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History

Allison MacKenzie has deep Nevada roots and many members have made contributions as current and past public servants. Former members include United States Senator Paul Laxalt, Senior United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Melvin Brunetti, and former Interstate Commerce Commission Chairman Reese Taylor—all of whom have helped shape state and national policy.

Building on the strength of our founders, combined with the many talented people who have joined the firm, we have been a fundamental part of business and government in the State of Nevada for over 40 years.

 

Timeline of Allison MacKenzie Law Firm

1968

George Allison joined with Peter Laxalt and Robert Berry in founding the firm that later became known as Laxalt, Berry & Allison.

1972

Paul Laxalt became a member of Laxalt, Berry & Allison until elected United State Senator for Nevada in 1974.

1978

George Allison, Andrew MacKenzie, Melvin Brunetti and Reese Taylor continued the firm under the name Allison, Brunetti, MacKenzie & Taylor, Ltd.

1978

Andrew MacKenzie appointed to State Bar of Nevada Fee Dispute Committee.

1978

James Todd Russell elected President of the First Judicial District Bar Association.

1981

Reese Taylor became Interstate Commerce Commission Chairman.

1985

Melvin Brunetti became a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge.

1986

Joan C. Wright elected President of the First Judicial District Bar Association.

1988

Andrew MacKenzie appointed to State of Nevada Judicial Selection Commission.

1988

Patrick V. Fagan appointed to the State Bar of Nevada Disciplinary Board.

1995

The firm expanded its offices.

1996

James R. Cavilia appointed Chairman of the Carson City Charter Review Commission.

1997

Andrew MacKenzie appointed to the U.S. District Court Magistrate Selection Panel.

1997

Mark Amodei elected to Nevada State Assembly.

1998

Karen A. Peterson appointed Chairman of the State Bar of Nevada Board of Bar Examiners.

1999

Patrick V. Fagan Appointed Commissioner of the Nevada Minerals Resources Commission.

1999

Karen A. Peterson appointed Judge Pro-Tem, Carson City Justice and Municipal Courts.

1999

Mark Amodei elected to Nevada State Senate.

2001

Christopher MacKenzie appointed to the State Board of Wildlife Commission.

2002

Patrick V. Fagan appointed Chairman of the State Bar of Nevada Fee Dispute Committee.

2005

Patrick V. Fagan appointed Judge Pro-Tem, Douglas County – Tahoe Justice Court.

2005

Christopher MacKenzie elected Chariman of the State Board of Wildlife Commission.

2007

James Todd Russell became District Court Judge for the First Judicial District Court for Carson City and Storey County.

2010

Ryan D. Russell appointed Judge pro-tem, Carson City Justice and Municipal Courts

2011

George Allison received Judge Howard D. McKibben Model of Professionalism Award.

2012

Ryan D. Russell appointed Trustee of the Justice League of Nevada

2013

Ryan D. Russell elected to State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors

2015

Ryan D. Russell re-elected to State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors

2018

Joel W. Locke elected to State Bar of Nevada Family Law Executive Council

2018

Joan C. Wright and Mike Pavlakis recognized for 40 years of service by the Washoe County Bar Association

2019

Joel W. Locke elected to State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors

Attorneys within the firm hold or have held positions on the state judicial selection committees, the state board of bar examiners, the state continuing legal education committee, the state practice and procedure committee, disciplinary committee, local bar administrative and fee dispute committee, and executive counsel of the young lawyers’ section of the state bar.

Members of the firm serve or have served on the Carson City Redevelopment Authority, Historical Architectural Review Committee, the Carson City Airport Advisory Committee, as well as held leadership roles in Saferide, Rotary, Masonic Lodge, Special Olympics, Soroptomist, Carson Water Management Board, Carson City Children’s Museum, Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevada and a variety of other charitable and community-involved programs.

Today, with a complement of 15 lawyers, the firm welcomes added challenges and is positioned for growth and continued success. Additionally, Allison MacKenzie, with its registered lobbyists, represents numerous clients before the state legislature and interim committees. The firm’s members are actively involved in professional and other organizations in their community.