By James T. Leavitt
The Oxford English dictionary defines community as: “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.” It also defines community as: “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.”
As I take on the duties and responsibilities of being President of the CCBA for 2026, I’ve found myself thinking about our legal community in southern Nevada and the attitudes, interests, and goals we may share. The uncertainty of our times and the chaos of our politics have tested our community for the last few years. In reflecting on our legal community and the second definition listed above, I find myself contemplating fellowship.
Unlike some other legal communities in larger cities, ours has a unique history and culture that has been passed down through the oral history of those who came before us. Every year since I became licensed, I attend the CCBA 40 Year Club Luncheon and learn the oral history of all of the legal battles that have shaped our city. In hearing these stories, I feel the fellowship of being a part of our community.
The Oxford English dictionary also defines community to be a noun. I’ve always thought of community as being somewhat of a verb. Community is a living thing that thrives off the actions and energy of those who participate in it. What do we want our community to be? What do we want the goals to be?
For me, I believe that we are part of a noble profession. Ideally, our job as lawyers is to assist in resolving conflict without the use of violence. Instead of guns, we use logic and precedent on behalf of our clients. We zealously argue our positions in front of an ideally impartial judge until the issues are resolved. Is this an ideal? Sure. But I think that it’s an ideal that many of us hold in our hearts and minds and that we strive to achieve in our actions.
The CCBA has always been a way for us to socialize with each other outside of court. It allows us the opportunity to recognize the humanity of each other so that we can more effectively resolve the conflicts between our clients and our individual personal communities. I intend to promote this ideal with my presidency this year and encourage all of you to engage in the verb of community with me.
About the author
James T. Leavitt operates Leavitt Legal Services, P.C. in Las Vegas, Nevada. His practice focuses primarily on bankruptcy law and criminal law. James earned his Bachelor’s in U.S. History from UNLV and his Juris Doctorate at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. James serves as CCBA President through December 2026.
About the article
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Jan. 2026), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. The printed magazine was mailed out to CCBA members 12/30/2025.
The articles and advertisements appearing in Communiqué magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the CCBA, the CCBA Publications Committee, the editorial board, or the other authors. All legal and other issues discussed are not for the purpose of answering specific legal questions. Attorneys and others are strongly advised to independently research all issues.
© 2026 Clark County Bar Association (CCBA). All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher. Editorial policy available upon request.