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The March Nevada Lawyer President’s Message is your personal invitation to the annual bar conference in New York City in June. It also includes Paola Armeni’s argument that the best part of it, the socializing, is the reason it is held out of state.
One of our readers wants to know where the Las Vegas legal industry goes to find/post jobs? It’s been awhile since we’ve talked about this, so what are your go to sites these days?
I would open with a request for $245k and then negotiate down from there. Average for your experience is $225k. Signing bonus should be 20-30k minimum.
Average 4-year litigation associate makes $225k in Las Vegas? Hey costs nothing to ask for it other than the time and effort to have to send your resume to a different firm when they laugh you out of the building.
It depends on the firm. If you're looking at firms like BHFS/S&W/LR/BS then yes, the cited figures are in the right neighborhood. If you're looking at smaller firms, do some more research, I suspect the salaries are lower.
And depends on what your 4 years of experience are. I came from ID and don't always agree with everyone trashing it, but 4 years as an ID FBU, at least at most ID firms, does not command the same salary as 4 years in other areas of litigation.
A four year associate in Las Vegas does not make 225k. lol
Guest
Anonymous
March 6, 2023 6:36 pm
What happens when an attorney argues in court and claims to represent a person, but there’s documentation that said attorney knew they did not represent the party and the party has publicly stated that said attorney never has authority to speak for them?
Do you mean the case where Judge Gall just fined the guy all the atty fees and costs and reported the guy to the State Bar for discipline? Or the ONJ appeal where the attorney told NSC that he represented the lady he didn’t?
Judge Gall did not fine the guy (Scott MacDonald) all of the attorneys fees and costs. She said that she was simply referring the matter to the OBC. I would love to learn more about the ONJ appeal however.
I believe a motion has been filed in the ONJ matter. I’m wondering if OBC is going to take action to protect a member of the public who was actually harmed, or is that treatment just reserved for solo practitioners?
Guess the moral of the story is to be careful who you try to slapp around in this town regardless of who you are.
Guest
Anonymous
March 6, 2023 6:42 pm
Can we reach a compromise on the state bar convention? One year it's held in Nevada. Next year, it's held within a days drive. Third year they can hold it in a remote location for the benefit of facilitating socializing among the small clique. Seems reasonable.
State bar meeting to be held in Nevada. Period.
Few of us can take off for a week for "bar socializing" and spend a small fortune to do it. If you are not already part of the inner circle, you can shake a few hands but no one will remember you next week.
NEw YORK CITY! (uttered with a western twang). I'm not a rich lawyer. If I'm going to spend money going to NYC (is anyplace more expensive?), it won't be to spend my days with lawyers I can see in state. No offense intended but this is ridiculous
The BOG president picks the location because it's her party. If someone was throwing an all-expenses-paid party for you anywhere in the country, you wouldn't choose Nevada either. Not saying that's how it should be of course.
If elected BOG Prez, I would have the convention at the Supreme Court's gaudy building, with receptions at Palais de Eglet, F The Bar, and Rhino. Open bar, top shelf, at each event.
Hello. I am the person filing the Federal lawsuit against the Bar (in an adjoining state Federal Court). I wanted to get some feedback. I will finance the lawsuit but do have some limits of course. AFTER I file, and provide a link to the Complaint, I plan to setup a GoFundMe to be managed by an independent CPA firm – to help with things I am not willing to pay for (the extras), like experts, forensic technical discovery, etc. My question to the Blogosphere: Are there any people out there that will make some small anonymous donations – or am I 100% on my own? Thank you.
You are 100% on your own. There is no way I believe the donations are ultimately anonymous. You are retired. For the love of all that is holy, enjoy the remaining time you have left on this earth and do not do this.
Agreed. Playing armchair psychologist but it seems like maybe you miss practicing the law and have found a personal grievance to fill that void and maybe create a legacy.
Maybe before you file anything you try volunteering your time for those in need of legal assistance but cannot afford it. Then maybe start a fund to help with costs. I'll bet it is way more fulfilling.
