Laxalt & Nomura LTD

Laxalt & Nomura LTD

LAXALT & NOMURA, LTD. is a civil litigation firm, formed in 1986 by Bruce Laxalt and Don Nomura, former Chief Deputy District Attorneys in Reno, Nevada.

Laxalt & Nomura LTD

Laxalt & Nomura LTD

LAXALT & NOMURA, LTD. is a civil litigation firm, formed in 1986 by Bruce Laxalt and Don Nomura, former Chief Deputy District Attorneys in Reno, Nevada.

Firm Overview

The firm brings an aggressive and proactive approach to civil litigation through a combination of effective dispositive motion practice and experienced trial attorneys. The firm, with offices in Reno and Las Vegas, represents the statewide litigation interests of numerous national manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, employers and insurers through its sixteen attorneys and five paralegals.

Main Office

Main Office
9600 Gateway Drive
Reno, NV 89521

Phone

775-322-1170

Personal Injury

The Law Offices of Laxalt & Nomura LTD will represent your Personal Injury legal matters.

The Law Offices of Laxalt & Nomura LTD will represent your Personal Injury legal matters.

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Don Nomura

Born Los Angeles, California; admitted to bar, 1976, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of California at Los Angeles, (B.A., 1971); Loyola Marymount University; Southwestern University (J.D., 1976). Washoe County Deputy District Attorney (1976-1980), Washoe County Chief Deputy District Attorney (1981-1982).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; Washoe County Bar Association; Nevada District Attorneys Association; National District Attorneys Association; Master, American Inns of Court; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury Litigation (2002-present). Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Nomura joined the northern Nevada office of Beckley, Singleton, Delanoy and Jemison in 1982, after serving as Chief Trial Deputy with the Washoe County District Attorney's Office, and was named a partner in that firm. While practicing with the Beckley firm, Mr. Nomura represented clients in matters involving civil and business litigation, including product liability, medical malpractice, and professional malpractice. Since founding Laxalt & Nomura in 1986, he has continued to represent clients in both these and other fields of law. He has tried more than 70 trials to jury verdict, including many high profile cases, with a high rate of success.

Education

Southwestern University
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Don Nomura

Born Los Angeles, California; admitted to bar, 1976, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of California at Los Angeles, (B.A., 1971); Loyola Marymount University; Southwestern University (J.D., 1976). Washoe County Deputy District Attorney (1976-1980), Washoe County Chief Deputy District Attorney (1981-1982).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; Washoe County Bar Association; Nevada District Attorneys Association; National District Attorneys Association; Master, American Inns of Court; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury Litigation (2002-present). Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Nomura joined the northern Nevada office of Beckley, Singleton, Delanoy and Jemison in 1982, after serving as Chief Trial Deputy with the Washoe County District Attorney's Office, and was named a partner in that firm. While practicing with the Beckley firm, Mr. Nomura represented clients in matters involving civil and business litigation, including product liability, medical malpractice, and professional malpractice. Since founding Laxalt & Nomura in 1986, he has continued to represent clients in both these and other fields of law. He has tried more than 70 trials to jury verdict, including many high profile cases, with a high rate of success.

Education

Southwestern University J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Wayne Shaffer

Born in Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar 1981, Nevada; 1982 California; 1983 U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Nevada Reno (B.A., 1977); California Western School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 1981); member, Law Review.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC); Defense Research Institute; American Inns of Court (Master); Best Lawyers in America Litigation (2001-present), Products Liability (2013-present); Super Lawyers Mountain States. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Shaffer is a former Washoe County Deputy District Attorney (Criminal Division), and a longtime partner in Wait & Shaffer, a major Nevada defense litigation firm. He has tried numerous cases to jury verdict, including product liability, automobile accident, and negligent security cases. He joined the firm in 2004.

Education

California Western School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Wayne Shaffer

Born in Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar 1981, Nevada; 1982 California; 1983 U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Nevada Reno (B.A., 1977); California Western School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 1981); member, Law Review.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC); Defense Research Institute; American Inns of Court (Master); Best Lawyers in America Litigation (2001-present), Products Liability (2013-present); Super Lawyers Mountain States. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Shaffer is a former Washoe County Deputy District Attorney (Criminal Division), and a longtime partner in Wait & Shaffer, a major Nevada defense litigation firm. He has tried numerous cases to jury verdict, including product liability, automobile accident, and negligent security cases. He joined the firm in 2004.

Education

California Western School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Robert Dotson

Born Ames, Iowa; admitted to bar, 1994, Iowa, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: Iowa State University (B.A., 1991); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., with Distinction, 1994); prosecuting internship, Kossuth County, Iowa (1993); member, Trial Advocacy Team (1993-1994).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar ADR Section; Washoe County Bar Association. Officer, Washoe County Bar Association (2001-2007); President, Washoe County Bar Association (2006-2007); appointed chair of the Short Trial Rules Review Committee by the Nevada Supreme Court; ABA National Trial Academy (completed 2002). Rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Dotson joined the firm after completion of law school at the University of Iowa in 1994. He practices in the areas of general civil litigation, including commercial disputes, product liability, employment, insurance coverage determination and coverage disputes, premises liability, and appeals.

Reported Cases: Consipio Holding, BV v. Carlberg, 282 P.3d 751 (Nev. 2012); Juan v. PSC Industrial Outsourcing, Inc., 240 P.3d 1026 (Nev. 2010); Peters v. Aramark Uniform and Apparel, Inc., 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 26207 (9th Cir. 2008) (unpublished); Coles v. Aramark Sports and Entertainment Group, 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 22970 (9th Cir. 2008) (unpublished); American Structural Composites, Inc. v. ICBO Evaluation Services, Inc., 2007 U.S. App. LEXIS 3517 (9th Cir. 2007) (unpublished); Beckwith v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 120 Nev. 23, 83 P.3d 275 (2004); Nicolaus v. Westside Transport, 185 F.R.D. 608 (D. Nev. 1999); State v. Peck, 517 N.W.2d 236 (Iowa App. 1994).

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Robert Dotson

Born Ames, Iowa; admitted to bar, 1994, Iowa, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: Iowa State University (B.A., 1991); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., with Distinction, 1994); prosecuting internship, Kossuth County, Iowa (1993); member, Trial Advocacy Team (1993-1994).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar ADR Section; Washoe County Bar Association. Officer, Washoe County Bar Association (2001-2007); President, Washoe County Bar Association (2006-2007); appointed chair of the Short Trial Rules Review Committee by the Nevada Supreme Court; ABA National Trial Academy (completed 2002). Rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Dotson joined the firm after completion of law school at the University of Iowa in 1994. He practices in the areas of general civil litigation, including commercial disputes, product liability, employment, insurance coverage determination and coverage disputes, premises liability, and appeals.

Reported Cases: Consipio Holding, BV v. Carlberg, 282 P.3d 751 (Nev. 2012); Juan v. PSC Industrial Outsourcing, Inc., 240 P.3d 1026 (Nev. 2010); Peters v. Aramark Uniform and Apparel, Inc., 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 26207 (9th Cir. 2008) (unpublished); Coles v. Aramark Sports and Entertainment Group, 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 22970 (9th Cir. 2008) (unpublished); American Structural Composites, Inc. v. ICBO Evaluation Services, Inc., 2007 U.S. App. LEXIS 3517 (9th Cir. 2007) (unpublished); Beckwith v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 120 Nev. 23, 83 P.3d 275 (2004); Nicolaus v. Westside Transport, 185 F.R.D. 608 (D. Nev. 1999); State v. Peck, 517 N.W.2d 236 (Iowa App. 1994).

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Steven Guinn

Born Palo Alto, California; admitted to bar 1989, California and U.S. District Court, Central District of California; 1994, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Nevada-Reno (B.S., with Distinction, 1986); Pepperdine University (J.D., 1989).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Mr. Guinn joined the firm in 1996, returning to Nevada after employment with the Los Angeles litigation firm of Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack. His practice includes product, pharmaceutical, medical device defense and general defense matters, and he has served as Nevada lead counsel for parties in the Baycol, PPA, Phen-fen, Neurontin and hormone replacement litigation.

Education

Pepperdine University
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Steven Guinn

Born Palo Alto, California; admitted to bar 1989, California and U.S. District Court, Central District of California; 1994, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Nevada-Reno (B.S., with Distinction, 1986); Pepperdine University (J.D., 1989).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Mr. Guinn joined the firm in 1996, returning to Nevada after employment with the Los Angeles litigation firm of Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack. His practice includes product, pharmaceutical, medical device defense and general defense matters, and he has served as Nevada lead counsel for parties in the Baycol, PPA, Phen-fen, Neurontin and hormone replacement litigation.

