James Dean Leavitt

James Dean Leavitt has been practicing law in Las Vegas since 1992, after graduating from the University of Idaho College of Law. During law school he competed and earned a coveted spot on the National Moot Court team and worked as a law clerk at the prestigious United States Attorney’s office. Before opening his own practice in 1994, he clerked one year for Galatz, Earl, Catalano and Smith and worked one year as an attorney with Goodman and Chesnoff.
 

These were considered the two most preeminent civil and criminal defense firms at that time. Since opening his firm he has successfully represented thousands of clients. During his lengthy career, Mr. Leavitt has developed significant long standing professional and personal relationships with judges and prosecutors. These were built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. These incredibly important relationships pay huge benefits for each client he represents.

In 2016, Mr. Leavitt earned his L.L.M. (Masters Degree) in Gaming Law and Regulation from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV. This curriculum was taught and developed by the leading gaming experts in Las Vegas and is the only program of its kind in the world. He has since founded VegasJamesDean Gaming, – a global consulting firm.
 

Previously, in 1985, Mr. Leavitt earned a B.A. in Speech Communication Rhetoric from Brigham Young University and subsequently taught public speaking at the Calgary Board of Education, University of Idaho and University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). His specialized training in public speaking and persuasion gives his clients a tremendous competitive advantage when arguing in court. His specialized training in communications has allowed him to consistently negotiate favorable outcomes for his clients.
 

In 2004 and 2010, Mr. Leavitt was elected to the Nevada Board of Regents, for two successive six-year terms. In 2009 and 2010, Mr. Leavitt was honored by being unanimously elected by his fellow Regents to two successive one-year terms as Chairman of the Board. As Chairman, he was known throughout Nevada as a fierce advocate for the necessary and adequate funding of Nevada’s colleges and universities. The Board of Regents governs and set policy for each one of these eight institutions. In 2013, Mr. Leavitt led the successful effort by the Board of Regents to establish and create the UNLV School of Medicine. This remarkable achievement, coupled with his state-wide public service, has cemented his reputation as one of Nevada’s most recognized and important higher education leaders.