nevada; 1980, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit and U.S. Tax Court; 1983, U.S. Supreme Court; 1987, District of Columbia. Education: University of Santa Clara (B.S.C., 1976); Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 1979); New York University (LL.M. in Taxation, 1980). Robert Armstrong represents individuals and family groups of substantial wealth in connection with estate, gift, and income tax planning, family business succession planning, philanthropic planning and family trust company planning. Mr. Armstrong has significant transactional experience including the formation, acquisition, operation, financing, reorganization, and disposition of hotel/casinos, real estate, corporations and closely-held businesses on behalf of individuals and public and private companies. Mr. Armstrong also represents executives and coaches in connection with employment agreements in college and professional football. Mr. Armstrong's practice includes traditional probate and trust and estate administration and litigation. Mr. Armstrong joined the firm as an associate in 1980 and became a partner in 1984. He serves on the firm's executive, compensation, technology and recruitment committees. Mr. Armstrong's professional accomplishments include being listed in Best Lawyers in America in the categories of taxation, corporate law and trust/estates for Nevada. He is also named in Outstanding Lawyers of America, Super Lawyers, and in Best of United States. Mr. Armstrong is also a licensed certified public accountant. Recipient: 2003 Jake Lawlor Award for outstanding support of University of Nevada intercollegiate athletics for more than 20 years. Chief Author: Decedent Estates Chapter of the Nevada Civil Practice Manual (LexisNexis Publications). Co-Founder and Trustee Emeritus: Community Foundation of Western Nevada. Past President and Trustee: Reno Philharmonic Orchestra. Past President and Director: Athletic Association University of Nevada; Hidden Valley Country Club. Financial Counsel Member: Catholic Diocese of Reno. Trustee Emeritus and Member of Investment Committee, University of Nevada Reno Foundation. Member: Washoe County, Clark County and American (State Reporter, Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust, 1993 and 1998-2002) Bar Associations; State Bar of Nevada; District of Columbia Bar; Nevada State Society of Certified Public Accountants; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; Sports Lawyers Association. Fellow: American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (Former State Chairman); American College of Tax Counsel. Practice Areas: Corporate Law(25%); Business Law(25%); Taxation Law(15%); Trust and Estates(35%).Email: Robert E. Armstrong
William A. S. Magrath, II (Partner) born Oakland, California, April 27, 1951; admitted to bar, 1976, California; 1977, Nevada; 1979, District of Columbia; 1983, U.S. Supreme Court. Education: University of Nevada (B.S., 1973); University of the Pacific, McGeorge (J.D., 1976). For over 30 years, Mr. Magrath has focused his practice on complex business, contract, and commercial litigation. This first chair courtroom experience before juries and judges and devotion to advocacy has resulted in honors from national organizations and in leadership positions in bar association and community groups. Beyond the courtroom, his attention to detail and competitive drive in all aspects of litigation has brought success for his clients, which include publicly traded corporations, national and regional companies, the Nevada System of Higher Education, construction firms, and hotel casinos in northern and southern Nevada. Selected by his peers for membership in "The Best Lawyers in America" in the specialties of Commercial Litigation and Construction Litigation, Mr. Magrath has also been honored by his election to the Presidency, and as a Master Emeritus, of the Bruce R. Thompson Inn of the American Inns of Court program, an amalgam of the top litigation lawyers and judges in northern Nevada. As a past President of the Washoe County Bar Association, Mr. Magrath has also assisted the judiciary in the formation, administration, and presidency of the Washoe County Access to Justice Foundation. Currently serving as a Special Counsel, appointed by the Nevada Attorney General, to represent the Nevada System of Higher Education, Mr. Magrath has served as lead defense counsel of a team of lawyers in an extensive multi-faceted federal lawsuit recently concluded through summary judgment. Reported cases include Mr. Magrath's successful federal injunction on behalf of a contractor against the Nevada Public Works Board prohibiting further construction of a $28 million prison project. This resulted in new standards for Nevada public works bidding practices. Early in 2008, Mr. Magrath concluded a Las Vegas trial with a $3.3 million judgment for the client. As a partner in the firm for over 20 years, Mr. Magrath is a member of the firm's Litigation Department and Construction Law Group. Mr. Magrath regularly appears before the state and federal courts in Nevada and California, represents clients in administrative matters and on appeal before the Nevada Supreme Court, and before various state and local governmental agencies and boards. Before joining the firm in 1980, Mr. Magrath served as a Deputy District Attorney in Washoe County, Nevada, successfully prosecuting multiple jury trials, including murder. Mr. Magrath commenced his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable William N. Forman of Nevada's Second Judicial District Court. Mr. Magrath is also an owner of a building materials business and property management partnership in the San Francisco Bay Area. Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; District of Columbia Bar; Association of Defense Counsel of Northern Nevada and California; Defense Research Institute. Practice Areas: Commercial Law; Tort Litigation; Business Law; Construction Law; Premises Liability Defense; Labor and Employment.Email: William A. S. Magrath, II
Timothy E. Rowe (Partner) born Reno, Nevada, July 29, 1953; admitted to bar, 1978, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1983, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Education: University of Washington and University of Nevada (B.A., with distinction, 1975); McGeorge College of the Law (J.D., 1978). Tim Rowe is a partner in the firm's Reno office. He focuses his practice primarily in the areas of employment law and litigation and the defense of employers in workers compensation related matters. Mr. Rowe handles a wide range of employment law related matters including litigation in employment discrimination, sexual harassment, ADA and workers compensation. Mr. Rowe represents a variety of clients from large gaming establishments to small businesses needing assistance in the employment law area. His clients include many of the most prominent gaming, manufacturing, and political entities in the state. Mr. Rowe has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America, Woodward/White in the workers compensation arena since 1995. Before merging into McDonald Carano Wilson in 1987, Mr. Rowe maintained a practice devoted exclusively to construction law and litigation. He continues to represent a number of construction related entities in construction litigation matters. Phi Alpha Delta; Phi Kappa Phi. Member: State Bar of Nevada (Past Chairman, Continuing Legal Education Committee); American Bar Association (Member: Forum on the Construction Industry; Sections on: Litigation; Labor and Employment Law); Washoe County Bar Association; Nevada Justice Association. Practice Areas: Workers Compensation Law; Workers Compensation Litigation; Construction Law; Construction Litigation; Labor and Employment.Email: Timothy E. Rowe
James W. Bradshaw (Partner) born Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar, 1981, Nevada; 1983, California. Education: University of Nevada (B.S., 1977); McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 1981). Mr. Bradshaw is a partner practicing in the Litigation, Construction Law and Employment Departments of the firm. He serves as the Chairman of the firm's Litigation Practice Group and Ethics Committee. He is experienced in representing business clients in Nevada's and California's state and federal courts. His practice includes all aspects of litigation, as well as conflict resolution and risk management. In addition to traditional tort and commercial litigation, Mr. Bradshaw has experience in litigation involving insurance law, unfair competition, enforcement of restrictive covenants, fraudulent transfers and breach of fiduciary duties. Mr. Bradshaw has represented clients in the insurance, construction, hotel and gaming, real estate, marketing, mining, electronics, and manufacturing industries. Before joining the firm, Mr. Bradshaw served a judicial clerkship in the Second Judicial District Court. Mr. Bradshaw dedicated more than 24 years of service to the United States Air Force and Nevada Air National Guard. He retired in 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Bradshaw is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross resulting from service during Operation Desert Storm. Board member and Chairman: Northern Nevada Disciplinary Panel until 2002. Member: Clark County, Washoe County and American Bar Associations; State Bar of California; State Bar of Nevada (Member, Board of Governors); The Association of Trial Lawyers of America; Nevada Trial Lawyers Association. [USAF/Nevada Air National Guard, 1971-1995, Lt. Col. (Ret.)]. Practice Areas: Insurance Law; Tort Litigation; Business Litigation.Email: James W. Bradshaw
