Since her arrival in Las Vegas in 2014, Amanda has been a tireless advocate for plaintiffs in personal injuries cases. Amanda has a psychology background and realized her strengths early on. She is an exceptional advocate because of her compassion for clients.
She has always been proud of her ability to listen to clients and come up with legal solutions that are both practical and personal. Amanda has extensive trial experience, which allows her to thoroughly analyze each case and provide tailored solutions that are legally sound and personal to her clients. She gives back to her community in her spare time by volunteering pro bono at the Nevada Legal Aid Center’s Children’s Attorney Project.
Amanda’s commitment to strengthening personal injury litigation is evident in her cofounding of the Nevada Justice Association’s Annual Mock Trial Competition. Students now have the rare opportunity before they leave law school to test their advocacy skills in a trial setting. This competition not only shows Amanda’s determination to become a great trial lawyer, but also demonstrates her commitment to improving Nevada’s legal system.
Amanda met with us to tell us a bit more about her practice and herself.
What does it mean to be an attorney?
AL: Being an attorney, is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. As an attorney, the greatest gift is the positive effect I have on clients’ lives. The best thing about being an attorney is the positive impact I have on my clients’ lives through my work.
VLM – What was your most memorable case,
AL: My most memorable case was serving a brother/sister through the Southern Nevada Legal Aid Center’s Pro Bono Children’s Attorney Project. They had lost both their parents and were living in separate homes.
Because of his trauma growing up, the younger sibling was difficult to win over.
VLM: Have there ever been a time when you were required to support a legal position which was not in your best interests? How did you deal with it?
AL: There haven’t been many.
I started my law practice to help clients make informed decisions. I see these situations as learning opportunities, not obstacles.
VLM – Have you ever had to use your patience in a difficult situation? Do you have any tips?
AL: Everyone has times that are difficult. AL: I believe that everyone has moments that test their patience.
In my civil litigation practice, another common problem is unyielding opposition counsel. This happens more than in my criminal practice. An argument that isn’t centered on fact and law is more likely to end in a losing argument. I now look at it carefully and try to keep my opposition or motion as law-centered and concise as possible. This makes it easier for the judge to decide the issue and to apply the appropriate rules/laws.
VLM – What advice would you give to new lawyers looking to start their own law practice?
AL: Make sure to start building relationships right away. Without my colleagues, I don’t know how I would have survived. I was active in law school by attending events and joining organizations. Participating in organizations and attending events was something I did in law school. If you feel that you don’t know anyone, join an organization Many of our legal groups have resources for solos. I am a member of the Nevada Justice Association as well as the American Inns of Court. Both of these organizations are great resources and value mentorship.
Before I started my own business, I had never taken any business classes. However, I knew there were resources available for new businesses. The Small Business Association (SBA), which has many branches, is amazing. The SBA offers a wealth information and even an online course. There are mentors available through the branches that will take 15 to an hour of your time and guide you through your business planning process. It was surprising to see how many resources are available. Participating in the State Bar’s incubator program has also been very helpful.
Practice listening. I listen to everyone I meet. There are many people with different experiences and goals. This gives me the opportunity to get that piece of advice I needed. Remember that it’s all a learning process. Being patient with yourself, as well as with clients and income, will get you far. Although it’s difficult work and emotionally draining, most lawyers I know are resilient.
LLM: Why did you decide to create your own law practice?
AL: I decided to start my own law practice because of my limitations as a lawyer. My experience is that working for another firm requires you to follow their lead. The only decisions you are allowed to make are the ones you make with clients. You have more control over your work hours, the clients you work with, as well as the image you want to project to the community. It’s a great investment in me and my clients. I have the opportunity to work with my clients in an environment that I control. In that the attorney-client relationship is truly a “relationship”, I get to know my clients’ communication style and personalities, which allows me to offer them the same level of legal expertise next time they need it.
VLM – What led you to become an attorney?
AL: Being blessed to have had many lawyers on my dad’s side, I was able to see early in life the impact that attorneys can have on the lives of those around me. Despite my modest upbringing, I was blessed with successful lawyers who encouraged me to achieve whatever I set my mind to.
My mom was the one who graduated college first from my family. Her family was also modestly-educated and lived a life of community. They taught me that resilience and relationships are the two most important qualities in life. They were always there for each other, and did not judge or question anyone who was in distress. This was what inspired me to give back.
My dad’s family, on the other hand, valued academic and professional success. While they cared deeply about the welfare of our family, they also valued their autonomy. They valued autonomy and cared about the well-being of others in our family.
This dichotomy allowed me to persevere through school and help others. In my undergraduate psychology degree, I was originally interested in the field. I enjoyed learning and was fascinated with the neuroscience part of my studies. I worked two jobs while attending school full-time and interned at Carter Lab to assist in fMRI research on schizophrenia. My goal was to finish my degree and get a PhD to continue research to aid those suffering from mental disorders.
Willie Brown was the former mayor in San Francisco. I met him at Arnie Laub’s birthday party during my last year at UC Davis. At the party, Mr. Brown told me his story about law school. He couldn’t afford to take the bus so he had to ride the hitchhike. This was truly inspiring and very moving. This conversation was the spark that led me to my legal career. That conversation was the catalyst for my legal career.
VLM – What’s your favorite or least favorite thing about being an attorney?
The best thing about being an attorney? Helping others.
It is the part that I dislike the most about being an attorney.
VLM – What’s your passion besides law?
AL: That’s a great question. It’s refreshing to be able to take my dog for a walk at home or to the park after a long day in the office.
Weightlifting and meditation were my passions throughout law school and bar studies. I used to go hiking at least once per month, and camping at most once per season. My mom died four years ago. In recent years, I have been regaining my passions and a greater sense of self.
My morning routine is to spend time with my dog, drink hot lemonwater, and then go to work.
It’s summer, and that means it’s time to get out there and have fun boating.
Finally…What do you love the most about Vegas?
AL: Food!
My greatest love is the community.
Amanda can be reached at (702) 329-LAUB (5282) and [email protected]
The first Vegas Legal Magazine article was Practitioner Profile: Amanda Laub.