Education

Pepperdine University J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Daniel Hayward

Born Osceola, Iowa; admitted to bar 1994, Missouri and U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri; 1995, Kansas U.S. District Court, District of Kansas; 1996, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Iowa, Iowa State University (B.A., with Distinction, 1991); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., with High Distinction, 1994). Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; member, Iowa Law Review.

Member: American Board of Trial Advocates (Member); State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of Missouri; State Bar of Kansas; Washoe County Bar Association; Defense Research Institute; Professional Liability Underwriting Society. Selected one of Northern Nevada's Top 75 Attorneys by Nevada Business magazine (2012, 2014). Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Hayward began his career as an associate with the Kansas City firm of Morrison & Hecker, LLP, after graduating with High Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law. Since joining Laxalt & Nomura in 1996, he has litigated a wide range of cases, including those involving legal malpractice, insurance bad faith, product liability, defamation, business disputes, and premises liability. He has litigated legal malpractice cases on behalf of various professional liability insurers, including, Chicago Insurance Company, ALPS and Lawyer's Protector Plan. Mr. Hayward has also defended wrongful death and serious injury cases on behalf of property owners, automotive dealerships, and manufacturers. He has tried 21 jury and bench trials at the district court level, including 11 first chair jury trials through closing argument. He has served as the firm's Managing Shareholder since 2009.

Since 2011 Mr. Hayward has served as volunteer outside counsel for Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, a non-profit wildlife conservation and hunting organization. Mr. Hayward has coached U9, U10, and U11 boys' soccer through the Great Basin Youth Soccer League since Spring 2013, and has been an active participant in the Sierra Nevada Soccer Association adult soccer league since 2007.

Reported Cases: Peri & Sons Farms, Inc. v. Jain Irrigation, Inc., 933 F. Supp. 2d 1279 (D. Nev. 2013); 3685 San Fernando Lenders, LLC v. Compass USA SPE, LLC, 802 F. Supp. 2d 1147 (D. Nev. 2011); Wright v. Incline Village General Improvement District, 665 F.3d 1128 (9th Cir. 2011); In re Amerco Derivative Litigation, 127 Nev. Adv. Rep. 17, 252 P.3d 681 (2011) (local counsel); Nanopierce Technologies, Inc. v. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., 123 Nev. 362, 168 P.3d 73 (2011) (local counsel); Shoen v. Sac Holding Corp., 122 Nev. 621, 137 P.3d 1171 (2011) (local counsel); Whistler Investments, Inc. v. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., 539 F.3d 1159 (9th Cir. 2008) (local counsel); Shuffle Master, Inc. v. MP Games, LLS, 553 F. Supp. 2d 1202 (D. Nev. 2008) (local counsel); State of Nevada v. Second Judicial District Court, 118 Nev. 609, 55 P.3d 420 (2002); Abreu v. Gilmer, 115 Nev. 308, 985 P.2d 746 (1999); Great Basin Brewing Co. v. Healdsburg Brewing Co., 44 U.S.P.Q. 2d (BNA) 1751 (D. Nev. 1997).

Education

University of Iowa College of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Daniel Hayward

Born Osceola, Iowa; admitted to bar 1994, Missouri and U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri; 1995, Kansas U.S. District Court, District of Kansas; 1996, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Iowa, Iowa State University (B.A., with Distinction, 1991); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., with High Distinction, 1994). Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; member, Iowa Law Review.

Member: American Board of Trial Advocates (Member); State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of Missouri; State Bar of Kansas; Washoe County Bar Association; Defense Research Institute; Professional Liability Underwriting Society. Selected one of Northern Nevada's Top 75 Attorneys by Nevada Business magazine (2012, 2014). Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Hayward began his career as an associate with the Kansas City firm of Morrison & Hecker, LLP, after graduating with High Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law. Since joining Laxalt & Nomura in 1996, he has litigated a wide range of cases, including those involving legal malpractice, insurance bad faith, product liability, defamation, business disputes, and premises liability. He has litigated legal malpractice cases on behalf of various professional liability insurers, including, Chicago Insurance Company, ALPS and Lawyer's Protector Plan. Mr. Hayward has also defended wrongful death and serious injury cases on behalf of property owners, automotive dealerships, and manufacturers. He has tried 21 jury and bench trials at the district court level, including 11 first chair jury trials through closing argument. He has served as the firm's Managing Shareholder since 2009.

Since 2011 Mr. Hayward has served as volunteer outside counsel for Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, a non-profit wildlife conservation and hunting organization. Mr. Hayward has coached U9, U10, and U11 boys' soccer through the Great Basin Youth Soccer League since Spring 2013, and has been an active participant in the Sierra Nevada Soccer Association adult soccer league since 2007.

Reported Cases: Peri & Sons Farms, Inc. v. Jain Irrigation, Inc., 933 F. Supp. 2d 1279 (D. Nev. 2013); 3685 San Fernando Lenders, LLC v. Compass USA SPE, LLC, 802 F. Supp. 2d 1147 (D. Nev. 2011); Wright v. Incline Village General Improvement District, 665 F.3d 1128 (9th Cir. 2011); In re Amerco Derivative Litigation, 127 Nev. Adv. Rep. 17, 252 P.3d 681 (2011) (local counsel); Nanopierce Technologies, Inc. v. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., 123 Nev. 362, 168 P.3d 73 (2011) (local counsel); Shoen v. Sac Holding Corp., 122 Nev. 621, 137 P.3d 1171 (2011) (local counsel); Whistler Investments, Inc. v. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., 539 F.3d 1159 (9th Cir. 2008) (local counsel); Shuffle Master, Inc. v. MP Games, LLS, 553 F. Supp. 2d 1202 (D. Nev. 2008) (local counsel); State of Nevada v. Second Judicial District Court, 118 Nev. 609, 55 P.3d 420 (2002); Abreu v. Gilmer, 115 Nev. 308, 985 P.2d 746 (1999); Great Basin Brewing Co. v. Healdsburg Brewing Co., 44 U.S.P.Q. 2d (BNA) 1751 (D. Nev. 1997).

Education

University of Iowa College of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Jason Peak

Born Girard, Kansas; admitted to bar 1999, Nevada and the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 2000, California.

Education: University of Nevada Reno (B.A., Criminal Justice, 1994); Willamette University College of Law (J.D., 1999). Inside Articles Editor, Willamette Journal of International Law & Dispute Resolution; Moot Court Board Member; National Moot Court Competitor; Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Certificate Recipient.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association; Association of Defense Counsel; Builders' Association of Northern Nevada; E-Filing Committee for the Second Judicial District Court, State of Nevada. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Peak joined the firm in 2002. He practices general litigation, including construction defect, product liability, and personal injury matters.

Education

Willamette University College of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Jason Peak

Born Girard, Kansas; admitted to bar 1999, Nevada and the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 2000, California.

Education: University of Nevada Reno (B.A., Criminal Justice, 1994); Willamette University College of Law (J.D., 1999). Inside Articles Editor, Willamette Journal of International Law & Dispute Resolution; Moot Court Board Member; National Moot Court Competitor; Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Certificate Recipient.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association; Association of Defense Counsel; Builders' Association of Northern Nevada; E-Filing Committee for the Second Judicial District Court, State of Nevada. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Peak joined the firm in 2002. He practices general litigation, including construction defect, product liability, and personal injury matters.

Education

Willamette University College of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
James Murphy

Born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; admitted to bar, 2003, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 2009, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; 2010, United States Supreme Court.

Education: Education: University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign (B. A., 1997); University of Nevada Las Vegas (M. A., 2000); William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas (J. D., 2003). Member, William S. Boyd School of Law Society of Advocates (Moot Court Team) (2002 2003).

Member: American Bar Association; Nevada Bar Association. Adjunct Professor, History Department, University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Languages: Spanish (conversational).

Reported Cases: George L. Brown Ins. Agency Inc. v. Star Insurance Company, 273 P.3d 92 (Nev. 2010); Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Lawless, 680 F. Supp. 2d. 1238 (D. Nev. 2010); Bradley J. Schuck v. Signature Flight Support of Nevada, Inc., 245 P.3d 543 (Nev. 2010).

Mr. Murphy joined the firm in 2005 and is the managing shareholder of the firm's Las Vegas office. He practices general litigation.

Education

University of Nevada-Las Vegas
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
James Murphy

Born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; admitted to bar, 2003, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 2009, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; 2010, United States Supreme Court.

Education: Education: University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign (B. A., 1997); University of Nevada Las Vegas (M. A., 2000); William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas (J. D., 2003). Member, William S. Boyd School of Law Society of Advocates (Moot Court Team) (2002 2003).