Sylvia L. Harrison (Partner) born Eureka, California, March 25, 1945; admitted to bar, 1990, Nevada; 1991, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1992, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Education: Montana State University (B.S., with distinction, 1967; M.S., 1970); University of Montana (Ph.D., Geology, 1985; J.D., with high honors, 1990). Ms. Harrison is a partner in the Reno office of the firm. She joined the law firm in 1990 after graduating first in her law school class at the University of Montana. She practices primarily in the fields of environmental and natural resources law, which is a natural evolution from her previous career as a geologist. She earned her Ph.D. in geology and was published widely in that area, but made the decision to pursue a legal career to further her commitment to integrating scientific knowledge with the public interest. Ms. Harrison's expertise includes environmental aspects of complex commercial transactions and bankruptcies, environmental law, environmental permitting, water law, mining, and public land law. She is experienced in complex environmental cases, including defense of CERCLA and RCRA citizen suits, EPA and state enforcement actions. Ms. Harrison's practice also includes representation of public agencies, and she currently serves as general counsel for the local intergovernmental water authority. Ms. Harrison heads the firm's environmental and natural resources practice group. Representative Publications: "Disposition of the Mineral Estate on United States Public Lands: A Historical Perspective," 10 Public Land Law Review 131; "Environmental Due Diligence in Real Property Transactions: Practice Pointers," Nevada Lawyer, Vol. 5, No. 1, January, 1997; "The Historical Development of Nevada Water Law," University of Denver Water Law Review, Vol. 5, Issue 1, Fall 2001. Member: Washoe County (Union of Concerned Scientists) and American (Member, Environmental, Energy and Resources Section) Bar Associations; Geological Society of Nevada; Meritas (Member, Environmental Law Practice Section). Fellow: Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation. Practice Areas: Natural Resources Law; Environmental Law.Email: Sylvia L. Harrison
James C. Giudici (Partner) born Weaverville, California, August 6, 1952; admitted to bar, 1979, Nevada; U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. Education: University of Nevada; Gonzaga University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1974); Gonzaga University (J.D., 1979). Mr. Giudici is a partner in the firm, focusing his practice on commercial litigation, appellate litigation and administrative matters. He assisted in the litigation/arbitration from November 1991-April 1996 of the William P. Lear Royalty Right to the Lear Star 600/Challenger Aircraft, which resulted in substantial royalty rights. Mr. Giudici participated in a landmark case involving anti-bid shopping on public works projects and was part of the appellate team representing a major company in its appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court of a jury verdict in a breast implant case. More recently, he was part of the appellate team that struck down a business tax initiative petition as unconstitutional. From 1979-1981, Mr. Giudici was law clerk to the Honorable Roger D. Foley, Chief United States District Judge, District of Nevada. As a law clerk to the late Roger D. Foley, Mr. Giudici participated in the first case ever to go to trial concerning cancers allegedly caused by exposure to nuclear radiation. He served as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Nevada, Gaming Division, Las Vegas and Carson City, Nevada from 1981 through 1988. While in the Attorney General's office, he was one of the leading attorneys in the Nevada state investigation into organized crime skimming at a major gaming property in Las Vegas, which culminated in the seizure of the casino by the State of Nevada. Member: Washoe County, Clark County and American Bar Associations; International Association of Gaming Attorneys. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation(80%); Gaming Law(10%); Appellate Practice(10%).Email: James C. Giudici
Pat Lundvall (Partner) born Oakland, Nebraska, April 28, 1958; admitted to bar, 1989, Nevada; U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. Education: University of Nebraska (B.S., with distinction, 1980; M.S., with distinction, 1983); University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., Valedictorian, with great distinction, 1989) Order of the Coif. Member: Nevada State Athletic Commission; American Inns of Court (Master Member); Order of the Coif; American Association of Justice; Nevada Justice Association; Traynor Honor Society. Appointed by Nevada Governor to the Public Private Partnership Advisory Panel for the Nevada Department of Transportation. Listed in: "Who's Who in American Law"; "Best Lawyers in America"; "Outstanding Lawyers in America"; "Super Lawyers." Author: "The Rise and Fall of the Antitrust Exemption for the Business of Insurance," John Stauffer Memorial published by McGeorge School of Law, June 1989; Chapter on "Pretrial Conferences," Nevada Civil Practice Manual (4th, 5th, and 6th editions); numerous publications for professional seminars. Member: Federal and American Bar Associations; Nevada Trial Lawyers Association; The Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Fellow: Litigation Counsel of America. (First Attorney in Nevada to be certified by the Nevada State Bar as a Civil Trial Advocacy Specialist, March, 2004)(Certified as a Civil Trial Advocacy Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy). Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation.Email: Pat Lundvall