OP back. 10:54 do not respond then. I have done exactly as I said and have met the timeline I posted on this blog. 10:46 there would have to be some strange circumstances where jurisdiction would lie and those are present here. 10:46 too, I would love too but the thing that made me a lawyer (the fire against injustice) simply will not allow me too. I cannot. I must fight. Also, bloggers here will have no effect on my case and I am fine with not posting until I file. To those who are constructive, thank you. To those unconstructive whiny asses, save your thoughts while I go and fight for you. I stopped looking for thanks many years ago.
I am more than likely to donate. i would like to read the complaint first (when its filed) to make sure money is going to a competent case. even if this case doesnt win, it will still serve as a remind to the SBN to stay in its lane and not overreach. If it wasnt for the Marc Gentiles of the world, who knows what type of tyrannical SBN we would have now.
Federal Jurisdiction is snagged when the State Bar of Nevada is making determinations of federal law whereby they have no jurisdiction and they punish practitioners for doing things in the State of Nevada which are allowed by federal law to be done at the federal level. I will just leave that here. If you know, you know. It may very likely be a 9th Circuit case in which they may lose bad.
>Federal Jurisdiction is snagged when the State Bar of Nevada is making determinations of federal law whereby they have no jurisdiction and they punish practitioners for doing things in the State of Nevada which are allowed by federal law to be done at the federal level
That seems like a basis for a Nevada court to have jurisdiction, how do you get a California federal court to have jurisdiction? What about venue?
The OP I believe has previously stated that he now lives in Arizona which would have a much more friendly federal bench than either Nevada or California (OP correct me if I am wrong).
Guest
Anonymous
March 6, 2023 7:32 pm
In my 27th year as a "member" of the SBN. Have never attended a Bar convention. Have never wanted to attend a Bar convention. Don't give a single fuck about socializing with other lawyers. Sad and a little angry that my Bar dues being are used to facilitate socializing by and among people for whom I have no affinity.
I'm a good lawyer (or so I'm told); but being a lawyer is maybe the 20th most important thing in my life. If being a lawyer is what defines you, you need to examine your life.
Guest
Anonymous
March 6, 2023 8:58 pm
Best bar convention I attended was at Furnace Creek the Death Valley Inn. A couple of hours from Las Vegas.
Guest
Anonymous
March 6, 2023 9:13 pm
Fun Fact Pattern for the next bar exam: Homeowner dies. A week later, his 61 year old son enters the house at 2 a.m., armed with a firearm. Upon finding a 38 year old man there, shots are fired and the 38 year old man dies.
I have questions, but Henderson PD says no charges.
If the 38 year old man was a trespasser, and the 61 yo son told him to leave and the 38yo attacked him that's one thing, but if the 38yo said 'No, go F yourself' and the 61yo then shot the 38yo for disobeying him, that's another. Survivors write the history books so unless the detectives can't find evidence refuting the survivor's statement, then it sounds like maybe a stretch on a wrongful death claim by the 38yo but not criminal charges.
Your fact pattern is missing facts that would allow us to meaningfully weigh in. A person is there, shots were fired, one of them died. That tells us nothing.
2:12 PM–Agreed not enough facts. Generally speaking if someone is in your home under Nevada's modified "Castle doctrine" and "Stand Your Ground" you would be authorized to shoot to defend yourself. NRS 41.095. See also NRS 200.120 (2) along with State v. Runion. Tougher cases involved the yard or outside front door with someone trying to break in. There is no duty to retreat in Nevada. The mere presence of someone inside your home is enough to invoke self defense. Was the 38 year old man a trespasser/squatter?. Was he armed? The bottom line is that just because you may be authorized to shoot someone does not mean that you should. Even if no criminal liability or charges, there could be civil charges How did 38 year old gain entry–was it forced? Not enough facts here. Where was this reported 1:31 PM?
I have very limited sympathy for trespassers who get shot and killed in Vegas, regardless of the circumstances. It's well known that this town is armed to the teeth. Why anyone ever does a home invasion here is beyond me.