Member: American Bar Association; Nevada Bar Association. Adjunct Professor, History Department, University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Languages: Spanish (conversational).

Reported Cases: George L. Brown Ins. Agency Inc. v. Star Insurance Company, 273 P.3d 92 (Nev. 2010); Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Lawless, 680 F. Supp. 2d. 1238 (D. Nev. 2010); Bradley J. Schuck v. Signature Flight Support of Nevada, Inc., 245 P.3d 543 (Nev. 2010).

Mr. Murphy joined the firm in 2005 and is the managing shareholder of the firm's Las Vegas office. He practices general litigation.

Education

University of Nevada-Las Vegas J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Holly Parker

Born, Fontana, California; admitted to bar, 2006, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A., Psychology, 2003); Thomas Jefferson School of Law (J.D., 2006, magna cum laude). CALI awards for Employment Discrimination and Women and the Law.

Member: State Bar of Nevada.

Ms. Parker, a junior partner in the firm, joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2006. She practices general litigation, including business litigation.

Education

Thomas Jefferson School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Holly Parker

Born, Fontana, California; admitted to bar, 2006, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A., Psychology, 2003); Thomas Jefferson School of Law (J.D., 2006, magna cum laude). CALI awards for Employment Discrimination and Women and the Law.

Member: State Bar of Nevada.

Ms. Parker, a junior partner in the firm, joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2006. She practices general litigation, including business litigation.

Education

Thomas Jefferson School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Janice Hodge Jensen

Born Milwaukee, Wisconsin; admitted to bar 1982, California; 1983, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1985, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: Arizona State University (B.S., 1979); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 1982). Member, Trial Advocacy Team (1981-82); Moot Court Outstanding Oral Advocacy Award (1980-1981); Moot Court Honors Board Executive Committee (1981-1982).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Ms. Jensen was a litigation partner with the Las Vegas defense firm of Rawlings Olson & Cannon, and joined the firm in 1994. Her practice includes professional malpractice and extra-contractual defense.

Education

McGeorge School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Janice Hodge Jensen

Born Milwaukee, Wisconsin; admitted to bar 1982, California; 1983, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1985, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: Arizona State University (B.S., 1979); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 1982). Member, Trial Advocacy Team (1981-82); Moot Court Outstanding Oral Advocacy Award (1980-1981); Moot Court Honors Board Executive Committee (1981-1982).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Ms. Jensen was a litigation partner with the Las Vegas defense firm of Rawlings Olson & Cannon, and joined the firm in 1994. Her practice includes professional malpractice and extra-contractual defense.

Education

McGeorge School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Angela M. Bader

Born Sunbury, Pennsylvania; admitted to bar 1995, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1996, California.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.S., Business Administration, with High Distinction, 1992); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., with Distinction, 1995). Traynor Honor Society; National Moot Court Honors; National Moot Court Honors Board; National Moot Court Competition Team; Golden Key National Honor Society; Beta Gamma Sigma; Phi Kappa Phi; Cap & Scroll. Law Clerk to the Honorable Steven R. Kosach, Second Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada (1995-1996).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; Washoe County Bar Association; State Bar of California; Association of Defense Counsel of Northern Nevada (President, 2003).

Ms. Bader joined the firm in 1996 following her judicial clerkship. She practices general litigation, including personal injury, product liability, drug and medical device defense, premises liability and employment law.

Education

McGeorge School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Angela M. Bader

Born Sunbury, Pennsylvania; admitted to bar 1995, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1996, California.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.S., Business Administration, with High Distinction, 1992); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., with Distinction, 1995). Traynor Honor Society; National Moot Court Honors; National Moot Court Honors Board; National Moot Court Competition Team; Golden Key National Honor Society; Beta Gamma Sigma; Phi Kappa Phi; Cap & Scroll. Law Clerk to the Honorable Steven R. Kosach, Second Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada (1995-1996).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; Washoe County Bar Association; State Bar of California; Association of Defense Counsel of Northern Nevada (President, 2003).

Ms. Bader joined the firm in 1996 following her judicial clerkship. She practices general litigation, including personal injury, product liability, drug and medical device defense, premises liability and employment law.

Education

McGeorge School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Lon Burke

Born Tacoma, Washington; admitted to bar, 1994, Arizona; 1997, Nevada; 1998, Colorado.

Education: Boise State University (B.S. 1991); University of Iowa (J.D., 1994).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of Arizona; State Bar of Colorado; United States District Courts for Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado; and United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Mr. Burke has been a member of Defense Research Institute, the American Bar Association (Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section), as well as various local state and county bar associations in Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, and is an alum of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.

Mr. Burke has served as a volunteer for the Human Rights Campaign and the Community Action Board for HIV/Net, and has provided pro bono legal services to the Family Ties Adoption Agency, the United Way, and the Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth. He also served on the Global Focus Films Board of Directors. Mr. Burke has served as a mentor and teacher for grade school students in low-income inner-city schools.

After graduating from law school in 1994, Mr. Burke began has career with the law firm Snell & Wilmer LLP in Phoenix, Arizona. He also worked as an associate with Wheeler Trigg & Kennedy LLP and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP in Denver, Colorado before joining Laxalt & Nomura, Ltd. in 2003.

Mr. Burke practices general defense litigation, which includes product liability, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, asbestos litigation, premises liability, and professional liability litigation (medical, legal, and real estate). He has also had experience in commercial disputes, debt collection, and bankruptcy.

Mr. Burke has handled lawsuits and claims for Fortune 500 companies, multinational companies, and small local businesses, including manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, automobiles, trucks and sports utility vehicles, heavy construction equipment, and consumer home products. These cases have involved complex issues in engineering, design, manufacturing, product development, failure analysis, cause and origin, bio-mechanics, human factors, bio-medicine, and epidemiology.

During his career, Mr. Burke has had significant experience in nationwide discovery programs for clients with high-volume pattern litigation. He also coordinated and managed the development of a comprehensive record-retention policy manual for a prominent multinational corporation.

Presentations: Hot Topics: An Update Look at Daubert and Differential Diagnosis, Exceptions to the Learned Intermediary Rule, Liability for Off-Label Use and Restatement of Torts (Third), 2001 DRI National Conference on Drug and Medical Device Litigation, Young Lawyers Division.

Education

University of Iowa
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Lon Burke

Born Tacoma, Washington; admitted to bar, 1994, Arizona; 1997, Nevada; 1998, Colorado.

Education: Boise State University (B.S. 1991); University of Iowa (J.D., 1994).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of Arizona; State Bar of Colorado; United States District Courts for Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado; and United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Mr. Burke has been a member of Defense Research Institute, the American Bar Association (Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section), as well as various local state and county bar associations in Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, and is an alum of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.

Mr. Burke has served as a volunteer for the Human Rights Campaign and the Community Action Board for HIV/Net, and has provided pro bono legal services to the Family Ties Adoption Agency, the United Way, and the Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth. He also served on the Global Focus Films Board of Directors. Mr. Burke has served as a mentor and teacher for grade school students in low-income inner-city schools.

After graduating from law school in 1994, Mr. Burke began has career with the law firm Snell & Wilmer LLP in Phoenix, Arizona. He also worked as an associate with Wheeler Trigg & Kennedy LLP and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP in Denver, Colorado before joining Laxalt & Nomura, Ltd. in 2003.

Mr. Burke practices general defense litigation, which includes product liability, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, asbestos litigation, premises liability, and professional liability litigation (medical, legal, and real estate). He has also had experience in commercial disputes, debt collection, and bankruptcy.

Mr. Burke has handled lawsuits and claims for Fortune 500 companies, multinational companies, and small local businesses, including manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, automobiles, trucks and sports utility vehicles, heavy construction equipment, and consumer home products. These cases have involved complex issues in engineering, design, manufacturing, product development, failure analysis, cause and origin, bio-mechanics, human factors, bio-medicine, and epidemiology.

During his career, Mr. Burke has had significant experience in nationwide discovery programs for clients with high-volume pattern litigation. He also coordinated and managed the development of a comprehensive record-retention policy manual for a prominent multinational corporation.

Presentations: Hot Topics: An Update Look at Daubert and Differential Diagnosis, Exceptions to the Learned Intermediary Rule, Liability for Off-Label Use and Restatement of Torts (Third), 2001 DRI National Conference on Drug and Medical Device Litigation, Young Lawyers Division.

Education

University of Iowa J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Madelyn Shipman

Admitted to bar 1977, Minnesota; 1980, United States Supreme Court; 1983, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: The American University (B.A., 1964); Hamline University College of Law (J.D., 1977).

Member: State Bar of Nevada.

