Leo Bergin III

Mr. Bergin joined McDonald Carano in 1970. In addition to his practice, he served as the Firm’s financial and operations manager as well as Managing Partner from 1972-2002. Mr. Bergin continues to serve as a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. He is a founding member of Meritas, a global network created in 1990 that has grown to more than 170 law firms in over 90 countries helping clients do business around the world. McDonald Carano is the only Nevada law firm member in Meritas.

Mr. Bergin’s practice focuses on real estate, securitization of financing of real property, agricultural law, and general business law. His clients include a regional grocery store chain, several medium-sized construction firms, the Farm Credit System of the State of Nevada, various agricultural ditch companies, and a number of ranching and farming operations. He also counsels major real estate developers, title companies, and car and farm implement dealerships.

Mr. Bergin is also a farmer, having owned a large organic lettuce and alfalfa farm. He is a major supporter of 4-H and Future Farmers of America. He is a former owner of Nevada Fresh Pak Farms.

Mr. Bergin’s dedication to the community includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows since 2004, including serving as President in 2011. He is an instrumental leader in the organization’s growth to 59 clubhouses and school sites (particularly the Donald L. Carano Youth & Teen Clubhouse in Reno and the William N. Pennington Youth & Teen facilities in Reno and Winnemucca), eight early learning centers, eight communities served, and more than 14,500 members.

• J.D., Stanford University, 1961
• B.S., University of Notre Dame, 1958

• Nevada

• Northern Nevada Business Weekly, Best In Business awards – “Influential Leader” (2025)
• Martindale-Hubbell – AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating (since 2003)
• The Best Lawyers in America – Real Estate Law (2007-2021), Real Estate Law Litigation (2011-2021), Land Use and Zoning Law (2020-2021)
• Mountain States Super Lawyers Magazine – Super Lawyer (2009-2015)
• Distinguished Service Award – Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows (2013) (video)
• SIR (Skill, Integrity, Responsibility) Award – Nevada Chapter, Associated General Contractors (2012) (video)

• Founding Member and Former Director, Meritas

• Member, Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows (former President)
• Trustee and Treasurer, Jack Van Sickle Foundation