Scott A. Swain (Partner) born Provo, Utah, April 26, 1960; admitted to bar, 1985, Arizona and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; 1992, Utah and U.S. Tax Court; 1993, Nevada. Education: Brigham Young University (B.A., 1982; J.D., cum laude, 1985); University of Miami (LL.M., Estate Planning, 1993). Member, Board of Trustees, 1995-2002 and President, 1997-2000, National Kidney Foundation of Nevada. Member, Board of Directors and Member, Policy Advisory Board, 1999, Nevada Taxpayers Association. President, Southern Nevada Estate Planning Council, 1997-1998. Member: Clark County and American Bar Associations; State Bar of Arizona; Utah State Bar. Fellow: American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Practice Areas: Trusts and Estates; Business Law; Taxation Law.Email: Scott A. Swain
Matthew C. Addison (Partner) born San Jose, California, July 20, 1965; admitted to bar, 1991, Nevada; 1992, California; 1993, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Education: University of California, Los Angeles (B.A., 1988); Santa Clara University (J.D., 1991). Pupil (1991-1993; 1996-1998) and Barrister (1998-2001), American Inns of Court, Bruce R. Thompson Chapter. Board Member, Volunteer Lawyers of Washoe County, 1998-2001. Judge Pro-Tem, Reno Municipal Court, 2004. Arbitrator, Nevada Court Annexed Arbitration Program, 2006. Lawyer Representative, United States District Court, District of Nevada, 2003-2005 (Chair, Northern Division, 2005). Judge Pro-Tem, El Dorado County Superior Court, ADR/Case Management Department, 2007. Honorary Lieutenant, Washoe County Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association, 2008. Member, Law Firm of Meritas. Member: Washoe County Bar Association (President, 2001-2002); Federal Bar Association; State Bar of Nevada (Executive Council, Young Lawyers Section, 1993-1995; Arbitrator, Fee Dispute Arbitration Committee, 1995-1998); State Bar of California; International Association of Defense Counsel; Association of Defense Counsel of Northern Nevada (President, 1998). Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation(50%); Construction Law(40%); Environmental Law(10%).Email: Matthew C. Addison
Paul J. Georgeson (Partner) born Berkeley, California, May 1, 1968; admitted to bar, 1994, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; 1999, U.S. Supreme Court. Education: University of California at Santa Barbara (B.A., with honors, 1990); University of California at Davis (J.D., 1994). Staff Editor, University of California, Davis Law Review. Extern to the Honorable Procter R. Hug Jr., Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1993. Co-Author: "Conflicts of Interest: The Rules of an Expanding Doctrine of Confusion," Nevada Lawyer, Vol. 3, No. 12, Dec. 1995. Member: Washoe County, Federal (President, Nevada Chapter, 2003-2004) and American (Council of Appellate Lawyers) Bar Associations; State Bar of Nevada; Association of Defense Council of Northern Nevada. Practice Areas: Civil and Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; Premises Liability; Intellectual Property.Email: Paul J. Georgeson
Miranda Du (Partner) born Vietnam, December 11, 1969; admitted to bar, 1994, Nevada; 1995, California. Education: University of California, Davis (B.A., 1991); University of California, Berkeley (J.D., 1994). Chair, Employment/Labor Law Group. Member: American Bar Association; State Bar of California. Practice Areas: Labor and Employment; Commercial Litigation; Water Law; Environmental Law.Email: Miranda Du
Michael A. T. Pagni (Partner) born Reno, Nevada, March 25, 1971; admitted to bar, 1997, Nevada. Education: University of California at Los Angeles (B.A., 1993); University of California, Hastings College of Law (J.D., 1997). Member: American Bar Association. Practice Areas: Administrative Law; Transactional Law; Corporate Law; Bankruptcy; Business Law; Government Affairs.Email: Michael A. T. Pagni
Leigh T. Goddard (Partner) born Carson City, Nevada; admitted to bar, 1997, Nevada. Education: College of Charleston (B.S., 1991); University of South Carolina (J.D., 1997). Fellow, American Inns of Court. Member: Washoe County and Federal Bar Associations; State Bar of Nevada. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Energy.Email: Leigh T. Goddard