In the course of her distinguished career in public practice, Ms. Shipman has represented clients in the fields of administrative law, land use, public finance, water law, civil rights, and employment law. She also has extensive experience litigating matters dealing with public records and open meeting laws.

Ms. Shipman began her legal career in 1977 as an Assistant County Attorney in Anoka County, Minnesota. Between 1981 and 1982, she engaged in private practice in St. Paul, Minnesota. She moved to Nevada in 1982, and joined the Nevada Attorney General's Office, working with the Nevada Department of Transportation in Carson City. She became a Chief Deputy City Attorney (Civil) in Reno and counsel the Reno City Council in 1987, where she served for seven years before becoming an Assistant District Attorney (Civil) for Washoe County, Nevada, and counsel to the Washoe County Board of Commissioners, in 1995. Ms. Shipman continued to represent Washoe County until retiring from that position in 2005. She joined Laxalt & Nomura on a part-time basis in early 2008.

Ms. Shipman is a Settlement Judge for the Supreme Court of Nevada (1999 present), and a certified arbitrator for the First, Second, and Ninth Judicial District Courts. She is a longtime lobbyist at the Nevada State Legislature, and lectures frequently regarding zoning and land use issues to various professional groups. She received the Public Lawyer of the Year award in 1993, and was inducted by her peers into the Lobbyist Hall of Fame in 2003.

Reported Cases:Dept. of Human Resources v. Jimenez, 113 Nev. 735, 941 P.2d 969 (1997); City of Reno v. Harris, 111 Nev. 672, 895 P.2d 663 (1995); City of Reno v. Estate of Wells, 110 Nev. 1218, 885 P.2d 545 (1994); Janra Enters., Inc., v. City of Reno, 818 F. Supp. 1361 (D. Nev. 1993); Eberle v. State of Nevada, 108 Nev. 587, 836 P.2d 67 (1992); Builders' Ass'n v. City of Reno, 105 Nev. 368, 776 P.2d 1234 (1989); State ex rel. Dept. of Highways v. Alper, 101 Nev. 493, 706 P.2d 139 (1985).

Education

Hamline University College of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Madelyn Shipman

Admitted to bar 1977, Minnesota; 1980, United States Supreme Court; 1983, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: The American University (B.A., 1964); Hamline University College of Law (J.D., 1977).

Member: State Bar of Nevada.

In the course of her distinguished career in public practice, Ms. Shipman has represented clients in the fields of administrative law, land use, public finance, water law, civil rights, and employment law. She also has extensive experience litigating matters dealing with public records and open meeting laws.

Ms. Shipman began her legal career in 1977 as an Assistant County Attorney in Anoka County, Minnesota. Between 1981 and 1982, she engaged in private practice in St. Paul, Minnesota. She moved to Nevada in 1982, and joined the Nevada Attorney General's Office, working with the Nevada Department of Transportation in Carson City. She became a Chief Deputy City Attorney (Civil) in Reno and counsel the Reno City Council in 1987, where she served for seven years before becoming an Assistant District Attorney (Civil) for Washoe County, Nevada, and counsel to the Washoe County Board of Commissioners, in 1995. Ms. Shipman continued to represent Washoe County until retiring from that position in 2005. She joined Laxalt & Nomura on a part-time basis in early 2008.

Ms. Shipman is a Settlement Judge for the Supreme Court of Nevada (1999 present), and a certified arbitrator for the First, Second, and Ninth Judicial District Courts. She is a longtime lobbyist at the Nevada State Legislature, and lectures frequently regarding zoning and land use issues to various professional groups. She received the Public Lawyer of the Year award in 1993, and was inducted by her peers into the Lobbyist Hall of Fame in 2003.

Reported Cases:Dept. of Human Resources v. Jimenez, 113 Nev. 735, 941 P.2d 969 (1997); City of Reno v. Harris, 111 Nev. 672, 895 P.2d 663 (1995); City of Reno v. Estate of Wells, 110 Nev. 1218, 885 P.2d 545 (1994); Janra Enters., Inc., v. City of Reno, 818 F. Supp. 1361 (D. Nev. 1993); Eberle v. State of Nevada, 108 Nev. 587, 836 P.2d 67 (1992); Builders' Ass'n v. City of Reno, 105 Nev. 368, 776 P.2d 1234 (1989); State ex rel. Dept. of Highways v. Alper, 101 Nev. 493, 706 P.2d 139 (1985).

Education

Hamline University College of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Justin Vance

Admitted to bar 2008, Nevada and the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: Brigham Young University (B.A, International Studies, 2004); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., 2008). Member, J. Rueben Clark Law Society.

Member: State Bar of Nevada. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Languages: Spanish

Mr. Vance joined the firm in 2008. He practices general litigation, including construction defect litigation and business litigation.

Education

University of Iowa College of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Justin Vance

Admitted to bar 2008, Nevada and the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: Brigham Young University (B.A, International Studies, 2004); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., 2008). Member, J. Rueben Clark Law Society.

Member: State Bar of Nevada. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Languages: Spanish

Mr. Vance joined the firm in 2008. He practices general litigation, including construction defect litigation and business litigation.

Education

University of Iowa College of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Daniel T. Tetreault

Born Orange, California; admitted to bar, 2009, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas-William S. Boyd School of Law (J.D. 2008), graduated Cum Laude.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; American Bar Association; Clark County Bar Association.

Mr. Tetreault joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2011. He practices insurance defense and personal injury litigation.

Education

Las Vegas-William S. Boyd School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Daniel T. Tetreault

Born Orange, California; admitted to bar, 2009, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas-William S. Boyd School of Law (J.D. 2008), graduated Cum Laude.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; American Bar Association; Clark County Bar Association.

Mr. Tetreault joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2011. He practices insurance defense and personal injury litigation.

Education

Las Vegas-William S. Boyd School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Ryan Leary

Born Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar, 2009, Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A. International Affairs, 2005); William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (J.D., magna cum laude, 2009).

Member: State Bar of Nevada, Washoe Country Bar Association; American Bar Association; American Inns of Court, Bruce R. Thompson Chapter.

Mr. Leary joined Laxalt and Nomura in 2011 after working as the Judicial Law Clerk for The Honorable Steven P. Elliot, Second Judicial District Court, State of Nevada (2009 2011). He practices general litigation.

Education

William S. Boyd School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Ryan Leary

Born Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar, 2009, Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A. International Affairs, 2005); William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (J.D., magna cum laude, 2009).

Member: State Bar of Nevada, Washoe Country Bar Association; American Bar Association; American Inns of Court, Bruce R. Thompson Chapter.

Mr. Leary joined Laxalt and Nomura in 2011 after working as the Judicial Law Clerk for The Honorable Steven P. Elliot, Second Judicial District Court, State of Nevada (2009 2011). He practices general litigation.

Education

William S. Boyd School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Marilee Breternitz

Born Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar, 2011, California; 2012, Nevada and United States District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A., Criminal Justice Pre-Law, 2008); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 2011); Pacific McGeorge Global Business and Development Law Journal (Associate Managing Editor 2010-2011; staff writer 2009-2010); Team Leader / Certified Law Student, Victims of Crime Legal Clinic (Jan. 2010 May 2011); Judicial Extern to the Honorable Frank C. Damrell, Jr., of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California (Aug. Dec. 2010); research assistant for Prof. Fred Galves, Evidence (June-Aug. 2010); research / teaching assistant for Assoc. Prof. Julie Yap, Global Lawyering Skills I (Aug. 2009 May 2010); Phi Alpha Delta (2008-2011); Student Bar Association (Election Comm. Chair 2010-2011, Election Comm. Member 2009-2010).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Ms. Breternitz joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2013 after serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Connie Steinheimer of the Second Judicial District Court in Reno between August 2011 and August 2013. She practices general litigation.

Education

McGeorge School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Marilee Breternitz

Born Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar, 2011, California; 2012, Nevada and United States District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A., Criminal Justice Pre-Law, 2008); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 2011); Pacific McGeorge Global Business and Development Law Journal (Associate Managing Editor 2010-2011; staff writer 2009-2010); Team Leader / Certified Law Student, Victims of Crime Legal Clinic (Jan. 2010 May 2011); Judicial Extern to the Honorable Frank C. Damrell, Jr., of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California (Aug. Dec. 2010); research assistant for Prof. Fred Galves, Evidence (June-Aug. 2010); research / teaching assistant for Assoc. Prof. Julie Yap, Global Lawyering Skills I (Aug. 2009 May 2010); Phi Alpha Delta (2008-2011); Student Bar Association (Election Comm. Chair 2010-2011, Election Comm. Member 2009-2010).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Ms. Breternitz joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2013 after serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Connie Steinheimer of the Second Judicial District Court in Reno between August 2011 and August 2013. She practices general litigation.

