Legal Excellence Awards
Vegas Legal Magazine proudly celebrates seven extraordinary attorneys who have earned the prestigious 2024 Legal Excellence Awards. Selected through independent nominations from the public and esteemed members of the legal community, including attorneys, judges, and other professionals, these honorees embody remarkable impact and dedication to justice. These awards reflect their exceptional passion, service, and leadership, inspiring and elevating the legal field. Congratulations to the 2024 recipients—your unwavering commitment continues to make a lasting impact in your communities and beyond.
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
Debra Bookout is the Directing Attorney of Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada’s Guardianship Advocacy Project, which ensures the right to counsel for individuals facing guardianship and advocates for less restrictive alternatives to protect their independence and rights. Since joining Legal Aid Center in 2013, Debra has been at the forefront of combating guardianship abuses, playing a pivotal role in reforming Nevada’s guardianship process and ensuring protections for vulnerable adults.
Under her leadership, the Guardianship Advocacy Project has grown from a one-attorney effort to a nationally recognized team of 25, providing advocacy and best practices to over 3,500 individuals. Prior to her current role, Debra served as a public defender in both Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale, litigating in state and federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and her Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law.
Joseph W. Brown, Esq.
Hutchison & Steffen
Joseph W. Brown is Of Counsel at Hutchison & Steffen, specializing in government affairs, administrative, and business law. A graduate of the University of Virginia and Washington and Lee University School of Law, he has had a distinguished career marked by appointments from President Ronald Reagan to the State Justice Institute and the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. He has served as chair or director of numerous organizations, including the Nevada Development Authority (LVGEA) and the Nature Conservancy, and served as a commissioner on the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Wildlife Commission, and the Nevada Athletic Commission. His leadership in the Nevada Military Support Alliance and the Nellis Air Force Base Support Team highlights his dedication to civic service. Additionally, he has served on the board of numerous financial institutions. He currently sits on the City National Bank board.
Recognized among the Best Lawyers in America for Government Relations Law and as a top lawyer by Super Lawyers magazine, Mr. Brown’s achievements have earned him numerous honors, including the Anti-Defamation League’s Jurisprudence Award and the Distinguished Nevadan Award by the Nevada Board of Regents. Beyond his legal practice, he has contributed to legal literature and community initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on Nevada’s legal and civic landscape.