Paul C. Deyhle (Partner) born Rockville Centre, New York, September 17, 1968; admitted to bar, 1999, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 2004, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Education: Washington State University (B.A., 1991); Troy State University (M.S., 1994); Syracuse University (J.D., 1999). Member: State Bar of Nevada; Washoe County Bar Association; American Bar Association; American Intellectual Property Law Association. [U.S. Navy, 1991-1995.]. Practice Areas: Corporate Law; Business Law; Intellectual Property Law; Employment Law; Administrative Law.Email: Paul C. Deyhle
Kathleen Morello Drakulich (Partner) born San Francisco, California; admitted to bar, 1986, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1987, California; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California. Education: Oxford University, England; University of California, Berkeley (B.A., 1982); McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D., 1986). With more than 17 years experience in the energy and public utility industry, Kathleen Drakulich is a Partner in the Firm's Reno office and a member of its statewide Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Practice Group. Ms. Drakulich has served as assistant general counsel for Nevada's largest electric providers and as private counsel for Nevada's largest energy users, representing them in rate case and integrated resource plan applications, environmental permitting, purchase power agreement and line extension proceedings, renewable energy initiatives and other regulatory matters. She served as legislative counsel for the utilities during numerous sessions of the Nevada Legislature. In private practice, Ms. Drakulich has represented local, national and international energy and public utility firms in procurement matters, supply and purchase contract negotiations, as well as permitting and construction of renewable energy and fossil fuel facilities. She has also represented entities in Nevada seeking permits from local, state and federal governmental agencies. Named as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" in 2008 and 2009, Drakulich was appointed to Senator Harry Reid's Renewable Energy Blue Ribbon Panel in 2008. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, in 1986. She is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada and the Eastern District of California. She is a member of the board of directors for Nevada-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization Renown Health, where she serves on the audit and finance committees. Executive Committee Member: Board of Directors, Audit and Finance Committees for Renown Health; Board of Directors, South Meadows facility of Renown Health. Member: Washoe County and Clark County Bar Associations; American Trial Lawyers Association; Nevada Trial Lawyers Association. Practice Areas: Public Utility Law; Land Use; Zoning Law; Legislative Practice; Litigation.Email: Kathleen Morello Drakulich
ASSOCIATES
Debbie Leonard (Associate) born Cedar Rapids, Iowa, October 25, 1969; admitted to bar, 2002, Nevada; 2003, California. Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A., 1991); University of California, Santa Cruz (M.A., 1997); University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law (J.D., 2002). Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; American Bar Association (Member: Environment, Energy and Resources Section; Water Committee); Energy Bar Association; Northern Nevada Women Lawyers Association. Practice Areas: Water and Natural Resources Law; Real Estate Law; Environmental Law; Appellate Practice; Civil Practice.Email: Debbie Leonard
Megan Starich (Associate) born Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar, 2008, Nevada; 2009, Oregon. Education: Reed College (B.A., 2002); University of Washington, William H. Gates School of Law (J.D., 2008). Author: "The 2006 Revisions to Japan's Equal Opportunity Employment Law: A Narrow Approach to a Pervasive Problem," 6 Pac. Rim. L. and Poly J. 55, 2007. Member: State Bar of Nevada; Oregon State Bar. Languages: Japanese.Email: Megan Starich
Matthew A. Gray (Associate) born Reno, Nevada, January 7, 1977; admitted to bar, 2003, California; 2004, Nevada. Education: Oregon State University (B.S., 1999); University of San Francisco School of Law (J.D., 2003); Golden Gate University (LL.M., 2004). Member: State Bar of California; American Bar Association. Practice Areas: Trusts and Estates; Taxation; Business Law; Corporate Law.Email: Matthew A. Gray