Education

McGeorge School of Law J.D.,


Firm Overview

The firm brings an aggressive and proactive approach to civil litigation through a combination of effective dispositive motion practice and experienced trial attorneys. The firm, with offices in Reno and Las Vegas, represents the statewide litigation interests of numerous national manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, employers and insurers through its sixteen attorneys and five paralegals.

Main Office

Main Office
9600 Gateway Drive
Reno, NV 89521

Phone

775-322-1170

Personal Injury

The Law Offices of Laxalt & Nomura LTD will represent your Personal Injury legal matters.

The Law Offices of Laxalt & Nomura LTD will represent your Personal Injury legal matters.

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Don Nomura

Born Los Angeles, California; admitted to bar, 1976, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of California at Los Angeles, (B.A., 1971); Loyola Marymount University; Southwestern University (J.D., 1976). Washoe County Deputy District Attorney (1976-1980), Washoe County Chief Deputy District Attorney (1981-1982).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; Washoe County Bar Association; Nevada District Attorneys Association; National District Attorneys Association; Master, American Inns of Court; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury Litigation (2002-present). Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Nomura joined the northern Nevada office of Beckley, Singleton, Delanoy and Jemison in 1982, after serving as Chief Trial Deputy with the Washoe County District Attorney's Office, and was named a partner in that firm. While practicing with the Beckley firm, Mr. Nomura represented clients in matters involving civil and business litigation, including product liability, medical malpractice, and professional malpractice. Since founding Laxalt & Nomura in 1986, he has continued to represent clients in both these and other fields of law. He has tried more than 70 trials to jury verdict, including many high profile cases, with a high rate of success.

Education

Southwestern University
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Don Nomura

Born Los Angeles, California; admitted to bar, 1976, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of California at Los Angeles, (B.A., 1971); Loyola Marymount University; Southwestern University (J.D., 1976). Washoe County Deputy District Attorney (1976-1980), Washoe County Chief Deputy District Attorney (1981-1982).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; Washoe County Bar Association; Nevada District Attorneys Association; National District Attorneys Association; Master, American Inns of Court; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury Litigation (2002-present). Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Nomura joined the northern Nevada office of Beckley, Singleton, Delanoy and Jemison in 1982, after serving as Chief Trial Deputy with the Washoe County District Attorney's Office, and was named a partner in that firm. While practicing with the Beckley firm, Mr. Nomura represented clients in matters involving civil and business litigation, including product liability, medical malpractice, and professional malpractice. Since founding Laxalt & Nomura in 1986, he has continued to represent clients in both these and other fields of law. He has tried more than 70 trials to jury verdict, including many high profile cases, with a high rate of success.

Education

Southwestern University J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Wayne Shaffer

Born in Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar 1981, Nevada; 1982 California; 1983 U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Nevada Reno (B.A., 1977); California Western School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 1981); member, Law Review.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC); Defense Research Institute; American Inns of Court (Master); Best Lawyers in America Litigation (2001-present), Products Liability (2013-present); Super Lawyers Mountain States. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Shaffer is a former Washoe County Deputy District Attorney (Criminal Division), and a longtime partner in Wait & Shaffer, a major Nevada defense litigation firm. He has tried numerous cases to jury verdict, including product liability, automobile accident, and negligent security cases. He joined the firm in 2004.

Education

California Western School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Wayne Shaffer

Born in Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar 1981, Nevada; 1982 California; 1983 U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Nevada Reno (B.A., 1977); California Western School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 1981); member, Law Review.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC); Defense Research Institute; American Inns of Court (Master); Best Lawyers in America Litigation (2001-present), Products Liability (2013-present); Super Lawyers Mountain States. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Shaffer is a former Washoe County Deputy District Attorney (Criminal Division), and a longtime partner in Wait & Shaffer, a major Nevada defense litigation firm. He has tried numerous cases to jury verdict, including product liability, automobile accident, and negligent security cases. He joined the firm in 2004.

Education

California Western School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Robert Dotson

Born Ames, Iowa; admitted to bar, 1994, Iowa, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: Iowa State University (B.A., 1991); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., with Distinction, 1994); prosecuting internship, Kossuth County, Iowa (1993); member, Trial Advocacy Team (1993-1994).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar ADR Section; Washoe County Bar Association. Officer, Washoe County Bar Association (2001-2007); President, Washoe County Bar Association (2006-2007); appointed chair of the Short Trial Rules Review Committee by the Nevada Supreme Court; ABA National Trial Academy (completed 2002). Rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Dotson joined the firm after completion of law school at the University of Iowa in 1994. He practices in the areas of general civil litigation, including commercial disputes, product liability, employment, insurance coverage determination and coverage disputes, premises liability, and appeals.

Reported Cases: Consipio Holding, BV v. Carlberg, 282 P.3d 751 (Nev. 2012); Juan v. PSC Industrial Outsourcing, Inc., 240 P.3d 1026 (Nev. 2010); Peters v. Aramark Uniform and Apparel, Inc., 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 26207 (9th Cir. 2008) (unpublished); Coles v. Aramark Sports and Entertainment Group, 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 22970 (9th Cir. 2008) (unpublished); American Structural Composites, Inc. v. ICBO Evaluation Services, Inc., 2007 U.S. App. LEXIS 3517 (9th Cir. 2007) (unpublished); Beckwith v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 120 Nev. 23, 83 P.3d 275 (2004); Nicolaus v. Westside Transport, 185 F.R.D. 608 (D. Nev. 1999); State v. Peck, 517 N.W.2d 236 (Iowa App. 1994).

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Robert Dotson

Born Ames, Iowa; admitted to bar, 1994, Iowa, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: Iowa State University (B.A., 1991); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., with Distinction, 1994); prosecuting internship, Kossuth County, Iowa (1993); member, Trial Advocacy Team (1993-1994).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar ADR Section; Washoe County Bar Association. Officer, Washoe County Bar Association (2001-2007); President, Washoe County Bar Association (2006-2007); appointed chair of the Short Trial Rules Review Committee by the Nevada Supreme Court; ABA National Trial Academy (completed 2002). Rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Dotson joined the firm after completion of law school at the University of Iowa in 1994. He practices in the areas of general civil litigation, including commercial disputes, product liability, employment, insurance coverage determination and coverage disputes, premises liability, and appeals.

Reported Cases: Consipio Holding, BV v. Carlberg, 282 P.3d 751 (Nev. 2012); Juan v. PSC Industrial Outsourcing, Inc., 240 P.3d 1026 (Nev. 2010); Peters v. Aramark Uniform and Apparel, Inc., 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 26207 (9th Cir. 2008) (unpublished); Coles v. Aramark Sports and Entertainment Group, 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 22970 (9th Cir. 2008) (unpublished); American Structural Composites, Inc. v. ICBO Evaluation Services, Inc., 2007 U.S. App. LEXIS 3517 (9th Cir. 2007) (unpublished); Beckwith v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 120 Nev. 23, 83 P.3d 275 (2004); Nicolaus v. Westside Transport, 185 F.R.D. 608 (D. Nev. 1999); State v. Peck, 517 N.W.2d 236 (Iowa App. 1994).

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Steven Guinn

Born Palo Alto, California; admitted to bar 1989, California and U.S. District Court, Central District of California; 1994, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Nevada-Reno (B.S., with Distinction, 1986); Pepperdine University (J.D., 1989).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Mr. Guinn joined the firm in 1996, returning to Nevada after employment with the Los Angeles litigation firm of Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack. His practice includes product, pharmaceutical, medical device defense and general defense matters, and he has served as Nevada lead counsel for parties in the Baycol, PPA, Phen-fen, Neurontin and hormone replacement litigation.

Education

Pepperdine University
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Steven Guinn

Born Palo Alto, California; admitted to bar 1989, California and U.S. District Court, Central District of California; 1994, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Nevada-Reno (B.S., with Distinction, 1986); Pepperdine University (J.D., 1989).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Mr. Guinn joined the firm in 1996, returning to Nevada after employment with the Los Angeles litigation firm of Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack. His practice includes product, pharmaceutical, medical device defense and general defense matters, and he has served as Nevada lead counsel for parties in the Baycol, PPA, Phen-fen, Neurontin and hormone replacement litigation.

Education

Pepperdine University J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Daniel Hayward

Born Osceola, Iowa; admitted to bar 1994, Missouri and U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri; 1995, Kansas U.S. District Court, District of Kansas; 1996, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Iowa, Iowa State University (B.A., with Distinction, 1991); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., with High Distinction, 1994). Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; member, Iowa Law Review.

