Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about Watson Rounds and the duties of your position.
Art Zorio: I am a partner in the law firm of Watson Rounds, a professional corporation. Our office provides litigation and transactional services in the areas of intellectual property, business, commercial and civil litigation. I practice in all areas of commercial, business and intellectual property litigation. I am responsible for all aspects of the practice of law.
NNBW: How did you enter this profession?
Zorio: I was interested in the law in 1989 when I was a senior at Reno High School, so I participated in an internship program working as a research and file clerk for James Beasley, Peter Holden, and Gayle Kern. I learned how to perform legal research and other legal-related tasks, and found I enjoyed the challenges of litigation. Since then, I have pursued a legal career.
NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?
Zorio: Patience.
NNBW: What's changed about your job over the years?
Zorio: I became partner at Watson Rounds in February of 2009.
NNBW: What was your first job.
Zorio: My very first job was delivering the afternoon newspaper for the Reno Evening Gazette.
NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?
Zorio: I am working my dream job. I enjoy the problem-solving challenges presented by my clients and adversaries.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Zorio: Hard work pays off, keep at it.
NNBW: Tell us about the most fun you have had on the job.
Zorio: The most fun I have had on the job is working with my colleagues at Watson Rounds. The members of our firm have a work hard, play hard attitude.
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Zorio: Hold your fire not all battles are worth fighting.
NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?
Zorio: I like hunting, fishing, climbing, hiking and camping.
NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Zorio: Nothing. Everything I have done has led me to my wonderful wife, my incredible daughter, and my career.
NNBW: What did you dream of being as a kid?
Zorio: Since I was a teenager, I was interested in becoming a trial attorney.
NNBW: What has been your biggest professional disappointment? How about your best professional accomplishment?
Zorio: My biggest professional disappointment was a few years ago where I advised a client about the probable success of a trial and the client did not take my advice.
My best professional accomplishment comes every time a former client comes back. Not only is getting a good result important to me, but also doing so in a manner that satisfies the financial and personal interests of my clients.
NNBW: What can you do that someone else can't?
Zorio: Make my daughter laugh, every time.
NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?
Zorio: A UNR basketball game.
NNBW: What's your perfect vacation spot?
Zorio: Lake Como in Italy.
NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?
Zorio: If I had enough money to retire now at 40 years old, I would choose not to retire fully, but rather reduce my workload. I would spend more time with my family, with my hobbies and travel. However, I would occasionally accept a case to work on because I enjoy the challenges of litigation.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working and living here?
Zorio: I was born and raised in Reno, and I cannot imagine living and working anywhere else. I have lived, briefly, in California and Virginia, and have visited several other places throughout my life. Nowhere offers the variety of outdoor recreation that is so readily accessible here in Reno.
The basics:
Name/Title: Art A. Zorio, attorney
How long have you been in this job? Seven years at Watson Rounds.
How long in the profession? 15 years
Education: University of California, Davis (bachelors in political science; minor in American history 1994; Santa Clara University, School of Law, J.D., 1997
Last book read? "Rubicon, the Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic" by Tom Holland
Favorite movie? "Caddyshack"
What's on your iPod? Johnny Cash
Spouse/kids/pets? Married with one daughter and one labrador.
Know someone whose perspective you want to share with NNBW readers? Send contact information to: rsabo@nnbw.biz or call (775) 850-2146.
