Face to Face - April 2009

Thomas G. Ryan

Partner

Lewis and Roca LLP

Las Vegas, NV

Number of Employees: 104

Years in Nevada: 10

Years with Company: 22

Describe your leadership style:

I believe in developing relationships with my colleagues and with our clients. Within the firm, I try to promote free and frank discussion and encourage each person to express his/her opinions, concerns and goals. A better understanding of diverse viewpoints allows me to help lead our team in a positive and inclusive way to achieve our business goals.

Biggest business challenge:

To find new ways to better serve our clients’ legal needs, particularly in light of the current economic climate.

Best business advice:

I’m from Wisconsin, so I draw on the wisdom of Vince Lombardi, who once said, “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined efforts of each individual.” This sentiment isn’t just true on the football field, it’s true in daily life, at work, home or in the community. Character, which is how you behave when no one is watching, and its companion, integrity, are also extremely important.

What is your favorite college memory?

Having an epiphany, somewhere early on in my senior year while working on an honor’s thesis, that – by gosh – I really did have some intellectual curiosity.

Who is a surprising source of wisdom in your life?

Author Robert B. Parker’s long-time private investigator/protagonist, Spenser, who has an extraordinary ability to distinguish between what’s phony and what’s not.

If you could have had another career, what would it have been?

I would have taught school and coached all sorts of sports teams.