Alex LeVeque
Alexander LeVeque, the youngest partner at Solomon, Dwiggins & Freer, is leading the firm’s transition to a cloud-based system of document management.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
Michael Schneider, my uncle, who is a personal injury attorney in Anchorage, told me that personal integrity is crucial to business success, especially in the legal profession.
If you could change one thing about Southern Nevada, what would it be?
I would like to see an increase in the number of medical providers, especially in the area of primary care. It seems that too many of us Las Vegans rely on urgent care group practices, where it is difficult to establish long-lasting relationships with primary care providers.
What’s the biggest issue facing Southern Nevada?
Lack of economic diversification. Southern Nevada’s historical reliance on gaming and construction has proven to be risky. I would like to see Nevada invest more in the tech industry, particularly advanced energy tech.
Is mentoring young lawyers and associates important?
Newer attorneys tend to model their practice habits after the partners and senior associates they work with. In the legal profession, I have found that leading by example is the most effective way to train and mentor newer attorneys. Never delegate work to an associate that you would not — or could not — do yourself.
You have taken the lead with the firm’s marketing efforts. How will you bring attention to the firm?
Advertising and marketing in this day and age is a multiheaded beast. Effective search-engine optimization, a continuing presence in social media, and more traditional forms of advertising are crucial. Equally crucial, however, is the duty of each and every attorney in our office to maintain ties with the local community, participate in pro bono work, and keep other attorneys and professionals in the financial sector abreast of changes in trust and estate law.
Describe your management style.
I am big on active and open communication between attorneys and support staff. Asking a lot of questions in the beginning of a case significantly lowers the risk of missing key legal facts and/or issues later on.
What are you reading right now?
“The Creature from Jekyll Island: A second Look at the Federal Reserve,” by G. Edward Griffin.
Where do you see yourself and your company in 10 years?
I see the firm continuing to maintain its reputation for excellence in trust and estate litigation, small-business litigation, and estate planning. I would like to see SDF establishing a presence in Arizona, as I believe that certain areas of Arizona, like Kingman, for example, are underserved.
What is your dream job, outside of your current field?
A novelist, because you can create your own worlds, your own characters, something for the enjoyment of others.
What do you do after work?
Enjoy time with my wife and two children, and attempt to train my 7 month old German shepherd puppy.
Blackberry, iPhone or Android?
iPhone since 2007. When it comes to smartphones, I fear change!
Whom do you admire?
My wife, Andrea, without hesitation. As a full-time mother of two energetic and inquisitive children, my workday pales in comparison to hers. One day I hope I obtain the same degree of efficiency and patience.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Excuses. If you made a mistake, own it.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would like to become more involved in local politics.
Where do you like to go for business lunches?
Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen (hands down the best Thai food in Las Vegas); Steiner’s (who could pass up “a Nevada Style Pub?”); and Grape Street in Downtown Summerlin.
What is something that people might not know about you?
I am an amateur craft beer brewer, and my first career was in film and video post-production. In 2006, shortly before I began my legal career, I produced and directed a public service video on underage drinking and driving titled “Regret,” which is still shown to middle school and high school students.