Mackenzie Warren Kay
Vice President and Attorney
Areas of Practice
Bar Admissions
- Nevada
Education
- J.D., 2017, cum laude, University of Nevada - Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law
- B.A., 2010, Southern Methodist University
Professional Background
Mackenzie Warren Kay, a practicing attorney and Vice President of the McDonald Carano Government Affairs & Advocacy group, pairs her background as an investigative journalist with her passion for local and state government to foster creative solutions for clients. Based in the Las Vegas office, Mackenzie focuses on developing practical legislative and administrative strategies while helping clients navigate Nevada’s political landscape. Mackenzie is also Chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.
As a native and proud Nevadan, Mackenzie understands the evolving policy needs of the state. Through her close relationships with elected officials and staff at every layer of state and local government, Mackenzie is able to connect with key decision makers and forge relationships for clients aimed at driving productive conversations, ultimately reaching sound policy resolutions. At the core of Mackenzie’s government affairs practice is her reputation for integrity and professionalism.
Her journalistic experience has allowed Mackenzie to take a unique approach in her role as both attorney and lobbyist. She began her career as a two-time Emmy-nominated television news anchor and reporter for the NBC affiliate in Las Vegas and Reno, where she covered every corner of the state, including Clark County and several local municipalities during the Great Recession and Nevada’s hard-fought recovery. Mackenzie served as the station’s investigative reporter and capitol correspondent covering the Nevada Legislature in both the 2011 and 2013 legislative sessions.
Mackenzie’s legal career began in litigation before evolving into her current government affairs practice. She has litigated before the Nevada Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the District of Nevada and the Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County, Nevada – Civil and Family Division. Mackenzie also gives back to the community by providing pro bono legal services for which she received a 100 Pro Bono Hours Club Award. Her pro bono assistance includes working with the Children’s Attorneys Project through the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada where she represents abused and neglected children who are placed in foster care.
Mackenzie graduated from the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law, where she served as Notes Editor of the Nevada Law Journal, and active member of the Boyd School of Law Society of Advocates (Moot Court Team). Mackenzie was nominated by her law school peers to give the commencement speech alongside former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. She held clerkships with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office and Justice Elissa F. Cadish of the Nevada Supreme Court.
Awards and Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America – “Ones to Watch” in Government Relations (2021-2023)
- Vegas Inc. – “Top Lawyers” in Public Interest (2020-2021)
- Nevada Business Magazine – “Legal Elite/Top Rank Attorneys” (2018)
- 100 Pro Bono Hours Club Award, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada (2018)
Publications and Presentations
- Co-Author, “2022 Nevada Primary Election Results Guide,” McDonald Carano Government Affairs & Advocacy Group Report, November 2022
- Presenter, “Exploring the Future of Multifamily Housing,” CREW Las Vegas Chapter Educational Meeting, September 13, 2022
- Quoted, “Nevada evictions expected to spike as uncertainty surrounds federal eviction moratorium,” Reno Gazette Journal, August 5, 2021
- Co-Author, “Nevada Legislative Session 2021: What You Need to Know,” McDonald Carano Government Affairs & Advocacy Report, June 2021
- Author, “COVID-19 Liability: The Litigation Surge and Nevada’s Ominous Recovery,” Nevada News, Retail Association of Nevada newsletter, June 1, 2020
- Quoted, “Inoculating a casino workforce against COVID-19 could boost a damaged gaming market,” CDC Gaming Reports, January 20, 2021
- Author, “Newly Released Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report,” Nevada News, Retail Association of Nevada newsletter, February 1, 2020
Professional Memberships
- Clark County Bar Association
- Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys
Recent Nevada Newsmakers Interviews
Attorney News
McDonald Carano Earns First DEI Medallion from the Nevada State Bar
McDonald Carano is proud to be the first firm to earn the State Bar of Nevada’s new “Partner in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” medallion in recognition of our DEI initiatives….
DEI Cultural Celebrations Subcommittee Featured in State Bar of Nevada eNews
The State Bar of Nevada asked law firms to share their Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives to facilitate ideas and conversation. In an article titled “McDonald Carano Values Diversity in…
Best Lawyers in America Recognized 11 Women Lawyers from 8 Practice Groups
McDonald Carano proudly announces that 11 women lawyers from eight Practice Groups in our Reno and Las Vegas offices have been recognized in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers in…
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