Here is the issue. Not the son's home. Not his castle. Not standing his ground. Son went to the home to protect against a property crime and initiated use of deadly force. I have no problem with lethal force in self-defense (especially of one's home). That does not appear to be the facts here. 2:10 in the morning, the son goes to check on the property. "[T]he homeowner’s 61-year-old son went to the home to check on his father’s residence. While checking the interior of the home, police say the homeowner’s son came upon an unknown male intruder, leading to him discharging his firearm at the suspect." Intruder better have been armed. Otherwise this is a bad shoot. Seriously call the police and let them investigate. But going into shoot a thief is wrong.
Again, not enough information. The son "came upon an unknown male intruder, leading to him discharging his firearm." How far away? Was he armed? What was said? Did he make any threatening movements? It's not clear at all whether this was truly "to protect against a property crime" or in self-defense. But unless it's a blatant overreaction like shooting the guy while he's sleeping good luck getting a jury to find the son liable.
Guest
Anonymous
March 6, 2023 10:18 pm
I have one other small problem with Paola's article. The 2 main speakers who she highlights are (1) Ari Melber, a liberal talk show host on MSNBC and (2) Neal Katyal, a great lawyer but also viewed by many as partisan from his time as Acting Solicitor General for the Obama Administration. This lineup does not foster confidence that the SBN is politically neutral.
In my humble and hourly billing opinion, the state bar conference is unintentionally excluding younger attorneys that cannot afford time off to travel and should rotate between Northern and Southern Nevada. I cannot afford time off to vacation with my family, how I am going to find time to travel out of state.
For jobs:
Indeed and the State Bar's job list
I’m an attorney with 4 years of civil litigation experience. What salary should I demand in Vegas when seeking to change jobs?
I would open with a request for $245k and then negotiate down from there. Average for your experience is $225k. Signing bonus should be 20-30k minimum.
Average 4-year litigation associate makes $225k in Las Vegas? Hey costs nothing to ask for it other than the time and effort to have to send your resume to a different firm when they laugh you out of the building.
It depends on the firm. If you're looking at firms like BHFS/S&W/LR/BS then yes, the cited figures are in the right neighborhood. If you're looking at smaller firms, do some more research, I suspect the salaries are lower.
Wow. I just checked nalp and Ballard Spahr pays first years $185k. That's way more than I thought even the big firms paid these days.
And depends on what your 4 years of experience are. I came from ID and don't always agree with everyone trashing it, but 4 years as an ID FBU, at least at most ID firms, does not command the same salary as 4 years in other areas of litigation.
A four year associate in Las Vegas does not make 225k. lol
What happens when an attorney argues in court and claims to represent a person, but there’s documentation that said attorney knew they did not represent the party and the party has publicly stated that said attorney never has authority to speak for them?
Do you mean the case where Judge Gall just fined the guy all the atty fees and costs and reported the guy to the State Bar for discipline? Or the ONJ appeal where the attorney told NSC that he represented the lady he didn’t?
Judge Gall did not fine the guy (Scott MacDonald) all of the attorneys fees and costs. She said that she was simply referring the matter to the OBC. I would love to learn more about the ONJ appeal however.
Maybe NRPC 3.3(a)(1) just doesn't apply to mensa supergeniuses? ¯_(ツ)_/¯
I believe a motion has been filed in the ONJ matter. I’m wondering if OBC is going to take action to protect a member of the public who was actually harmed, or is that treatment just reserved for solo practitioners?
Gall presumptively granted fees.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eOiuay62Hok
Here is info on the ONJ appeal debacle with Willick.
https://twitter.com/ournevadajudges/status/1632802127138668545?s=46&t=7L8aav3qGizkk7gr-UTdGg
Guess the moral of the story is to be careful who you try to slapp around in this town regardless of who you are.
Can we reach a compromise on the state bar convention? One year it's held in Nevada. Next year, it's held within a days drive. Third year they can hold it in a remote location for the benefit of facilitating socializing among the small clique. Seems reasonable.
Within a one day drive of where exactly? You have opened up a whole different can of worms now.
State bar meeting to be held in Nevada. Period.
Few of us can take off for a week for "bar socializing" and spend a small fortune to do it. If you are not already part of the inner circle, you can shake a few hands but no one will remember you next week.
