
David Clair McElhinney, Business Attorney in Reno, Nevada
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and General · 4.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
PartneratLewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP
Reno, NV
Practicing business in Reno since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.0 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you David Clair McElhinney?
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Quick answer
David Clair McElhinney is a partner based in Reno, NV. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and General. David has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Reno, NV
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment · General
- Handles Business, Employment, and General matters from Reno, NV.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About David Clair McElhinney: David Clair McElhinney is a partner based in Reno, NV. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and General. David has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters David takes on
David concentrates on business, employment, general, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Employment
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General
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Reno, Nevada
David takes business matters in Reno, Nevada. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Reno, Nevada
David takes employment matters in Reno, Nevada. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
General cases in Reno, Nevada
David takes general matters in Reno, Nevada. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Reno, Nevada
David takes litigation matters in Reno, Nevada. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Reno, Nevada
David takes personal injury matters in Reno, Nevada. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet David Clair McElhinney — business lawyer in Reno
David Clair McElhinney is a partner based in Reno, NV. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and General. David has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
David Clair McElhinney is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, labor and employment, construction & development and 2 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from University of the Pacific in 1974, and has been licensed for 45 years. David practices at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP in Reno, NV.
How David handles business matters
David Clair McElhinney is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, labor and employment, construction & development and 2 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from University of the Pacific in 1974, and has been licensed for 45 years. David practices at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP in Reno, NV.
The kind of cases David takes
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and general matters in Reno and the surrounding Nevada area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
McGeorge School of Law
J.D. · 1980
University of the Pacific
B.A. · 1974
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
Nevada U.S. Court of
1981 · ACTIVE
California
1981 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in McGeorge School of Law and B.A. in University of the Pacific.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in McGeorge School of Law and B.A. in University of the Pacific. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Nevada is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
David's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association State Bar of California
membership
Locations
David Clair McElhinney's office in Reno
David's primary office is at Bank of America Plaza, 50 W. Liberty Street, Suite 410, Reno, NV, 89501-1922. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP
Bank of America Plaza, 50 W. Liberty Street, Suite 410
Reno, NV 89501-1922
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of David Clair McElhinney — 4.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Reno.
4.0
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Clair McElhinney claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire David Clair McElhinney — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Reno, Nevada
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David Clair McElhinney
How much does it cost to hire David for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Nevada typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Reno?
David is licensed in Nevada. Matters governed by Nevada law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new business clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Reno, Las Vegas and Henderson in Nevada
David handles business matters throughout Nevada. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Reno handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