Member: American Board of Trial Advocates (Member); State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of Missouri; State Bar of Kansas; Washoe County Bar Association; Defense Research Institute; Professional Liability Underwriting Society. Selected one of Northern Nevada's Top 75 Attorneys by Nevada Business magazine (2012, 2014). Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Hayward began his career as an associate with the Kansas City firm of Morrison & Hecker, LLP, after graduating with High Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law. Since joining Laxalt & Nomura in 1996, he has litigated a wide range of cases, including those involving legal malpractice, insurance bad faith, product liability, defamation, business disputes, and premises liability. He has litigated legal malpractice cases on behalf of various professional liability insurers, including, Chicago Insurance Company, ALPS and Lawyer's Protector Plan. Mr. Hayward has also defended wrongful death and serious injury cases on behalf of property owners, automotive dealerships, and manufacturers. He has tried 21 jury and bench trials at the district court level, including 11 first chair jury trials through closing argument. He has served as the firm's Managing Shareholder since 2009.

Since 2011 Mr. Hayward has served as volunteer outside counsel for Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, a non-profit wildlife conservation and hunting organization. Mr. Hayward has coached U9, U10, and U11 boys' soccer through the Great Basin Youth Soccer League since Spring 2013, and has been an active participant in the Sierra Nevada Soccer Association adult soccer league since 2007.

Reported Cases: Peri & Sons Farms, Inc. v. Jain Irrigation, Inc., 933 F. Supp. 2d 1279 (D. Nev. 2013); 3685 San Fernando Lenders, LLC v. Compass USA SPE, LLC, 802 F. Supp. 2d 1147 (D. Nev. 2011); Wright v. Incline Village General Improvement District, 665 F.3d 1128 (9th Cir. 2011); In re Amerco Derivative Litigation, 127 Nev. Adv. Rep. 17, 252 P.3d 681 (2011) (local counsel); Nanopierce Technologies, Inc. v. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., 123 Nev. 362, 168 P.3d 73 (2011) (local counsel); Shoen v. Sac Holding Corp., 122 Nev. 621, 137 P.3d 1171 (2011) (local counsel); Whistler Investments, Inc. v. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., 539 F.3d 1159 (9th Cir. 2008) (local counsel); Shuffle Master, Inc. v. MP Games, LLS, 553 F. Supp. 2d 1202 (D. Nev. 2008) (local counsel); State of Nevada v. Second Judicial District Court, 118 Nev. 609, 55 P.3d 420 (2002); Abreu v. Gilmer, 115 Nev. 308, 985 P.2d 746 (1999); Great Basin Brewing Co. v. Healdsburg Brewing Co., 44 U.S.P.Q. 2d (BNA) 1751 (D. Nev. 1997).

Education

University of Iowa College of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Daniel Hayward

Born Osceola, Iowa; admitted to bar 1994, Missouri and U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri; 1995, Kansas U.S. District Court, District of Kansas; 1996, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: University of Iowa, Iowa State University (B.A., with Distinction, 1991); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., with High Distinction, 1994). Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; member, Iowa Law Review.

Member: American Board of Trial Advocates (Member); State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of Missouri; State Bar of Kansas; Washoe County Bar Association; Defense Research Institute; Professional Liability Underwriting Society. Selected one of Northern Nevada's Top 75 Attorneys by Nevada Business magazine (2012, 2014). Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Hayward began his career as an associate with the Kansas City firm of Morrison & Hecker, LLP, after graduating with High Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law. Since joining Laxalt & Nomura in 1996, he has litigated a wide range of cases, including those involving legal malpractice, insurance bad faith, product liability, defamation, business disputes, and premises liability. He has litigated legal malpractice cases on behalf of various professional liability insurers, including, Chicago Insurance Company, ALPS and Lawyer's Protector Plan. Mr. Hayward has also defended wrongful death and serious injury cases on behalf of property owners, automotive dealerships, and manufacturers. He has tried 21 jury and bench trials at the district court level, including 11 first chair jury trials through closing argument. He has served as the firm's Managing Shareholder since 2009.

Since 2011 Mr. Hayward has served as volunteer outside counsel for Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, a non-profit wildlife conservation and hunting organization. Mr. Hayward has coached U9, U10, and U11 boys' soccer through the Great Basin Youth Soccer League since Spring 2013, and has been an active participant in the Sierra Nevada Soccer Association adult soccer league since 2007.

Reported Cases: Peri & Sons Farms, Inc. v. Jain Irrigation, Inc., 933 F. Supp. 2d 1279 (D. Nev. 2013); 3685 San Fernando Lenders, LLC v. Compass USA SPE, LLC, 802 F. Supp. 2d 1147 (D. Nev. 2011); Wright v. Incline Village General Improvement District, 665 F.3d 1128 (9th Cir. 2011); In re Amerco Derivative Litigation, 127 Nev. Adv. Rep. 17, 252 P.3d 681 (2011) (local counsel); Nanopierce Technologies, Inc. v. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., 123 Nev. 362, 168 P.3d 73 (2011) (local counsel); Shoen v. Sac Holding Corp., 122 Nev. 621, 137 P.3d 1171 (2011) (local counsel); Whistler Investments, Inc. v. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., 539 F.3d 1159 (9th Cir. 2008) (local counsel); Shuffle Master, Inc. v. MP Games, LLS, 553 F. Supp. 2d 1202 (D. Nev. 2008) (local counsel); State of Nevada v. Second Judicial District Court, 118 Nev. 609, 55 P.3d 420 (2002); Abreu v. Gilmer, 115 Nev. 308, 985 P.2d 746 (1999); Great Basin Brewing Co. v. Healdsburg Brewing Co., 44 U.S.P.Q. 2d (BNA) 1751 (D. Nev. 1997).

Education

University of Iowa College of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Jason Peak

Born Girard, Kansas; admitted to bar 1999, Nevada and the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 2000, California.

Education: University of Nevada Reno (B.A., Criminal Justice, 1994); Willamette University College of Law (J.D., 1999). Inside Articles Editor, Willamette Journal of International Law & Dispute Resolution; Moot Court Board Member; National Moot Court Competitor; Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Certificate Recipient.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association; Association of Defense Counsel; Builders' Association of Northern Nevada; E-Filing Committee for the Second Judicial District Court, State of Nevada. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Peak joined the firm in 2002. He practices general litigation, including construction defect, product liability, and personal injury matters.

Education

Willamette University College of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Jason Peak

Born Girard, Kansas; admitted to bar 1999, Nevada and the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 2000, California.

Education: University of Nevada Reno (B.A., Criminal Justice, 1994); Willamette University College of Law (J.D., 1999). Inside Articles Editor, Willamette Journal of International Law & Dispute Resolution; Moot Court Board Member; National Moot Court Competitor; Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Certificate Recipient.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association; Association of Defense Counsel; Builders' Association of Northern Nevada; E-Filing Committee for the Second Judicial District Court, State of Nevada. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Peak joined the firm in 2002. He practices general litigation, including construction defect, product liability, and personal injury matters.

Education

Willamette University College of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
James Murphy

Born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; admitted to bar, 2003, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 2009, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; 2010, United States Supreme Court.

Education: Education: University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign (B. A., 1997); University of Nevada Las Vegas (M. A., 2000); William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas (J. D., 2003). Member, William S. Boyd School of Law Society of Advocates (Moot Court Team) (2002 2003).

Member: American Bar Association; Nevada Bar Association. Adjunct Professor, History Department, University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Languages: Spanish (conversational).

Reported Cases: George L. Brown Ins. Agency Inc. v. Star Insurance Company, 273 P.3d 92 (Nev. 2010); Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Lawless, 680 F. Supp. 2d. 1238 (D. Nev. 2010); Bradley J. Schuck v. Signature Flight Support of Nevada, Inc., 245 P.3d 543 (Nev. 2010).

Mr. Murphy joined the firm in 2005 and is the managing shareholder of the firm's Las Vegas office. He practices general litigation.

Education

University of Nevada-Las Vegas
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
James Murphy

Born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; admitted to bar, 2003, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 2009, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; 2010, United States Supreme Court.

Education: Education: University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign (B. A., 1997); University of Nevada Las Vegas (M. A., 2000); William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas (J. D., 2003). Member, William S. Boyd School of Law Society of Advocates (Moot Court Team) (2002 2003).

Member: American Bar Association; Nevada Bar Association. Adjunct Professor, History Department, University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Languages: Spanish (conversational).

Reported Cases: George L. Brown Ins. Agency Inc. v. Star Insurance Company, 273 P.3d 92 (Nev. 2010); Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Lawless, 680 F. Supp. 2d. 1238 (D. Nev. 2010); Bradley J. Schuck v. Signature Flight Support of Nevada, Inc., 245 P.3d 543 (Nev. 2010).