NEw YORK CITY! (uttered with a western twang). I'm not a rich lawyer. If I'm going to spend money going to NYC (is anyplace more expensive?), it won't be to spend my days with lawyers I can see in state. No offense intended but this is ridiculous
24 years and I have been successful beyond my dreams in this business.
Exact number of State Bar Meetings attended?
-0-
BOG will probably set next year's meeting in Maui, or maybe London.
You joke, 12:08 PM, but I believe the inner circle has done Maui. If I remember right, it was approximately a decade ago.
Hawaii has been done quite a few times. Paola's article is utter tripe and frankly came across with a "Let them eat cake" tone. Yeeesh.
Let Them Eat Cake SBN Tour, Paris 2025
155 Wins the blog for the day!
The BOG president picks the location because it's her party. If someone was throwing an all-expenses-paid party for you anywhere in the country, you wouldn't choose Nevada either. Not saying that's how it should be of course.
If elected BOG Prez, I would have the convention at the Supreme Court's gaudy building, with receptions at Palais de Eglet, F The Bar, and Rhino. Open bar, top shelf, at each event.
Buy me table service?
Hello. I am the person filing the Federal lawsuit against the Bar (in an adjoining state Federal Court). I wanted to get some feedback. I will finance the lawsuit but do have some limits of course. AFTER I file, and provide a link to the Complaint, I plan to setup a GoFundMe to be managed by an independent CPA firm – to help with things I am not willing to pay for (the extras), like experts, forensic technical discovery, etc. My question to the Blogosphere: Are there any people out there that will make some small anonymous donations – or am I 100% on my own? Thank you.
How does any Federal District Court sitting in any other state have jurisdiction over the Nevada state bar?
You are 100% on your own. There is no way I believe the donations are ultimately anonymous. You are retired. For the love of all that is holy, enjoy the remaining time you have left on this earth and do not do this.
Let's stop responding to this guy. He's not going to do anything.
Agreed. Playing armchair psychologist but it seems like maybe you miss practicing the law and have found a personal grievance to fill that void and maybe create a legacy.
Maybe before you file anything you try volunteering your time for those in need of legal assistance but cannot afford it. Then maybe start a fund to help with costs. I'll bet it is way more fulfilling.
OP back. 10:54 do not respond then. I have done exactly as I said and have met the timeline I posted on this blog. 10:46 there would have to be some strange circumstances where jurisdiction would lie and those are present here. 10:46 too, I would love too but the thing that made me a lawyer (the fire against injustice) simply will not allow me too. I cannot. I must fight. Also, bloggers here will have no effect on my case and I am fine with not posting until I file. To those who are constructive, thank you. To those unconstructive whiny asses, save your thoughts while I go and fight for you. I stopped looking for thanks many years ago.
I will donate.
I am more than likely to donate. i would like to read the complaint first (when its filed) to make sure money is going to a competent case. even if this case doesnt win, it will still serve as a remind to the SBN to stay in its lane and not overreach. If it wasnt for the Marc Gentiles of the world, who knows what type of tyrannical SBN we would have now.
Why would a federal court in another state have jurisdiction over SBN?
I love Mark Gentile but think you meant Dominic Gentile who took on the State Bar of Nevada.
Federal Jurisdiction is snagged when the State Bar of Nevada is making determinations of federal law whereby they have no jurisdiction and they punish practitioners for doing things in the State of Nevada which are allowed by federal law to be done at the federal level. I will just leave that here. If you know, you know. It may very likely be a 9th Circuit case in which they may lose bad.
>Federal Jurisdiction is snagged when the State Bar of Nevada is making determinations of federal law whereby they have no jurisdiction and they punish practitioners for doing things in the State of Nevada which are allowed by federal law to be done at the federal level
That seems like a basis for a Nevada court to have jurisdiction, how do you get a California federal court to have jurisdiction? What about venue?
The OP I believe has previously stated that he now lives in Arizona which would have a much more friendly federal bench than either Nevada or California (OP correct me if I am wrong).
