Charlie Finlayson

Partner

Education

Certifications & Achievements

  • Nominated to the board of Northern Nevada Legal Aid in 2024
  • Appointed to the Supreme Court Commission on Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure by the Nevada Supreme Court Justices
  • Selected to be an Editor for the Nevada Lawyer
  • Vice Chair, Nevada Lawyer

Bar Admissions

Charlie Finlayson
Attorney Badges

About Charlie Finlayson

Charlie, a partner at Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, focuses on appellate law. His legal journey began as a staff attorney in the criminal division of the Nevada Supreme Court, where he handled appeals and writ petitions in death penalty cases. After seven years, he transitioned to the Office of the Nevada Attorney General, defending numerous criminal convictions across federal and state courts.

At Claggett & Sykes, Charlie has worked on pivotal cases involving sexual assault, gun violence, and racial discrimination in jury selection. He's argued cases in various judicial districts, including Nevada's Second and Eighth, the Arizona Supreme Court, federal district courts, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Beyond his casework, Charlie serves on the Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure Commission, appointed by the Nevada Supreme Court. Additionally, he holds the role of Vice Chair at Nevada Lawyer magazine, overseeing the summary of appellate court decisions for the state bar. In 2024, Charlie was nominated to the board of Northern Nevada Legal Aid.

In his personal life, Charlie finds joy in tending to his Reno hobby farm with his partner, where they care for ducks, chickens, turkeys, goats, and bees. He eagerly anticipates expanding the farm and venturing into mead brewing next year.