Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company.
Nicole Harvey: Our focus is on asset protection estate planning, business succession planning, civil litigation and probate. As a boutique firm, we are flexible in order to serve our clients various legal needs. I opened this practice in September of 2009. I have a paralegal, a receptionist and a part time file clerk/runner.
NNBW: What role do you play in the company?
Harvey: Often referred to as "The Boss Lady," the buck stops with me on just about everything. I'm the head cheerleader and the quarterback on every play, and coaching from the sidelines. It's definitely a two-job gig. Usually I'm the attorney by day, and business manager by night.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Harvey: When I was 19, I took a job as a file clerk for a solo practitioner. While organizing the files, I became familiar with the cases, and started asking questions about the legal work. Fortunately, I worked for an attorney who loved to teach, and he took the time to explain his job. That's where I first fell in love with the law, and where I decided I wanted to have a similar kind of career.
NNBW: What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
Harvey: Above all else, organization at every level. A messy client file will not be handled in the most efficient way possible. A disorganized argument or brief will never carry the day. It's often said that the attorney who wins is the attorney who is the most prepared, and that requires careful organization. Organization at such a high level can only be accomplished when the whole team works together toward the same goal.
NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been?
Harvey: The only other job I've ever had that I loved this much was loading and unloading airplanes. I loved being on the ground around those giant machines, and the easy access to travel. The workday provided many opportunities to read and study, but there was no possibility I could use my "powers" for as much good.
NNBW: What are some of the important trends you see in your industry?
Harvey: Having worked in the industry since 1997, I've seen a dramatic change in the practice of law as a result of the Internet. Because communication is instantaneous, and even court filings can happen immediately, the pace of the practice has quickened tremendously. Perhaps it's better; perhaps the legal community and the courts are able to address and handle more conflicts. However, there is an expectation of instant gratification from clients and opposing counsel that militates against a thoughtful and careful approach to the practice.
NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?
Harvey: When I'm what? Well, on the rare occasion I take some time off, I spend time with my kids. I'm discovering Barbie all over again. I also like to venture out into the woods and explore the beautiful mountain regions so close to home.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Harvey: Don't do it for the money, because it won't be worth it. Don't do it for an easy living, because you won't find it. Do it because you believe in justice and the rule of law, and do it to use your "powers" for good.
NNBW: Would you rather be younger, thinner, richer or smarter? Why?
Harvey: I think I'd rather be smarter. I love to learn and teach, and I love discovering new things. I know I'd enjoy the journey on the way to being smarter.
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Harvey: Focus on the goal, but enjoy the journey. Success may be at the end of the road, but the stories you tell your grandkids are about the road you took to get there.
NNBW: What are five things you can't live without?
Harvey: Love, laughter, adventure, chocolate chip cookies, and at least one very interesting case.
NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?
Harvey: Heightened senses like Daredevil. He's a lawyer ,too, after all.
NNBW: What does the content of your refrigerator say about you?
Harvey: I'm a meat and potatoes kind of girl.
SIDEBAR
The basics:
Name: Nicole M. Harvey, Attorney, Harvey Law Firm
How long have you been in this job? One year and five months
How long in the profession? As an attorney, two years, four months. As legal support staff, 11 years
Education: Juris Doctorate, Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law; Bachelor of Science in Economics, University of Nevada, Reno
Best book you've read? "Infinite Jest"
What's on your iPod? Sublime, Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd, Melissa Ferrick
The best movie ever? "Casablanca"
Spouse, kids or pets? Married to Jessica Weiss. We have two daughters and one dog
