Paxton Fleming '19
Who in your life has been instrumental to your success?
My family and the mentors throughout my life have been instrumental to my success. Without my father pushing me to never give up in no matter what I set my mind to I wouldn’t be where I am today. Also, my mentors throughout my life, at law school, and at Howard & Howard have helped shape my career and continue to push me into becoming a better attorney.
Tell me about your decision to attend Boyd School of Law.
My legal career started off on the beaches of California but I knew I wanted to attend Boyd from day one. No matter where life took me, from California to China then back to Vegas, my goal was to end my law school career here in Las Vegas. My husband and I grew up in Boulder City, just outside of Las Vegas, and being at Boyd would help me end up in the Las Vegas legal community. Little did I know that Boyd would introduce me to Seaton Curran at Howard & Howard and I would start my legal career with an amazing group of IP attorneys.
Do you have certain memories about law school that you want to remember?
A special memory from law school was externing for a patent group in Beijing, China and taking classes in Nanjing, China. I had never left the United States prior to this experience and one of my mentors, Jennifer Mertus, encouraged me to go, I will always be thankful for this opportunity. China was an unforgettable experience where I made life-long friendships, experienced an amazing new culture, and persevered through any challenge that came my way.
What do you enjoy in your off hours?
In my off hours, I enjoy spending time with my husband, dog, and friends (pre pandemic). My dog and I walk or run almost every morning getting as much fresh air as we can. We all enjoy being outdoors and spending time with our families.
What was the toughest lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?
The toughest lesson I have learned so far in my career is to adapt. During this pandemic I’ve had to adapt my practice in more ways than one. I have always wanted to be a patent attorney but throughout the pandemic I’ve found myself working in both the patent and the tax field. My mentors, at Howard & Howard in both fields, have helped me to succeed through these though times and to never give up.
What drew you to Howard & Howard and what do you like most about your work there?
What drew me to Howard & Howard was the IP Intern Program and the people who work there. My first interview was with a handful of the current patent attorneys. They seemed to enjoy their job and like the people they work with – from that interview I knew I wanted to be a part of “that” work family. These same people are now some of my mentors who continue to push me to be the best attorney I can be. The culture at Howard & Howard and the mentors that have turned into friends are part of the reasons I stay at Howard & Howard.
Do you have a motto and what is it?
My motto is “Never Give Up, Never Give Up, Never, Never, Never”. My father has said this to me from before I can remember – he always told me that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. The transition from working in a lab to law school was challenging but rewarding and I am thankful to have never given up on this dream. I know that no matter what path I take, I know that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to because I will never give up.