Lance Hendron:

Our NCDD Member in the Spotlight is Lance Hendron of Las Vegas, Nevada. Lance became an attorney because he wanted to advocate for people who need help. Lance is a skilled warrior extraordinaire with his heart leading the way and the mindset of a chess thinker, literally. No surprise on his excellent moral compass as he cites his parents and his wife as the inspiration of his life. Lance comes from solid, hard-working parents who make him the center of their world. His father (who recently attended our NCDD Barrett Jackson outing; with mechanics as a hobby) is a local sales executive. Lance’s excellent storytelling skills derive naturally from his father, as his dad has never met a stranger. His mother worked as a casino spa attendant but is now happily retired.

Lance was born and raised in Highland, Indiana (roughly thirty minutes from Chicago, Illinois) until the age of eight when he moved with his parents to Las Vegas. He obtained his degree from the University of Notre Dame and law degree from Western State University College of Law. Before becoming an attorney, Lance was a pool attendant during undergrad summers at The Mirage Hotel & Casino and The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. During law school, Lance worked in the law library and also law clerked at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Lance is on the NCDD Faculty and serves as the chair of the NCDD Autonomous Driving Task Force. He is an executive member and former President of the Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice (NACJ), as well as a life member of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). Lance spends countless hours performing pro bono work because of his huge heart. His dedication and passion in helping those who can’t help themselves financially has earned him several awards from the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, where he also serves on the Advisory Council. Former United States Attorney General Janet Reno describes Lance when she said, “I think lawyers who engage in pro bono service to protect those who cannot help themselves are truly the heroes and the heroines of the legal profession.”

One of Lance’s favorite wins earned quite the press. He secured an outright dismissal for a client who was wrongfully identified as pretending to be a vice squad officer to sexually assault his victims. Lance is a solo practitioner; however always so gracious and deferential, he describes it as “somewhat of a misnomer because I have several close mentors who have assisted me through the years.” Lance has trained numerous law clerks who have gone on to excel in different areas of the legal profession including criminal defense, personal injury and the U.S. Judge Advocate General's Corps. Lance’s advice for new attorneys is “Be true to yourself and your clients. Battle for your clients while finding time with your friends and family.” Most of all, Lance’s work evidences the joy he finds in “being the David who goes up against the Goliath”, the Government.

When not working, Lance enjoys family and the game of chess. He enjoys teaching his two daughters Raelene (14) and Delaney (7) the game, but ruefully acknowledges they are less enthusiastic about it than he. He and his wife Marisa have been married for 15 years. Marisa has her PhD in Psychology and helps adolescents with developmental disabilities and on the spectrum.

Lance also enjoys helping the Las Vegas community on a personal level. He actively participates with various non-profit agencies including The Just One Project and Shine a Light. Through Shine a Light, Lance serves the community in hopes of helping the hundreds of people living in the underground flood channels of Las Vegas. He proudly ventures into the depths of the underground tunnels and engages with the underserved, hidden population on a dignified personal level.

When asked what the NCDD means to him, Lance replied “I appreciate the NCDD with the knowledge and education the organization and fellow members have provided to me. I recognize there are members in this organization who put so much time, energy and effort into making it a success and helping one another. I hope I can offer my assistance to this great organization.” Lance, you have done more than offer your assistance. You bring dynamism, youth and vitality to the NCDD. We appreciate everything you have done for the NCDD and your community. It is a privilege to have you amongst us, your high character is an inspiration to us all. Your passion, not just for our field, but helping others pro bono on such a magnitude, while balancing your practice and life proves true heart. John C. Maxwell said, “Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand.” You are a true leader of the NCDD. We at the NCDD thank you.