Mr. Murphy joined the firm in 2005 and is the managing shareholder of the firm's Las Vegas office. He practices general litigation.

Education

University of Nevada-Las Vegas J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Holly Parker

Born, Fontana, California; admitted to bar, 2006, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A., Psychology, 2003); Thomas Jefferson School of Law (J.D., 2006, magna cum laude). CALI awards for Employment Discrimination and Women and the Law.

Member: State Bar of Nevada.

Ms. Parker, a junior partner in the firm, joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2006. She practices general litigation, including business litigation.

Education

Thomas Jefferson School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Holly Parker

Born, Fontana, California; admitted to bar, 2006, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A., Psychology, 2003); Thomas Jefferson School of Law (J.D., 2006, magna cum laude). CALI awards for Employment Discrimination and Women and the Law.

Member: State Bar of Nevada.

Ms. Parker, a junior partner in the firm, joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2006. She practices general litigation, including business litigation.

Education

Thomas Jefferson School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Janice Hodge Jensen

Born Milwaukee, Wisconsin; admitted to bar 1982, California; 1983, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1985, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: Arizona State University (B.S., 1979); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 1982). Member, Trial Advocacy Team (1981-82); Moot Court Outstanding Oral Advocacy Award (1980-1981); Moot Court Honors Board Executive Committee (1981-1982).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Ms. Jensen was a litigation partner with the Las Vegas defense firm of Rawlings Olson & Cannon, and joined the firm in 1994. Her practice includes professional malpractice and extra-contractual defense.

Education

McGeorge School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Janice Hodge Jensen

Born Milwaukee, Wisconsin; admitted to bar 1982, California; 1983, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1985, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

Education: Arizona State University (B.S., 1979); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 1982). Member, Trial Advocacy Team (1981-82); Moot Court Outstanding Oral Advocacy Award (1980-1981); Moot Court Honors Board Executive Committee (1981-1982).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Ms. Jensen was a litigation partner with the Las Vegas defense firm of Rawlings Olson & Cannon, and joined the firm in 1994. Her practice includes professional malpractice and extra-contractual defense.

Education

McGeorge School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Angela M. Bader

Born Sunbury, Pennsylvania; admitted to bar 1995, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1996, California.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.S., Business Administration, with High Distinction, 1992); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., with Distinction, 1995). Traynor Honor Society; National Moot Court Honors; National Moot Court Honors Board; National Moot Court Competition Team; Golden Key National Honor Society; Beta Gamma Sigma; Phi Kappa Phi; Cap & Scroll. Law Clerk to the Honorable Steven R. Kosach, Second Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada (1995-1996).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; Washoe County Bar Association; State Bar of California; Association of Defense Counsel of Northern Nevada (President, 2003).

Ms. Bader joined the firm in 1996 following her judicial clerkship. She practices general litigation, including personal injury, product liability, drug and medical device defense, premises liability and employment law.

Education

McGeorge School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Angela M. Bader

Born Sunbury, Pennsylvania; admitted to bar 1995, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada; 1996, California.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.S., Business Administration, with High Distinction, 1992); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., with Distinction, 1995). Traynor Honor Society; National Moot Court Honors; National Moot Court Honors Board; National Moot Court Competition Team; Golden Key National Honor Society; Beta Gamma Sigma; Phi Kappa Phi; Cap & Scroll. Law Clerk to the Honorable Steven R. Kosach, Second Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada (1995-1996).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; Washoe County Bar Association; State Bar of California; Association of Defense Counsel of Northern Nevada (President, 2003).

Ms. Bader joined the firm in 1996 following her judicial clerkship. She practices general litigation, including personal injury, product liability, drug and medical device defense, premises liability and employment law.

Education

McGeorge School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Lon Burke

Born Tacoma, Washington; admitted to bar, 1994, Arizona; 1997, Nevada; 1998, Colorado.

Education: Boise State University (B.S. 1991); University of Iowa (J.D., 1994).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of Arizona; State Bar of Colorado; United States District Courts for Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado; and United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Mr. Burke has been a member of Defense Research Institute, the American Bar Association (Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section), as well as various local state and county bar associations in Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, and is an alum of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.

Mr. Burke has served as a volunteer for the Human Rights Campaign and the Community Action Board for HIV/Net, and has provided pro bono legal services to the Family Ties Adoption Agency, the United Way, and the Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth. He also served on the Global Focus Films Board of Directors. Mr. Burke has served as a mentor and teacher for grade school students in low-income inner-city schools.

After graduating from law school in 1994, Mr. Burke began has career with the law firm Snell & Wilmer LLP in Phoenix, Arizona. He also worked as an associate with Wheeler Trigg & Kennedy LLP and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP in Denver, Colorado before joining Laxalt & Nomura, Ltd. in 2003.

Mr. Burke practices general defense litigation, which includes product liability, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, asbestos litigation, premises liability, and professional liability litigation (medical, legal, and real estate). He has also had experience in commercial disputes, debt collection, and bankruptcy.

Mr. Burke has handled lawsuits and claims for Fortune 500 companies, multinational companies, and small local businesses, including manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, automobiles, trucks and sports utility vehicles, heavy construction equipment, and consumer home products. These cases have involved complex issues in engineering, design, manufacturing, product development, failure analysis, cause and origin, bio-mechanics, human factors, bio-medicine, and epidemiology.

During his career, Mr. Burke has had significant experience in nationwide discovery programs for clients with high-volume pattern litigation. He also coordinated and managed the development of a comprehensive record-retention policy manual for a prominent multinational corporation.

Presentations: Hot Topics: An Update Look at Daubert and Differential Diagnosis, Exceptions to the Learned Intermediary Rule, Liability for Off-Label Use and Restatement of Torts (Third), 2001 DRI National Conference on Drug and Medical Device Litigation, Young Lawyers Division.

Education

University of Iowa
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Lon Burke

Born Tacoma, Washington; admitted to bar, 1994, Arizona; 1997, Nevada; 1998, Colorado.

Education: Boise State University (B.S. 1991); University of Iowa (J.D., 1994).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of Arizona; State Bar of Colorado; United States District Courts for Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado; and United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Mr. Burke has been a member of Defense Research Institute, the American Bar Association (Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section), as well as various local state and county bar associations in Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, and is an alum of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.

Mr. Burke has served as a volunteer for the Human Rights Campaign and the Community Action Board for HIV/Net, and has provided pro bono legal services to the Family Ties Adoption Agency, the United Way, and the Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth. He also served on the Global Focus Films Board of Directors. Mr. Burke has served as a mentor and teacher for grade school students in low-income inner-city schools.

After graduating from law school in 1994, Mr. Burke began has career with the law firm Snell & Wilmer LLP in Phoenix, Arizona. He also worked as an associate with Wheeler Trigg & Kennedy LLP and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP in Denver, Colorado before joining Laxalt & Nomura, Ltd. in 2003.

Mr. Burke practices general defense litigation, which includes product liability, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, asbestos litigation, premises liability, and professional liability litigation (medical, legal, and real estate). He has also had experience in commercial disputes, debt collection, and bankruptcy.

Mr. Burke has handled lawsuits and claims for Fortune 500 companies, multinational companies, and small local businesses, including manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, automobiles, trucks and sports utility vehicles, heavy construction equipment, and consumer home products. These cases have involved complex issues in engineering, design, manufacturing, product development, failure analysis, cause and origin, bio-mechanics, human factors, bio-medicine, and epidemiology.

During his career, Mr. Burke has had significant experience in nationwide discovery programs for clients with high-volume pattern litigation. He also coordinated and managed the development of a comprehensive record-retention policy manual for a prominent multinational corporation.

Presentations: Hot Topics: An Update Look at Daubert and Differential Diagnosis, Exceptions to the Learned Intermediary Rule, Liability for Off-Label Use and Restatement of Torts (Third), 2001 DRI National Conference on Drug and Medical Device Litigation, Young Lawyers Division.

Education

University of Iowa J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Madelyn Shipman

Admitted to bar 1977, Minnesota; 1980, United States Supreme Court; 1983, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: The American University (B.A., 1964); Hamline University College of Law (J.D., 1977).

Member: State Bar of Nevada.

In the course of her distinguished career in public practice, Ms. Shipman has represented clients in the fields of administrative law, land use, public finance, water law, civil rights, and employment law. She also has extensive experience litigating matters dealing with public records and open meeting laws.

