Celebrating Over 75 Years of Serving Nevada’s Legal, Business, Government, and Civic Communities
Feature Interview: “The Lady Behind the Label”
The Meritas Women’s Leadership Congress celebrates the paths to leadership for women lawyers throughout the Meritas global network of more than 170 independent law firms in over 90 countries. The Women’s Leadership Congress supports the careers of women through programs designed to facilitate networking, mentoring, sharing knowledge, building skills, and developing business.
Kelci Binau is featured in a new initiative named “The Lady Behind the Label” which focuses on raising the profile of women leaders and promoting women as a “whole person” beyond their lawyering attributes by highlighting and celebrating both their professional and personal sides. The initiative helps deepen the connection with the incredible women across the Meritas network beyond job titles and professions.
Kelci’s Q&A is provided below and available as a pdf here.
McDonald Carano is a 1990 founding member of Meritas and the only member law firm in Nevada.
(Kelci on a hot air balloon ride at Reno’s annual hot air balloon races. Her first ever ride – in a gaming client’s hot air balloon).
I chose the legal profession because?
Since middle school, I thought about becoming a lawyer. I liked to argue, and my parents told me I should go to law school. During law school, I knew the legal profession was the right fit for me because I realized that the practice of law provides not only for a great career but also an avenue to make a difference in people’s lives.
What do you like about being a lawyer?
I like being a lawyer because I enjoy intellectual challenges, constant learning, exploring new issues and working closely with clients and colleagues. I like taking something complicated, breaking it down and successfully navigating people through what otherwise may be a difficult or unpleasant situation or challenge in their professional or personal lives.
What has been a major career highlight?
Joining McDonald Carano and being asked to join the gaming practice group. Both the firm and the gaming group have supported me and the development of my career. My involvement in McDonald Carano committees has provided me with two career leadership highlights – serving as Vice Chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and Vice Chair of the Associates Committee. Another major career highlight comes from Global Gaming Women (GGW), a nonprofit organization focused on uplifting and supporting women in the gaming industry. I am honored to have been asked and to serve as GGW’s General Counsel. Perhaps the greatest career highlight has been giving back to GGW by serving as a moderator of a Lean-In Circle that provides mentoring, networking, and professional development assistance to women in the gaming industry.
What my colleagues may not know about me.
Two quotes I try to live by are from my favorite movie, Auntie Mame – “Live, live, live! Life is a banquet, and you’ve got a front row seat!” and “Leave a little sparkle, a little kindness, and a little joy wherever you go.” The journey of life does not look the same for everyone. I enjoy bringing joy to people’s lives and sharing, learning from and getting to know others.
When I’m not working, my hobbies are?
I have been practicing pilates for approximately 2 years, now. I do my best to go to classes daily. After years of talking about wanting to learn to golf, I recently signed up for lessons and love the extra time I get to spend outdoors. I also love to cook and boat.
My favorite movie of all time and why?
Auntie Mame. It was one of my grandma’s favorite movies and she and I watched it together, often. Every time I watch it, I am reminded of fond memories of spending time with my late grandma.
Something on my bucket list is…
I would love to take a trip around the world and travel more. I love to explore new places, try new cuisines and meet new people.
If there was a label to describe me, I would like it to be…
Sincere
About McDonald Carano
In 2024, McDonald Carano celebrated its 75ᵗʰ Anniversary of serving Nevada’s legal, business, government, and civic communities. More than 60 lawyers and government affairs professionals serve Nevada, national, and international clients from our offices in Reno, Las Vegas, and Carson City. McDonald Carano provides transactional, litigation, regulatory, and government affairs services to startups, corporations, private companies, trade associations, nonprofits, public entities, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices throughout Nevada. We are deeply committed to supporting local communities by volunteering our time, resources, and services, including pro bono legal services, to nonprofit organizations, charitable foundations, and public service entities. We are proud to be your Nevada law firm since 1949.
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