In my 27th year as a "member" of the SBN. Have never attended a Bar convention. Have never wanted to attend a Bar convention. Don't give a single fuck about socializing with other lawyers. Sad and a little angry that my Bar dues being are used to facilitate socializing by and among people for whom I have no affinity.
I'm a good lawyer (or so I'm told); but being a lawyer is maybe the 20th most important thing in my life. If being a lawyer is what defines you, you need to examine your life.
Best bar convention I attended was at Furnace Creek the Death Valley Inn. A couple of hours from Las Vegas.
Fun Fact Pattern for the next bar exam: Homeowner dies. A week later, his 61 year old son enters the house at 2 a.m., armed with a firearm. Upon finding a 38 year old man there, shots are fired and the 38 year old man dies.
I have questions, but Henderson PD says no charges.
Sounds like murder absent proof that the occupant of the home was not lawfully occupying of the home.
If the 38 year old man was a trespasser, and the 61 yo son told him to leave and the 38yo attacked him that's one thing, but if the 38yo said 'No, go F yourself' and the 61yo then shot the 38yo for disobeying him, that's another. Survivors write the history books so unless the detectives can't find evidence refuting the survivor's statement, then it sounds like maybe a stretch on a wrongful death claim by the 38yo but not criminal charges.
Your fact pattern is missing facts that would allow us to meaningfully weigh in. A person is there, shots were fired, one of them died. That tells us nothing.
2:12 PM–Agreed not enough facts. Generally speaking if someone is in your home under Nevada's modified "Castle doctrine" and "Stand Your Ground" you would be authorized to shoot to defend yourself. NRS 41.095. See also NRS 200.120 (2) along with State v. Runion. Tougher cases involved the yard or outside front door with someone trying to break in. There is no duty to retreat in Nevada. The mere presence of someone inside your home is enough to invoke self defense. Was the 38 year old man a trespasser/squatter?. Was he armed? The bottom line is that just because you may be authorized to shoot someone does not mean that you should. Even if no criminal liability or charges, there could be civil charges How did 38 year old gain entry–was it forced? Not enough facts here. Where was this reported 1:31 PM?
Reported on Fox 5 Vegas. https://www.fox5vegas.com/2023/03/06/henderson-police-say-son-shot-killed-intruder-breaking-into-deceased-fathers-home/
I have very limited sympathy for trespassers who get shot and killed in Vegas, regardless of the circumstances. It's well known that this town is armed to the teeth. Why anyone ever does a home invasion here is beyond me.
Fuck around and find out. When you catch an intruder in your home, the second thing you do is go look for the knife the intruder waived at you.
Here is the issue. Not the son's home. Not his castle. Not standing his ground. Son went to the home to protect against a property crime and initiated use of deadly force. I have no problem with lethal force in self-defense (especially of one's home). That does not appear to be the facts here. 2:10 in the morning, the son goes to check on the property. "[T]he homeowner’s 61-year-old son went to the home to check on his father’s residence. While checking the interior of the home, police say the homeowner’s son came upon an unknown male intruder, leading to him discharging his firearm at the suspect." Intruder better have been armed. Otherwise this is a bad shoot. Seriously call the police and let them investigate. But going into shoot a thief is wrong.
Again, not enough information. The son "came upon an unknown male intruder, leading to him discharging his firearm." How far away? Was he armed? What was said? Did he make any threatening movements? It's not clear at all whether this was truly "to protect against a property crime" or in self-defense. But unless it's a blatant overreaction like shooting the guy while he's sleeping good luck getting a jury to find the son liable.
I have one other small problem with Paola's article. The 2 main speakers who she highlights are (1) Ari Melber, a liberal talk show host on MSNBC and (2) Neal Katyal, a great lawyer but also viewed by many as partisan from his time as Acting Solicitor General for the Obama Administration. This lineup does not foster confidence that the SBN is politically neutral.
The state bar is run by wacko lefties.
In my humble and hourly billing opinion, the state bar conference is unintentionally excluding younger attorneys that cannot afford time off to travel and should rotate between Northern and Southern Nevada. I cannot afford time off to vacation with my family, how I am going to find time to travel out of state.