Ms. Shipman began her legal career in 1977 as an Assistant County Attorney in Anoka County, Minnesota. Between 1981 and 1982, she engaged in private practice in St. Paul, Minnesota. She moved to Nevada in 1982, and joined the Nevada Attorney General's Office, working with the Nevada Department of Transportation in Carson City. She became a Chief Deputy City Attorney (Civil) in Reno and counsel the Reno City Council in 1987, where she served for seven years before becoming an Assistant District Attorney (Civil) for Washoe County, Nevada, and counsel to the Washoe County Board of Commissioners, in 1995. Ms. Shipman continued to represent Washoe County until retiring from that position in 2005. She joined Laxalt & Nomura on a part-time basis in early 2008.

Ms. Shipman is a Settlement Judge for the Supreme Court of Nevada (1999 present), and a certified arbitrator for the First, Second, and Ninth Judicial District Courts. She is a longtime lobbyist at the Nevada State Legislature, and lectures frequently regarding zoning and land use issues to various professional groups. She received the Public Lawyer of the Year award in 1993, and was inducted by her peers into the Lobbyist Hall of Fame in 2003.

Reported Cases:Dept. of Human Resources v. Jimenez, 113 Nev. 735, 941 P.2d 969 (1997); City of Reno v. Harris, 111 Nev. 672, 895 P.2d 663 (1995); City of Reno v. Estate of Wells, 110 Nev. 1218, 885 P.2d 545 (1994); Janra Enters., Inc., v. City of Reno, 818 F. Supp. 1361 (D. Nev. 1993); Eberle v. State of Nevada, 108 Nev. 587, 836 P.2d 67 (1992); Builders' Ass'n v. City of Reno, 105 Nev. 368, 776 P.2d 1234 (1989); State ex rel. Dept. of Highways v. Alper, 101 Nev. 493, 706 P.2d 139 (1985).

Education

Hamline University College of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Madelyn Shipman

Admitted to bar 1977, Minnesota; 1980, United States Supreme Court; 1983, Nevada and U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: The American University (B.A., 1964); Hamline University College of Law (J.D., 1977).

Member: State Bar of Nevada.

In the course of her distinguished career in public practice, Ms. Shipman has represented clients in the fields of administrative law, land use, public finance, water law, civil rights, and employment law. She also has extensive experience litigating matters dealing with public records and open meeting laws.

Ms. Shipman began her legal career in 1977 as an Assistant County Attorney in Anoka County, Minnesota. Between 1981 and 1982, she engaged in private practice in St. Paul, Minnesota. She moved to Nevada in 1982, and joined the Nevada Attorney General's Office, working with the Nevada Department of Transportation in Carson City. She became a Chief Deputy City Attorney (Civil) in Reno and counsel the Reno City Council in 1987, where she served for seven years before becoming an Assistant District Attorney (Civil) for Washoe County, Nevada, and counsel to the Washoe County Board of Commissioners, in 1995. Ms. Shipman continued to represent Washoe County until retiring from that position in 2005. She joined Laxalt & Nomura on a part-time basis in early 2008.

Ms. Shipman is a Settlement Judge for the Supreme Court of Nevada (1999 present), and a certified arbitrator for the First, Second, and Ninth Judicial District Courts. She is a longtime lobbyist at the Nevada State Legislature, and lectures frequently regarding zoning and land use issues to various professional groups. She received the Public Lawyer of the Year award in 1993, and was inducted by her peers into the Lobbyist Hall of Fame in 2003.

Reported Cases:Dept. of Human Resources v. Jimenez, 113 Nev. 735, 941 P.2d 969 (1997); City of Reno v. Harris, 111 Nev. 672, 895 P.2d 663 (1995); City of Reno v. Estate of Wells, 110 Nev. 1218, 885 P.2d 545 (1994); Janra Enters., Inc., v. City of Reno, 818 F. Supp. 1361 (D. Nev. 1993); Eberle v. State of Nevada, 108 Nev. 587, 836 P.2d 67 (1992); Builders' Ass'n v. City of Reno, 105 Nev. 368, 776 P.2d 1234 (1989); State ex rel. Dept. of Highways v. Alper, 101 Nev. 493, 706 P.2d 139 (1985).

Education

Hamline University College of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Justin Vance

Admitted to bar 2008, Nevada and the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: Brigham Young University (B.A, International Studies, 2004); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., 2008). Member, J. Rueben Clark Law Society.

Member: State Bar of Nevada. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Languages: Spanish

Mr. Vance joined the firm in 2008. He practices general litigation, including construction defect litigation and business litigation.

Education

University of Iowa College of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Justin Vance

Admitted to bar 2008, Nevada and the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: Brigham Young University (B.A, International Studies, 2004); University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., 2008). Member, J. Rueben Clark Law Society.

Member: State Bar of Nevada. Rated "AV" by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Languages: Spanish

Mr. Vance joined the firm in 2008. He practices general litigation, including construction defect litigation and business litigation.

Education

University of Iowa College of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Daniel T. Tetreault

Born Orange, California; admitted to bar, 2009, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas-William S. Boyd School of Law (J.D. 2008), graduated Cum Laude.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; American Bar Association; Clark County Bar Association.

Mr. Tetreault joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2011. He practices insurance defense and personal injury litigation.

Education

Las Vegas-William S. Boyd School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Daniel T. Tetreault

Born Orange, California; admitted to bar, 2009, Nevada, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas-William S. Boyd School of Law (J.D. 2008), graduated Cum Laude.

Member: State Bar of Nevada; American Bar Association; Clark County Bar Association.

Mr. Tetreault joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2011. He practices insurance defense and personal injury litigation.

Education

Las Vegas-William S. Boyd School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Ryan Leary

Born Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar, 2009, Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A. International Affairs, 2005); William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (J.D., magna cum laude, 2009).

Member: State Bar of Nevada, Washoe Country Bar Association; American Bar Association; American Inns of Court, Bruce R. Thompson Chapter.

Mr. Leary joined Laxalt and Nomura in 2011 after working as the Judicial Law Clerk for The Honorable Steven P. Elliot, Second Judicial District Court, State of Nevada (2009 2011). He practices general litigation.

Education

William S. Boyd School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Ryan Leary

Born Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar, 2009, Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A. International Affairs, 2005); William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (J.D., magna cum laude, 2009).

Member: State Bar of Nevada, Washoe Country Bar Association; American Bar Association; American Inns of Court, Bruce R. Thompson Chapter.

Mr. Leary joined Laxalt and Nomura in 2011 after working as the Judicial Law Clerk for The Honorable Steven P. Elliot, Second Judicial District Court, State of Nevada (2009 2011). He practices general litigation.

Education

William S. Boyd School of Law J.D.,


Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Marilee Breternitz

Born Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar, 2011, California; 2012, Nevada and United States District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A., Criminal Justice Pre-Law, 2008); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 2011); Pacific McGeorge Global Business and Development Law Journal (Associate Managing Editor 2010-2011; staff writer 2009-2010); Team Leader / Certified Law Student, Victims of Crime Legal Clinic (Jan. 2010 May 2011); Judicial Extern to the Honorable Frank C. Damrell, Jr., of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California (Aug. Dec. 2010); research assistant for Prof. Fred Galves, Evidence (June-Aug. 2010); research / teaching assistant for Assoc. Prof. Julie Yap, Global Lawyering Skills I (Aug. 2009 May 2010); Phi Alpha Delta (2008-2011); Student Bar Association (Election Comm. Chair 2010-2011, Election Comm. Member 2009-2010).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Ms. Breternitz joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2013 after serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Connie Steinheimer of the Second Judicial District Court in Reno between August 2011 and August 2013. She practices general litigation.

Education

McGeorge School of Law
J.D.,

Laxalt & Nomura LTD
Marilee Breternitz

Born Reno, Nevada; admitted to bar, 2011, California; 2012, Nevada and United States District Court, District of Nevada.

Education: University of Nevada, Reno (B.A., Criminal Justice Pre-Law, 2008); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 2011); Pacific McGeorge Global Business and Development Law Journal (Associate Managing Editor 2010-2011; staff writer 2009-2010); Team Leader / Certified Law Student, Victims of Crime Legal Clinic (Jan. 2010 May 2011); Judicial Extern to the Honorable Frank C. Damrell, Jr., of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California (Aug. Dec. 2010); research assistant for Prof. Fred Galves, Evidence (June-Aug. 2010); research / teaching assistant for Assoc. Prof. Julie Yap, Global Lawyering Skills I (Aug. 2009 May 2010); Phi Alpha Delta (2008-2011); Student Bar Association (Election Comm. Chair 2010-2011, Election Comm. Member 2009-2010).

Member: State Bar of Nevada; State Bar of California; Washoe County Bar Association.

Ms. Breternitz joined Laxalt & Nomura in 2013 after serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Connie Steinheimer of the Second Judicial District Court in Reno between August 2011 and August 2013. She practices general litigation.

Education

McGeorge School of Law J.D.,


Contact Us