In his own words: Michael Pagni, partner with MCW

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about McDonald Carano Wilson and the duties of your position.

Michael Pagni: McDonald Carano Wilson is a fantastic place to work. They make everyone feel like part of a family, from the partner who has worked here 40 years to the runner that started last year. It is a fantastic atmosphere to work, learn and collaborate.

I am a partner at the firm and serve on the executive committee (which generally oversees the administration of the firm and the business of the law practice), and I chair the recruiting committee. My practice focuses primarily on real estate and water law, corporate and transactional law, administrative law and government relations.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Pagni: My father Al Pagni is an attorney and has been practicing in Reno since 1964. I had always found the law interesting and becoming a lawyer gave me a chance to try and follow in my father's very large footsteps. I get paid to read, write and give advice, three things I would probably be doing anyway. And I work in a profession in which you spend your entire career learning new things.

NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?

Pagni: The art of listening, the importance of responding promptly to clients, and the value of seeing the bigger picture.

NNBW: What was your first job?

Pagni: Ditch digger no kidding.

NNBW: What's the most fun you have had on the job?

Pagni: Listening to Bob McDonald tell a joke.

NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?

Pagni: High school basketball coach, because every kid should have a chance to win at least one game.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Pagni: Googling is not the same as critical thinking. Learn how to evaluate and think about issues critically; it is a skill that will serve you well in any area of law or business.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Pagni: It takes a lifetime to earn a reputation, and a second to destroy it.

NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?

Pagni: I play a lot of soccer, and I love skiing, golf, kayaking and hiking. But my favorite pastime is doing anything that involves time with my kids.

NNBW: What can you do that someone else can't?

Pagni: Tell John Frankovich he is wrong.

NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

Pagni: I gave up my last year of eligibility at UCLA in order to graduate early, only to see UCLA go to the Rose Bowl the next year. Boy, what I wouldn't give to have that one semester back.

NNBW: What has been your biggest professional disappointment?

Pagni: The frequency with which politics prevail over policy.

NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?

Pagni: Absolutely not. I love what I do and the people I work with.

NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?

Pagni: The most recent UNR basketball game. But I'm at every UCLA home game in spirit.

NNBW: What's your perfect vacation spot?

Pagni: Lake Tahoe winter or summer, there's no place better.

NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada?

Pagni: I grew up here, and working here let me stay close to friends and family. I love the area and the breadth and pace of practicing law here.

The basics:

Name: Michael Pagni, partner, McDonald Carano Wilson

Number of years in this job? 11

Number of years in this profession? 15

Education: B.A. UCLA; J.D., UC Hastings College of Law

Last book read? "Greedy Bastards" by Dylan Ratigan

Favorite movie? "Tie between Godfather, Part II and Casablanca

What's on your iPod? Pretty much everything. If it can be sung, played or rapped, I listen to it

Spouse, kids or pets? Two amazing kids, and one spastic but well intentioned yellow lab

Know someone whose perspective you want to share with NNBW readers? Send contact information to: rsabo@nnbw.biz or call (775) 850-2146.