Boyd Alumna Sandra Douglass Morgan Named Attorney of the Year by Las Vegas National Bar Association
She was honored at the LVNBA’s 23rd Annual Scholarship Gala on Oct. 20.
“I am very humbled and excited to be receiving this award,” Morgan said. “I received scholarships [from the LVNBA] as a law student, so to receive an award from them truly is an honor.”
Morgan is a product of the Nevada System of Higher Education, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Nevada, Reno before coming to Boyd.
Morgan said she was flattered that her colleagues nominated her for the award. She also said that many of her mentors have received the award in the past, so that makes it even more of an honor.
“I’ve received several congratulatory phone calls and emails from the law school and the legal community,” she said. “I’m just happy to serve the community I live in and work for.”
The award is given to a local attorney who has served the needs of a diverse client base and inspired the membership of the LVNBA through their ethical law practice and track record for serving the local community, especially communities of color.
Morgan is the Chief Deputy City Attorney of the Civil Division for the City of North Las Vegas, where she advises and consults the City Council, Planning Commission, and other city board and commissions on legal matters.
Additionally, she serves as the Community Service Chair for the LVNBA and works with Olive Crest, a non-profit helping to prevent child abuse; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and The Links, Inc.
Although she is honored by the award, Morgan said that she still knows she has more to do as an attorney.
“I’ve been licensed for nine years and in my position at the City I am learning something new every day,” she said. “I’m always focused on continuing to become a better attorney and how to better serve my clients."
One way she’s done that is by working to help assist in voter protection efforts in the recent election.
“Being an attorney, we have a responsibility to give back to the community,” she said.
Morgan said that community work is one of the most important responsibilities of an attorney. Attorneys have a responsibility to ensure that the underrepresented have a voice in the justice system.
“Make sure to listen to voices that are not being heard or that are traditionally overlooked. Give them a voice,” she said.