Areas of Practice
Appeals
As the Lead Editor of the Nevada Appellate Practice Manual, you could say I literally “wrote the book” on appeals in Nevada, earning acknowledgement from the former Chief Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court. I represent clients before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Nevada’s appellate courts and the California courts of appeal on a host of appellate matters, including direct appeals, writ practice, petitions for review and amicus briefs. I also handle appeals from administrative decisions. From ensuring that appellate issues are properly preserved in the trial court, to delivering succinct and persuasive arguments in briefs and at oral argument before appellate courts, I guide clients in all aspects of appeals. I also served as Chair of the State Bar of Nevada’s Appellate Litigation Section and was co-chair of the appellate practice group for one of the State’s largest law firms before starting Leonard Law.
Water and Land
Having the unique experience of working as a biologist before becoming a lawyer, I am well positioned to assist clients with a host of water and other resource-related issues. I litigate water and real property disputes, including curtailment actions; judicial review of decisions issued by the Nevada Division of Water Resources, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and local land use authorities; inverse condemnation actions, quiet title actions; and suits to stop water rights interference. Through a combination of effective advocacy and negotiation, I help clients with permitting and regulatory matters before state and federal agencies and advise clients regarding environmental due diligence.
Mediation
As a trained mediator I have successfully assisted parties to resolve all manner of disagreements, from complex business litigation to attorney-client fee disputes. With my practice area focus in water and real property law and with my background in natural resource management, I bring a unique perspective to conflict mediation between and among landowners, water rights holders, environmental advocates, public agencies, utilities and the agricultural community. I also serve as a Nevada Supreme Court settlement judge and as a volunteer mediator and arbitrator for the Nevada State Bar’s Fee Dispute Resolution program.