Carla B. Higginbotham (Associate) born Roseville, California, November 23, 1972; admitted to bar, 2003, Nevada. Education: University of Nevada (B.A., 1997); McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D., with great distinction, 2003). Dean's List. Order of the Coif; Order of the Barristers; Traynor Honor Society; Bruce R. Thompson Inns of Court. Top Oral Advocate, McGeorge Final Four Appellate Advocacy Competition, 2001; Member and National Finalist, National Appellate Advocacy Team, 2001-2003; 8th Best Oral Advocate, San Francisco Regional National Appellate Advocacy Competition, 2002; 5th Best Brief, New York Regional National Appellate Advocacy Competition, 2003; Recipient: Outstanding Student Achievement Award, McGeorge School of Law, 2003; Outstanding Young Alumni Award, University of Nevada, Reno, 2007. Law Clerk to: Hon. Procter R. Hug, Jr., Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2004-2005; Hon. Peter I. Breen, Second Judicial District Court of Nevada, 2003-2004. Commencement Speaker, McGeorge Commencement Ceremony, 2003. Member: Best Presentation Group Bruce R. Thompson Inns of Court, 2004 and 2008; McGeorge Alumni Association; Alpha Phi Alumni Association; Board of Directors, Step2, Inc., Non-Profit Alcohol and Drug Recovery Program, Reno, NV. Member: Washoe County, Federal and American Bar Associations (Member, Sections on: Business Law, Litigation and Appellate Litigation Subsection; Counsel of Appellate Lawyers); Northern Nevada Women Lawyers; American Inns of Court, Bruce R. Thompson Chapter. Practice Areas: Litigation; Appellate Practice; Complex and Multi-District Litigation; Privacy Law; Information and Privacy; Federal Civil Practice; Civil Practice.Email: Carla B. Higginbotham
Ryan L. Bellows (Associate) born Reno, Nevada, July 13, 1979; admitted to bar, 2005, Nevada; 2007, Utah. Education: Brigham Young University (B.A., 2002; J.D., magna cum laude, 2005). Order of the Coif. Research Editor, BYU Law Review. Member, Federalist Society. Finalist, Moot Court Competition, 2003. Extern to the Honorable James W. Hardesty, currently on the Nevada Supreme Court, and the Honorable Howard D. McKibben, former Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. Member: Washoe County, Federal and American Bar Associations; State Bar of Nevada; Utah State Bar; American Inns of Court (Member, Bruce R. Thompson Chapter, 2005-2007). Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Employment Law; Intellectual Property.Email: Ryan L. Bellows
Brent Keele (Associate) born 1975; admitted to bar, 2007, Nevada; 2008, California. Education: University of Utah (B.S, Accounting, 2002); University of Nebraska (J.D., 2006); University of Florida - Levin College of Law (LL.M., Taxation, 2007). Practice Areas: Taxation(20%); Employment Law(10%); Corporate Law(20%); Real Estate(20%); Estate Planning(30%).Email: Brent Keele
Mark Dunagan (Associate) born Berkeley, California, 1978; admitted to bar, 2007, Nevada. Education: University of Nevada (B.A., 2003); Boalt Hall School of Law (J.D., 2007). Practice Areas: Trusts and Estates(15%); Gaming Law(5%); Real Estate(40%); Business Transactions(40%).
OF COUNSEL
Donald L. Carano (Of Counsel) born Reno, Nevada, October 17, 1931; admitted to bar, 1959, Nevada. Education: University of Nevada and University of San Francisco (B.S., 1954; LL.B., 1959). Member, University of San Francisco Law Honor Society, 1958-1959. Member, Nevada Statute Revision Commission, 1959-1960. Member: American Bar Association; International Association of Gaming Attorneys.
James J. Guinan (Of Counsel) born Evanston, Illinois, September 21, 1923; admitted to bar, 1953, District of Columbia and U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; 1960, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1962, U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit. Education: Yale University (B.A., 1949); Harvard Law School (J.D., 1952). Chief Deputy Director, Nevada Statute Revision Commission, 1958-1963. District Judge, 2nd Judicial District Court, State of Nevada, 1971-1989. (Retired).
Kaaran E. Thomas (Of Counsel) born Oak Park, Illinois, June 29, 1945; admitted to bar, 1977, Texas; 1978, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas; 1981, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; 1986, U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas; 1992, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California; 1999, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada. Education: Ohio State University (B.A., with distinction, 1967); University of Houston (J.D., magna cum laude, 1977). Contributor to several major treatises and conferences on Bankruptcy including Collier Bankruptcy Practice Guide, Norton's, ABA, University of Houston and University of Texas. Lecturer, Federal Judicial Center programs on Valuation for Bankruptcy Judges. Former Adjunct Professor, Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights, University of Texas School of Law. Adjunct Professor, University of Reno, Ansari School of Business, 2004. Founder and Member, Planning Committee, VALCON (Conference on Valuation of Assets), co-sponsored by University of Texas School of Law, and Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors, 2004. Member: American Bar Association (Vice Chair, Subcommittee on Chapter 11 Committees, Business Bankruptcy Committee, 2005); American College of Bankruptcy; Turnaround Management Association (2006 Vice President for Northern Nevada). Fellow: American College of Bankruptcy (Co-Chair, Educational Programs Committee, 2006). Practice Areas: Bankruptcy Law; Business Reorganization.Email: Kaaran E. Thomas
All attorneys are members of the Washoe County Bar Association and the State Bar of Nevada.